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Welcome to the newstimesturkey.com, a newsletter curated by the editors of T Magazine. Each week, we unveil our latest finds — from culinary delights and fashion must-haves to auditory pleasures and coveted items. Sign up here to ensure you receive our insights every Wednesday, along with monthly travel and beauty guides, and the freshest stories from our print editions. We’re always eager to hear from you at info@newstimesturkey.com
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Portugal’s Algarve Region Welcomes a New Retreat
Left: Casa Celeiro is one of five cottages that form Quinta do Pinheiro, a new getaway in southern Portugal. Right: The open kitchen of Casa Celeiro. Credit…Francisco Nogueira
By Gisela Williams
Nestled within Portugal’s Algarve region is Quinta do Pinheiro, a farmhouse hotel located in a natural park. Just a 10-minute walk away, you can find protected dunes, oyster farms, and secluded barrier island beaches accessible only by swimming or boating. Originally constructed in 1870, the estate was acquired in 2021 by Dutch duo Martijn Kleijwegt and Monique Snoeijen, who envisioned a revitalized retreat. Their vision materialized into five chic cottages designed by Portuguese architect Frederico Valsassina and his daughter, Marta.
Each cottage features two or three bedrooms, a dining room, and a kitchen. The property boasts red window frames, typical of the region, and floors adorned with local Santa Catarina tiles. The historic bread oven and distillery have been preserved. Although the hotel lacks a restaurant, staff can arrange for a private chef. For dining out, the historic town of Tavira — a Roman settlement dating back to 400 B.C. known for its churches and bell towers — is a picturesque 90-minute hike or a 25-minute ride on the hotel’s electric bikes.
Starting in May, traveling from New York to this part of Portugal becomes easier with a new United Airlines direct flight between Newark, N.J., and Faro, the Algarve’s capital. Rates start at $380 per night during the low season (November to March), available at quintapinheiro.com.
Wear This
Opera Pumps for Every Occasion
Clockwise from top left: Arthur Sleep opera pump in black calf, $992, available at arthursleep.com; Valentino Bowow kidskin ballerina, $1,150, available at valentino.com; Suzanne Rae opera pump nappa, $475, available at suzannerae.com; Thom Browne opera ballerina, $850, available at thombrowne.com; Manolo Blahnik Toro, $945, available at manoloblahnik.com; and Bode patent opera pump, $760, available at bode.com. Credit…Courtesy of the brands
By Camille Freestone
For his spring 2025 Pavillon des Folies collection, Valentino creative director Alessandro Michele, renowned for his gender-fluid bohemian flair, infused his brocades and ruffles with a classic element of men’s evening attire: the opera pump. This footwear, rooted in Regency era men’s formal wear, is distinguished by its low heel, grosgrain bow, and a vamp slightly higher than a ballet flat — perfect for showcasing an elegant sock. During the Victorian era, opera pumps became the footwear of choice for gentlemen attending the opera, donned by icons like Marlene Dietrich, Frank Sinatra, and Colman Domingo.
Valentino’s Bowow ballerina adds to the recent surge of similar designs. New York’s Bode, celebrated for its retrospective sartorial touches, offers both men’s and women’s versions in patent and napa leather. Thom Browne, a pioneer in reimagining formal wear, and New York designer Suzanne Rae also offer varieties for women. Manolo Blahnik includes a velvet model for men. Although traditionally found only at classic shoemakers like London’s Arthur Sleep, opera pumps have been elusive in women’s sizes.
While the core design remains largely unchanged — with Valentino’s cutaway near the bow as a notable exception — their modern styling has evolved. Domingo, for example, matched his pair with an embroidered evening vest, black trousers, and pointelle socks.
Covet This
Loewe and Hennessy’s Unique Bar Accessory
A limited-edition leather case crafted by Loewe for the Hennessy Paradis bottle, drawing inspiration from the chestnut burr. Credit…Courtesy of Hennessy
By Jenniey Leo