Vila Galé Lagos ****

Within the natural amphitheatre of the Bay of Lagos, Robert Trent Jones II has fashioned Europe’s next great golf course, Palmares Golf. The brief given to this exceptional American golf course designer was to craft a 27-hole golf course which maximised the potential of its extraordinary environment.

The result is a golf course of breathtaking natural beauty which is a delight to play. The course opened 18 holes for play in October 2010 and the full 27 in June 2011 and it has matured nicely.

Robert Trent Jones II designed the golf course with the highest level of international tournament golf in mind as well as a pleasurable golf experience for members and tourists alike. There is plenty of challenge, if that’s what you want – especially from the white tees! Palmares Golf is composed of three returning nine-hole loops that can be played in any sequence.

The genius in the routing is that, depending on the sequence of play, each golf experience is different. Each nine-hole loop – Alvor, Lagos and Praia – has its own character and ambience.

Located within a nature reserve and just five minutes from Lagos, Espiche Clubhouse & Golf is an eco-resort which has been perfectly integrated into the surrounding natural environment and offers a unique and authentic experience in the western Algarve. Preservation, conservation and innovation of resource management are at the heart of Espiche Golf & Clubhouse.  The 18 hole, par 72 golf course was designed to integrate effortlessly into the surrounding Algarve countryside and the indigenous flora and fauna of the area have been preserved, in keeping with the company’s ethos of nature preservation and conservation.  This commitment to maintaining natural resources is one that we believe will allow Espiche Clubhouse & Golf to continuously contribute to a sustainable future. The Espiche Golf Clubhouse, which is also home to the Gecko restaurant, has been awarded internationally for its architecture, design and environmental efficiency, in reference to both the choice of materials used for the building and in its resource management.  The exceptional location of the Clubhouse, situated on top of a hill overlooking the resort, offers breathtaking views across the golf course and the nature reserve.  The views, coupled with the exceptional quality of the food available, makes the Clubhouse a reference for both lovers of golf and those who value the tranquility and beauty of nature itself.

One of the reasons people enjoy playing Boavista is that it's always in first-rate condition. Another is the attractiveness of the course with its far reaching views of the Bay of Lagos to the east and the Monchique mountains to the north. Designed in 2002 by Howard Swan the golf course uses the natural contours of the terrain and as a result it presents plenty of challenge - especially on holes six and eight where you have to hit your ball across a ravine! With two distinctive sections the course offers a variety of holes commencing with the welcoming first hole, a meandering downhill par-4, bordered by beautiful sub-tropical landscaping leading to harmoniously designed properties. The first nine, in general, climb to the highest point of the resort, where a pause at the eighth tee will allow one to experience panoramic views. Subsequent holes descend to an area where water features, streams, lakes and arched bridges, reminiscent of landscaped gardens abound.