Portugal is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. It is renowned for its wide range of contrasting and world-class golf courses offering excellent accommodation within the regions of the compelling Algarve and the cultural city of Lisbon. David Higgins, Managing Director at Sports Links Travel provides an outline of 4 and 5-star hotels and championship golf courses they recommend for golfers and accommodation which also appeals to couples, solo travellers, families, groups along with non-golfers.
Eastern Algarve Monte Rei Golf & Country Club 5★
Monte Rei Golf & Country Club is an award-winning resort set in a peaceful hillside location in Eastern Algarve, overlooking the Serra do Caldeirão Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. The resort operates as an ultra-luxury property offering a full 5-star experience in luxury living spaces, comprising; 3 accommodation options; Luxury Linked Villas, Clubhouse Residences and Private Detached Villas. In addition, there are 3 bars and restaurants on the resort including a 1 Michelin star restaurant, Vistas by Rui Silvestre, offering views of the ocean and the 18th hole. The charming Portuguese seaside town of Tavira is located just 10 miles from the resort. The No. 1 golf course in Portugal and which ranks among the top 20 ranked courses in Europe, is located on the estate with exclusive golf rates for residents.
Praia Verde Boutique Hotel 4★
The award-winning Praia Verde Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of Eastern Algarve and offers stunning views of the sea as well as a swimming pool surrounded by pine trees with a pool bar. Guests may experience the region’s products in the À Terra Restaurant with its wood-oven and healthy, rustic, homemade, delicious cuisine. The hotel includes a Lobby Market, which integrates various functions in a unique space including the reception, bar, grocery store, working space, lounge and play area. The hotel is located 9.9 miles away from Tavira.
Central Algarve
Conrad Algarve 5★
Offering an outdoor infinity pool, indoor pool, spa and sauna, the luxury 5-star Conrad Algarve is set in Quinta do Lago, a golfer’s paradise. Its high-tech rooms feature balconies overlooking the palms or the pool with all combining contemporary design and elegant grey shades. All-day dining is offered onsite at Conrad Algarve, where 3 restaurants and 3 bars can be found. A Portuguese restaurant with Scandinavian-inspired interiors is available, along with the Mediterranean and South American specialities. Cocktails are also served on the pool deck.
Dona Filipa Hotel 5★
Situated on Portugal’s spectacular southern coast sits the five-star Dona Filipa Hotel, a favourite golfing holiday destination due to its guests having privileged access to the sought-after San Lorenzo golf course and Pinheiros Altos golf course. The hotel provides guests with a shuttle bus to these stunning courses. Facilities onsite include a spa, three floodlit tennis courts, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a children’s splash pool and a dedicated children’s club. The hotel has delightful views across the Atlantic Ocean, coupled with its close proximity to the Vale Do Lobo Plaza with its excellent restaurants and bars.
Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort 5★
Overlooking Vilamoura Marina on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, this resort offers a large outdoor pool. Located in 30,000 m² of private gardens, it features an extensive spa. With a furnished balcony, Tivoli Marina Vilamoura’s spacious rooms include floor-to-ceiling windows. Tivoli’s spa offers various body and health treatments, dry and wet saunas and a hot tub. Offering a restaurant and beach bar, PuroBeach features two distinct zones: on the beach in front of the Atlantic Ocean and in a garden with a sophisticated pool. Themed dinners and entertainment shows are held regularly.
Pine Cliffs Village & Golf Suites 5★
Situated on a cliff-top above Portugal’s longest beach, Praia da Falésia, Pine Cliffs Village & Golf Suites features one of the country’s most original golf courses, built in a pinewood setting with tree-lined fairways running parallel along the Atlantic Ocean. The jewel of this perfectly kept course is the Par 3 sixth hole, known as the renowned Devil’s Parlour. The hotel also has water sports, a tennis court, a spa and well-equipped gym and a personal trainer. The bright air-conditioned suites and villas of the Pine Cliffs Village & Golf Suites include terraces; with some having a private swimming pool.
Western Algarve
Penina Hotel & Golf Resort 5★
Set within expansive, lush gardens, Penina Hotel & Golf Resort is a 5-star resort in the Algarve set 3.1 miles away from Portimão and the city of Lagos. It features a selection of sports and leisure facilities, including 3 golf courses and a large outdoor swimming pool. Rooms have plush beds with white linens with some opening onto balconies and featuring seating areas. Many overlook the pool area. Leisure amenities include massage treatments, a sauna, a well-equipped fitness centre and 5 onsite tennis courts. There are 5 restaurants available, serving a range of Portuguese, Italian and international cuisine.
Tivoli Lagos Algarve Resort 4★
Tivoli Lagos is a 4-star hotel featuring spa facilities and a courtyard with a swimming pool. The hotel offers a free shuttle service to its private Duna Beach Club on Meia Praia from March to October. The Duna beach club, set on 1.2 miles of beach, has a large swimming pool with a cocktail bar. All rooms come with a balcony. The hotel’s Páteo Velho Restaurant has an outdoor grill and serves Portuguese cuisine on the terrace. Guests can also enjoy an American-style breakfast in the Lacóbriga Restaurant. The centre of Lagos is less than a 15-minute walk away.
Lisbon
Palacio Estoril 5★
The Palacio Estoril Hotel is one of the most glamorous hotels in Portugal, located on the Lisbon Coast, close to the town of Cascais and within easy reach of Sintra; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel celebrated 90 years in 2020. The Hotel has 156 rooms, including 32 Suites, where famous guests have stayed, including numerous members of European royalty. The hotel was the haunt of British and German spies, who could often be found in the bar and the hotel was featured in the James Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”.
The Oitavos 5★
The luxurious 5-star Oitavos combines ultramodern design with an untouched natural location within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Located on the first floor, all traditional design rooms feature a separate bathroom and a small living area. All have balconies with stunning views of the natural landscape with either the Atlantic Ocean and/or the Oitavos Dunes golf course as a backdrop. Head chef Cyril Devilliers, who trained under France’s 3 Michelin-star Michel Guérard, oversees the food at the hotel’s 4 restaurants. There are 10 massage rooms, a hot tub, dry and wet saunas and a heated outdoor salt-water swimming pool (May to September), a 24-hour fitness centre, tennis court, padel, squash, group fitness classes, and fitness academy and indoor pool.
Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort 5★
All guestrooms have private terraces or balconies offering unique views of either the Atlantic Ocean or the beautiful 18 hole championship golf course and gardens. Tempera is an all-day restaurant offering daily themed buffets. Ephrata restaurant offers a contemporary and creative approach to Portuguese cuisine, incorporating regional ingredients and traditions. Light meals can be enjoyed together with beautiful views at Contato Lobby Bar. Facilities include a state of the art fitness center, indoor heated pool, outdoor pool, Jacuzzi and Turkish bath. Also available is the Kalyan SPA, where you can choose a relaxing or invigorating massage or several beauty treatments.
Penha Longa Golf Resort 5★
A haven of comfort and tranquillity consisting of 194 luxury rooms and suites, offering spectacular views of the Sintra Hills and golf course. The resort has a selection of 9 restaurants including Portuguese, Japanese, Indian, Thai, Italian and Basque. There is also an open grill at the poolside Serra Bar. Facilities include an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym, tennis, squash and horse riding.
Sport Links Travel provides tailor-made golf and non-golfing holidays to Portugal and across Europe.
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