500,000 EUR in Charity Donations, Virtual Travel, Inclusive Staffing Initiatives & Investment Opportunities

During this unprecedented period of COVID-19, the exclusive residential and golfing resort in the Algarve, Quinta do Lago, is utilising this time to support local communities and come out stronger than ever before. A conscious effort has been made to keep every member of staff’s job, over 500,000 EUR has been donated to local hospitals, 100 complimentary hotel rooms are being offered to healthcare workers, residents have returned to the resort to quarantine in a safe space, initiatives have been launched to inspire future guests and new investments are being made to prepare for once travel recommences.

Sean Moriarty, CEO of Quinta do Lago, comments: "Along with the rest of the world, Quinta do Lago is experiencing the effects of this unprecedented time, but, as ever, our strength and optimism prevail. All of us here, from our employees to residents, members and guests, are united in the common goal of protecting life and supporting one another.”

Nestled within the Algarve and the privacy and security of the Ria Formosa nature reserve, the unique Mediterranean resort allows guests to live a life off full possibilities in the heart of Portugal’s southern coast. Sublime restaurants, a premier sports hub, The Campus, boutique hotel, The Magnolia Hotel, and golden sand beach, all surrounded by three award winning golf courses, invite you to enjoy a year-round active lifestyle.

100 Rooms for Healthcare Workers and Charity Initiatives

At the start of the Covid-19 crisis, Quinta do Lago resort donated 50,000 EUR to local hospitals in Faro, Portimão and Lagos to supply as much essential medical equipment as possible to the public hospitals. This equipment included CT scanners, ventilators, testing kids, heartrate monitors and PPE. This donation formed part of a wider campaign led by Quinta do Lago residents called ‘Flattening the Curve’, over 500,000 EUR has now been raised through their GoFundMe page. The money is going to the Algarve Biomedical Centre (ABC), the consortium which is leading many of the region’s initiatives to contain the pandemic.

Moriarty comments, “We are very much indebted to the great work that these people are doing at our local hospitals. Everyone at Quinta do Lago is committed to supporting these hospitals over the following weeks to help support them financially in their fight against COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic is something that is affecting all parts of society.”

The Magnolia Hotel has also launched a new campaign called 100 Rooms for Healthcare Workers. To show appreciation for the frontline heroes fighting COVID-19, Quinta do Lago is delighted to offer 100 free rooms at their boutique hotel to healthcare workers and their guest to enjoy a well-deserved break. To apply, workers simply need to complete an online form via the website with details of their place of work. The offer is valid for two people for a one-night stay on a date of their choosing until the end of 2020, once travel resumes.

www.themagnoliahotelqdl.com/special-offers/100-rooms-for-healthcare-workers-quinta-do-lago

In a further show of gratitude, Quinta do Lago is also offering all heath care and emergency service workers a complimentary coffee and breakfast every morning at its boutique café and juice bar PURE. PURE and KOKO Restaurants are operating as takeaways for all residents. During the closure of the other restaurants, all leftover produce was donated to local welfare charities in Quarteira and Almancil.

Positive Resort Operations

Throughout this uncertain time, Quinta do Lago’s values continue to be upheld. As an inclusive and welcoming resort with a large focus on wellness, all residents and staff are being encouraged to support each other and look after their own state of mind as well as physical health. The exemplary leadership and guest services teams are supporting people at risk with medication and food deliveries which includes fresh produce from the Quinta Farm incorporated into PURE’s and KOKO’s menus, whilst upholding to the government guidelines and clear internal communications.

On this Moriarty reflects, “I have always been incredibly proud of the loyal and innovative team here and their dedication and ability to adapt to the changing circumstances has been incredible. We have also been overwhelmed by the numbers of guests supporting us and the community, and taking advantage of our new policies and offers, postponing their trips, not cancelling.”

Armchair Travel – Yoga, Recipes & Live Concerts

With guests as a top priority, Quinta do Lago has launched a series of ‘armchair travel’ initiatives to stay connected and bring the spirit of the Algarve to guests’ homes. These experiences encompass all aspects of the resort including energy boosting, tension-releasing or detoxing ‘virtual-yoga classes’ which are led by The Campus’ top instructors. These yoga sessions take place every Friday at 10am and are live streamed Via Instagram Live @thecampusqdl.

Those looking to maintain a healthy, balanced diet during quarantine can also tap into recipe tutorials and learn how to make the resort’s quintessential cuisine including fresh juices, ginger shots or fresh bread. All videos are available on the @pureqdl or @kokoqdl Instagram page. Alternatively, those looking to indulge can learn to make an irresistible Aperol and sake cocktail via @danosqdl. Why not sip your beverage and really feel the beats of Quinta with a live concert streamed every Thursday with one of the resort’s resident musicians renowned across the Algarve? Also available via @qdlresort at 7pm.

Virtual Real Estate

“This testing time is showcasing the power of technology and I predict people will continue to utilise these services even when movement picks up again,” comments Moriarty. Quinta do Lago Real Estate is using the advanced technology of virtual property tours to ensure potential buyers are looked after during this period. Through the platform of Matterport, 3D virtual guided tours are available along with full videos of each home, for example:

Matterport platform: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=sZEMPjW1e9d

www.quintadolago.com/en/properties/sale/classic-architecture-views-san-lorenzo-golf-course/

Looking Ahead

Quinta do Lago is using this time to prepare the resort for after COVID-19. Uniquely, this involves a large amount of investment into the golf courses, F&B offering, The Campus, hospitality, real estate and guest services which is all taking place right now. The resort is aware that when restrictions are lifted, travel will mean a huge amount to guests, so it is important to raise the game. Travellers will be inspired to seek safe, active destinations, with a focus on community, reunion and an appreciation for nature – and the resort is preparing to offer just that. Currently task forces are putting new packages and offerings into place which involve a new ‘surprise holiday’ experience and a sustainability programme.

Moriarty predicts “Guests are going to want to learn new things, experience a bit of adventure and will really appreciate what a family holiday together means. I am predicting a rise in demand for outdoor living, enriching experiences and a relaxed lifestyle, all of which we have been committed to providing in Quinta do Lago for nearly 50 years. We know people will need this now more than ever, so we are spending this time preparing family, lifestyle and wellness packages with our sports hub The Campus and boutique hotel The Magnolia Hotel, to get families out enjoying the abundant nature of the Algarve, living actively and savouring the feeling of being able to once again explore the world and its wonders.”

The resort is also planning to implement various regulations and new initiatives surrounding social distancing upon reopening – all abiding by the WHO and DGS guidelines. These include offering regular health check-ups on employees in a well-equipped-clinic, remote check-in / check-out services, disinfecting all areas and limiting the number of people allowed in each area, keeping the pool, gym and spa areas closed until advised by the government and encouraging outdoor exercise, allocating alternate hotel rooms to leave space between guests, proving masks for guests on arrival and transfers to provide information on all safety and sanitization methods at the resort.

For more information please visit The Quinta do Lago website (www.quintadolago.com) or contact on +351 289 005 300.