The Real Algarve

Vicky Reeves – Director / Property Specialist

Having loved her job for many years working as an Account Manager for one of the world’s largest healthcare organisations, Vicky’s dream of taking over The Real Algarve from her father Simon and Step Mother Lynne became a reality in 2015. Holidaying in The Algarve for as long as she can remember and being heavily interested in the business for many years, Vicky was delighted to take over the business with her sister Katie when the opportunity finally arose.

Vicky has an excellent track record in sales and customer service, and her tenacity has been invaluable to The Real Algarve. She is completely committed to always finding people exactly what they need and searching until she has found it.

Katie and Vicky are close sisters, so to have the opportunity to work together was a dream come true and they really do make the perfect team. Both have a natural flair for working with people and are incredibly hard working and passionate about their company – the perfect recipe for success.

Vicky’s number one priority in life is her family, husband Joe and twins Max and Amelie. They too love The Algarve and this has meant that Vicky has a really clear handle on what is most important for parents travelling with children. Creating lasting memories is Vicky’s top priority and she is able to achieve this on behalf of our clients time and time again, thanks to her knowledge, commitment and dedication to The Real Algarve.

Katie Hale – Director / Property Specialist

Katie has a wealth of previous experience within customer focused and sales environments.  After leaving Manchester University she worked for Simon and Lynne for several years where her love and experience of The Real Algarve business began.

She then moved back to Manchester and worked for over 13 years for a leading recruitment firm as a Senior Business Manager. In this role she gained invaluable commercial exposure and business acumen that has provided the perfect platform for the leap back into The Real Algarve rental business. Katie now heads up the business with her sister Vicky and their close working relationship and passion for delivering exceptional holidays has seen The Real Algarve grow from strength to strength.

Katie’s strengths lie predominantly around the day to day running of the business, whilst providing the best customer experience for our clients.  She always develops an excellent rapport and relationships with clients as a trusted partner. These qualities have proved successful in both the recruitment arena and now with the owners and clients at The Real Algarve.  She is immensely passionate about the Algarve and also about making her clients’ holidays the best they can possibly be.

Katie’s family, husband Bruce and two children Sophie and Alex are her other every day passion. Like Vicky she knows what’s important to parents planning a holiday, but also has fond memories of the girl’s annual holidays and romantic breaks to The Algarve, so is able to help create the perfect getaway for all types of holidaymakers.

Annie Dyson – Customer Relations Manager

Annie joined The Real Algarve team in July 2022 and had previously worked for a global company in Customer Services for over 10 years. She was thrilled to be offered this role and become part of a successful and growing business.

Annie’s strengths lie in building excellent relationships with customers and having a strong sense of attention to detail. She strives to ensure an exceptional customer experience for our clients by working closely with the team at the Real Algarve and our trusted suppliers.

As well as efficiently managing all client queries throughout the booking and holiday process, Annie is also responsible for the concierge service we offer at The Real Algarve. From wine tasting to boat trips, Annie is there to make all aspects of our clients’ holidays unforgettable.

Annie lives in Altrincham with her husband Matt and two girls, Francesca and Georgia. She has a real desire to help families, couples and groups experience the best holiday possible in the stunning Algarve!

Hayley Carmichael – Travel Consultant

Hayley joined the team here at The Real Algarve in 2022 after running her own successful business for many years, managing clientele and providing that personal touch to meet all their requirements. 

Residing at home with her husband and two children, both now settled into a school routine, Hayley has taken the opportunity to follow her heart and passion for travel.  Fuelled by an attraction to tailoring holidays, she finds joy in sharing the best possible experiences and her findings with those closest to her. 

She is a well-organised and driven member of the team who possesses a want and desire to please people, to go above and beyond and add that extra layer of customer satisfaction. She works alongside Vicky within our sales team, providing clients with the best customer service and holiday experience in the Algarve.

Dawn Alborn – Guest Relations Manager

Having worked in Children’s Services for 22 years for Leicestershire County Council decided to take some time out and ‘landed’ in the Algarve almost 17 years ago. After just 3 months she had fallen in love with the place and decided that this was where she wanted to be.

Since living on The Algarve, Dawn has been lucky to have gained a wealth of experience in a real cross section of tourism across the Algarve, from ‘repping’ for several of the large travel companies to property management and managing a team providing an invaluable service for golfers on tour.

Dawn’s entire working career has been about providing a service and assisting other people.

Dawn’s priority is to ensure that our clients have the best time on their holiday, making sure that everything is in place for their arrival and any issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently so as not to detract from their well-earned break.

Fiona Peck – Office Administrator

Fiona joined The Real Algarve team as the Office Administrator in June 2017. She is also Mum to Katie and Vicky and a very important part of The Real Algarve family. Fiona spent her career in Yorkshire as an Additional Needs teacher. On retiring, Fiona moved to Cheshire to spend more time with her daughters and four grandchildren.

A real asset to the team, Fiona is very organised and efficient and loves supporting her daughters with their business. She has excellent people skills and enjoys liaising with clients and suppliers, ensuring the smooth running of the office and the team.

Fiona has also spent many lovely family holidays on the Algarve with Katie and Vicky as children and now enjoys taking her grandchildren to all her favourite holiday spots.

Simon Bunting – Property Sales Director

Simon started his own business as a grain broker at the age of 21 and grew this into an international company.  He retired from broking in 2000, but soon became involved in talking to clients who were looking to buy properties in the Algarve. Simon launched The Real Algarve property sales division and he now offers a comprehensive sales and purchase facility. Simon has spent many years holidaying with his daughters in the Algarve and now with his grandchildren, they continue to make happy family memories in a destination they have all grown to love.

Ozzy – Office dog

A beautiful black Labrador who makes a great addition to the team. As he’s never been to Portugal, he’s still wondering what all the fuss is about!

Molly – Office dog

Meet Molly, our charming English Cocker Spaniel who brings warmth and cheer to our team with her wagging tail.