Quinta do Lago Mixed Pairs

Quinta do Lago has come a long way since entrepreneur André Jordan’s dream way back in the early 1970s. The South Course is the layout that most avid golfers rush to play, but the North Course, formerly called the Ria Formosa, named after the Nature Reserve, is definitely worth savouring.

American architect William Mitchell designed the original 27 holes at Quinta do Lago in 1974 and his third loop of nine now forms part of the North course (the first two loops form the South course). Joe Lee added a fourth loop in the early 1990s (currently holes 6 to 14) then, to complete a full house, a third America architect, Rocky Roquemore, re-shaped the North layout in 2003. The North is one of the Algarve’s most charming courses and it is reminiscent to and almost as pretty as a Melbourne Sandbelt course. Many holes are framed with stately umbrella pines and some greens nestle in truly magnificent sites.

In December 2013 the course closed for renovation work, when an eye-watering €9.6m was invested which included the rebuilding of all greens, tees, bunkers, irrigation/drainage systems and cart paths. The new-look North course reopened in October 2014 to critical acclaim.

The Laranjal Course is the new kid on the block at Quinta do Lago having opened for play in February 2009 and its reputation has quickly grown. The course is routed in the Ludo Valley through orange groves, which is where the name Laranjal was derived. Boasting spectacular fairways and well-defined greens, Laranjal is renowned for its five beautiful lakes, umbrella pines, cork-oaks and orange trees and is always in immaculate condition.

Recently voted winner of Europe and Portugal’s “Best Golf Course 2022” by The World Golf Awards, The South Course at Quinta do Lago is the “Crown Jewel” Designed in 1974 by William Mitchell, he introduced American-standard greens, tees and bunkers to the Algarve.

Soon the course gained a prestigious reputation and became a flagship course on the European Tour. A favourite among tour players, the layout is set among umbrella pines, lakes and wild flowers, overlooking the serene Ria Formosa Natural Park. Having hosted the Portuguese Open on no fewer than eight occasions, the course is still very playable for the average golfer with the front nine winding its way through the parkland and the home nine looping around the lake before you return to the wonderful clubhouse.

Located away from the concentration of courses in the Albufeira area, Monte Rei is set in the hills north east of Tavira towards the Spanish border. The mountain setting is breathtaking, which is evident on arrival and only wets the appetite for what lies ahead. One of only a few Jack Nicklaus ‘Signature’ courses in Europe and the first in Portugal, the layout provides an unforgettable experience and rightly deserves its place as the No.1 ranked course in the country. The course features an abundance of water hazards and some of the very best bunkering anywhere in the world.

Located in the Resort of Quinta do Lago in the Algarve, the hotel is located next to the Ria Formosa and the sea, in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Its privileged location with pedestrian access to the beach, the close proximity to several golf courses, the magnificent view over the Estuary of the Ria and the sea, the relaxing walks through the nature trails where you can observe the most diverse birds and the lush gardens of the hotel provide a unique experience.

Guest rooms are spacious with private balconies overlooking the sea and the hotel’s gardens.  There is a choice of two restaurants; Ca’d’oro offers fine Italian dining while at Brisa do Mar you can enjoy International cuisine indoors or on the open-air terrace with spectacular views over the Formosa Estuary and beach.

The hotel also boasts impressive spa facilities from a relaxing soak in a Jacuzzi to Turkish baths, saunas and treatments plus indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools.

Combine with ISLANTILLA for a fabulous two week holiday >>