Portugal

holes, soar over a saltwater lagoon. Greens fees are 75€ for 9 holes and 150€ for 18 holes.
From Almancil, drive 8km (5 miles) south, following signs to Quinta do Lago.
The Vale do Lobo course, Vale do Lobo, 8135 Almancil (& 28/935-34-65), technically
isn’t part of the Quinta do Lago complex. Because it was established in 1968, before
any of its nearby competitors, it played an important role in launching southern Portugal’s
image as a golfer’s mecca. Designed by the British golfer Henry Cotton, it contains
four distinct 9-hole segments. All four include runs that stretch over rocks and arid hills,
often within view of olive and almond groves, the Atlantic, and the high-rise hotels of
nearby Vilamoura and Quarteira. Some long shots require driving golf balls over two
ravines, where variable winds and bunkers that have been called “ravenous” make things
particularly difficult. Greens fees, depending on the day of the week and other factors,
range from 84€ to 94€ for 9 holes to 140€ to 155€ for 18 holes. From Almancil, drive
4km (21 ⁄2 miles) south of town, following signs to Vale do Lobo.
Visit www.algarvegolf.net for more information on courses in the Algarve region.
HORSEBACK RIDING One of the most well-established riding stables in the area is
Quinta do Lago at Edificio Pinheiros Altos Casa Teft, Almancil (& 28/939-60-99). Reservations
are recommended. The riding trails pass through the forest, beside golf courses,
and even, in some cases, beside a beach. Rides cost 38€ for 1 hour and 60€ for 2 hours.
WHERE TO STAY
Vale do Lobo
Dona Filipa Hotel A citadel of ostentatious living, Dona Filipa is a
deluxe golf hotel with such touches as gold-painted palms holding up the ceiling. The
grounds are impressive, embracing 180 hectares (445 acres) of rugged coastline with
steep cliffs, inlets, and sandy bays. The hotel’s exterior is comparatively uninspired, but
the interior features such lavish touches as green silk banquettes, marble fireplaces, Portuguese
ceramic lamps, and old prints over baroque-style love seats. The midsize to spacious
guest rooms are handsomely decorated with antiques, rustic accessories, and
handmade rugs. Most have balconies and twin beds.
Vale do Lobo, 8135-901 Almancil. & 28/935-72-00. Fax 28/935-72-01. www.donafilipahotel.com. 154
units. 245€–414€ double; 455€–626€ junior suite; 575€–930€ deluxe suite. Rates include buffet breakfast.
AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants; bar; babysitting; bikes; children’s playground; concierge; outdoor
heated pool; room service; 3 outdoor tennis courts (lit); Wi-Fi (15€ per 24 hours, in lobby). In room: A/C,
TV, hair dryer, minibar.
Quinta do Lago
Hotel Quinta do Lago A pocket of the high life since 1986, Hotel Quinta
do Lago is a sprawling 800-hectare (1,976-acre) estate that contains some private plots
beside the Ria Formosa estuary. Its riding center and 27-hole golf course are among the
best in Europe. The estate’s contemporary Mediterranean-style buildings rise three to six
floors. The luxurious hotel rooms overlook a saltwater lake and feature modern comforts.
Decorated with thick carpeting and pastel fabrics, the guest rooms are generally spacious,
with tile or marble bathrooms. Rooms are decorated with contemporary art and lightwood
furniture, and the balconies open onto views of the estuary.
Quinta do Lago, 8135-024 Almancil. & 800/223-6800 in the U.S., or 28/935-03-50. Fax 28/939-49-05.
www.quintadolagohotel.com. 141 units. 207€–552€ double; 300€–520€ junior suite; 552€–2,650€ suite.
Rates include buffet breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants; bar; babysitting; bike rentals;
exercise room; 2 freshwater heated pools (1 indoor); room service; spa; 2 outdoor tennis courts (lit). In
room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, minibar, Wi-Fi (7€ per 24 hours).
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THE ALGARVE 10
ALMANCIL