Karl’s Algarve Visit
Day 3 Vilamoura
My third day began in Vilamoura looking at the many hotels the area has to offer.
The Luna Olympus has very colourful nice sized apartments perfect for groups looking to stay in Vilamoura. Similarly, the Dom Pedro Hotels can offer similar accommodation both in terms of the location and the facilities. Some of the higher end hotels in Vilamoura such as the 5* Crowne Plaza, Tivoli Marina Hotel, The Lake Spa Resort and The Hilton Vilamoura are sure to offer you everything that you would need during your stay.
What I was most excited to see was the golf courses in the area, all of which have transfers available from each of the hotels in Vilamoura. The local golf courses (Pinhal, Laguna, Millennium, Victoria and Old Course) have emerged as some of the world’s leading first class championship golf courses. All of which are in great condition and will challenge golfers of all abilities. This was proven in this year’s Portugal Masters where Padraig Harrington was able to hold off England’s Andy Sullivan and secure the win.
Moving onto my last stop in Vilamoura.
The Pestana Vila Sol Golf Resort. This hotel is located on site at the golf course and driving range. The hotel has a combination of rooms and private apartments located behind the hotels swimming pool, although you are within a few hundred meters of the hotel and its surrounding facilities this gives you a very secluded feel. From the moment I arrived in the clubhouse there was a great buzz and the surrounding golf course, this was because they were hosting the annual EDGA (European Disabled Golfing Association) Tournament. The competition was host to players of all abilities from all over Europe. I was lucky enough to watch the competitors for the rest of the afternoon while enjoying a delicious lunch on the patio overlooking the 18th hole.
Day 3 continued…
Vale Do Lobo
The best way I can describe Vale Do Lobo is as a golfers paradise with pristine golf courses. The area offers a luxurious golfing holiday experience and unrivaled lifestyle for the discerning golfer. The mix of parkland and links golf on the two Vale Do Lobo courses and the beautiful Bermuda grass fairways of San Lorenzo is bound to provide an enjoyable game for all golfers. Let’s just say if the dress code was all white you would think you are in heaven!
Quinta do Lago
Home to 3 golf courses Quinta do Lago north, Quinta do Lago south and Laranjal golf course. It also has some of the most luxurious golf resorts such as Monte da Quinta, Four Seasons Fairways, Four Seasons Country Club, Vilar do Golf and the Conrad Algarve Hotel. The area is connected by a main road with a number of roundabouts leading to the different hotels, shops and golf course. Its two main boarders are the Atlantic Ocean and the Ria Formosa nature park and for this reason it is one of the most prestigious areas of the Algarve and why I would recommend it for a golfing holiday.
Tavira
It took about an hour to get back to Tavira where I would be spending my final night in the Algarve. Compared to the other places I had visited along the way it was completely different. From the family run restaurants (highly recommend Zeca da Bica) to the salt pans and old tuna factories that surround the city, you get a real sense of what Portugal must have been like before the golfing boom!
After spending the night in the Vila Gale Tavira the last day of my trip had arrived. I had a flight to catch back to Dublin at 12.30pm so of course I had time to see a few more golf courses before I had to go to the airport.
Quinta da Ria and Quinta da Cima were hosting the annual east Algarve trophy so I took a quick drive out to have a look at the two courses. Located right beside the sea and surrounded by the Ria Formosa nature reserve they were a pleasure to see.
I may have saved the best for last… driving through the countryside surrounded by fields of orange and olive trees I found it difficult to imagine a golf course anywhere close by, then emerged Monte Rei Golf Resort. The highly individual and uniquely designed golf course blends into the surroundings so naturally. Ranked the number 1 course in Portugal by many it is a must play when visiting the east Algarve.
After my trip to the Algarve it is easy to see why it is such a popular destination for both golfers and non-golfers alike and I am really looking forward to my next trip there.
Yours in Golf,
Karl Herssens,
Sales Executive,
Golfbreaks.ie
Thank you for reading & be sure to contact Golfbreaks.ie for your next golfing trip.
01 697 5734