5 Star Salsa Splash Portugal - This holiday is no longer available -

• Return Shuttle Transfer from Faro Airport.
• Six nights half board accommodation at the 5 star Grand Hotel Santa Eulalia
• Special course for beginners
• Pool parties every afternoon
• Midweek visits to clubs (some of these clubs will have free entrance where possible)
• Dance classes every morning
• Beginners Salsa & Kizomba classes
• Floor Shows and entertainment
• Time to relax and enjoy the beach, pool and local sights
• Orientation Pack & welcome drink on arrival

 NB the price does not include a return flight which we are happy to buy for you if you would like us to. There will be a £20 admin fee.

Airport Coach Transfers: Please provide us with your flight details so we can allocate you a seat on our transfer coach. If the transfer times are unsuitable to your arrival/departure schedule, we're more than happy to arrange a taxi which will cost approximately 60€, or car hire. Please give us a call if you would like us to arrange either.

To help you enjoy your stay we would like to share some of our client's favourite places to dine -

Bistro - a small hidden gem in The Old Town. You will have to book in advance for this little place but it is worth it. The menu choice is small but the food is divine.

Villa Joya - a resort boasting some of the most exceptional views of the bay. The restaurant offers a wonderful ambience and a highly recommended set lunch menu. Your experience is full of small surprises and again we would advise to book in advance

Castelo do Mar Bar - a beautiful restaurant with exceptional views of the coastline and Marina. If you just fancy a drink or a beautiful lunch, this venue is perfect. it's a real experience that you will be glad to have included during your stay.

Restaurant O Manjar - Voted to be one of the best restaurants in Albuferia. You can't reserve a table here but if you pop down and they don't have a table available you can pop to the bar across the square and enjoy a drink and the waiter will come to get you once your table is ready. The food and service are traditional and highly thought of by locals and tourists. If you are looking for traditional, local food then this is a great choice.

Shalom II - Apparently this restaurant offers the best ribs you can buy. If you are looking for pizzas, pastas, steak, ribs and comfort food this restaurant is highly thought of.

Grand Real Santa Eulalia***** (Half Board) (Included) 

The Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort and Spa is set in an excellent location overlooking Santa Eulalia beach and the Atlantic Ocean. It has easy access to the beach, and is just east of the popular resort town of Albufeira.

The hotel, built in 2004, offers stylish, modern décor and some of the best facilities in the region.First-class dining and a thermal thalasso circuit give the resort a satisfying blend of comfort and elegance.

Facilities include three outdoor swimming pools (may be heated during peak times), four restaurants, seven bars, two tennis courts, a cardio fitness room, thermal thalasso circuit, steam room and sauna.

Rooms have twin or double beds, individually controlled air conditioning, satellite TV, hairdryer and balcony or terrace.
 

Be the first to experience Mambo City's 5 Star Salsa Splash, a brand new addition to the Salsa Splash family of holidays and events, offering a luxury 5 star early Autumn sunshine break on the Algarve.

With the same high energy workshops and unforgettable parties as Salsa Splash Spain, plus additional related classes, Mambo City's 5 Star Salsa Splash Portugal promises a luxurious end to your summer at an affordable price. Join Robert & Jean White and their team for an exciting array of classes in Salsa On 1, Salsa On 2, Cuban Salsa, Rueda, Cha Cha Cha, Bachata, and Kizomba / Afro Luso! Your holiday, workshops and parties take place in the 5 star Grand Real Santa Eulalia Hotel, located on the renowned Santa Eulalia Hotel in happening Albufeira. It includes four outdoor heated pools, a spa, a gym, a choice of restaurants, bars and great dance space to show off your moves! Immerse yourself in the ultimate 5 star Salsa Splash experience. 

Secure your place now and call 0207 099 4816.

This is Mambo City's 5 Star Salsa Splash, a brand new addition to the Salsa Splash family of holidays and events. You'll be the first to experience this unique dance holiday - just tell us all about it when you get back! 

Yes! Anyone who has experienced the Salsa/Kizomba Splash brand will know that Mambo City's holidays are legendary. And for those who haven't - it's time you did!

5 Star Salsa Splash Portugal is a unique luxury break offering high quality salsa and parties in the sunshine.  Catering to all dance abilities, from complete beginners to advanced, Robert and Jean bring their enthusiasm and professionalism to our best selling dance brand. And all for the amazing-value price of just £499 per person (Early Bird).

Tuesday
Arrival and transfer to the Hotel Grand Real Santa Eulalia for dinner, welcome party and drink, followed by an Ice Breaker dance session at one of Albufeira's top nightspots.

Wednesday
After breakfast you will enjoy two hours of Salsa classes with the Mambo City team. Take a break for lunch and before enjoying the splendid hotel facilities ( swimming pools, health spa and massage, stroll on the beach or take and a dip in the sea).

Afternoon Salsa pool party, a wonderful social event and opportunity to practise your moves. 

After a sociable dinner at the hotel we depart for one of Albufeira's top nightclubs for a dance night to remember.

Thursday
After breakfast enjoy two hours of Salsa classes with the Mambo City team. Take a break for lunch and before enjoying the splendid hotel facilities ( swimming pools, health spa and massage, stroll on the beach or take and a dip in the sea).

Afternoon Salsa pool party, a wonderful social event and opportunity to practise your moves.

After a sociable dinner at the hotel join the Salsa Party in the hotel ballroom.

Friday
After breakfast enjoy two hours of Salsa classes with the Mambo City team. Take a break for lunch and before enjoying the splendid hotel facilities ( swimming pools, health spa and massage, stroll on the beach or take and a dip in the sea).

Afternoon Salsa pool party, a wonderful social event and opportunity to practise your moves.
 
Dinner at the hotel followed by one of Mambo City's legendary parties - a fantastic evening dancing Salsa and socialising with good friends while the sun sets over the stunning Atlantic ocean.

Saturday
Day 1 of our 5 Star Salsa Splash Weekend workshop program with classes to choose from including Salsa On1, On2, Cuban Salsa, Rueda, Rumba, Soca Dance, Kizomba and Street Dance.

Dinner at the hotel followed by another legendary Mambo City  Party - a fantastic evening dancing Salsa and socialising with good friends. Continue to one of the Algarve's most popular clubs.

Sunday
Day 2 of our 5 Star Salsa Splash Weekend workshop program with classes to choose from including Salsa On1, On2, Cuban Salsa, Rueda, Rumba, Soca Dance, Kizomba and Street Dance.

Evening Gala dinner at the hotel and farewell party with spectacular floor shows by our invited performers. Continue the with dancing to music by DJ Cruz.

Monday
Transfer to to the airport for return flight to the UK.

All of the workshops start on day one with the teachers asking everyone to dance to a Salsa / Kizomba, during which they will observe the group and decide which level each client is at. Smaller groups are then formed – usually 2 – intermediate/advanced and beginner/improver.

Each group is then given a choreographed set of steps, based on the theme of the workshop.  Here are some examples of the themes covered:

Salsa - Cross Body Style
Improvers
Focus on connection with partner, Shines, Turn Patterns, Rhythm & Musicality

Intermediate
Better connection in partner work, more advance partner work

Advanced
Dynamics in motion, difficult sequences, variations

Shines
Footwork origination for swing, tap and jazz dance, now used in salsa dancing

Partner work / Turn patterns

Cross Body Style
There are 3 distinct style of Crossbody dancing, 1-LA, 2-New York On2, 3-New York On1

Los Angeles Style
Basic step for LA-style, with leader's steps in blue.
L.A. style is danced on 1, in a slot, with a measure of easiness and adaptability to it. It is strongly influenced by the Mambo, Swing, Argentine Tango and Latin Ballroom L.A. style places strong emphasis on sensuousness, theatricality, aerobics, and musicality. The lifts, stunts and aerial works of today's salsa shows are derived mostly from L.A. Style forms with origins in Latin Ballroom and Ballet lifts.
The two essential elements of this dance are the forward–backward basic as described above and the cross-body lead. In this pattern, the leader steps forward on 1, steps to the right on 2-3 while turning 90 degrees counter-clockwise (facing to the left), leaving the slot open. The follower then steps straight forward on 5-6 and turns on 7-8, while the leader makes another 90 degrees counter-clockwise and slightly forward, coming back into the slot. After these 8 counts, the leader and follower have exchanged their positions.

New York Style On2
Like LA-style salsa, New York style is danced in a line. However, unlike LA style, it is danced on the second beat of the music ("on 2"), and the follower steps forward on the first measure of the music, not the leader. The etiquette of New York Style is strict about remaining in the "slot" and avoiding traveling dancing in a sandbox area with a lot of spins, turns and styling. There is greater emphasis on performing "shines" in which dancers separate themselves and dance solo with intricate footwork and styling for a time—suspected origins from Swing and New York Tap.
Though he did not create New York style salsa, Eddie Torres is credited with popularizing it, and for having the follower step forward on the second beat of the first measure.
There are two distinct developments of New York Salsa as a music and dance genre:
1. Primary original evolution from Mambo era when Cuban music was introduced to New York due to influx of migrating Cuban dissidents and Latin migrants during Pre/Post Cuban Revolution in the 1950s and 1960s. This era is known as the "Palladium Era". At this time, the music and dance was called "Mambo" or "Rhumba" -- connoting the general term without being specific.
2. Secondary evolution during the late 1970s, Latin migrants, particularly Puerto Ricans, contributed to the New York Salsa development during the "NuYorican" era of Hector Lavoe which greatly popularized salsa as a term and modern Latin music throughout the world. Salsa superstars were "discovered" during the era, such as Ray Baretto ("The Godfather") and Celia Cruz ("The Queen of Salsa"). There are also salsa artists that transcend both periods, notably the legendary Puerto Rican Tito Puente ("The Mambo King").
These two developments create a fusion of a new salsa music and dance genre, different than its Latin American and L.A. Style counterparts.
New York style salsa emphasizes harmony with the percussive instruments in salsa music, such as the congas, timbales, and clave, since many or all of those instruments often mark the second beat in the music

New York Style On1
In the mid 1990's a group of dancers headed to New York to learn Crossbody dancing, MamboCity was one of these groups, the style there teach is an adaptation of New York On2 taught On1,

Cuban Style
Cuban style, also known as Casino, Casino traces its origin as a partner dance from Cuban Son dancing, and its rhythmic body motions from Afro-Cuban Rumba heritage. Son is considered an older version and ancestor to Salsa, it is danced in a circular motion, where the follower travels around their partner.
Son is danced on delay measure upbeat (contra-tiempo) following the 2-3 clave (Son Clave) whereas Casino is usually danced on the downbeat break of 1 or 3 (a-tiempo). Musically, the beats 1, 3, 5 and 7 are considered downbeats; whereas 2, 4, 6 and 8 are considered upbeats. Casino was popularized in the late 1950s as the Cuban Son received upbeat and quicker arrangements by musicians. Casino has a very independent development, free from external influences such as Puerto Rican and North American dances partly due to the effect of the Cuban Embargo

Rueda de Casino (Rueda, Casino Rueda, Salsa Rueda) is a particular type of round dancing of Salsa. It was developed in Havana, Cuba in the late 1950s and early 1960s by the group Guaracheros de Regla and one of its main choreographers and creators was Jorge Alfaro from San Miguel del Padrón, a soloist of a comparsa.
Pairs of dancers form a circle, with dance moves called out by one person, a caller (or "líder" or "cantante" in Spanish). Many moves have hand signs to complement the calls; these are useful in noisy venues, where spoken calls might not be easily heard. Many moves involve the swapping of partners.
The names of the moves are mostly in Spanish, some in English (or Spanglish; e.g., "un fly"). Some names are known in slightly different versions, easily recognizable by Spanish-speaking dancers, but may be confusing to the rest.

Kizomba

Kizomba is one of the most popular genres of dance and music originating from Angola.[1] It is a derivative of semba, with a mix of Kilapanda and Angolan Merengue,[2] and sung generally in Portuguese. It is music with a romantic flow. It was the Kimbundu name for a dance in Angola as early as 1894. The Kizomba dancing style is also known to be very sensual. Actually as performed the kizomba is a meringue-konpa.[3]
Kizomba is often confounded with Zouk, the French Antilles konpa, because the pace is very similar.

Kizomba is mentioned in 1894 in the Bulletin of the American Geographical Society of New York which said "the genuine Kimbundu name is Kizomba, that is, dance." [5] In Angola in the 1950s the expression Kizombadas referred to a party. There was no association of the word to a dance or musical genre. However, the dance known as "Semba", "Rebita", "Kabetula", "Maringa", already existed in the 50's and 60's. Other dances coming from Europe like Tango were practiced by the Portuguese colonials. The "Plena" from Puerto Rico and are thought to be brought by the Cuban influence in Angola during the war. The style of Kizomba is now emphasizes a very smooth way of dancing with influences of Tango steps, but one of the main differences is that the lower body, the hip, does forward/backwards and circle movements. People dance on the tempo, as well as playing on the off beat and only sometimes using syncopation steps.

We are pleased to offer a truly first class teaching and entertainment team of choreographers - full line-up to be announced soon.

Robert and Jean say about themselves: "Our first Salsa experience, was at a night club in Toronto Canada called Berlins, where the Salsa night was hosted by Josie Neglia, it wasn’t until we returned to London, that we decided to take lessons in 1992, with the first generation of UK Instructors, Xihomara Granados, Nelson Batiste, Ramiro Zapata and Zina. we were first introduced to cross body style dancing by Pedro Gomez and have since gone on to work with and learn different styles from, such salsa luminaries as Eddie Torres, Nelson Flores (Descarga Latina), Thomas Guerrero (SantoRico), Frankie Martínez and many others.   Owing to these influences, we have experienced styles ranging from Columbian and Cuban Salsa, to the Cross Body styles "On 1" / "On 2" and Cha Cha Cha, It was in May 1999, on a visit to the first SalsaWeb Convention (which was hosted in Washington DC), that we really got inspired, the amount of talent there amazed us, this plus encouragement from Nelson Flores and some friends who wanted us to teach them, prompted us to start MamboCity, which we did in August 1999, our first class had about 15 of our friends and steadily grew, we held our first party in October of that year, which was a Halloween Fancy Dress/Mask Party, we like themes as it keeps the party atmosphere.  The following month (November), we got involved in promoting a New York dance group who wanted to come to the UK, Luis Zegarra of Fuerza Latina and Ismael Otero of Caribean Soul, This happend by chance, due a promoter who was responsible for organising the event pulling out, Luis Zegarra persuaded us to go ahead with the promotion."

International cuisine:  Albufeira offers a choice of restaurants offering locally caught fresh seafood as well as international cuisine including modern and traditional Portuguese, Italian, Chinese and much more.

In addition to your holiday we also offer you a variety of optional extras to make your holiday even richer and add some local colour.  You can buy your optional extras at the welcome meeting at the beginning of your holiday.  We will ask you to pay in cash and fill out a form.  These are the optional extras that we anticipate running – actual details and prices will be confirmed on arrival. Some may require minimum numbers.

Hotel drinks package - 6 euros per person per meal: Includes wine, beer, water or coffee during the meal.

Buffet lunch at the hotel - 25 euros per person.

On Arrival: You will receive a detailed itinerary and details of any optional extras. We also include information on the local sights, recommended restaurants and other helpful tips.

Tour Host: Over the week you will have a tour host who will be available to help you with any questions that you may have. They will be around from the pickup at the airport until you go home, and also will actively participate in the social events. Whilst it should be noted that tour hosts cannot be present at every moment (as they sometimes must prepare other activities for your holiday), their role is to facilitate as much as possible that you have an unforgettable holiday. They normally go to bed at around 1’o clock in the morning and you should continue to enjoy your evening.

Overview of the Week and Welcome Drink: At the beginning of the week there is an Overview of the Week where your tour host will tell you about all details of your holiday. At the Overview of the Week you can buy any optional extras. Also at the start of the week, Dance Holidays will invite you to be our guest to a drink.

Getting Around: You are responsible for making your own way to the dance classes and meeting points on the itinerary. We will point out those times when it is sensible to take a taxi.

Free time: We encourage you to explore the local area and make use of the excellent hotel facilities. This can be done when you please around the activities and dance classes that we have organized for you. Your tour host will be on hand for any queries you may have about the local area.

Banks and Money: The easiest way to buy obtain euros is by using a credit card at the cashpoints which are located at five minutes walking distance from the hotel. You can buy small amounts, as often as you like, at any time, without queuing. You will need to know your P.I.N. Bank opening hours are normally 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. Banks will change cash, travellers cheques and will sell you currency on your credit card providing the lines are open. You will always need to show your passport at a bank.

Tipping is generally not that common in Portugal. There is no need to tip taxis, but it is usual to leave a 5 - 10% tip at a restaurant if you are particularly pleased with your dinner/lunch.

We feel our tour hosts work hard to give you an exceptional holiday and sometimes you may find that they add some special touches which are beyond the call of duty. If you agree with us, you might wish to show your appreciation by way of a tip. You can do this by putting money in an envelope on your own or by getting together with other guests. This evidently is entirely at your discretion.

Making friends with the Locals and people not on the holiday: The dance classes and dance evening events in the hotel at night are exclusive to Dance Holidays clients. Generally, we discourage people who are not on the holiday from joining our activities and we ask for your discretion is this respect. By all means, outside of the itinerary, do mix with other holidaymakers staying in the hotel.

Salsa Splash Portugal offers you six fantastic nights of dancing (Tuesday to Sunday). These nights will be in the company of some of the best instructors ever to work with Mambo City. The evenings will be informal and fun in the classic Mambo City style, with the full team of dancers accompanying you.   We will have at least three nights out at local clubs, with transport included to ensure you have the best Salsa Splash experience!

Flights: The standard price advertised does not include a return flight out to the event.  You can buy your own flight or we can buy it for you, there will be an admin fee of £20 on top of the flight price.  

The nearest airport to Albufeira is Faro which is served by Ryanair and EasyJet, amongst other airlines. There are several regional departures from the UK. 

Airport Coach Transfers: Please provide us with your flight details so we can allocate you a seat on our transfer coach. If the transfer times are unsuitable to your arrival/departure schedule, we're more than happy to arrange a taxi which will cost approximately 60€, or car hire. Please give us a call if you would like us to arrange either.
 

Making Your Own Way to Your Hotel in Albufeira  Should you not want to take our shuttle transfer from Faro Airport or if you are flying in to an alternate airport you can reach your hotel by taking a taxi from Faro Airport from approximately 60€. Alternatively, you can catch a bus to the centre of Faro and from there pick up a bus to Albufeira. For time-tables and to pre-book please see: http://www.eva-bus.com/.

Books on Portugal: It may be worth your while reading up on your destination before you go. We recommend the Rough Guide for general travel tips as well as Monica Ali's "Alentejo Blue" for a stunning portrait of rural Portugal.

Budgeting for your holiday: Here are some guidelines on prices, to help you do your own calculations. Please refer to the optional extra section of the fact sheet for the prices of the optional extras.
Three course meal including drinks in the centre of town:  20-25 euros
An evening of tapas and drinks: 12 euros
Rum and coke: 5 euros
Beer:  2 euros
Coffee: 1.50 euros

Health and Fitness: There are no particular health requirements for a dance holiday. However you should be able to dance for at least two hours a day in order to be able to enjoy the workshop/socials.

Insurance, Visa and Passport Requirements: Insurance is a condition of booking. Visas may be required for non EU citizens. British nationals need a full passport to travel to Spain. Refer to the brochure for full details.

Travel Documents: You receive these 10 days prior to departure. 

Albufeira is located on the Portuguese Algarve and so the climate is always mild and nearly always sunny. 

Average temperatures:

Jan          10C            Apr           14C            Jul             25C              Oct            18C
Feb          13C            May          19C            Aug           25C              Nov           16C
Mar          13C            Jun           21C           Sep            22C              Dec          12C

What to wear for dancing:  We recommend that you bring shoes with a leather sole for the dance classes and the evenings.  You might also want to bring blochs dance trainers with you as well. Your shoes should be comfortable and supportive and we advise you to wear lightweight cotton socks if you want to avoid suffering from sweaty and blistered feet!  Wear comfortable loose clothing for the classes, but feel free to glam your gear up for the evenings as we expect the Salsa Nights to be quite dressy!

Useful Things to Bring
Camera - so you can tweet and post your memorable moments!
Swimming costume/trunks and suntan lotion
Summer/Autumn clothing for day
Jacket for evenings
This fact sheet and Joining Instructions
Passport, money, plane ticket.