In Full Swing - A weekend getaway to The Victoria Golf Resort & Spa in Vilamoura
By Andie Jones
The Victoria Golf Resort & Spa in Vilamoura, Portugal’s glorious Algarve, is the perfect destination for either a dedicated golfing holiday or a relaxing luxury break with a few rounds of golf included. Located just 10 minutes from the centre of Vilamoura, this five-star resort combines impeccable service, stunning accommodation, and world-class leisure facilities, making it equally appealing to couples, families, and golf enthusiasts.
I recently travelled with our golf editor to the resort for a few days of R&R with a couple of rounds of golf thrown in.
Getting to the resort was relatively simple. Faro Airport is approximately 30 minutes away by taxi and is served by a wide range of budget airlines and national carriers, making the hotel easily accessible from across Europe.
On arrival, the grand entrance really sets the tone. Rooms are spacious and modern, with comfortable beds, private balconies or terraces, air conditioning, large televisions, and stylish contemporary bathrooms.
Evening fun starts at Botanic, where Mixologist Edgar and his team will entertain you with gin masterclasses, cocktail making and sampling an amazing range of expertly crafted gins.
When it comes to food and entertaining, the Portuguese are famous for their cuisine and hospitality, so as expected, the dining throughout the resort was nothing short of exceptional. Ria restaurant, run by restaurant manager Nicholas and chef extraordinaire, Annabelle, serves some of the freshest seafood I have ever eaten in the Algarve. Annabelle’s dishes are simple, elegant, and so full of flavour. Sushi lovers should make a reservation at Sensai, the resort’s Asian fusion restaurant, where all sushi is freshly prepared on-site. Both restaurants feature impressive wine lists, and the local Portuguese wines are particularly worthy of attention, just ask Nicholas, he really knows his stuff!
The resort has several swimming pools, including an adults-only pool for those seeking a quieter area. During the day, poolside at the main pool is a very relaxed atmosphere with poolside service for drinks and snacks. Our first day after our flight was spent sipping a stunning bottle of bubbly poolside, totally relaxing!
The spa is equally impressive, featuring a sauna, steam room, indoor pool, and rooftop terrace. Spa treatments are available, just ask spa receptionist Jessica for tips from the spa menu, however, I highly recommend the signature treatment for weary golfers, it's amazing! However, if you are looking to stay active, you can take advantage of the tennis courts, yoga and Pilates classes, plus there’s a fully equipped gym.
Finally, and most importantly, breakfast is served buffet-style in the main restaurant, offering a wide variety of hot and cold options to suit all tastes and eggs cooked to your choice while you wait, pancakes were my particular favourite!
When it comes to the local golf, there are two local courses that really stand out in my opinion. My suggestion would be to play Pinhal Golf Course first, it offers a challenging par-72 layout with a woodland setting and a bit of a parkland feel. It is beautifully maintained, with fairways lined with signature umbrella-shaped pine trees, while strategically placed hazards demand careful club selection throughout the round. It’s a great course for your first round, not overly challenging, but for a good novice it will allow you to get your swing into gear before attempting some of the more technical courses in the locality.
My second suggestion would be The Old Course Vilamoura, which is widely regarded as one of the region’s most prestigious golfing venues. This course will be a stern test for golfers of all abilities. Playing to a par73, the course meanders its way through an impressive pine forest and offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the Algarve. The excellent practice facilities are well worth using before your round, they have an amazing ball tracking golf range that needs to be seen to be believed, great fun too! Then there’s the renowned clubhouse, overlooking both the 9th and 18th holes, which provides the perfect setting to enjoy a coffee before teeing off or a great place to relax with a drink after your round.
Overall, the Victoria Golf Resort & Spa Hotel is an outstanding choice for anyone visiting the Algarve. Its convenient location, exceptional facilities, spacious accommodation, attentive staff, and proximity to some of the Algarve’s finest golf courses combine to create a truly memorable holiday experience.
Huge thanks to everyone who made our stay so memorable!
Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, Managed by Accor
Av. dos Descobrimentos, Vilamoura, 8125-309 Quarteira, Portugal
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