Between the lush hills of Sintra and the sun-drenched shores of Cascais lies a luxury resort that captures Portugal’s finest elements into one remarkable destination The Ritz Carlton Penha Longa Resort captures the country’s culinary prowess and historical heritage within its historic 220-hectare estate and seven distinctive restaurants might draw you initially it’s the refined authenticity of the Portuguese welcome – sophisticated yet genuinely warm – that creates the desire to return Portugal has emerged with quiet confidence onto the global stage The country is now justly recognised for its gastronomy and slightly reserved yet profoundly authentic hospitality that continues to seduce visitors seeking experiences with depth and character Each visit to this compelling country reveals something new for me and my stay at Penha Longa proved no exception The resort occupies a privileged position within Sintra Natural Park where centuries of history blend seamlessly with contemporary luxury The property’s 14th-century monastery and chapel remain at the heart of the estate now thoughtfully reimagined as an events and weddings venue with its beautiful architecture and historic decorated tiles is the Penha Longa Spa & Wellness pavilion creating a sanctuary of relaxation with a contemplative garden The estate unfolds across manicured gardens and the fairways of the 27-hole championship golf course Non-golfers can appreciate these verdant vistas from the infinity pool and daybeds a comprehensive gym occupies space in the main building where fairytale palaces and Eden-like gardens create one of Portugal’s most extraordinary cultural and horticultural landscapes once the preferred retreat for Portuguese royalty later became the creative playground for 18th-century aristocrats who expressed their artistic vision through magnificent residences and meticulously crafted gardens Those drawn to coastal pleasures will find the golden shores and sophisticated charm of Cascais just 20 minutes away a seaside town that has established itself as Portugal’s most coveted coastal destination More on both these attractions later in the review Cuisine stands as a defining element of Penha Longa’s appeal with seven distinct restaurants offering tempting diversity Michelin-starred experiences at LAB by Sergi Arola and Japanese mastery at Michelin-starred Midori to the pan-Asian dishes at Spices and creative tapas at Arola Penha Longa Mercatto satisfies with Italian classics while AQUA provides seasonal poolside dining The B Lounge completes the collection as the resort’s lobby bar with the most knowledgeable and friendly team Each dining experience is elevated by a team that balances professional expertise with approachable warmth and servers engage with genuine enthusiasm sharing their knowledge and passion in a manner that feels natural special experiences include the Sunday Feast buffet at Penha Longa Mercatto with its multiple cuisine stations and the exclusive Chef’s Table Experience at Arola where renowned chefs share their expertise with just four privileged guests Indulging in an exceptional suite remains one of travel’s most delightful moments and Penha Longa delivers this pleasure with understated confidence following its comprehensive accommodation redesign The resort’s recent renovation has refreshed the Executive and Junior Suite categories with a contemporary aesthetic that remains connected to the natural surroundings creating spaces that feel both modern and tranquil I really loved my Executive Suite and its sense of refined elegance with sophisticated furnishings and impeccable finishes The large furnished terrace positions you within the natural park offering sweeping views from the manicured fairways to the pine-covered landscape beyond The welcome amenity demonstrated attention to detail and thoughtful personalisation A handwritten note accompanies a creative selection of handcrafted treats from The Chocolate by Penha Longa – each creation referencing the property from chocolate golf balls to tablets evoking the decorative tiles of the 14th-century monastery Port wine miniatures provided a perfect complement subtly connecting to the estate’s wine experiences The suite offers genuine space with two living areas The bedroom features a well-conceived dressing area with ample storage for luggage and clothing The marble bathroom has generous proportions Diptyque amenities enhance the sense of refined indulgence and slippers maintain the five-star experience with its king-size bed and private balcony can connect to another suite to create a Family Suite explained that younger guests receive special attention through a range of family activities and personalised experiences like the “In-room Camping” package The Penha Longa Spa & Wellness Club occupies its own dedicated structure creating a genuine retreat atmosphere removed from the main resort’s building The experience reflects extraordinary attention to detail beginning with a thoughtful handwritten welcome note and Natura Bissé gift awaiting me in the changing room locker The Penha Longa Signature treatment was offered with precision and professional grace It commenced with a ritualistic foot cleansing and scrub followed by a comprehensive body massage featuring the exclusive Penha Longa Signature oil The Oriental Garden provides a peaceful sanctuary with gazebo-covered sunbeds and a private pool for post-treatment relaxation the wellness centre houses a fully equipped gym for those maintaining fitness routines the 27-hole course at Penha Longa enjoys considerable prestige ranked among the top 30 courses in Continental Europe and within Portugal’s top 10 promises a rewarding challenge for golf enthusiasts Penha Longa has crafted several distinctive destination experiences from Private Monastery Tours revealing the legends and history of this remarkable structure to innovative Port Wine and Chocolate Tasting Experiences Hosted in the elegant boutique of The Chocolate by Penha Longa this experience pairs emblematic Portuguese port wines with artisanal chocolates Head Sommelier Gonçalo Mota provides fascinating historical context and demonstrates the dramatic tradition of opening vintage port with heated tongs – an 18th-century technique developed to cleanly decapitate bottles whose aged corks might otherwise disintegrate Executive Pastry Chef Francisco Siopa then guides participants through Azerbaijan extraordinary flavour combinations that perfectly complement Portugal’s iconic fortified wines the wonders of Sintra and Cascais await exploration each offering distinctive insights into Portugal’s cultural and coastal heritage This is where dreams take architectural form Sintra captivates visitors as a lush retreat overlooking the Atlantic where history and fantasy intertwine in this UNESCO World Heritage site just a short drive from Penha Longa Resort The verdant landscape reveals itself gradually as you ascend the Serra de Sintra showcasing elaborate mansions and palaces where Portuguese royalty and wealthy 18th and 19th century Europeans indulged their most lavish architectural ambitions My day began with Portuguese treats at the historic Casa Piriquita The iconic pastry shop offers the perfect introduction to Sintra’s sensory pleasures through its handmade creations: the Travesseiro a soft almond-filled pastry called a ‘pillow’ with hints of cinnamon; the crumbly Queijadas; the golden-topped Noz Dourada; and the delicate Pastel de Sintra Engaging a professional guide proved invaluable transforming beautiful buildings into comprehensible stories of their owner’s ambition and architect’s artistry While Pena Palace typically receives the most attention with its colourful façade I found the Palace of Monserrate offered a more intimate experience once the summer home of English textile magnate Sir Francis Cook combines architectural grandeur with the family’s personal expression The palace reveals extraordinary craftsmanship at every turn The plasterwork captures botanical themes with remarkable detail while the carved wooden door to the library is a masterpiece The stonework creates a sequence of spaces connected by the remarkable central corridor Monserrate’s gardens deserve equal attention Representing one of the 19th century’s most ambitious horticultural projects they showcase plants from five continents thriving in Sintra’s unique microclimate The careful garden design includes strategic water features that maintain humidity levels for exotic species Arranging this excursion through the resort’s concierge is strongly recommended The properties require timed entry tickets A knowledgeable guide provides essential context that transforms Sintra from a pretty destination into a meaningful exploration While Sintra captivates with romantic grandeur where aristocratic heritage meets maritime charm Just a scenic drive from Penha Longa Resort this former fishing village transformed into a royal retreat when King Luís I established his summer residence here in the late 19th century bringing with him Portugal’s nobility and changing the town’s trajectory forever white-washed buildings with terracotta roofs and beautifully preserved mansions line streets that lead to beaches sheltered between dramatic rock formations Cascais Marina is a contemporary haven of upscale boutiques and gleaming yachts against the backdrop of the 16th-century Cidadela fortress now housing an exceptional art centre and luxury accommodation The historic centre rewards unhurried wandering through narrow cobblestone streets opening onto charming squares particularly at the daily produce and fish market where restaurateurs and residents alike select the freshest ingredients and the catch of the day Here I enjoyed a culinary highlight of my visit: Marisca na Praca set right within the fish market The restaurant offers an extensive ice market of fresh fish and seafood that you select yourself Devouring these treasures while seated at simple wooden tables covered in brown paper tablecloths creates an experience that is authentic This direct connection between sea and plate exemplifies the genuine coastal character that distinguishes Cascais With guidance from the exceptionally knowledgeable resources provided by Visit Cascais I also discovered the town’s remarkable cultural wealth designed by architect Eduardo Souto de Moura houses the provocative work of one of Portugal’s most significant contemporary artists where the museums in former mansions of wealthy merchants now showcase collections ranging from sea-inspired decorative arts at the Casa de Santa Maria to the fascinating regional artifacts at the Museu do Mar telling the story of Cascais’ deep relationship with the ocean A private guide arranged through the resort’s concierge service illuminated aspects of Cascais I might otherwise have missed like the secret tunnels beneath the Casino Estoril that inspired Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale during his wartime stay and the discreet villas that sheltered exiled European royalty during World War II Cascais offers a refined coastal experience that perfectly complements the mountainous splendour of nearby Sintra Website: www.ritzcarlton.comAddress: Estrada da Lagoa Azul, Linho, Quinta da Penha Longa, Sintra, Portugal, 2714-511 Andrew is a Marketing Communications consultant His career in PR and marketing spans 30 years He writes regularly on international wellness and lifestyle themes with a particular passion for the Mediterranean and the Americas Andrew Forbes has lived in the US and France but now calls southern Spain his home where he is a specialist in hospitality marketing and content as well as a Contributing Editor for magazines and newspapers Website Find your way with 206 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters "Choupana Caffe" in Lisbon makes some amazing brunch - in my opinion "Linha d'Água" is a perfect park in Lisbon to relax Just be careful: the birds might steal your food "Village Underground" Lisbon is a creative incubator space a co-working community & an events destination I just love the progressive vibe of the place "RD's Restaurante" is THE Nepalese restaurant in the city Very tasty and great if you're on a budget offers a permanent exhibition on electricity and rotating art shows Lisbon was sleeping while some of the new urban artists and graffiti artists were painting and drawing over vacant buildings in town.. "Conserveira de Lisboa" Lisbon is a traditional grocery shop located in the city centre offering an excellent selection of local products and fresh stock "Mercado de Alvalade Norte" Lisbon is a local market offering a selection of fresh live stock and delicious bites "Barbearia Campos" in Lisbon is one of Europe's oldest barber shops get freshened up like the famous and start feeling the pulse of the city "Caza das Vellas Loreto" Lisbon was founded on the same day of the French Revolution They light their candles for all sorts of events and is beautiful.. perhaps the biggest graffiti wall in the Iberian Peninsula ✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters Europe Americas Asia Africa San Francisco About Spotted by Locals Become a Spotter Collaborations Terms of Service Privacy Policy Cookies statement Become a Spotter 💚 Privacy Policy Cookies statement el caso se presentó ante la Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos (CIDH) por CEJIL y el Comité Latino Americano para la Defensa de los Derechos de la Mujer (CLADEM) El caso María da Penha es un ejemplo del contexto de la cultura machista existente entonces en Brasil: se privilegiaba al hombre en la relación conyugal y se percibían situaciones de violencia doméstica como hechos reservados al ámbito privado y no como una cuestión pública o una violación de los derechos humanos ¡Ayúdanos a continuar este trabajo crítico y urgente con una donación Este sitio está licenciado bajo Creative Commons Atribución - No Comercial - Sin Obras Derivadas 3.0 Unsuported | Política de privacidad Explore eventos futuros e passados ​​em todo o mundo e online sejam hospedados pelo CIFOR-ICRAF ou com a participação de nossos pesquisadores A ciência precisa de canais de comunicação claros para cortar o ruído O CIFOR-ICRAF é tão apaixonado por compartilhar nosso conhecimento quanto por gerá-lo Découvrez les évènements passés et à venir dans le monde entier et en ligne qu’ils soient organisés par le CIFOR-ICRAF ou auxquels participent nos chercheurs Jelajahi acara-acara mendatang dan yang telah lalu di lintas global dan daring baik itu diselenggarakan oleh CIFOR-ICRAF atau dihadiri para peneliti kami la science a besoin de canaux de communication clairs pour aller droit au but CIFOR-ICRAF est aussi passionné par le partage de ses connaissances que par leur production Para que la investigación pueda generar algún impacto los conocimientos científicos requieren de canales de comunicación claros compartir nuestros conocimientos nos apasiona tanto como generarlos Explore eventos futuros y pasados organizados por CIFOR-ICRAF o con la participación de nuestros investigadores Ilmu pengetahuan membutuhkan saluran komunikasi yang jelas untuk mencapai tujuan CIFOR-ICRAF sangat bersemangat untuk berbagi pengetahuan sembari menghasilkan pengetahuan itu sendiri CIFOR–ICRAF publishes over 750 publications every year on agroforestry forest policy and much more – in multiple languages Browse CIFOR–ICRAF’s published research in a wide range of formats all of which are available for free online Explore upcoming and past events across the globe and online whether hosted by CIFOR-ICRAF or attended by our researchers Science needs clear communication channels to cut through the noise CIFOR-ICRAF is as passionate about sharing our knowledge as we are in generating it the capital of northern Ethiopia’s Tigray region a visitor to Arato will be surprised to find several plots of green vegetable farms Arato is crisscrossed with concrete and ground irrigation ditches in which crystal-clear water flows Water is even taken across gullies and from one hill to another using large polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes suspended in mid-air Farmers take the water to their farms to grow vegetables in the dry season On a plot of land at the foot of a green mountain the Tsigereda Cooperative runs a nursery established with the Rural Resource Centre (RRC) business model based on the lessons and experiences from the Gergera watershed RRC led by World Agroforestry (ICRAF) in 2018 with the financial support of Irish Aid The nursery enjoys access to water all year round The nursery in Arato is now run by 16 women organized in the Tsigereda Cooperative with the initiative and support of the Pastoral and Environmental Network in the Horn of Africa - Tropenbos International (PENHA-TBI) programme Most of the cooperative members are from women-led families but the husbands of those members who are married are very supportive,” says Milash Kelile The women raise seedlings of fruit trees and vegetables at the nursery in Arato while owning and taking care of the fruit trees growing near and around the nursery The PENHA-TBI programme has been providing financial and technical support to the women farmers for nearly a year and it is working closely with a consortium of governmental and non-governmental organizations The consortium members include the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) the Tigray Agricultural Research Institute the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) along with some investors who help provide access to markets The women have started to benefit from the sale of fruit trees they raised seedlings of improved varieties of avocado coffee and lemon trees with the help and technical support of CIFOR-ICRAF researchers and other experts from the consortium a shrub whose leaves and branches are in high demand in the area to make local alcoholic drinks In addition to benefitting from the sale of seedlings the women are generating income from the sale of fruits from trees growing on the land adjacent to the nursery The fruit trees had been planted by the Tigray Agricultural Research Institute as demonstration sites for farmers in the area some years back the avocado fruits are providing the women with income but also enough scions from the avocado trees grown near the nursery,” says Gebrehiwot Haile-Mariam the CIFOR-ICRAF staff member who coordinates the project “These scions are used for grafting the avocado seedlings that the women are raising.” says the women sold fruit-tree seedlings of avocado coffee and papaya to farmers in Arato in 2024 The cooperative now has almost half a million birr (about USD 3,750) deposited in the bank We sell a grafted avocado seedling for 300 birr a coffee seedling for 120 birr and a papaya one for 80 birr.” The PENHA-TBI initiative works in nine neighbouring districts of the Tigray and Afar regions Lemon seedlings from the nursery in Arato were recently dispatched to Abala and the two regions were fighting on opposite sides “The project is also working to build peace among the two peoples,” CIFOR-ICRAF’s Gebrehiwot says “The project’s achievements can only be sustained when there is peace.”  The PENHA-TBI programme has been paying some cash incentives to members of the Tsigereda Cooperative for a few months since they are now making money from the sale of seedlings and fruits the members are expected to cover their salary expenses soon The money will also allow them to run the business independently to ensure its sustainability the project has been giving us some cash as incentives,” says Milash “Even if it is not giving us incentives anymore we hope PENHA-TBI – together with its consortium members – will continue providing the technical support we need.” the group of women started raising vegetable seedlings under another shade net while CIFOR-ICRAF delivered technical support The women will soon be selling vegetable seedlings to farmers in the area while producing vegetables on their own plots of land The vegetable seedlings that the women are currently raising include onions Some of the farmers who obtained fruit-tree seedlings from the nursery have planted fruit trees on their farms The project has also provided three beehives to the women to diversify their sources of income “We believe we will be successful,” says Alemtsehay There is also a multistorey agroforestry system demonstration site next to the nursery while the shade-loving coffee trees grow below the main implementing partner of the PENHA-TBI project so these demonstration sites are important for the observation of benefits from the environmentally friendly practice of agroforestry bearing fruits Mountain development by youth and women’s cooperative The other intervention of the PENHA-TBI project in Arato is the development of a mountain located next to the nursery This mountain development and value addition has been designed based on the lessons learned from the Gergera watershed in the Hayelom area of Atsbi Wonberta District in the Tigray region – a project supported by Irish Aid The mountain in Arato has been enclosed and is already covered with vegetation Thirty-five men and women have been organized in a cooperative They will be planting fruit trees while conserving the native trees and shrubs With the support of the PENHA-TBI programme two water reservoirs are being constructed at the foot of the mountain Water pumps have been donated by the Tigray Bureau of Agriculture and Natural Resources has played a pivotal role in making the water pumps available driving the project forward as a model with a collaborative consortium approach the water will be pumped up the hill to irrigate the fruit as well as other multipurpose and indigenous trees The project is also working to engage youth in beekeeping and has given them 12 beehives to manage These young people are expected to buy more beehives once they begin to make money from the sale of honey and fruits The PENHA-TBI programme – together with its consortium members – is bringing hope to the Arato community Its achievements so far have been promising and worthy of appreciation We gratefully appreciate the continued financial and technical support provided by Tropenbos International (TBI) the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and the Irish Embassy (Irish Aid) in Ethiopia as well as the people and government of the Republic of Ireland in promoting climate-smart livelihoods and landscape restoration works The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) harnesses the power of trees forests and agroforestry landscapes to address the most pressing global challenges of our time – biodiversity loss CIFOR and ICRAF are CGIAR Research Centers Bangladesh, Benin, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Malawi, Mali, Nepal, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Viet Nam, Zambia © 2025 Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) | CIFOR and ICRAF are CGIAR Research Centers | Privacy notice of CIFOR-ICRAF Please use a modern browser for a better browsing experience Pakistan bans Indian ships in retaliation for New Delhi's port sanctions Four Pakistani mountaineers launch high-altitude missions in Nepal Indo-Pak tensions' fallout on Kabul Church of Pakistan leads march backing armed forces Rain, thunderstorm predicted in Karachi today: PMD Weddings go on in Pakistan's Kashmir border Prince Harry: No way home Russell Brand appears in court on rape charges The fragrance of music Knee-jerk reaction for Kneecap Netflix's 'Eternaut' depicts fight against tyranny Maybe Happy Ending' leads Tony nominees Trump proposes cuts to renewables Businessmen slam tax ordinance Govt decides to replace PARC head Gold reigns supreme in times of crisis Direct Karachi-Skardu flight launched Ride-hailing service for EV transition Santa Ono, University of Michigan president, leaves role amid controversies WWII Spitfire plane crash lands in Kent field ahead of VE Day events Cold war-era Soviet spacecraft Kosmos 482 to return after 53 years in orbit Measles surge signals post-herd-immunity era in North America, experts warn Apple opens door to external payments after Epic Games court ruling Iran’s FM visits Islamabad amid Pak-Ind tensions Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Cascais the Japanese restaurant at Penha Longa ResortWith a Michelin star it is located on the border between Cascais and Sintra The new menus are creations by chefs Pedro Almeida and Tiago Santos the first Japanese restaurant in Portugal with a Michelin star it's impossible not to try them and come back to share the experience The two tasting menus offered by the restaurant – the Kiri with nine (€186) – have been revamped by the duo of chefs Pedro Almeida (consultant) and Tiago Santos (resident) The concept remains the same: to combine Japanese and Portuguese cuisine merging culinary methods and ingredients from each country This evokes the shared history between the two territories and the influence Portuguese cuisine has had on Japanese cuisine since the Portuguese arrived in Japan in the 16th century with a Hassun – a selection of appetisers that includes a scarlet prawn takoyaki a chicken karaage with chilli and a toro cone the only speciality that has remained from the previous menu Next comes another major novelty: the miso soup with Portuguese stew evokes traditional Portuguese flavours – perhaps one of the most representative fusions of Midori’s concept there are new options as well as classic ones that remain unchanged Try the new pieces with yellowtail and fig leaf and langoustine and carrot; and savour the well-established favourites like smoked akami with bay leaf you don’t change a winning team (much) The Yama menu also features a new main course a beef tongue cooked kakuni style – with the Japanese holy trinity of sugar sake and soy sauce – which gives it a unique consistency This dish involves meat cooked for long hours until it melts in the mouth the dessert that concludes both menus is a true experience oats and honey combine crunchiness and thickness – and before this it is possible to sample different types of honey to select the best combination according to each person's palate additional dishes will join the menu: yellowtail and bell pepper sashimi (Kiri menu); and roosterfish and almond sashimi (Yama menu) served so thin and with such a special presentation that it becomes a work of art; and the magnificent asparagus kushiage with chawanmushi (Yama) Both tasting menus can be ordered with wine pairings it is also possible to add a wagyu beef supplement for €50 if you wish to make the meal even more unforgettable Midori is one of the oldest Japanese restaurants in Portugal alongside other restaurants (including the renowned LAB by Sergi Arola and owes its name to the “green” of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park which provides a stunning backdrop for diners But that's not all: the restaurant is also named Midori after the daughter of the former Japanese owners who founded the hotel + What's new in Cascais Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! About us Contact us For travel to the United States on a temporary basis For foreign citizens who want to live permanently in the United States The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries* to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less Trump was sworn-in as the 47th President of the United States of America Learn more about quality higher-education opportunities in the U.S that you will not find anywhere else in the world Ludy Green conducted a five-day speaker program in Recife and Fortaleza where the US Consulate General in Recife worked in partnership with state governments universities and the judiciary to reach a diverse audience of policy-makers governmental and non-governmental professionals Green spoke forcefully about breaking the destructive cycle of violence against women – especially domestic violence and human trafficking – through laws and public policies focusing on the financial autonomy of victims She also presented her pioneering experience as founder of the NGO Second Chance Employment Services Local partners used these for a to debate the issues and present like experiences regarding laws public policies and employment/economic initiatives for victims of gender-based violence A highlight of her program was the personal encounter in Fortaleza with activist Maria da Penha inspiration for the Brazilian national law no We use cookies to make our website work better and improve your experience The page you are looking for might have been removed Copyright © 2025 Sakal Media Group – Gomantak Private Limited - All Rights Reserved General Manager at Penha Longa Resort in Portugal about the impact of the pandemic on the resort and what steps they are taking to welcome back golfers from all over the world in the coming months are very important to the Portuguese economy so when Portugal was briefly added onto the UK’s ‘green list’ last month Oliver Key: There was a great sense of anticipation to get back to business but also with a little trepidation and nervousness as it had been over a year since we experienced such high levels of leisure guests The team were delighted to hear of Portugal’s inclusion on the UK green list for travel as well as the news from the Portuguese Government that British travellers were allowed to enter the country It was news we had been eagerly waiting for the UK has always played a significant role in the resort’s success and we were extremely excited to welcome back British guests.At Penha Longa all our facilities were open and ready to welcome back international travellers with our renowned world-class service We continued to comply with high levels of hygiene social distancing and face mask requirements as outlined by local and national authorities across all of our facilities including inside the enclosed public areas GBN: Did you experience an influx of bookings for the short and long-term We saw an increase in the number of bookings for both the short and long-term For the short term we were full for the last week of May first week of June due to the half-term holidays in the UK before business began to build rapidly for July and August British travellers have always been very welcome throughout Portugal and as soon as the green list news was announced we saw an immediate impact on our room reservations and golf course bookings The Portuguese population had evidently been adhering to our government’s guidelines and restrictions closely throughout the pandemic and the resulting improvements had allowed us to create a clear path to meet the requirements of the British Government’s green list Penha Longa Resort is often valued very highly by guests from the UK due to its close proximity It is seen as being very easily accessible with only a short flight required to Portugal’s capital we expect major disruptions across the world how has this affected business for the summer and thereafter?We are still optimistic that restrictions will begin to be lifted early in the UK’s summer holidays and people will be able to travel to Portugal without having to worry about quarantining upon their return much of the business we took during the initial influx of bookings for July and August has remained on our books for now and we hope to see it stay that way throughout the remainder of the summer and later into the year GBN: Even though Portugal remains on the UK’s amber list for now we would like to re-emphasize that the resort is always ready to welcome back international travellers with the ongoing safety and security of our guests an upmost priority what percentage of golfers that visit Penha Longa come from the UK or do you think there will be a broader mix of nationalities?2019 is the last full year that we would consider to be a ‘normal’ year at Penha Longa Resort During that year a total of 28,529 rounds of golf were played across both our championship course golfers from the UK accounted for around 7,658 rounds The UK makes up a considerable amount of the golfers that play at the resort each year we do also see golfers visit from other key markets in Europe such as France and Germany With travel restrictions currently still in place it is too early for us to predict whether things will return to normal levels in 2022 having seen the bookings that came in early this year once Portugal was added to the UK’s travel green list we are optimistic that there will be a considerable UK market volume once the restrictions begin to ease as well as mixture of other nationalities looking to explore the resort’s world-class facilties GBN: How has the course developed and changed over the past 18 months has low footfall resulted in any major projects or improved conditioning One of the things we were adamant about is that the course conditions would not suffer as a result of the lockdown earlier in the year when our golf courses were forced to close we kept all of our golf maintenance team working and brought in additional staff members to work on projects such as bunker renovations rough grass cleaning and clubhouse interior painting The closure of the courses gave us a good amount of time to maintain the high-levels of course conditions at the resort and get ready for high-levels of footfall that are expected to come once restrictions are eased and golfers are able to travel again.Very recently a guest remarked to me that he had never seen the courses at Penha Longa in such excellent conditions This is testament to the hard work and dedication of our golf maintenance team who are always improving the courses to make sure that our guests receive the best possible experience whilst playing at the resort GBN: How is the business planning for remainder of the year without knowing when travel from the UK and other European destinations will fully resume We have to continue to prepare for the time when we get back to a period of sustained demand rather than the rollercoaster style of occupancies we have had recently We are fortunate that we have many Portuguese guests who have decided to take holidays closer to home this year and with the restrictions easing in Spain France and other parts of Europe we are still optimistic that we will have an excellent summer period We also expect the busy period to last a little longer than in the past with many fully vaccinated people taking later trips in September and October With the UK planning to ease the majority of their restrictions from July 19 we are hoping that people who have been double vaccinated will be able to travel in and out of Portugal without having to quarantine therefore increasing the possibility of attracting more travellers and golfers to the resort later in the summer GBN: Do you expect to see a change in trend for 2022 how will Penha Longa Resort adapt to the challenges of future bookings All of us at Penha Longa are hoping to see a return to normality in 2022 We are optimistic that next year will provide a rebound year for the resort we are working hard to strengthen our product making sure all our facilities are in the best possible shape to welcome back guests to Penha Longa that have been looking forward to visiting us for too long now Penha Longa Resort is a truly magnificent destination with our 27 holes of championship level golf family-focused activities celebrating nature and tradition three of which hold coveted Michelin stars and we are dedicated to providing an exclusive experience for all our guests Following the news of the theft of over £2 million of stock from its Manchester warehouse last weekend Worldwide Golf Brands reports that the business is 'back up and running' with minimal disruption to the vast majority of its customers the business growth agency for UK and Irish golf clubs has launched a new marketing system that has delivered rapid advances in the service they deliver Brocket Hall has announced that world-renowned putting coach Phil Kenyon is to open a new state-of-the-art putting studio at the Hertfordshire-based venue GolfBusinessNews.com (GBN) is for the many thousands of people who work in the golf business all around the world We cover the full range of topics both on and off the course We aim to supply essential information both quickly and accurately in a format which is easy to use We are independent of all special interest groups Click here to sign up for our free twice weekly golf industry news summary View the latest newsletter here 5/7 High StreetDorchester-on-ThamesOxfordshire OX10 7HHUnited Kingdom publisher@golfbusinessnews.com © 1999-2025 e.GolfBusiness.com Limited | All Rights Reserved. | GBN Privacy Policy Brazil — Using the selfie camera on her phone as a mirror Penha Góes Figueiredo Yanomami applies red paint on her face It’s a tradition inherited from her people the Indigenous Yanomami of the Amazon; the paint is called urucum in the Tupi language and comes from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana) It’s usually used on festive days in her village is painting her face while sitting in a hammock at the Yanomami support house in São Gabriel da Cachoeira a municipality in the northwest of Brazil’s Amazonas state this town of 46,000 inhabitants is known as Brazil’s most Indigenous municipality Life in an urban setting hasn’t distanced Penha Yanomami from her people’s traditions and the urucum on her skin reaffirms the ancestral habits in the Yanomami Indigenous Reserve about 140 kilometers (90 miles) northeast of São Gabriel da Cachoeira Penha Yanomami works today as a health agent for the Indigenous health board that covers the Upper Rio Negro region She has lived in São Gabriel da Cachoeira for a year and a half now since it’s the closest urban center to the community she serves and in her spare time she visits the support house reserved for the Yanomami “I’m not [here] because I want to be I came to work for the people who need me as an interpreter in the town,” she says Penha Yanomami studied Portuguese in school and she helps Indigenous people to deal with non-Indigenous issues in the municipality many Indigenous people live between the urban environment and the Indigenous communities While some have already settled permanently in the municipality many still maintain a home in the villages São Gabriel da Cachoeira’s population was 46,303 in 2020 according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) IBGE has not released specific numbers of Indigenous people but local estimates point to approximately 90% of the municipality’s population published in 2010 (the next census is expected in 2022) 11,000 Indigenous people live in São Gabriel da Cachoeira’s urban areas (58% of total residents in urban areas) In this municipality that spans nearly 110,000 square kilometers (42,500 square miles) — an area the size of Cuba — Indigenous people from 32 ethnic groups live together Many of them are unknown in the rest of the country The chart below only shows 23 ethnic groups because IBGE did not disclose the number of Indigenous peoples of the nine other ethnic groups The Federation of Indigenous Organizations of Rio Negro (FOIRN) works with the number of 23 ethnic groups But the fact that the municipality has an Indigenous majority hasn’t always translated into a greater appreciation for ancestral cultures In contrast to the cultural and ethnic diversity there are frequent reports of Indigenous peoples being discriminated against Penha Yanomami speaks with sadness of the ill-treatment often received by her people This includes not only discrimination against Indigenous people in local commerce but also in public institutions she says she has never personally suffered from prejudice: “I don’t even know what prejudice is an Indigenous anthropologist of the Baniwa people and doctoral student at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) says the experience of Indigenous peoples in São Gabriel da Cachoeira’s urban environment is tied to the hierarchical structure of the ethnic groups themselves in addition to historical grievances within Indigenous cultures themselves and the friction that arises when people migrate here from other regions and especially after Brazil’s new Constitution was issued in 1988 a movement to value local culture has grown This movement seeks to reinforce Indigenous self-esteem and lead to the self-identification of a greater number of Indigenous peoples “You carry your experience and share it in a world that is not yours I always say: having your world and having Western knowledge means that you have two worlds in your hand to grow together.” on the outskirts of São Gabriel da Cachoeira The experience led her to join an Indigenous movement that advocates for the appreciation of traditional customs Rising to a leadership role at a young age Adelina coordinated the youth department at FOIRN until December 2020 “The cultural shock was quite impactful for me,” she says “I felt this big prejudice at school: ‘Look at that Indigenous woman she doesn’t know how to speak.’ Sometimes I wanted to speak correctly and ended up making more mistakes São Gabriel is the most Indigenous town [in Brazil] Adelina Desana says she has managed to reconcile urban life with some of her Indigenous customs also tries to reconcile the two different worlds that he straddles he studies at the State University of Campinas (Unicamp) and lived in student housing in the city of Campinas He has returned to São Gabriel da Cachoeira for what he hopes will be a temporary break He refutes the common perception that a person is no longer Indigenous because they live in the city “We sometimes discuss this at the university Since I already know how to use my computer he says he brings manioc flour in his suitcase and he has even caught tanajura ants in the student housing to fry and eat You have to pick up the ant head so as not to be bitten and put it in the little pot to cook,” says Valdeson Baré the first to map out the Indigenous presence across the whole of Brazil revealed remarkable Indigenous diversity: 305 ethnic groups and 274 languages Anthropologist Franci Baniwa says the educational system is key in the process of expanding knowledge about Indigenous culture and its appreciation “The study of history in the country should include Indigenous peoples: how many ethnic groups which Indigenous territories there are,” she says an Indigenous community in São Gabriel da Cachoeira Franci Baniwa today lives in Rio de Janeiro “There is a profound lack of knowledge about the region of São Gabriel It’s not because I’m Indigenous that I sleep on top of a banana tree or wear banana-leaf clothes We wear clothes and have the traditional apparel for ceremonies I also write when I’m there,” Franci Baniwa says She demands improvement of infrastructure in the villages and support for young Indigenous who venture out of their communities “Many Indigenous people continue to leave their communities to study and work but they do not always find the right conditions They end up exposed to problems such as alcoholism and early pregnancy,” Franci Baniwa says with 40 million reais ($7.8 million) in funds promised to be released but said the works will only start when the villages are reopened after the pandemic One of the main Indigenous beliefs of the region where São Gabriel da Cachoeira was founded tells of a large snake climbing the headwaters of the Rio Negro to create humanity with the various ethnic groups settling in certain points that are considered sacred: rocks While the cultural and historical diversity of São Gabriel da Cachoeira is manifested today in its great ethnic diversity the lack of knowledge of the local culture ends up triggering prejudice from immigrants from other regions of the country “I believe the biggest prejudice comes from outsiders the landscape full of sacred places with a story behind them.” The region’s history is quite complex and involves a series of violent episodes that boosted Indigenous migratory movements The first contacts with non-Indigenous peoples took place in the 17th century mostly when Portuguese colonizers hunted for fugitive slaves This is detailed in the map book Indigenous Peoples of the Upper and Middle Rio Negro jointly edited by the Instituto Socioambiental (ISA) a nonprofit advocating for the environment and Indigenous rights military forces established a presence in the region by building a fort starting the construction of the village that would later be called São Gabriel da Cachoeira Economic cycles and migratory movements that exploited and impacted the Indigenous way of life have defined the region That was the case with the so-called rubber cycle exploiting Indigenous and riverine community labor to produce rubber from Amazonian trees Catholic missionaries also reinforced the colonizing presence in the region “They banned the use of the [native] language it was a period of great cultural loss,” Franci Baniwa says Modern-day São Gabriel da Cachoeira faces a series of social problems with only 4% of the town’s sewage system considered adequate for Indigenous people living in its urban areas (See the details in the accompanying map.) Illegal mining on Indigenous reserves also exerts strong pressure on the municipality where there are also high incidence rates of infectious diseases such as dengue and malaria the municipality’s cultural diversity resists and stands out Walking through the city’s commercial center it’s not unusual to find Yanomami families with the mother carrying the children in fabric slings It’s also common to hear people speaking Indigenous languages ​​on the streets the municipality is the only one in the country that has four other official languages: Baniwa Unicamp holds an Indigenous entrance exam to the university bringing the tests to the municipality of São Gabriel da Cachoeira where it maintains a teaching extension that trains Indigenous health professionals The headquarters of the Federal Institute of Amazonas (IFAM) in São Gabriel da Cachoeira carries out its selection process with tests in the three official Indigenous languages changed the way in which these entrance exams are applied The Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) also maintains a teaching extension course in the region to train Indigenous educators The course acknowledges the demand from schools for educators and school material that take into account Indigenous cultures Visitors to São Gabriel da Cachoeira are guaranteed a unique experience from the very start The municipality is only accessible by plane or boat with the green carpet of the Amazon forest the ground rises as mountains and hills emerge Rounding out the landscape are the beaches and rip tides of the Rio Negro The beauty of the landscape contrasts with the precarious infrastructure: there are several unfinished buildings The municipality is surrounded by villages some hard to access and others located very close to the urban perimeter there are kiosks and dance clubs that play the local musical genre called forró along with one of the nearest Indigenous communities Entry into Indigenous territories is restricted and requires authorization from Funai The beach is often frequented by Indigenous people on their small motorboats carrying their families and also goods for sale The most recent figures showed that 15,502 Indigenous people in the city don’t have a monthly income Complementary data from IBGE’s 2010 census show that 770 Indigenous people are employed as civil servants or military personnel a far smaller number proportionally than the 810 white and brown people working in the civil service or armed forces The natural beauty on the banks of the Rio Negro and the young people driving around with loud music blaring all live side by side Add to that the military trucks on the streets The military has a strong presence here because the municipality borders two neighboring countries: Colombia and Venezuela The municipal market can also provide experiences that are often considered unique a sort of crepe made with flour from another type of cassava Market vendors also serve up a traditional Rio Negro dish of fish broth with tucupi and pepper there’s the Feira dos Tuyuka (Tuyuka street market) another São Gabriel da Cachoeira tradition with its cultural richness and its contrasts It’s possible to watch a performance of a traditional dance Cariçu; drink an Indigenous fermented drink caxiri; and eat traditional dishes such as quinhampira and game meat These traditional customs coexist with other cultures to the sound of regional or even Colombian rhythms a postdoctoral researcher in social anthropology at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) “it is key to understand that there is no opposition of experiences for Indigenous people.” there is no opposition between village and city There is no opposition between rural and urban and they live their lives in the conditions that life offers There are some places that will offer a better living condition for them to gather together conditions are quite adverse,” says Pereira who runs the university’s Social Movements Memory Program is one of the Indigenous people in charge of the Tuyuka Ethnic Indigenous Association–Residents of São Gabriel da Cachoeira also in the municipality of São Gabriel da Cachoeira he says he works as a translator between two worlds facilitating access for his relatives to the knowledge of how to live in the city including guidance on how to get government-issued documents As he buzzes between the job of managing the Tuyuka street market and talking to Mongabay’s reporting team Pastor Tuyuka reflects on the origin of the peoples People are born Indigenous and will continue to be Indigenous,” he says a member of the Tukano ethnic group and literary student at Unicamp; and Karla Mendes and Rafael Dupim The photographer commissioned for this story Maps: Ambiental Media / Juliana Mori Infographics: Ambiental Media/Laura Kurtzberg Banner image: Cenaide Pastor Marques Lima Tuyuka is one of the Indigenous people in charge of the Tuyuka Ethnic Indigenous Association–Residents of São Gabriel da Cachoeira Tukano and Makuna and says he works as a translator between two worlds FEEDBACK: Use this form to send a message to the author of this post The “fortress conservation” model is under pressure in East Africa as protected areas become battlegrounds over history and global efforts to halt biodiversity loss Mongabay’s Special Issue goes beyond the region’s world-renowned safaris to examine how rural communities and governments are reckoning with conservation’s colonial origins and trying to forge a path forward […] UPDATE: DJ Rennan da Penha was released from the Bangu penitentiary on Friday A recent Brazilian Supreme Court decision ruled that non-violent defendants cannot be imprisoned until their appeals have been exhausted a self-described American “funkeira,” had finally convinced me to go to a funk party in a favela I had warned her against going to the city’s infamous funk parties alone I even recruited a third friend to join us we left Rio de Janeiro’s toney South Zone for the working-class suburban North Zone and drove 45-minutes to Complexo da Penha where a massive complex of favelas crawl across the surrounding hills a favela founded by escaped enslaved Blacks who built their homes on land owned by the Penha Catholic Church The Uber dropped us off on the asfalto — the paved street that delineates the “city” from the “hill” — and the first people we saw were two policeman holding long-barreled guns They didn’t say anything to us as we passed them A long narrow street separated us from our final destination one of Rio de Janeiro’s 1100 favela communities snaked down the street for at least a half of a mile We passed by dozens of vendors selling vodka and energy drinks even branded party cups from makeshift stalls Then came to a stage with a pagode samba band The multi-hued crowd ranged in color from Cafe au lait to onyx A few might have even passed for white in Brazil But there was no doubt that this was funk music party for Blacks and favela residents Groups of young girls danced with each other Young men congregated together in an elevated VIP section Around 3:30am the funk music stopped for a live pagode band fireworks erupted from above the DJ booth at the far end of the party DJ Rennan de Penha took to the stage just as the light from a rising sun started to touch the community Only then could I clearly see the self-built terra cotta block houses that stacked precariously up the hill behind the DJ booth and around the entire party With the morning sun now shining bright in the sky I huddled next to the stage in front of the DJ booth to watch a passinho –– footwork– dance-off thousands of people were still there enjoying the funk music The party wasn’t as suffocatingly packed as it had been at 4am We walked down a side street that passed houses I searched my own memories for an American reference to help me understand what I had just experienced This was an outdoor party that easily attracted 25,000 people And it happened every week in the middle of a neighborhood part music festival: I couldn’t think of a comparable event whenever I announced to Brazilians that I had been to Baile da Gaiola their eyes widened with envy and excitement “It was amazing and everything it was hyped up to be,” I typically responded Six months later, the party was over, and DJ Rennan was locked up in Rio’s most notorious prison, Bangu Penitentiary DJ Rennan da Penha (real name: Rennan Santos da Silva — Penha is the favela he hails from) created Baile de Gaiola the greatest-ever recurring funk party in Rio He used his massive platform to launch the careers of dozens of local funk singers introduce a new style of funk music — 150 BPM — and re-center Rio de Janeiro as the nation’s stronghold of Funk music Rennan was arrested on charges of connections to drug-trafficking Rennan wasn’t arrested for packing illegal guns or racketeering — as numerous American hip-hop artists have He was arrested for simply knowing and communicating with the people who he grew up with it’s obvious that these charges were just a front for the racism and discrimination that always seem to target the Black and poor in Brazil To understand the phenomenon of DJ Rennan and Baile de Gaiola a Black music culture expert born and raised in the City of God favela (the one the 2002 film was about) Rafael pushed the city government to recognize traditional carioca funk as cultural patrimony Carioca is a catch-all term for anything authentically from Rio de Janeiro now a “hip-hop head,” spent his teen years attending some of Rio’s largest Baile Funk events I explained to him how dumbfounded I was to see thousands of people partying to funk music in the middle of a favela “This isn’t a surprise for people who come from a favela,” Rafael said “It’s only a surprise to people who come from the South Zone But Baile de Gaiola’s national impact did amaze Bruno “[Rennan] did something that had never been done before He organized a weekly party with 25,000 people in a favela that became a national brand He was this young Black guy from the hood traveling all over the world “This had never happened before.” Funk is the preferred music of the youth in Rio favelas the hillside communities that Blacks and the impoverished call home The sound’s roots lie in Black American hip-hop and electronic music the Miami Bass sound of the late 1980s and early ‘90s Baile Funk parties evolved from 1970s Soul parties that had attracted Rio’s Black favela and suburban youth every weekend Black music lovers had split into two groups and the growing group of youth who preferred the hard beats of Miami Bass Back in the 1980s Brazilian DJs had to fly to the States to get American music DJ Nazz picked up “808 Volt Mix” by DJ Battery Brain and started playing it at his parties This song’s beat helped launch Carioca Funk music a tropical mix of electronic music with conga drums This beat defined carioca funk well into the 2010s Favela communities held (and still hold) their own small funk parties usually financed by the ruling drug factions but the most popular parties of the ‘80s and ‘90s were Bailes de Briga or “fighting parties.” Black and favela youth from all over Rio congregated in warehouses dancing and fist fighting each other to funk music Rafael attended these parties as a teenager “But back then the way you became known was by beating up the most people.” One night Rafael was standing next to his older brother and best friend when someone started shooting at the party The bullet hit his best friend and killed him “From that moment I decided to embrace hip-hop and stopped going to funk parties,” Rafael said The 2000s became all about “funk probidão”— funk that reflected the pain of favela life mounting large baile funk events became difficult as favela communities underwent pacification To prepare for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games Rio police kicked drug factions out of large favela communities and occupied them The first thing they banned was the weekly funk party While Rio’s bailes suffered under new police oppression São Paulo funk artists and producers filled the vacuum with “ostentatious funk,” a funk music about money The scene also had its own music video producer Kondzilla has one of the largest Youtube channels in the world 2017’s “Bum Bum Tam Tam,” a Kondzilla-produced joint that garnered an international remix that has more than 1 billion views on Youtube The “pacification” projects left most of the favelas they had entered just seven years earlier Violence crept up to pre-mega-events levels Rio de Janeiro was returning to its old self This created the perfect opening for funk music’s three newest phenomena: DJ Rennan da Penha At the end of 2016 — summertime in Brazil — the DJs Rennan da Penha and Iasmin Turbininha began to play funk music with an accelerated beat Traditional Rio funk music had never gone beyond 130 BPMs appealed to passinho dancers who wanted to show off their intricate footwork and to young girls who wanted to practice rebolando (booty shaking) Rennan started DJing a party at the Gaiola bar in Penha the party started to take over the entire street Dozens of tents sprang up selling vodka bottles and energy drink mixers sales of illicit substances in the community likely skyrocketed as well The party even created an opportunity for aluminum can collectors who made sure no can was left on the ground this party was marvelous,” said Juliana Barreto da Silva There were numerous times when I stayed from two in the morning until two in the afternoon.” And then came the music hits that elevated the party to mythic status “Tu Ta Na Gaiola” combined a slick melody with a fast beat (ei tu ‘ta na gaiola) – (hey you are at gaiola) Cheiro de maconha boa – It smells like good pot  Varias piranha jogando – Many hoes throwing it  Os amigos faturando – Bros making money Vem sentando na piroca – Come sit on my dick  (ei tu ‘ta na gaiola) – Hey you are at gaiola  an inhalant drug (made up of chemicals) that produces a brief high.)  Rennan’s 25th birthday fell on a Saturday in July celebrated events in Brazil — Brazilians really love birthday parties Rennan’s attracted more than 40,000 people and lasted until 4pm on Sunday Complaints about the party were so widespread that even the newspaper reported about Rennan’s birthday party drunk and hopeless,” said a social media post that the paper reported This legendary party helped DJ Rennan secure his status as the preeminent funk DJ in Brazil crisscrossing the country DJing funk music all successful Black men chase after blond South Zone girls to prove their “arrival,” but Rennan showed off his Black girlfriend on Instagram Rio’s funk DJ’s basked in his shine. On weekends, DJs like DJ FP do Trem Bala and DJ Zullu played three or four parties per night Funk parties blossomed again in favelas like City of God and Chapadão Cities across Brazil held their own Baile de Gaiola parties “Favela funk parties have always helped to promote funk,” said Ana Capricornia and the Baile de Gaiola managed to popularize its even more funk returned to the top in Rio de Janeiro and Brazil.” Even Rio de Janeiro’s conservative evangelical mayor couldn’t deny the power of the moment and signed a decree to establish a cultural development program supporting traditional “carioca” funk “Funk is a cultural movement in this city that deserves to not only be recognized but also strengthened,” said Nilcemar Nogueira then Rio de Janeiro’s Secretary of Culture Brazil and Rio de Janeiro changed dramatically in the last six months of 2018 the country elected Jair Bolsonaro as President Bolsonaro campaigned on a “family first” platform in which he declared that “a good thug is a dead thug.” Rio de Janeiro elected a reactionary governor who openly admitted to wanting to drop bombs on favelas Baile de Gaiola funk songs had become the undisputed carnival hits this is the ultimate test of music popularity — to have your songs repeatedly played throughout the six-day bacchanalia of Carnival These were the songs that made any crowd — Black White DJ’s played the songs at VIP parties during the samba parade police had jailed DJ Rennan for “association” with drug trafficking and participating in events promoted by “criminals” in the favelas But the judge found him not guilty because of a lack of evidence a chief judge ruled that Rennan da Penha was complicit with drug traffickers and ordered him to prison for six years and eight months This powerful judge made this decision without hearing any testimony The claimed charges was that he acted as a lookout for drug traffickers when police entered the favela This is a common practice among residents of any favela because when police enter From the perspective of someone who grew up in a favela Everyone knows each other in these tight-knit communities so anyone can be accused of association with a “criminal.” Rennan is a funk DJ but he grew up with the kid who became a drug dealer And no funk DJ can throw a party without the explicit “blessing” of the area’s ruling factions Black and favela activists called the persecution of Rennan exactly what it was: racism “Privileged people do not like to see a black man from the favela on top,” said Raul Santiago an activist from the Complexo de Alemão community who bears the name of the Complex where he grew up taking the favela with him and strengthening part of the culture here This is the same young man who is now on the pages of newspapers pursued precisely for expanding the name of one of the slums across the country Being one of those responsible for raising the FUNK 150 bpm to the world; criminalized not from the stereotypes that racist society puts on those who live in the slums.” A group of activists also launched a social media campaign — #deixaeudancar or #LetMeDance — and launching a website explains why Rennan’s sentence is racist “This has always happened to us funk people and favela residents,” wrote MC Carol on her Facebook Rio’s popular live music venue in the famed Lapa district where activists railed against the persecution of funk music posted a video on his social media platforms: “I’m a father of two daughters I want to thank everyone who loved my work Although I haven’t attended a Baile Funk party since last year I can still see and hear the remnants of DJ Rennan’s two-year domination One time I was at a folklore fair in Rio de Janeiro and a sertanejo (Brazilian country music) band started playing a live version of “Tu Ta Na Gaiola.” The crowd went crazy Some clubs in Rio’s downtown Lapa district still even have Baile de Gaiola parties Brazil’s Supreme Court denied a request for Rennan to be released because of unlawful imprisonment Rennan received a Latin Grammy nomination for a song that he produced for Nego do Borel White musicians can play their Brazilian country version of the songs that made the Baile de Gaiola famous And white Brazilians can still attend Baile de Gaiola nightclub parties in downtown Rio a Black man who created and led the fleeting cultural movement he named “The Birdcage Ball,” sits in an actual steel cage in the remote western outskirts of Rio de Janeiro Dec 30 – A floating jetty will be constructed adjacent to the existing Malim Jetty on Penha-De-Franca side by spending Rs 10 to 15 crore under PM Matsya Sampda Yojana to ease load on Malim Jetty Detailed Project Report(DPR) regarding the project has already been sent to Delhi Work will start once project is approved by the Center informed Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar He was speaking to media persons after visiting the Malim jetty today He said the floating jetty will help reduce the waiting time for trawlers to unload their catch He also informed that officials have been directed to sort out problems faced by trawler owners at Malim Jetty He pointed out that GSIDC contractor has left the Malim Jetty work incomplete and abandoned it GSIDC had started the work of construction and upgradation of fishing jetty at Malim (North Goa) and Cortalim (South Goa) at the cost of Rs 59 crore in 2017 The work was slated to be completed in May 2023 LEAVE A COMMENT FORTALEZA, Brazil — Maria da Penha Maia Fernandes was fast asleep when her husband shot her and left her a paraplegic he made another attempt on her life by trying to electrocute her women like her are subjected to extreme abuse by their husbands every day Sixty-five percent of attacks happen behind closed doors at least 92,000 women have succumbed to domestic violence Maria de Penha, a pharmacist, beat these dismal odds. She fought a decades-long battle against domestic violence, and her efforts finally resulted in legislation named for her. The Maria da Penha Law on Domestic and Family Violence is considered one of the most comprehensive laws in the world prosecute and punish perpetrators of violence against women “I met my aggressor when I was doing my master’s at the University of São Paulo,” Da Penha recalled “He was a student from Colombia and was popular with my friends That was when he applied for Brazilian citizenship and as soon as he got it he started showing his true colors.” “I tried to move but couldn’t.” Neighbors rescued her and rushed her to a hospital She was under intensive treatment for nearly four months “When the police questioned my husband he told them that four thieves had broken into our home and that he had fought them off,” she said “I came back home because at the time I had no inkling that he was the shooter But when he kept me in forced confinement for more than 15 days and tried to electrocute me I knew I could not continue with that relationship.” She got a legal separation and she filed a case of attempted murder against her former husband That was when her battle for justice began It took seven years before he was sentenced by a jury to 15 years in prison Vivero was sentenced to 10 years but remained at large “I decided to write a book on my experiences and the contradictions in the legal proceedings,” she said ‘I Survived: I Can Tell My Story’ [“Sobrevivi: Posso Contra,” in Portuguese] was noticed by two nongovernment organizations the Latin American and Caribbean Committee for the Defense of Women’s Rights and the Center for Justice and International Law which invited me to submit a case against Brazil to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights of the Organization of American States.” While Brazil did not respond to her petition, the Inter-American Commission later criticized the government for not taking effective measures to prosecute and convict perpetrators of domestic violence Vivero was arrested and sentenced to just over six years on two counts of attempted murder several nonprofit groups created a consortium to draft an improved domestic violence law “This law is here to not just protect women from domestic violence but to prevent it and also punish the aggressors,” said Da Penha who is wheelchair-bound and working as a coordinator of studies for the Association of Relatives and Friends of Victims of Violence in Ceará state in northern Brazil “We need more women’s police stations centers where survivors can seek preventive help and shelters for those who have walked out of their homes we have to make sure that speedy trials happen in these cases so that justice is not delayed It took 19 years and six months for my case to finally wrap up.” The Maria da Penha Law has given new impetus to the women’s movement The central thought that every woman has the right to live her life free from domestic violence has been widely publicized throughout Brazil through lectures courses and training conducted within communities “Women are still being murdered within their own homes by those who should be protecting and loving them,” Da Penha said although domestic violence was a crime it was considered a low-level offense particularly for women living in small towns where patriarchy still has a stronghold and there are not enough women’s police stations or shelters “The law talks of setting up special courts and stricter sentences for offenders besides other prevention and relief measures in cities that have more than 60,000 inhabitants but what about those living in small cities?” she said she feels that it’s not a law but a change in attitude of people that can bring about lasting change The beginnings of a transformation are visible. On the fifth anniversary of the law, the National Council of Justice of Brazil published data showing positive results: more than 331,000 prosecutions and 110,000 final judgments and nearly two million calls to the Service Center for Women Brazil has started the Women Living Without Violence program with $265 million in pledges to integrate public services and create women-friendly policies there is bound to be a lot of resistance to change,” Da Penha said “But I believe that through our work we can motivate fellow citizens to fight for women’s rights Kamayani Bali-Mahabal is a Mumbai-based human-rights activist and feminist who writes for the Women’s Feature Service in India Bali-Mahabal specializes as a trainer in gender a master’s degree in clinical psychology and a diploma in journalism she has a master’s degree in human rights from the University of London This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Says Mr Nobody of a two-times billionaire president I think the "dewokeization" of the UN is correct Thank you Arthur for this important contribution on this very… Thank you Frank for this very important challenge facing humanity,… independent women-led media company that covers foreign affairs and the United Nations with a focus on women’s issues and the impact of major world powers on ordinary citizens We are strongly committed to high-quality original reporting and our team strives to ensure that these powers are accountable for their actions and decisions Don't miss a  story,  Subscribe to PassBlue We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously Penha Longa Resort’s pledge to The R&A’s Women in Golf Charter shows its commitment to growing the game of golf with a current female staff representation of 48% the resort is best placed to help grow the game of golf and maximise the potential of women and girls in Portugal The resort aims to provide introductions to golf as well as offering resort wide initiatives to grow female representation As part of the commitment and through supporting the objectives of the charter Penha Longa Resort will become one of the 900+ signatories professional tours and organisations.  The Women in Golf Charter was established in 2018 to encourage more women and girls to both play and pursue a career in the game the R&A is calling upon industry organisations to create a more inclusive culture that safeguards golf for future generations Penha Longa Resort has committed to multiple projects as part of the Women in Golf Charter most notably starting with the facilities at the resort and looking to build upon what they currently offer female members and guests the resort hopes to grow their 135-person female workforce in key areas such as the Operations department and Greenkeeping team Golf specific commitments will also be introduced to increase the number of female members to achieve a balanced image of all genders and ages as well as a further investment into women and girls who are hoping to grow and compete within golf with the aim of allowing them to play golf at a professional or international level said: “When the Women in Golf Charter was proposed to us we knew that it was something that we had to be a part of and an area we want to grow at Penha Longa Resort We have continually been looking at ways to grow our golf offering and our pledge to the charter cements this further as we look to fulfil it through a number of events and projects we’re implementing in the coming months From encouraging family wide representation through our annual events to enhancing our women’s golf collection in the pro-shop we believe that what we are putting in place will help grow the game of golf in Portugal for girls and women.” Penha Longa Resort have lined up several attractive events including an introduction to golf The clinic will take place over an hour and will be exclusively for women and girls followed by group tuition on the driving range With the recent introduction of their new female professional the event will be an enjoyable experience for all females to try a new sport with friends and family The resort has also announced the introduction of a female only package which not only provides an opportunity to experience the golf on offer but also the other resort amenities The package includes 9-holes of golf on the famed Monastery course practice balls to warm up with and a small Penha Longa Gift to start the day where the culinary experience is influenced by a creative blend of Spanish and Portuguese cuisine followed a visit to the spa where you can immerse yourself into a wellness escape with either an aromatic or therapeutic massage and enjoy the other spa facilities this full day experience is available throughout the summer at Penha Longa Resort The Women in Golf Charter shows an intent from the golf industry to unite to achieve a better gender balance and improve the way women and girls experience golf whilst challenging some of the prevailing stereotypes Being the first signatory in Portugal demonstrates Penha Longa Resort’s passion and commitment to the game of golf and that individuals can thrive within the industry and the wider population of Portugal Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP) has awarded family-owned beauty retailer Penha a five-year contract to operate duty free at Curaçao International Airport The concession was previously operated by Dufry (since 2004) Local company Café Barista was awarded the contract to operate a food court and bar in departures. CAP confirmed both appointments to The Moodie Davitt Report today after the story broke originally in the Curaçao Chronicle.  The tender process for both contracts began in November 2017 Both companies are tasked with “combining the demand for a high-end innovative experience with the local Curaçao touch and charm” which runs downtown duty free stores across the Caribbean – in Aruba Thomas (US Virgin Islands) –is set to quadruple the duty free space at the airport It will introduce a walk-through duty free concept in departures at the end of 2018 An arrivals store will open first this summer is one of the most photographed buildings on the ‘Handelskade’ waterfront and is in the Unesco World Heritage List La Prairie and Victoria’s Secret at its Caribbean stores The new contracts are part of a wider terminal expansion project by private airport operator CAP The company is a consortium of international investors including Zürich Airport Dutch developer Janssen De Jong Group and Brazil’s CCR Group CAP has invested US$25 million in the terminal expansion and government company Curaçao Airport Holding has invested US$10 million CAP’s 30-year concession with the Government of Curaçao involves the operation development and management of Curaçao International Airport until 2033 NOTE TO AIRPORT OPERATORS: The Moodie Davitt Report is the industry’s most popular channel for launching commercial proposals and for publishing the results. If you wish to promote an Expression of Interest, Request for Proposals or full tender process for any sector of airport revenues, simply e-mail Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com We have a variety of options that will ensure you reach the widest most high-quality concessionaire/retailer/operator base in the industry – globally and immediately The Moodie Davitt Report is the only international business intelligence service and industry media to cover all airport consumer services We embrace all airport non-aeronautical revenues Please send relevant material, including images, to Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com for instant Subscribe to our newsletter for critical marketing information delivered to your inbox is relaunching its annual whisky festival under the name Whisky Social Club The Australian Airports Association Retail & Commercial Forum will include a blockbuster programme of seven extra-curricular activities 1 is the inaugural release in a collection of limited-edition single malts that celebrate the pioneering spirit of James ‘The Major’ Grant Copyright © The Moodie Davitt Report | Website by Yellowball We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website Please click on one of the buttons below to accept We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website and provide the content and advertisements that are relevant to you These cookies will only be stored in your browser with your prior consent You can choose to enable or disable some or all of these cookies but disabling some of them may affect your browsing experience Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " Penha Longa Resort in Portugal is to carry about a major renovation of its renowned Atlantic course to elevate its conditioning and playing standards ahead of the 2022 golf season Originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr the headline renovation of the course will see all 87 bunkers restored to their original shape enhancing an already picturesque layout which meanders through the Sintra Mountains which is located a 30-minute drive from Lisbon in the Sintra hills aims to improve the overall structure of the bunkers and reinstate the correct levels of stability smoothness and compaction for improved playability across the year Portugal has a climate which supports golf all year round conditions will be accommodating throughout dry periods and winter months Course upgrades also include the re-grassing of some of the fairways 13 and 18) with improved drainage processes resulting in greener and smoother aesthetics The course management team at Penha Longa has opted for Bermuda Grass after research from certified labs forecast the new grass could save the resort up to 30% in irrigation water per year and the results should be visible within a year or two said: “Our entire team at Penha Longa Resort are passionate about providing our guests with the best possible experience on the Atlantic 365 days of the year “Having last renovated the course before the Portugal Open in 2009 we want to reinstate consistency across the course and elevate the resort to a new level attracting new golfers from across the world It is our ambition to bring tournament golf back to the resort and hope that these changes will be the first step on the road to doing so.” “Becoming an environmentally sustainable resort is also a key ambition of ours in the future and no stone was left unturned in the decision-making process undertaken at the start of the project Our team have taken important steps to research and evaluate the different products that will be used to understand which ones will be most beneficial for the environment at the resort This will allow us to update the course without being harmful to the stunning natural surroundings that we are lucky to find on our doorstep at Penha Longa Resort.” The Atlantic course has recently been named 60th in Golf World’s ‘Top 100 Golf Courses in Continental Europe’ 2022-23 in addition to 52nd in the ‘Top 100 Modern Courses 2021’ and 10th in the ‘Top 50 Courses in Portugal’ confirming the developments on course have been successful Penha Longa Resort has also been named 24th in the new ‘Top 100 Resorts in Continental Europe’ as well as 7th in the ‘Top 25 Golf Resorts in Portugal’ With The Atlantic’s renovation set to be completed before the end of the year Penha Longa Resort has also announced two new packages for visitors which are available until March 31 Both packages include a range of complimentary dining options at the resort, as well as a guided tour of the XIV-Century Monastery, whilst the ‘Reconnect with Nature’ package offers the choice of one daily activity per person such as a cocktail workshop, historical circuit or yoga session. To find out more, visit www.penhalonga.com/en/autumn You don't have permission to access the page you requested. What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed. whose own fight for justice led to a law named after her 10 years ago.Da Penha a biopharmacist in northeast Ceara state who was left paraplegic in 1983 after her husband tried to kill her has shared her name for the past decade with the law praised by the United Nations as world leading on gender violence.The Maria da Penha law toughened sentences for offenders and set up specialised courts police stations and shelters for women in cities of more than 60,000 people.It also gave judges the powers to grant protective measures Brazil's National Institute of Applied Economic Research (IPEA) credited the law and linked programmes with a 10 percent drop in homicides of women at home over the decade.But activists say other data suggests gender violence is still rampant the Forum for Public Security estimated a rape occurred every 11 minutes in Brazil while another group said a woman was killed every two hours.Da Penha said there was still a long way to go with smaller cities still lacking the new special services for women."Unfortunately in the majority of districts women at risk of domestic violence have nowhere to go to make a complaint," Da Penha told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in an email interview.Since 2009 the Maria da Penha Institute has teamed up with universities to train people working with domestic violence survivors so their work is not "compromised by macho attitudes".But changing a wider culture of machismo is not easy."It's clear that we all agree there must be an end to gender violence How many of us still go along with old sayings such as 'no one should interfere in a fight between husband and wife?'," she said.EMBLEMATIC FIGUREIn Brazil Da Penha is revered for her work on women's rights Former President Luiz Inacio "Lula" da Silva was among those to congratulate her publicly on its 10th anniversary last month.But it is her personal story and long fight for justice that has made her an emblematic figure for supporters around Brazil.In 1983 her then husband shot her while she slept When she returned home after four months in hospital he tried to electrocute her while she took a shower Her case against him languished in court for two decades and he eventually served just two years in jail for his crime.The Inter-American Court of Human Rights criticised Brazil for not doing enough to prosecute and convict perpetrators of domestic violence and in 2006 the Maria da Penha Act was born.That international intervention was necessary then shows the extent of Brazil's negligence of gender violence Da Penha said."We need to act to change perspectives on this patriarchal and macho culture that violated and still violates millions of women in (Brazil)," said Da Penha a lot of progress was made under President Dilma Rousseff she said.She cited a 24-hour "Disque Denuncia" hotline to receive and report calls about domestic violence and the 2015 law that criminalises femicide.But Da Penha said women's rights activists must get behind implementation of the law to ensure tolerance of violence ends."I never imagined that my struggle which began with a lot of pain and suffering To have the law named after me is also a big responsibility since it does not permit me to stop [my work]," she said.Reporting by Jo Griffin Editing by Belinda Goldsmith; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation Visit <a href="http://news.trust.org">news.trust.org</a> Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab , opens new tab Browse an unrivalled portfolio of real-time and historical market data and insights from worldwide sources and experts. , opens new tabScreen for heightened risk individual and entities globally to help uncover hidden risks in business relationships and human networks. © 2025 Reuters. All rights reserved Firefighters force entry to flat of 70-something siblings; female had been dead for over ‘a month’, disabled male died ‘a while ago’. Autopsy follows. A 78-year-old woman and her 74-year-old brother were found dead in their flat in Rua da Penha yesterday, the Judiciary Police (PJ) have announced. The two lived together in the flat, which is located near Penha Hill. The man suffered from reduced mobility and needed long-term care from his sister, police said. The Fire Services Bureau (CB) transferred the case of the discovery of two bodies to the Judiciary Police for follow-up investigation at around 4:45 pm yesterday, the statement said. A neighbour who had not seen the siblings for some time, called the emergency services yesterday afternoon after “worrying about their safety”. Firefighters and paramedics arrived at the scene, and saw through a window a body lying in a bedroom. They broke into the flat by forcing its metal gate and wooden door. Inside, they found a man lying in one bedroom and a woman lying in another. Police said that no obvious signs of a struggle were found in the flat, neither were there any other suspicious circumstances found at the scene. After initial examinations of the two bodies, PJ forensic pathologists believed that the woman had been dead for over one month and the man had been dead “for a while”. Their examinations also showed that neither had any injuries that could have been caused by foul play, and neither had any suspicious injuries. As the man had reduced mobility, he had always stayed at home, rarely leaving the flat. The man needed long-term care from his sister for basic daily activities, police said. The autopsies will be carried out to confirm the respective exact causes of the siblings’ deaths, The Macau Post Daily reported.  Text description provided by the architects. This project transforms an old bar at Vila Madalena, in Sao Paulo, into Mãe Terra headquarters, a company in the food business. The goal was to bring together different areas – administration, innovation, and product development – but also spaces to sample the food and to experience the company’s work philosophy. From the beginning, earth (“terra”, in Portuguese) was thought of as the project’s emblematic material, capable of expressing the values of receptivity and being connected to nature, both present in the brand’s name, Mãe Terra (“mother earth”). Conceived as an open house to all employees, consumers and even neighborhood visitors, the architecture’s materiality is composed of earth’s variants: rammed earth and fired bricks. © Fran ParenteNatural lighting abounds, coming both from the new windows and from the cracks of the new metallic staircase (perforated sheet floor and rebar handrail), at the back of the building. The top floor, designed to house different meeting and event areas – some enclosed and some open space – is surrounded by glassed façades that, receded, accommodate planters filled with dense landscaping.  © Fran ParenteThe ground floor houses the café the kitchen – which can be used for courses – and the spaces for innovation and product development The back patio can be seen through the stair hall’s large window and the coexistence of the materials and components – old and new – echoes the project’s visual language.  You'll now receive updates based on what you follow Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors If you have done all of this and still can't find the email Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker The Saint Honore Apartment is a renovation by Memola Estudio and Vitor Penha that functionally and visually transformed a 160m² apartment located in the iconic Saint Honoré residential building The concept was to create a timeless atmosphere inspired by lofts with an industrial ambience where rustic materials – exposed concrete and brick revealed through the complete removal of stucco and the peeling of masonry – coexist with the warmth of new wooden surfaces One of the objectives was to create the backdrop for the exhibition of works of art which should be both neutral and expressive Masonry demolitions were concentrated in the wet areas – kitchen service area and bathroom – with the change in layout completely reconfiguring the first two in order to improve flows and integrate the kitchen with the social area The relocation of space allowed for the insertion of a new shared bathroom side by side with the bathroom of the suite The entire floor of this area of ​​the apartment was modified with the installation of ceramic flooring with a rustic appearance and an earthy tone in the service area and kitchen Large sections of masonry were demolished in the intimate hallway and between the kitchen and the living room replaced by new movable wood and half-height glass frames with which it is possible to vary from total to partial integration and isolation of environments the frames give rhythm and unity to the apparent casualness of the recurrences of exposed brick and exposed concrete – creating a strong presence in the space they are delimited by the exposed concrete beams and by the strips of wooden planks that signal the removal of the walls with a tonality that differs from that of the beautiful overall floor of the apartment The industrial aesthetic that participates in the project’s concept is present both in the apparent installations with emphasis on the rigorous distribution of the pipes throughout the entire apartment and in the stainless steel elements that make up the countertops and kitchen furniture and the metallic furniture The guest bedroom had its wardrobes redesigned so as to create a complementary niche facing the hallway and another incorporated into the suite Its bedside wall had its surface coating completely removed the bedside wall was incorporated with acoustic coating the neutral background of the ceramic tiles is counterbalanced by the apparent wood of the unit under the sink and by the delicate design of the mining mirrors due to the dark and heterogeneous tone of the ceramic tiles on the floor and walls and by the mirror coating of the back wall panels of the sink Project: Saint Honore Apartment in São PauloArchitects: Memola Estudio and Vitor Penha Client: PrivatePhotographer: Denilson Machado Input your search keywords and press Enter You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/ Mar 12 – High Court has today issued an order stopping the felling of trees on the Southern and Eastern cliff surrounding the Court A PIL was filed in the court in this regards alleging that vast deforestation was happening in the land owned by the judiciary department in Survey numbers 76/1C and 76/1 E at at Penha-de-Franca Village The petitioners have also alleged that it is likely that efforts are on to change the zone of land in question from Natural Cover with No Development Zone(NDZ) to some other zone The PIL has also pointed out that the work was being carried out without any permissions High Court has passed an interim order directing that no further trees would be cut in these two survey numbers without the leave of the court The matter has been posted for hearing after 3 weeks Get A Golf Handicap UK Golf Guide Golfshake Top 100s Find Golf Travel Deals Golf Competitions Community Forum You don’t get a much better setting in Portugal than at the Penha Longa Resort where a luxurious hotel and accompanying 27-hole golf course nestles in the middle of one of Europe’s most spectacular parks peace and quiet in the heart of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is truly uplifting and it is hard to believe it is a mere 40 minutes drive from the hustle and bustle of Lisbon It isn’t surprising that the area attracted monks in 1355 who established a monastery here for its solitude tourists and golfers from all over the world have also succumbed to its charms over the years There is a nine-hole layout named the Monastery at the Penha Longa Resort but golfers flock here to play the course laid out by Robert Trent Jones Jr 30 years ago in 1992 It has become a firm favourite for those visiting the Lisbon area and enjoyed for its design and isolation as it weaves its way through the hilly wooded landscape that makes the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park so appealing A renovation project started last year to restore bunkers and to reseed some of the fairways with Bermuda while at the same time adding improved drainage and completely revitalising a number of holes While golfers may well be disappointed if they are looking for pristine tee boxes and lush the course conditions are certainly improving having recovered from a fungal infection which had caused problems in recent years and fairways vastly better than I remember them from my last visit about 10 years ago If you enjoy a challenging course with lots of interest and elevation changes then you will find plenty among the many strong holes here When the wind gets up you certainly need to think about where you want to hit the ball The course sets off with a couple of rather straight-forward par fours along fairways cut within the dense woodland Mature trees abound so the need to keep it straight immediately outweighs the requirement for distance It’s not far before the first hill comes into play - the 3rd is a dogleg left where a long iron to the turning point is followed by a steep climb to a large green surrounded by bunkers The following hole appears to be at the most elevated part of the course and OB down the left can ruin an over zealous drive Following a downhill par three the most memorable hole appears- a par five with the green tucked behind a small lake with an ancient aqueduct running behind on the other side you get no respite at the following par three where another pond runs down the full length of the right before jutting out agonisingly close to the green The course continues through the trees and passes a number of villas before heading off into the hills for a terrific finale starting with a very tricky and long par three 15th Over water from an elevated tee invariably into the prevailing breeze The 16th is possibly its equal in terms of challenge The tee is perched high above a narrow tree-lined fairway below in the distance demanding a well thought out approach shot The 17th continues the theme - a difficult downhill par three from yet another elevated tee A lovely scenic par five set in front of the hotel completes a roller-coaster round The Ritz Carlton Hotel oozes class throughout spacious bedrooms and suites to the six restaurants and beautifully presented public rooms The staff are helpful and knowledgeable and service befits the genuinely five-star environment at every turn the hotel sits in the valley amid the forested hillsides and is adjacent to the lovely monastery indoor and outdoor pool and a host of outdoor activities in the surrounding unspoilt countryside Its location lends itself perfectly for day trips to the palaces of Sintra and the other world heritage sites in the area A special mention too for the contemporary classy clubhouse with a terrace overlooking the course and home to Arola Golf may be the main reason for a short break at Penha Longa for many but it appeals to others who like to blend time on the fairways with off-course activities and exploring the locality. The hotel is a mere 15 minutes drive from the old town of Sintra the centre of the park’s many attractions The fascinating town is well worth a wander in its own right, containing the National Palace of Sintra and is the base for visiting the many other colourful palaces gardens and historic homes that dot the surrounding hills Guided tours can be booked through the hotel concierge while other guests follow their own itineraries, in which case a rental car is recommended. In order to visit the famous Park and National Palace of Pena a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride from the town up the hill is a requirement due to parking restrictions You will also need to pre-book a time slot as it gets very busy The nearby town of Quelez is home to the beautiful Gardens and National Palace of Quelez, and the Park and Palace of Monserrate is simply stunning Deeper into the heart of the mountain forest lies the retreat, the Convent of the Capuchos All of these attractions are well worth a visit Penha Longa is a perfect retreat for those looking for a luxurious self contained break in the hills of Sintra The hotel has everything you could ask for and it is an ideal venue for couples in particular who enjoy golf the finer things in life and love exploring so playing the course alone is an option for those looking to pit their wits on a number of courses in the area It is near enough to Lisbon making it within easy reach of the airport as well as the cultural delights of the capital The golf course has a classic layout which can be enjoyed by all standards of player Recent investment targeting the renovation of the bunkers and the resurfacing of several fairways is paying off and improvements are already apparent *The resort offers a number of packages throughout the year See our travel partner Golfbreaks for current offers at Penha Longa Visit https://www.parquesdesintra.pt/en/ for full details of the palaces and gardens of Sintra *Holiday Extras is a market leader in UK airport parking, hotels, lounges, and transfers. Booking Airport Parking in advance means you can enjoy more holiday with less hassle and save money. Plus with Flextras, if you need to cancel or amend you can - without charge. At Manchester, seven days’ Meet and Greet Parking at T1 is available from £66.99. To book, visit HolidayExtras.com or call 0800 316 5678 Price searched on 20th October 2022 for arrival on 26th November Related Content: travel Portugal golfshake golfbreaks Golf Courses Destinations Courses What do you think? post your thoughts and feedback on the Golfshake Forum: https://forum.golfshake.com/ Tuition Series Golf Forums Golf Course Directory UK Golf Courses Tee Time Search Golf Inspired Search for Golf Courses Tee Time Search Weekly Tour News Industry News Rating & Reviews Get a Golf Handicap Golfscoretracker Handicap Calculations Stat Tracking Cards Golfshake Services Terms, Cookies & Privacy A-League star Daniel Penha is a box office entertainer - and on Friday night at Commbank Stadium in Sydney he went above and beyond after signing the forehead of a rival fan. Brazilian born Penha, 25 - on loan at Western United from Atlético Mineiro - tore the Western Sydney Wanderers to shreds. He scored a goal and finished with two sublime assists - all within 12 minutes of the second half - as John Aloisi's men look to move away from the bottom of the ladder. And at the final whistle, Penha displayed his cheeky side, signing an autograph for an a eager fan who now may avoid having a shower for a few days. The Brazilian ambled to the sideline with what appeared to be an iced tea where the young supporter made the unusual request for him to autograph his forehead. The kicker? The fan was a Western Sydney Wanderers supporter, not a Western United fan. It was just another act from Penha that endeared himself to Aussie fans. 'Daniel is an asset to the league, no matter who he plays for. Loves the league, loves the fans, loves Australia,' one fan posted. 'Everyone loves Daniel Penha,' added another. While Penha's display was warmly received by fans, the match itself lacked energy. The Red and Black Bloc (RBB), the Wanderers' active supporter group, boycotted the game after heavy-handed security and policing at the previous week's 4-1 derby loss to Sydney FC and the ground lacked atmosphere as a result. Aloisi didn't care, as his team snared a valuable three points on the road, as they look to avoid the wooden spoon. 'We got what we deserved.....and we deserved a lot more from a lot of other games this season,' the former Socceroos striker said when reflecting on the 3-1 win. 'We don't know where we are going to end up, but all we can do is try and win every game that we have got left.' Meanwhile, Marko Rudan's Wanderers have suffered an alarming dip in form. They have now won just one of their past six games, and face the prospect of their season imploding. In contrast, cross-town rivals Sydney FC are flying, with their last defeat on January 13. Hilarious moment Western United's Daniel Penha signs FACE of young fanCommenting on this article has endedNewest{{#isModerationStatus}}{{moderationStatus}}