The ‘Royal Algarve’ will perch at the highest point of Pinheiros Altos and overlook the Ludo Valley and Golf Course. A central building will house the luxury spa plus sports and dining facilities. The property will feature eight circular buildings, each with 18 luxury suites, amidst lush gardens and pine forests - a total of 144 luxury suites and 38 apartments. This 80 million euro project is the latest investment in the Algarve by the JJW Group, who have also recently announced the acquisition of four other prestigious luxury properties in the region.

Portugal's south coast isn't just for golf. Kate Simon tours its pousadas to discover a very different landscape. What's that on the horizon? A hill topped with a tumble of white cubes. Is it one of those Moorish "white towns", like in Andalucia? Do they have them on the Algarve? "No," confirms my friend, "it's a golf resort." A golf resort! Slam on the car brakes; the illusion is destroyed. He's right. It's another of the manicured enclaves that seem to be smoothing out every wild inch of Portugal's southern coast.

The tournament takes place on 22nd and 24th July at the ‘Estadio Algarve’, Loulé, Faro and will see Glasgow Celtic FC, Middlesbrough FC, Cardiff City FC and Vitória Guimarães battle it out for the inaugural Algarve Challenge Cup. With teams from Scotland, England and Wales playing against the Portuguese Champions League qualifiers, a very exciting tournament is anticipated.

More than 600 police officers have been dispatched to the Algarve for this summer’s security operation, entitled Verão Seguro’08. Portugal’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Rui Pereira, said during a ceremony in Olhão on Sunday that a total of 419 GNR soldiers, 104 PSP police and 86 maritime police were dispatched on July 1 to the Algarve as part of the summer security operation. They will remain in the region until September 30.

Those looking to invest in property abroad are being encouraged to consider purchasing residence in Portugal. The country has had a long standing love affair with buyers from the UK, which has been echoed by a recent study by ShelterOffshore.com, who claims that it is the most popular destination for ‘lifestyle buyers'.

THE Tivoli hotel group have announced the arrival of the Banyan Tree Spas to the Algarve. The Banyan Tree, with head office in Singapore, is a brand known for its luxury spas with elegant atmospheres reflected in the choice of scents, colours and materials used. The most exclusive spa chain in the world is going to manage the spas at the two Tivoli five-star hotels in the Algarve: the Tivoli Marinotel and the new Tivoli Victoria.