QUINTA DO LAGO

Golfers across Europe have given their unanimous approval to Quinta do Lago’s significant recent modernisation of its golf facilities, with the number of rounds played at the luxury Portuguese resort having risen by nearly a third in the last 12 months.

Latest figures released this month show the famous Algarve destination – named ‘Europe’s Best Golf Venue’ at the 2015 World Golf Awards – is more popular than ever, with golf bookings increasing by an impressive 30 per cent in 2015 on the corresponding period in 2014.

Quinta do Lago has invested more than €50 million upgrading its sports, leisure and lifestyle facilities as part of a six-year investment program, including the €9.6 million redesign of its North Course by renowned American architect Beau Welling in close association with Ryder Cup winning captain Paul McGinley.

The course – voted ‘Europe’s Best New Golf Course’ at the 2014 World Golf Awards – has quickly become one of the new stars of European golf since being reopened by McGinley last autumn, with the number of rounds rising by 17 per cent compared to the last available figures in 2013.

Quinta do Lago’s two other 18-hole championship courses – the South Course and Laranjal – have also been very popular amongst golfers this year, with numbers playing at the latter increasing by five per cent over the last 12 months.

Nuno Gonçalves, general manager at Quinta do Lago, said: “It has been a very successful year for the resort and the rising number of golfers fully vindicates the decision to undertake a substantial investment in our golf facilities.

“The increase in golfers and improvement work on the courses – in particular, the North Course – has helped transform Quinta do Lago into the most vibrant luxury lifestyle experience anywhere in Europe.”

The official winter training base for England Golf’s elite squads, Quinta do Lago is perfect for a relaxing family holiday in exquisite surroundings and offers the very best in award-winning sports and leisure facilities.

The resort’s three championship courses are matched by outstanding practice facilities, with a state-of-the-art TaylorMade Performance Centre – the only such facility in southern Europe – and new short game area available in addition to the resort’s Paul McGinley Golf Academy.

Set among 2,000 acres of the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park, there’s plenty to keep guests occupied away from the fairways, with events, tennis, cycling and watersports just some of the extensive leisure activities available.