Often the first place that springs to mind when thinking about going on a golfing holiday is Portugal. Blessed with a vast array of courses to suit all, here are a couple of suggestions to whet your appetite.
San Lorenzo
The Dona Filipa is one of the most acclaimed hotels in Europe, located in Vale do Lobo it’s just half an hour’s drive from Faro Airport so why not pick up car hire in Faro and enjoy the short drive? The hotel itself overlooks the Vale do Lobo course but if you drive just a few minutes you’ll come across the Quinta do Lago Estate, where you can play a round on the San Lorenzo course.
Indulge in a round or two at this 18 hole course, set in a stunning landscape of pine woods and complimented by a mountainous backdrop. Only a short distance from the Ria Formosa Estuary, which is teeming with flora and fauna, this could provide a welcome escape.
Believe it or not, a golfing holiday could be just what the whole family needs; although the sport may not be for everyone, this fabulous resort offers so much more; indulge yourself at the on-site spa where there are body massages, various therapies and wraps on offer to ensure you are completely relaxed on your break. If you feel like taking a trip out instead, you can always visit the Vale do Lobo Royal Spa, located just 800m from the hotel.
2,000 square metres of enclosed grounds are dedicated specifically to children aged 6 months to 12 years, with a plethora of activities and supervised care; you can enjoy a trip out, safe in the knowledge that the little ones are having a brilliant time. Why not head to the beach? Although there aren’t many private beaches in Portugal, the resort has an exclusive area on the beach for its residents so that you can enjoy a tranquil afternoon. Visit this amazing resort for the perfect break away.
Praia D’El Rey
Praia D’El Rey is a mere hour away from Lisbon Airport, so why not pick up a hire car when you touch down to ensure you get to the resort as quickly as possible? Not only was the golf course voted the best in Europe in 2007 by IAGTO, it has a myriad of other activities for you to engage in, such as horse riding, scuba diving, water skiing, sailing and snorkelling (and much more than we have space to list)!
While you’re here, really absorb the location and head in to medieval town of Obidos, where you’ll find an array of shops and beautiful historical architecture. On your way back to the resort you really must stop off at the onsite spa; with a heated indoor Jacuzzi, fully equipped gym, onsite salon and swimming pools as well as an array of classic spa treatments. Round your evenings off with a drink in the Sharx Bar, then take in the magnificent views of the course and sea.
If you really are here for the golf, you’ll be spoiled rotten at the first 5 star resort in the city. The fantastic 18 hole, almost purely links golf course is one that will bring you back again and again; a golf traditionalist will really appreciate what this course has to offer. Then once you’ve finished your game, head inside to the clubhouse, Cliffs bar or the Atlantic Grill restaurant for a well-earned drink.
Praia D’El Rey really has something for everyone to offer and you can enjoy it all with a break here; make sure you fill yours days with golfing and as many other activities as you can cram in, it would be a crime to waste a minute.
Take advantage of the cooler climate this time of year and head off on a golfing holiday, it should provide a welcome change to the usual sun, sea and sand break away!
