Algarve: Portugal’s Southern Paradise

Monte Rei comprises a selection of villas and apartments, making it the ideal accommodation for any type of stay, with all the amenities you would expect from a luxury hotel.

In Miradouro Village, a selection of spacious 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom villas offer the perfect setting for families, just a stone’s throw from Veranda, the village’s social hub, which houses a restaurant and a bar, and features tennis courts, a heated swimming pool, a fully equipped gym and spa facilities. Veranda offers the perfect setting for socialising or soaking up the sun. Just a few steps from Veranda, the little ones will find the Kid’s Villa.

Next to the Clubhouse are The Clubhouse Residences – recently added to Monte Rei’s portfolio – magnificent contemporary one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments with panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean.

Situated between Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo in the Algarve and next to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, the Ria Park Hotel & Spa 5* is set in a lush valley with expansive views of the Atlantic. Located just minutes from the beach, it is surrounded by pine forests, dunes, and sea, creating a serene atmosphere from the moment you arrive.

The hotel features spacious areas, natural light, and modern architecture that harmonizes with the landscape. Designed for relaxation without isolation, it offers a feeling of being close to water and nature.

The property includes 175 rooms and suites, many with balconies or terraces overlooking gardens, pools, or the sea, with interiors in soft tones and functional furnishings.

Dining options include the Lusitano restaurant, serving Portuguese and international cuisine with terrace seating, along with a lobby bar and poolside bar.

Guests can enjoy three outdoor pools, a heated indoor pool, and a spa with a Turkish bath, jacuzzi, and treatment rooms, making it a year-round wellness retreat. The hotel is also family-friendly, with activities and spaces for children under 12.

Its prime location makes it an excellent base for playing at the golf courses of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, with easy access to the courses and a perfect balance of relaxation, fine dining, and spa treatments for a peaceful end to each day.

The best of the Quinta do Lago courses has hosted the Portugal Open 8 times. Designed in 1974 by William Mitchell, who introduced the American style of greens, tees, and bunkers to the Algarve, it is one of the flagship courses on the European Tour.

The 72 km route of 6,500 meters runs under a canopy of pine trees, lakes, and wildflowers, with views of the spectacular landscapes of Ria Formosa National Park.

Even though it is classified as a “Championship” course, it offers an interesting challenge for players of all skill levels. Holes 8, 10, 15, and 18 truly put our abilities to the test. Precision from the tee is crucial for consistently reaching the green, as the doglegs and hazards require careful consideration for each shot.

This Jack Nicklaus signature golf course has been challenging players of all levels and handicaps from around the world since 2007. With the Serra do Caldeirão mountains to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south as a backdrop, this 7182-yard, par-72 course blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

Wide, forgiving fairways weave through mature trees and valleys, creating a unique test on each hole along with spectacular views.

Founded in 1969 and designed by Frank Pennink, the Old Course Vilamoura remains a classic symbol in the Algarve. Its 18 holes, with a par of 73, wind through a landscape lined by mature pine trees from the first tee to the final green. The course emphasizes traditional architecture and strategic play over spectacular earthworks. It requires accurate tee shots, as the dense woodland on the fairways penalizes any misjudgment and calls for careful shot selection.

While not excessively long by modern standards, the course defends itself with well-placed doglegs and protected greens that demand a measured second shot. The wind, a common feature in the area, can alter the perception of several holes and add an extra layer of decision-making. The par 5s offer genuine opportunities for the adventurous player, while the par 3s, seamlessly integrated into the natural surroundings, call for control rather than power. The layout maintains a balanced rhythm, free of artifice, with every hole serving a purpose within the overall design.

Situated in Vilamoura’s center, the Old Course blends British tradition with the southern Portugal Atlantic climate. It is ideal to walk the course, taking in the changing light filtering through the pines during your round. Instead of demanding dominance, the course encourages respectful and attentive play, qualities that have shaped its character for more than fifty years.