Quinta do Lago Resort review: Portugal's premiere golf destination

If Switzerland can legitimately lay claim to having invented winter sports in the Engadine Valley, then Portugal can stick their hand up for the European winter golf holiday in the Algarve.

Thanks to a balmy climate in the southwestern tip of Portugal, with 300 days of sunshine, the golfers of northern Europe could escape to American-style golf courses in the 1960s. Just two hours away, the Algarve offered a selection of first-rate golf courses in close proximity.

The courses were by no means abundant, but clever marketing and promotion were brought to bear to create a very strong golfing destination.

The Algarve was first on the lips of golfers in search of winter sun and quality golf. A key player who championed golf in the Algarve in the early days was Sir Henry Cotton, three-time Open winner, who built Penina.

One of our party visited Quinta do Lago 40 years ago. Certain memories are still vivid for him, notably the look and the feel of the course, which at the time ran to 27 holes. After 40 years, he may not have remembered specific holes, aside of the long par three over water, but after so long, he remembered how the course made him feel, the quality and look of it.

Needless to say, the entire development has moved on dramatically, but the trip still had the sense for him of meeting up with an old friend.

Quinta do Lago now consists of three courses, the newest of the three being Laranjal, which was built in 2009. The first impression of the course is how immaculately presented it is, with no rough to speak of. It still has the feel of a newly constructed course, with crisp white sand bunkers and significant mounding bordering the fairways. It can be stretched to 6480 meters from the tips, but can also be played significantly shorter.

The backdrop to the course is a selection of umbrella pines, cork and orange trees, all of which add to the drama of the five lakes. It is undoubtedly a course that has been constructed to the highest specification, offering up a genuinely enjoyable experience.

It contrasted with both the North and South courses, which sit very naturally in the landscape and belong to the older generation of course design.

A perfectly formed practice ground, just yards from the first tee, is first-class and very inviting.

The clubhouse, modest in size, is tucked behind the 18th green. Modern in design, it provides all that is necessary.

Another new development, which is at the cutting edge, is the Paul McGinley Academy. Let no stone go unturned in improving your game. A whole retinue of professionals are at hand to help you do that in tandem with the TaylorMade Performance Center.

A course of lessons or a new set of custom-fit clubs? Or both?

Post golf we decamped to the Magnolia Hotel, a boutique establishment which is part of the Quinta do Lago family. The hotel looks brand spanking new. It’s located close to the golf and leisure facilities, is family-friendly and represents great value.

The influence in design is Palm Springs USA, 1960’s. Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis won’t be performing, but they are with you in spirit.

The greatest revelation of this visit to Quinta do Lago was our trip to The Campus. Accurately described as “ a state-of-the-art performance and innovation environment enjoyed by athletes, teams and sports enthusiasts of all ages and abilities…to enjoy a lifestyle of health, fitness and wellness”.

The Campus is a remarkable hub for tennis, paddle tennis, swimming and cycling. It also has a performance gym. The design and finish of all facilities is world-class, with a range of memberships varying from full annual membership at 1950 euros to a daily pass at 49 euros. There is even a full-size football pitch with flawless turf.

The touring group were treated to a Golf fitness class, which no doubt we should all do before our last minute dash and thrash on the first tee. Suitably stretched and primed we made our way to the South Course. Off to see our colleague’s old friend. Unsurprisingly the course hadn’t moved one inch, but some 7 million euros had been spent on a remodelling of the course.

The remodelling has principally been undertaken for environmental reasons, combined with sensible housekeeping to contain the running costs of the South and North courses. Undertaken during Covid, the areas requiring irrigation were significantly reduced with the introduction of large areas of pine needles and tree bark.

The second element of the remodel was the reseeding of both the rough and fairways with grass species that are less thirsty and more drought-resistant. Full marks must go to Quinta do Lago for embracing these measures.

The South and North courses are quite similar in appearance and playing characteristics. Both courses are gently undulating and can be walked with ease. The Umbrella Pines are the defining feature of both courses, lining most fairways on both sides with their long, slim trunks and dense umbrella-shaped canopies.

Don’t imagine golf balls will go through these canopies. They dictate the strategy of play, as liberties taken with lines from the tee will inevitably end up with strokes sacrificed.

The overall condition of the courses is first class. There are 80 plus employees on the green staff for the three courses, which is a mighty number. That ratio of circa 26 per course would have few comparables in the UK. Excellence is expected, and excellence is delivered.

While you play these courses, there is a spectacular sideshow - the properties. Set well back from the fairways and set apart considerable distances from one another are the luxury residences of Quinta do Lago. The variation in architectural styles, from traditional Spanish haciendas to contemporary, glass-framed, minimalist masterpieces, never fails to amaze. Truly jaw-dropping stuff.

Verdict

Quinta do Lago has pushed on in recent years. It’s true that you cannot stand still in business, as in reality you will be drifting backwards.

All three courses are beautifully presented. All offer a first rate challenge, but they won’t destroy your game - they afford a test and set of choices that encourage smart play and sound strategy in between the umbrella pines.

The investment has been significant. Between the North and South course, we are talking in the region of 13 million euros to future-proof both courses in an environmental sense. Laranjal is also a fine golf course, built in a more contemporary style and a perfect complement to the South and North. The Academy is a great addition to the resort - the modern golfer is embracing the technology that’s now an integral part of tuition and the club fit experience.

The Campus is wholly impressive, offering fabulous sporting facilities across the board. You can swim, cycle, tennis, paddle tennis, gym, run, play football etc etc. What sets The Campus aside is the quality of the design and the finish of all the buildings. No longer are golfers just playing golf and then retiring to the bar and curry house. Golfers aspire to be athletes—at least some of them.

The Magnolia Hotel, which is also newly opened, offers a great base for sampling all of the goodies at Quinta do Lago. Perfectly located, right in the mix, it offers great deals for accommodation and golf. As a hotel it understands the needs of the golfer with very comfortable rooms and offers excellent value.

To revisit the Grande Dame of the Algarve after forty years brought back some very pleasant memories. Golf has always been the strong suit at Quinta do Lago, but the South and North have been brought into sharper focus. They are set fair for the next fifty years. Standards have been raised, new facilities have been introduced, and the commitment to quality is wonderful to witness. Bravo.

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