In this new series, we go through the keyhole into people’s Algarve homes to take a peek at their design ideas or how they are utilising their property in an unusual way.
From Villa to Venue – With a Little Pzazz
Husband and wife team TJ and Shiloh made the move from London to Lagos just before the lockdown in February 2020. Their plan was to convert their villa into a luxury event space. Both from the Arts industry – Shiloh, a Dancer/Choreographer and TJ, an Actor/ Producer – they wanted to bring their passion for entertainment and production into their new venture. And so QO Events was born.
Tomorrow readers may remember TJ as the producer and star of the Bromley Boys, which he screened in Lagos to raise money for the Tomorrow charity ‘TACT’. TJ has set up a branch of his UK production company, Itchy Fish, at his property, Quinta das Oliveiras, with the sole purpose of making films and bringing overseas productions to Portugal. “There are numerous reasons to shoot here – landscapes, extraordinary light, local talent and, of course, the weather. You can see why Portugal is fast becoming the California of Europe – and the benefits to the town and community are exponential. I’d like to think that we can be a part of that.”
Quinta das Oliveiras has been rebranded as QO. It is best described as a mix of Portuguese elegance and ‘old school’ glam. Nestled in the secluded hills of Cali.as, Meia Praia, and overlooking the Atlantic ocean, you can’t help but feel you’ve been transported to a little piece of paradise. TJ explains, “Lagos has had a firm place in our hearts for many years so moving here was something of a no-brainer. Our daughter was of an age where she was adaptable and Shiloh and I were ready to write the next chapter in our lives. We wanted to create a space that could capture magical moments. The venue allows for what we hope is a lot of photo opportunities and wonderful memories!”
Walking around QO, you can’t help but feel the love that has gone into making the venue what it is. “The work took just over six months which, in the broad scheme of things, is pretty quick,” Shiloh explains. “We were lucky to work with a great team that bought into our vision. QO is a testament to all their hard work.”
TJ goes on “Don’t really like to mention the ‘C’ (COVID) word, but it has allowed us time to work on the QO brand, what it stands for, and in sourcing an array of amazing suppliers. The talent in the Algarve within the hospitality sector is truly amazing.” The main terrace and pool area can be configured for intimate events of 50 right up to 200 around/on the pool, where a glass platform can be built that doubles as a dance floor! Within the area, QO’s grand exterior and stair staircase feature as the dramatic backdrop to the event. For larger celebrations of up to 300, a marquee can be erected in a dedicated area.
QO Events offer the property on a private dry hire basis (venue only) or alongside its experienced event services. The QO team specialises in everything from elaborate film shoots to product launches and remarkable events, and weddings are created with only the best expertise.
TJ explains, “Be it a wedding or a private party, any event is a show that requires meticulous preparation and execution on the day. It’s a production after all and I’d like to think that’s where we can offer something a little different – with a little pzazz”. QO also offers corporate team building days and the entire property for fashion and film shoots.
For any enquiriesenquires/viewings, please contact TJ and Shiloh at QO Events as below :
info@qoevents.com
+351 282 792 485 | +44 7941 640 543
Do you have a property that has a story or a unique design concept that you would like to show off to Tomorrow readers? Contact sophie@tomorrowalgarve.com
Photos © Dan Birch Photography
