If you’ve got time after your golf, take a visit to the salt pans (a great spot for bird watching too) near Ria Formosa, the gardens of the Moorish castle or a boat ride to the Ilha de Tavira with its beachside bars and restaurants. The island of Madeira is characterised by deep green valleys in the interior and a rugged coastline. It lies about 370 miles off the African coastline in the Atlantic Ocean, enjoying mild winters and very pleasant summers. Visitors return regularly to play the scenic golf courses and to relax with the Madeiran hospitality and pace of life. Here’s an idea! Vale do Lobo Golf Club (page 189).
Portugal
friendly and the food, particularly the fish, is delicious. Apres-golf features casinos and bars and fantastic Atlantic Ocean views.
Portugal is still the Number 1 destination for holiday golfers looking for short-sleeve golf.
Vilamoura is one of the largest holiday destinations on the Algarve. The smart marina hosts a variety of boats and all types of restaurants. With year-round sunshine, the accent is on sport with five golf courses, a tennis club and a horse-riding school to keep you busy during the day before an afternoon siesta and an evening out “on the tiles”, perhaps finishing at the international casino.
With a massive choice of hotels and golf courses available, we’ve cherry-picked the best so you’re assured of staying in the nicest hotels and playing the finest courses. From the up-and-coming Eastern Algarve, through the classics of Vilamoura up to and beyond the much-respected Lisbon Coast, our choice is sensational. Obviously, getting to Portugal by air is easy with regular flights from throughout the UK to Faro and Lisbon. Your hire car will be waiting for you and, once at your hotel, there are plenty of courses within 20 minutes drive so you can start relaxing immediately. The Portuguese are
If you want the quality of golf without the quantity of nightlife, then Tavira will be spoton. This elegant town, with its wrought-iron balconies and tiled facades, offers a true Portuguese feel and miles of golden beaches. For food and drink, the best thing to do is go out late, eat, and then stroll through the town, stopping off at any of the scores of tiny bars or classy bakeries and ice-cream parlours.
The drive from Lisbon to Faro is only two-and-ahalf hours on the direct motorway so it’s very feasible to play the best courses on the Lisbon Coast and then compare these to the Algarve’s finest!
What to see and do Parties ■ Cascais and Vilamoura are great party resorts for groups Explorers ■ Ancient towns and castles ■ Discover Lisbon by train Romantics ■ Promenade walks and balloon ride in Madeira ■ Cocktails and dinner around the Vilamoura marina Foodies ■ Superb sardines and excellent seafood restaurants ■ Excellent wines from the Dao region ■ We send a Recommended Restaurant list with your Holiday Information Pack
Amazing choice of resorts…Glorious coastline…Year-round sunshine…Great selection of courses… 182 Portugal: Classic sunshine golf GolfPlanet Holidays
www.yourgolfholidays.com GolfPlanet holidays
Atlantic Ocean Praia d’el Rey
2
4 courses
Suggested Itinerary
No currency surcharge
PORTUGAL
Tackle the best courses Portugal has to offer on the Lisbon Coast and the Algarve. Here’s an example: ■ UK - Portugal return flights* with taxes, golf and luggage carriage included ■ Mid-size hire car for two people with insurances for duration of holiday ■ Three nights’ b/b at the Quinta da Marinha Resort ■ One round at Quinta, Oitavos and Penha Longa ■ Three nights’ b/b at Le Meridien Dona Filipa ■ One round at San Lorenzo, Vilamoura Old and Monte Rei
We guarantee that the holiday price quoted to you when you pay your deposit SPAIN is the holiday price you will pay. We have taken steps to avoid any possibility of surcharging our clients for currency fluctuations and any other holiday cost.
CampoReal Lisbon
1
100 miles
Price
Hotel location Main town Golf Club
From £979
* Flight price based on £150 “all-inclusive”. Algarve Monte Rei 8 courses Faro Quinta de Cima Penina 5 Quinta da Ria 4 3
How to get there Here’s a list of the most convenient ways to get to your holiday destination. For further information and the latest news, please call us on 01277 824100 or visit www.yourgolfholidays.com Plane ■ Several UK airports – Lisbon and Faro (21/2 hours) ■
Gatwick - Madeira (4 hours)
What the price includes
MADEIRA
Santo de Serra
Temperatures & Rainfall Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Funchal
Palheiro 6
˚C 21 21 22 22 24 26 29 29 28 26 24 22 mm 37 34 24 16
4
1
0
1
9
18 38 52
Our prices are based on an exchange rate of €1.27/£1. Should the exchange rate decrease or increase, we will quote your holiday at the commercial exchange rate of the day. All our prices are ‘’all-inclusive’’ and there are NO hidden extras. The “From” price is based on mid-week and low season, and the “To” price is based on weekend and high season. The prices include: ■
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Fly-drive via UK based on scheduled flights. Lisbon or Faro (£150 per person) or Gatwick - Madeira (£200 per person) Four-in-a-large hire car with all insurances The accommodation and board as detailed The selection of courses in the example itinerary Taxes and service charges A comprehensive Holiday Information Pack The knowledge and experience of our team ABTA and ATOL bonds so you know your money is safe Past Client benefits depending on your holiday spend
Please contact us on 01277 824100 for the exact price for your preferred holiday dates as prices can vary week-to-week and we may have received a relevant special offer.
San Lorenzo Golf Club (page 188).
Tel: 01277 824100 GolfPlanet holidays
Groups - save £££s per person! Discounts range from £50 for a group of five people for a three-night stay up to £1000 for a group of 25 people on a week’s stay! See page six of the Introduction and call us on 01277 824100 for exact prices.
Portugal: Classic sunshine golf 183 GolfPlanet Holidays
RESORT
SPA ££
Hotel Quinta Da Marinha Resort ***** Cascais 1 At a glance Excellent facilities ■ Self-catering villas available ■ Brand new decor ■
Situated in the heart of the Sintra Cascais Natural Park and just 10 minutes from Cascais, this newly refurbished hotel is ideal for groups and couples alike. The spacious bedrooms have been stylishly decorated with views over the golf course or mountain range and with balcony or terrace. In addition to the hotel rooms there are also one and two-bedroom villas located in the surrounding gardens. These have wellequipped kitchens, a roomy lounge area with fireplace and a terrace and are recommended for families and friends who enjoy their privacy and own entertainment. There are many restaurants in the resort; Five Pines is the main restaurant, Rocca is the the gourmet option, and Monte Mar, a seafood and fresh fish dining room. The nearby town of Cascais has many other
184 Portugal: Lisbon coast GolfPlanet Holidays
choices and can be reached by courtesy shuttle. Taxis are easily available for night owls.
Par 71. 6155 yards. Slope 117.
This is a good resort course that will allow you to play to your handicap while enjoying the scenery.
The leisure facilities are excellent, including four swimming pools, tennis courts and a health centre complete with spa and gym. Courses within 30 minutes Quinta da Marinha (on site) ■ Penha Longa ■ CampoReal ■ Belas ■ Oitavos Dunes ■
From
Suggested itinerary Three nights’ b/b, golf at Quinta da Marinha (twice) & Oitavos Dunes
To
£525
£639 £799
Single room supplement per night
F M A M J
The Trent Jones-designed course takes you through pine woods and over and around (sometimes in!) lakes with views of the hills and ocean. Easy walking with buggies and trolleys available.
PARKLAND
Five nights’ b/b, golf at Quinta da Marinha £699 (twice), Belas and Oitavos Dunes
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Quinta Da Marinha
£40
£50
J A S O N D
GolfPlanet Holidays bonuses Free golf at Quinta da Marinha from Jan - Mar 15 and July & Aug ■ Seven nights for the price of five in Jan & Feb ■
Email: info@yourgolfholidays.com GolfPlanet holidays
LUXURY
SPA ££££
Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa ***** Cascais 1 At a glance ■ ■
Former residence of King Humberto II of Italy Idyllic ocean-front location
Situated in a superb position overlooking the sea, this beautiful hotel is the former house of King Humberto II of Italy during his exile in Portugal between the 50’s and 80’s. It is located near the lovely town of Cascais, and represents the pinnacle of hotel design and the very best in sophistication and comfort. Just to the north lie the beautiful fairytale hills and castles of Sintra, whilst Lisbon is just a short drive away. The hotel has been built so its restaurants, terraces and swimming pools all overlook the sparkling sea, while the stunning new Spa provides guests with a wide range of facilities
Tel: 01277 824100 GolfPlanet holidays
including a Thalasso circuit pool, an ice fountain, thermal baths and a long list of face and body treatments to create the perfect pamper. Courses within 30 minutes Quinta da Marinha Penha Longa ■ CampoReal ■
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Oitavos Dunes Belas
Suggested itinerary Three nights’ b/b, golf at Belas & Penha Longa
From
To
£649
£765
Seven nights’ b/b, golf at Oitavos Dunes, Belas, Penha Longa & Praia d’el Rey £1050
£1225
£90
£115
Single room supplement per night
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GolfPlanet Holidays bonus ■
Seventh night free all year
Portugal: Lisbon coast 185 GolfPlanet Holidays
RESORT
SPA ££
CampoReal
The Westin CampoReal Golf Resort & Spa ***** Turcifal 2 At a glance Countryside setting Large bedrooms ■ Spa ■ ■
The resort is nestled in a beautiful valley overlooking an unspoiled landscape of dramatic rolling hills and ancient vineyards. The resort’s accommodation comprises 151 hotel bedrooms, 203 bedrooms in apartments and townhouses and four villas. All are tastefully decorated in neutral tones and comfortable furnishings, featuring Westin’s famous Heavenly Bed® and Heavenly Bath®. Each room has a private balcony with courtyard or golf views. There are three restaurants offering the finest selection of Portuguese and international cuisine, two bars, swimming pools, Health Club, tennis courts, Spa and a multi-purpose playing field.
186 Portugal: Lisbon coast GolfPlanet Holidays
Par 72. 6572 yards.
Just 30 minutes north of Lisbon and 20 minutes from the beaches of the Silver Coast, this is the perfect escape. Courses within 30 minutes CampoReal (on site) Belas ■ Quinta da Marinha
Praia d’el Rey Oitavos Dunes ■ Penha Longa
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Suggested itinerary
From
To
Three nights’ b/b, golf at CampoReal (three times)
£469
£585
Seven nights’ b/b, golf at CampoReal (three times), Praia d’el Rey & Golden Eagle
£769
£1050
£38
£60
Single room supplement per night
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The jewel in the crown of the resort is Donald Steel’s extraordinarily beautiful championship golf course.
You’ll go a long way to find a golfing experience as good as this. Etched into the steep wooded valleys, the course will challenge and delight even the most experienced players. Enjoyable, beautiful and serene, it’s a course matched by few and the excellent clubhouse completes the quality picture.
J A S O N D
GolfPlanet Holidays bonus ■
Townhouses available for a supplement of £8 per person per night
CHAMPIONSHIP
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CHAMPIONSHIP
Penha Longa Par 72. 6516 yards. Slope 119.
A Trent Jones classic and deservedly rated among Europe's best. The encouraging fairways let you have a go with the driver but to score well you must
make sure you hit to the correct part of the fairway as the greens are very well protected. Ancient monuments, gorgeous countryside and waterfalls combine to make this a visual, as well as a playing, treat. Past host to several PGA tournaments. There is also a Par 35, nineholer that allows the less accomplished player a game in similarly pleasing surroundings. Fairly hilly. Eight miles north-east of Cascais.
Par 71. 6933 yards. Slope 134. ■ ■
Top European course Panoramic clubhouse with terrace
The outlandish and stunning clubhouse sets the tone for this sensational golf course.
Tel: 01277 824100 GolfPlanet holidays
Praia d’el Rey Par 72. 6710 yards. Slope 118. Top European course ■ Great links holes ■ Testing greens ■
Set amid pine trees and beachside
dunes and cliffs, this is a stunning golf club. Several holes run alongside the beach and there's some inland water too. It all sounds a bit daunting but the design warms you up nicely before it really gets spectacular. A perfect seaside walk. Listed in Europe's Top 15. 64 miles north of Cascais.
PARKLAND
CREME DE LA CREME
Oitavos Dunes
CREME DE LA CREME
Only the second golf course in the world to be recognised as a Signature Sanctuary, this is where a great design meets with a great respect for nature. Gently rolling through an umbrella pine forest, great expanses of scrubland and more open "links", you'll be surprised by how few bunkers there are but the trees and the rough provide plenty of obstacles. Easy walking. One mile west of Cascais.
Belas Par 72. 6671 yards. Slope 119. ■ ■
Augusta-style Signature hole Friendly clubhouse
Spread out over a huge, undulating and luxuriant 465hectare park in the shadow of the Sintra hills.
Belas offers a real feeling of space and makes for a very relaxing and enjoyable round. Rocky Roquemore has designed a course that is pure Southern Europe - verdant, generous off the tee, large bunkers and sloping greens. Great fun and even golfers having a "bad day" will enjoy this haven of nature. 15 miles north-east of Cascais.
Portugal: Lisbon coast 187 GolfPlanet Holidays
RESORT
££ RESORT
Le Meridien Penina Golf & Resort ***** Penina 3 At a glance ■ ■
Le Meridien Dona Filipa ***** Vale do Lobo 4
Suggested itinerary
Recently refurbished Classic golf hotel
The grand old lady of Algarve golf-hotels, Penina continues to impress and thrive under Le Meridien ownership.
From
To
Seven nights’ b/b, golf at Penina (four times) & San Lorenzo
£775
£975
Single room supplement per night
£35
£66
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J A S O N D
GolfPlanet Holidays bonuses Free hotel for one in eight except July & Aug, minimum seven nights’ stay ■ Welcome buffet dinner if booked 90 days or more before arrival, minimum seven nights’ stay ■ Unlimited golf in low season ■
There are 196 rooms and suites and the resort lies within 360 acres of wooded parkland and manicured gardens. The superior bedrooms have views over the golf course and pool. There is a good choice of fine dining and outdoor restaurants and there is plenty to see and do within a short drive.
££££
At a glance
Suggested itinerary
From
To
■
Access to San Lorenzo ■ Excellent dining
Five nights’ b/b, golf at San Lorenzo (twice), Quinta do Lago & Quinta da Ria £825
£1050
One of the best-known hotels in the Algarve and only a short drive from Vilamoura.
Single room supplement per night
There are 154 bedrooms with choice of garden, ocean or golf course views. There are two restaurants and the Atlantic Bar is famed for port and cigars. A grand hotel that strives to maintain its well-earned reputation.
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£40
£105
J A S O N D
GolfPlanet Holidays bonuses Free hotel for one in eight except July & Aug, minimum seven nights’ stay ■ Welcome buffet dinner if booked 90 days or more before arrival, minimum seven nights’ stay ■
Courses within 30 minutes Vilamoura Vale do Lobo ■ San Lorenzo ■
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Vila Sol Quinta do Lago
Courses within 30 minutes ■ ■
Penina (on site) Palmares
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Morgado
CREME DE LA CREME CHAMPIONSHIP
Penina Par 72. 6179 yards. Slope 132.
A tough proposition from the back tees, you need to drive long, know how to shape the ball and master the subtle greens.
San Lorenzo Par 72. 6421 yards. Slope 132. ■ ■
■ ■
First Algarve course Venue of the Portuguese Open 2006
Sir Henry Cotton’s renovated masterpiece is as good as ever.
188 Portugal: Algarve GolfPlanet Holidays
The back nine has four Par fives and gives you the chance to claim a memorable birdie or two on the closing stretch. 29 miles west of Vilamoura.
Top European course Great test of golf
One of the most stunning and challenging courses in Portugal, this is an absolute must as the
course encompasses pine woods, lakes and holes alongside the stunning Ria Formosa nature reserve. High handicappers will enjoy the experience whereas the better players will no doubt wish to return to try to “tame the beast”! Eight miles east of Vilamoura.
www.yourgolfholidays.com GolfPlanet holidays
FOREST
TARGET
Vale do Lobo Royal course Par 72. 6215 yards. Slope 130. Dramatic views ■ Excellent test of golf ■
Famous for the Par-three 16th hole over cliffs, the course has
many other attributes and is a pleasant layout indeed. The many pine, olive and orange trees come into play on several holes and there are also a number of lakes to avoid. Originally designed by Sir Henry Cotton and updated a few years ago by Rocky Roquemore. Easy walking. Seven miles east of Vilamoura.
Quinta do Lago North. Par 72. 6385 yards. Slope 126. South. Par 72. 6457 yards. Slope 118. Excellent maintenance Two Championship courses ■ Beautiful location ■ ■
Regularly used for PGA European events, the resort has acquired a
great reputation and should be on your Algarve play list. The North course is slightly gentler than the South but runs in an anti-clockwise direction so the ability to draw the ball helps. There are a few lakes on both courses but the pine trees and heather on the South add another level of difficulty. Hilly in parts. Six miles east of Vilamoura.
Vilamoura Old Par 73. 6505 yards. Slope 124.
Vilamoura Victoria Par 72. 6191 yards. Slope 130. ■ ■
Year-round good condition Must-play Algarve selection
We offer all seven courses at the renowned Vilamoura complex but we favour the oldest and the newest.
CREME DE LA CREME
FOREST
The Old course has a woodland feel to it and brings the towering pine trees into play on numerous occasions. Easy walking.
Vila Sol
The Victoria course was host to the recent World Golf Championships and has a distinct links feel to it; because of this openness, the wind plays a major factor in club selection. All immaculately maintained. Easy walking. One mile from Vilamoura.
Par 72. 6573 yards. Slope 129. 27 holes ■ Wonderful clubhouse restaurant ■
CHAMPIONSHIP
Tel: 01277 824100 GolfPlanet holidays
The original 18 holes of this lovely club were designed by Donald Steel back in 1991 and a
further nine have recently been added. Any mix of the three loops offers a fair round and if you can avoid the pine, cork and almond trees as well as the water hazards (!) a good score is on the cards. Easy walking. The clubhouse has a very pleasant patio and bar area. Three miles east of Vilamoura.
Portugal: Algarve 189 GolfPlanet Holidays
PARKLAND
this Ronald Fream layout is an underplayed gem.
Pinheiros Altos Par 72. 6343 yards. Slope 120. Immaculate condition ■ Designed by Ronald Fream ■ 27 holes ■
RESORT COMFORTABLE
£££
Close to the Rio Formosa reserve,
Robinson Club Quinta da Ria ****
££
Monte Rei
Formosa Park Hotel & near Tavira 5 Apartments ****
Par 72. 6633 yards. Slope 136. One of the best Portuguese courses Jack Nicklaus design ■ Managed by Troon Golf ■
At a glance
Almancil 4
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Brand new hotel Two courses on site
At a glance Brilliant value ■ Very large apartments ■ Preferred access to Pinheiros Altos Golf Club ■
Located in the Rio Formosa nature reserve, the hotel offers extremely spacious one-and two-bedroom apartments. Both types are simply styled with fully fitted kitchenettes and large balconies. The resort has a restaurant, bar and outdoor pool. Guests benefit from reduced green fees at the nearby Pinheiros Altos course. Our prices are based on four people sharing a two-bedroom apartment. Superb value in the Algarve.
This brand new hotel in the eastern Algarve is a welcome addition and absolutely perfect for discovering the relatively unknown courses of this region.
This is without doubt one of the best European courses you’ll ever play. The Jack Nicklaus’ course opened in June 2007 and is already a firm favourite with those in the know.
The hotel is surrounded by the Quinta da Ria and Cima courses and sits above the natural lagoon beaches. There are 285 well-equipped bedrooms and suites.
The course is set in the picturesque foothills of the Eastern Algarve, with sweeping views of
Prices are based on half-board or full board from May to October, house drinks being offered free with meals. Fitness fans can take advantage of the wide range of activities on offer including aqua aerobics, cycling and tennis while the more artistic may care to try their hand at painting or interior design.
Courses within 30 minutes Pinheiros Altos Vilamoura ■ Vila Sol ■
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Suggested itinerary
Four nights’ b/b, golf at Pinheiros Altos (twice) & Quinta de Cima £499 Single room supplement per night
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£60
Quinta da Ria (on site) ■ Monte Rei ■
To
Quinta de Cima (on site)
From
To
£649
Five nights’ full-board, golf at Quinta da Ria, Cima & Monte Rei
£749
£925
£120
Single room supplement per night
£20
£25
J A S O N D
190 Portugal: Algarve GolfPlanet Holidays
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Suggested itinerary
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CREME DE LA CREME the mountains to the north and Atlantic to the south. Each hole presents a different challenge with immaculate fairways and bunkers and treacherous greens. A second course and luxury hotel is in the planning stages. Eight miles east of Tavira.
Quinta da Ria Par 72. 6460 yards. Slope 118.
Quinta de Cima Par 72. 6650 yards. Slope 127. ■
Courses within 30 minutes
Vale do Lobo Quinta do Lago
Narrow, tree-lined fairways meander through the pretty terrain to the tricky greens. Good driving and approaches are well-rewarded and poor shots are fairly penalised. A welcoming clubhouse rounds off the day very nicely.
■
Top European courses Hidden gems
PARKLAND/TARGET
These two fantastic courses opened in 2002 and are still surprisingly unknown to tourist golfers. Already rated among Portugal’s best, we recommend you test them out. The Ria course
is located on the cliffs over the most beautiful inlet of the Ria Formosa and is not long but has well-defended greens. The Cima design is more difficult with ditches, lakes and streams to contend with. Target golf is the name of the game here. Eight miles east of Tavira.
Email: info@yourgolfholidays.com GolfPlanet holidays
TARGET
Palheiro LUXURY
SPA £££
Par 71. 6432 yards. Slope 130.
Quinta das Vistas ***** Funchal 6
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At a glance
Courses within 30 minutes
Superb views of the mountains and sea ■ Set among beautiful gardens ■ Courtesy transfers to Funchal
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Palheiro
Views over Funchal Spectacular holes ■ Excellent clubhouse ■
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Santo da Serra
Located on the south coast of Madeira, with majestic views of
Funchal and the ocean far below! A relatively short course, its lack of length is more than compensated by the hilly terrain and elevated greens. There are some cracking holes that require careful club selection but really it's just about taking in the scenery and playing your game. Buggies are recommended as this can be tiring on the legs. Five miles east of Funchal.
Sitting on the brow of one of Funchal’s hills, this refurbished Manor House offers stunning views of the town, surrounding mountains and ocean. The 71 spacious rooms and suites are spread over three floors and are tastefully decorated with Portuguese marble and wood and come with private balcony. ‘La Belle Terrasse’ restaurant serves creative dishes for lunch and dinner. Guests can benefit from a dine-around programme which includes transfers to the restaurants of the other ‘Charming Hotels’ on the island. There is also a pool bar for drinks and snacks and the Albatroz piano bar in the main building. The CHANDRA SPA brings those sought-after feelings even closer, with a diversified menu of treatments, several themed rooms, inspired by different cultures and personalised to the lifestyles of each individual guest. The swimming pool complex beneath the hotel provides indoor and outdoor heated pools, jet streams, sauna, Turkish bath, Vichy bath and fitness and treatment rooms.
Tel: 01277 824100 GolfPlanet holidays
From
To
Five nights’ b/b, golf at Palheiro (twice) & Santo da Serra
£869
£949
Single room supplement per night
£55
£65
Suggested itinerary
TARGET
Santo da Serra Par 72. 6046 yards. Slope 136.
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GolfPlanet Holidays bonuses ■ ■
Local wine and cake on arrival Seven nights for the price of six from Jan - Mar & May - July 15
Breathtaking views ■ Trent Jones design ■
A Robert Trent Jones design in the clouds! This excellent course is high in the mountains and
although your ball may fly further, beware the many dangers! With many bunkers and thick rough, the short yardage suddenly becomes a tricky challenge... Particularly when the wind blows. Don't forget to take your camera as the 12th and 13th holes are real gems. 17 miles north-east of Funchal.
Portugal: Madeira 191 GolfPlanet Holidays