Resort focus: Aroeira, Portugal
We always emphasise there are three different Lisbon golf breaks; to the north around Obidos, to the west around Cascais and to the south around Setubal.
Orizonte Golf dominate this last area, with two evenly matched courses at both Ribagolfe and Aroeira as well as one at Quinta do Peru.
They offer arguably the best quality-to-price ratio anywhere in Continental Europe, with all five in the mainland’s Top 200 courses.
Breaks to the area, therefore, have always been an appealing prospect – and now the group can also offer accommodation as part of their package with the opening of Aroeira Lisbon Hotel at the beginning of December.
It sits in the pine forest out of which the two Aroeira courses are cut through, in what is a well-regarded residential area 25km south of the Portuguese capital.
The new hotel is the epitome of minimalist chic, with clean lines, no fuss and gleaming white tiles and glass wherever you look. We were impressed.
The four-star hotel has 68 bedrooms and suites, an outdoor pool, a spa and five bars and restaurants and play-and-stay breaks are available from £285 per person.
Four-night packages include three rounds – two at Aroeira and one at Quinta do Peru – while seven-night stays feature five rounds which can be taken at any of Orizonte’s courses and cost from £460 per person.
All prices include bed-and-breakfast basis and are based on two people sharing a room, while guests can upgrade to a semi all-inclusive package (including dinner and drinks from 5.30pm-11pm) for around an extra £25 a day.
The Costa Azul area enjoys excellent access to Portugal’s booming capital; so, within 30 minutes, you have swapped the vibrancy of the city for the tranquility of the beaches or the Costa Azul.
Quinta do Peru Golf & Country Club is a well-regarded Rocky Roquemore design while the two courses at Ribagolfe are in our view are some of the finest in the Lisbon area despite strong competition.
They are mini Valderramas by virtue of the cork oaks that dominate the scene.
Meanwhile right on site, Aroeira – venue for the Portuguese Open in 1996 and 1997 – has a stellar course in No.1 but also a very able deputy in No.2. Whereas Ribagolfe echoes Valderrama, Aroeira’s pine-lined pair remind you of Woburn.
Discover Orizonte’s full range of courses and packages at www.orizontegolf.com.
