Is it time you visited the next golfer’s paradise?

How the Anantara Vilamoura is on course to become the world’s hottest hotel for golf

Golf has come a long way since it was invented in the wet and wild of the Scottish highlands. In recent years, the sport has left its birthplace in the temperate climes of western Europe and teed up a takeover of the far east, starting a golfer’s boom in Asia.

But today the tide is swelling back in the opposite direction. Money is flooding into western resorts from China, Japan, and Thailand, helping to revive once flagging destinations.

Perhaps the best example of this is in Portugal where the Bangkok luxury hoteliers Anantara have opened their first European location in the heart of Portugal’s golfer’s paradise – the Algarve. Almost definitely Europe’s biggest and most successful golfing destination, the costal town of Vilamoura offers an unparalleled experience.

At the heart of this golf utopia is the 5-star hotel resort, Anantara Vilamoura. Surrounded by six top quality courses in close proximity there is simply no better place to stay when you play. But by far the best reason to visit the Anantara Vilamoura is the chance to play on their neighbouring course, Oceânico Victoria Golf Course, the home of the Portuguese Masters.

Designed by Arnold Palmer, one of the biggest legends of the game, the course is challenging, but still allows players to get good scores. It has conditions ideal for top players and beginners alike.

The Anantara hotel gives its guests a uniquely close relationship with this sought after course. Not only do you get access to the course, with perks like access to a “Golf Guru” or specially designed golfer’s spa massages, there is even a secret tunnel that links the hotel to the course clubhouse.

‘At Anantara, nothing is too much, and that thread runs through every aspect of the hotel, including the golf,’ says Tomás Carlota, Anantara Vilamoura resident “Golf Guru”. Each hotel in the Anantara brand has at least three resident “Gurus” to offer guests expert advice about making the most of their stay.

The best reason to visit the Anantara Vilamoura is the chance to play on their neighbouring course, Oceânico Victoria Golf Course, the home of the Portuguese Masters

When you ask Tomás if guest enjoy the luxury of a tunnel running straight into the course he says:

“Of course! I call it the Hall of Fame, as it has pictures of all the Portugal Masters winners up on the wall and I know it adds real value to our guests. The tunnel gives our guests direct access to the Victoria golf course: rather than driving a car there, Anantara’s guests simply have to take a few steps to come out right by the entrance. Our clients love exclusivity, and their own private tunnel to the golf course is certainly that!”

And the luxury doesn’t stop there. As Tomás explains: “Once a guest has booked in to play golf through us I will talk with them on the phone or in person about their handicap, experience and what they’re looking for and plan a programme with local golf courses that will suit their requirements.

“We think of every little detail, for example, at the golf lounge, we have locker rooms for golfers to take advantage of, with towels, plenty of fresh water and golf balls provided as part of their experience. At Anantara, nothing is too much, and that thread runs through every aspect of the hotel, including the golf.”

The Anantara “Golf Guru” also has an expert local knowledge, setting up guests with trips to play at anyone of the golfer’s paradise courses. He personally recommends the 16th at Vale do Lobo Royal which is one of the most famous holes in Europe, and his top hole in the Algarve. Also highly recommended is “The Old Course” which he says is “brimming with character and has a typical club feel rather than commercial. I love that ‘Britishness’ about it.

Anantara Vilamoura nightly rates start at €255 in a Deluxe Double room for two persons on a b&b basis with VAT included. Enquire now at vilamoura.anantara.com

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