GWD_MAY_16

COURSES
DAY ONE
Quinta da Ria & Cima
Quinta da Ria is home to two courses of
acute contrast despite being designed by
the same man, American architect Rocky
Roquemore. One is a course of impressive
technical merit, the other one of
outstanding aesthetic appeal.
The Ria is the latter, comprising
breathtaking ocean views a la Doonbeg or
Vale do Lobo by virtue of several holes’
location on the edge of the beach. It takes
its name from the majestic Ria Formosa,
the nature reserve that gives San Lorenzo
its glorious setting and thus its reputation.
Opened in 2002, much of the front
nine is a steady march up and down in
straight lines on fairly flat land lined by
small trees and punctuated by shallow,
white-sand bunkers and a lake.
But then in a run of holes in the middle
of the back nine there are moments of rare
excitement. The long 11th plays down
the eastern edge of the property, the
ocean shimmering beyond the green of
this well-bunkered par 5. Then you turn
right to play up from the corner of
gorgeous Cacela Velha beach all along
the shore to a terrific green site with
unobstructed views of the Atlantic.
Next is a magnificent par 3 played
down towards the ocean and while the
14th plays inland (an exciting risk-
reward hole round a lake that starts with
an all-world tee box on the edge of the
beach), the 15th brings you back down
towards the sea. Two lakes and a stream
ensure the climax is far from sedate.
Its sea views are better than on
arguably any course on the Algarve,
certainly a decent match for San
Lorenzo and Vale do Lobo’s Ocean. And
on the more prosaic phases, enjoy what is
perfectly enjoyable holiday golf.
Further inland, across the access road,
is its sister course the Cima. Also opened
in 2002, it is a classy course laid out
between mature trees and water over
undulating land. It lacks the sea views of
its sibling but probes your game as few do
better in the entire Algarve.
A stream that links the course’s two
lakes cuts through the site and is in play
on holes such as the 4th, 6th and 13th but
it is mature carob and olive trees that
define what is a diverse test. Highlights
include the classy two-shot 7th, the strong
par 5 at 16 and then the pulsating short
hole over one of the lakes that follows it.
The Cima is not anywhere near as
thrilling to most, but to many others it
will be a refreshingly cerebral challenge.
The Robinson hotel that sits between
the courses impressed us enormously and
it is easy to imagine a memorable break
here, comprising good golf and a pleasing
tranquility that affords the opportunity
to enjoy the finer things in life. The
‘community’ feel at this small resort is
reminiscent of Praia D’El Rey near Lisbon,
and is a base for a trip that we would be
very surprised if it did not delight most.