Interview with Mário Morais

About Mário:
Meet our very own “Super” Mário, a professional luxury ambassador born and raised in Faro in Portugal’s famed Algarve coastline. For the last 11 years, he has been busy making visitors’ dreams come true in the Algarve. His goal: “to give guests the best holidays ever!”

He has provided luxury services for several big personalities including US senators, a UK Prime Minister, famous footballers and football teams, politicians and important businessmen and women from all around the world.

Take a look at what he had to share with us about his role with Tripwix.

What makes you the perfect match for the ambassador role in the Algarve?
I was born and raised in the Algarve, so I know all those special places that only locals know. Plus, I have a degree in Tourism and Marketing from Algarve University and an MA in European Tourism Management from Bournemouth University accredited by the Tourism Management Institute. I don’t see it as a job, I have lots of fun doing what I do.

What are your passions?
I’m a sports addict. I played volleyball for 17 years, and — as a true Portuguese — I’m a big football (soccer) fan. I also love music, meeting new people and creating YouTube vlogs about my work and adventures. My biggest passion, however, is my home region in Portugal’s Algarve.

Why do you love the Algarve so much?
I like to say that the Algarve is where the sun spends its winter. It enjoys more than 300 sunny days per year. I love going to the beach, and the Algarve boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. It is a privilege to live in a place where you can head to the beach at the end of the day — when it’s almost empty of people and the ocean is warmer — to watch the sunset. Sunset is my favourite colour. I also enjoy a day out on a yacht or going to the best local restaurants.

What activities would you recommend to guests?

• The Algarve Caves. Spending the day visiting the caves on a luxury yacht or by speed boat. We often see dolphins swimming.
• Ria Formosa Natural Park. This park is considered one of the 7 natural wonders of Portugal, and I can arrange a stunning luxury yacht tour.
• Gastro tours. Portugal’s cuisine is among the best in the world. I can arrange amazing food and wine tours.
• Old town and historical centre of Faro. I love to show off my city, where I was born.
• Golf. For the past 5 years in a row, Portugal has taken the top position as the best golf destination in the world according to the World Golf Awards, principally for its 30+ golf courses in the Algarve.

What do you want guests to remember from their vacations with you?
My goal is that they never forget their holidays in the Algarve. The colours of the sky, the smell of the ocean, and the texture of our sand. The warm breeze while having an amazing dinner.

What souvenirs should guests look out for?
Wine, handcrafts, Aguardente de Medronhos spirit, porcelains, sweets (figs, almonds), lace and gifts made from cork.

Are there any interesting facts that people are surprised to know about you?
I’m an expert in body language; I just love it. I am regularly invited to give lectures and talks at the university, sharing my knowledge with thousands of people.

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Guest Reviews

Weellendorph family from Humlebæk, Denmark: “Luis was super professional and well organized. He had amazing suggestions for activities and understood our needs.”

Gibbons Family from Newport, Ireland: “From the moment we arrived Luis was very helpful, and he checked in during the week to see if we needed anything. It was great to know that he was there to help us with any of our queries and did so very promptly! When we arrived, we got a great tour and were sent links to shops and restaurants, which was helpful. Thank you so much for all your help!”

Azevedo Family from Lisbon, PT: “Luís and Mário were incredibly friendly and flexible with our requests, providing excellent service. From before our arrival to our stay and check-out, their support was exceptional”

Vladimir Family from Naaldwijk, NL: “Congratulations on a five-star property with excellent ambassadors! Everything was exceptional.”

Almeida Family from Lisbon, PT: “Luís provided excellent service.”

Gomes Family from Porto, PT: “Five stars! Mário and Luís are always attentive and available, which in a service this demanding is one of the most important factors.”

Korine Family from NY, USA: “Mario and Luis were extremely kind, attentive, knowledgeable, and easy to contact. They made our trip special and were willing to do whatever necessary to make our stay enjoyable and memorable. Mario’s local knowledge and recommendations made exploring the area a breeze, while Luis’s attention to detail and warm hospitality made us feel right at home. They were always available to assist with anything we needed, from organizing activities to providing delicious local meals. I highly recommend them!”

Korine Family from New York, USA: “Mario and Luis went above and beyond to ensure our stay was perfect. Mario’s local knowledge and recommendations made exploring the area a breeze, while Luis’s attention to detail and warm hospitality made us feel right at home. They were always available to assist with anything we needed, from organizing activities to providing delicious local meals. They were extremely kind, attentive, knowledgeable, easy to contact and willing to do whatever necessary to make our stay enjoyable and memorable. We highly recommend them!”

Stratts Family from Villanova, PA USA: “Luís was wonderful and very helpful.”

Melissa Fillis – Canada: “Mario and Luis were very attentive and quick to respond to any questions. I couldn’t ask for better concierges!”

Mcauley Family from Glasgow, Scotland, UK: “We have booked a few villas with Mario and Luís over the last 2 years and every time they exceed our expectations! They are absolutely amazing and always give us the best service and the most gorgeous villas. We will continue to book all our trips with them. Thank you so much for everything! “

Conahan Family from Pennsylvania, USA: “Mário and Luís greeted us upon our arrival. We were treated like family from the moment we walked onto this amazing property! You can tell they were very proud of Portugal, the Luz area and especially the property. They showed us around the villa and of all the amenities and told us if we had any questions that the staff couldn’t answer that they were available to answer questions at any time.”

Stratts Family from Maryland, USA: “Mário and Luís welcomed us, gave us a tour of the house, pools and gardens and were very accommodating.”

Gilligan Family from Sevenoaks, UK: “I would 100% recommend Luis & Mario for their Algarve experience, they are FANTASTIC and great Tripwix ambassadors. Any small things were dealt with promptly. No negatives at all from our end! They are attentive, courteous, professional and just lovely guys where nothing was too much trouble. We’ve made the best family memories and Luis and Mario made that possible. Their recommendations enhanced our holiday big-time and the final sunset boat cruise was incredible, including the unique sight of dolphins close-up. ”

Perrodo Family from London, UK: “Excellent team. Thank you Mario and Luis.”

Steve Purser from Brighton, UK: “Truly one of the best holidays we’ve had […]The boat trip was amazing and both Luis and Mario have been the perfect hosts and made us feel so welcome. A great trip to remember.”

Grace and Simon from Manchester, UK: “Couldn’t have done more for us! It was an amazing stay”

Hussain family from Dubai, UAE: “They were very quick to respond and very efficient.”

Salter-Cid family from Portugal and USA: “Mario and Luis are amazing, always available, responsive, went with us to the boat, great suggestions and just overall great to interact with.”

Dougherty Family from Ridgefield, WA, USA: “Luis and Mario were welcoming and wonderful.”

Esteves family from Arcos de Valdevez, Portugal: “Pessoa top, simpática, acessível e disponível / Top person, friendly, accessible and available”

Raphinha (Raphael Belloli) from FC Barcelona: “O Mario e o Luís nos fizeram se sentir como em casa. Foram impecáveis e de uma simpatia ímpar. Superam nossas expectativas. São brilhantes os dois! / Mario and Luís made us feel at home. They were impeccable and very friendly. They exceeded our expectations. Both are brilliant!”

Martinez Toni Family from Porto, Portugal: “Obrigado a Mário Morais, foi excelente connosco. Voltaremos / Thank you, Mário Morais, you were great. We shall return.”

Castle Family from Ridgefield, CT, USA: “Luis was amazing and so responsive as we planned our trip and when we were at the villa. He made everything easy and enjoyable for us.”

Dara’s Birthday Group from London, UK: “Luis and Mario were amazing. Very friendly and helpful with quick replies and a great welcome.”

Marchesin Family from Vigo, Spain: “Mario é um embaixador incrível! Sempre en todos os detalhes …muito recomendável ! Uma experiência maravilhosa!!! / Mario is an amazing ambassador! Always taking care of all the details … highly recommended! A wonderful experience!!!”

Bryars Family from Bournemouth, UK:“Luis and Mario were 10/10, they were absolutely fantastic, couldn’t do enough for us and made our holiday really special. Thanks again guys.”

Nissner Group from Vienna, Austria: “Helpful and really nice people. Always ready for questions. Always ready when you need anything.”

Ganz Family, Zürich, Switzerland: “Mario is effective and efficient. Excellent interpersonal skills. We felt very comfortable under his guide. We felt really welcomed.”

Duijndam Family, Netherlands: “We had a wonderful stay […] Mario supported us very well. Good team ‘Super Mario’ and ‘Power Melanie’.”

Wohltmann Family from Hannover: “We can recommend Tripwix with Mário!!”

O’Dowd Family from Dublin, Ireland: “Mario and Luis were very friendly and helpful to everyone.”

Boeckmann Family from Dallas, TX, USA: “Amazing team. We already knew Super Mario but now we love super Luis too… [they] went above and beyond all of our requests needs and desires. Luis organized golf, lunches, dinners, drivers, airport rides and day trips. Fantastic.”

Arencibia Family from New York, USA: “Luis & Mario were super nice to the whole family and were fantastic resources during our trip. Recommendations were great and they were highly efficient in responding to issues/requests.”