Praia del Rey: Portugal
If you are looking for a golf holiday that combines scenic views, challenging courses and luxurious accommodation, you might want to consider Praia del Rey Golf & Beach Resort. Located on the Silver Coast of Portugal, about an hour north of Lisbon, Praia del Rey is one of the most acclaimed golf resorts in Europe.
The Golf Courses
Praia del Rey’s 18-hole golf course was designed by the renowned American golf architect Cabell B. Robinson and was inaugurated on 14th June 19971. It is set among extensive pine forests and undulating dunes, with spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Berlengas Islands beyond.
The course is a mixture of seaside
links and parkland holes, with a par of 73, offering the golfer a unique experience2. It has been rated amongst the top golf courses in Europe by Golf World Magazine and is one of Portugal’s major golfing destinations for both private and sponsored events1.
The course features deep bunkers, sloping greens and sandy dunes that contrast sharply with the lush fairways, making it the complete golfing challenge1. The course also has a clubhouse, a golf shop, a restaurant and bar, a driving range and a putting green1.
But Praia del Rey is not the only golf course in the area. Just 5 minutes away from Praia del Rey, you can find two other award-winning courses: West Cliffs and Royal Obidos.
West Cliffs is a 18-hole seaside links course designed by Cynthia Dye ASGCA, of the world-renowned golf architecture firm Dye Designs Group. It was opened in 2017 and was elected the “World’s Best New Course” by Golf Inc Magazine.
West Cliffs is set along the coast, among rolling sand dunes and coastal vegetation. It has stunning views over the ocean and the lagoon, and offers a challenging and varied layout for golfers of all levels. West Cliffs also has a clubhouse, a pro shop, a restaurant and bar, an academy and a driving range.
Royal Obidos is another 18-hole course designed by a golf legend: Severiano Ballesteros. It was opened in 2012 and has received several accolades, such as being ranked second best course in Portugal by Golf Digest.
Royal Obidos is situated on a hillside overlooking the ocean and the lagoon. It has a diverse design that combines links-style holes with parkland-style holes. It also has water hazards, bunkers and undulating greens that test the golfer’s skills. Royal Obidos also has a clubhouse, a pro shop, a restaurant and bar, an academy and a driving range.
With these three courses within easy reach, you can enjoy some of the best golfing experiences in Europe.
The Accommodation
Praia del Rey Golf & Beach Resort offers three types of accommodation for its guests: the 5-star Marriott Hotel, the serviced apartments and the villas.
The Marriott Hotel is situated on a cliff overlooking the ocean and the golf course. It has 177 rooms and suites, all with balconies or terraces, air conditioning, minibars, safes, satellite TV and internet access. The hotel also has a spa, a gym, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a kids club, a tennis court and several restaurants and bars.
The serviced apartments are located near the hotel and the golf course. They have one to three bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, living rooms, dining areas and balconies or terraces. The apartments also have access to a shared pool and garden area.
The villas are scattered throughout the resort, offering more privacy and space. They have two to five bedrooms, private pools or jacuzzis, gardens, barbecue areas and garages. The villas also have access to all the resort’s facilities and services.
The Activities
Besides golfing, Praia del Rey Golf & Beach Resort offers a variety of activities for its guests to enjoy. The resort has a long stretch of golden sand beach where you can sunbathe, swim, surf or kayak. You can also explore the nearby fishing villages, medieval towns and historical monuments of the
Silver Coast.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can take a boat trip to the Berlengas Islands, a natural reserve with crystal clear waters and rich marine life. You can also visit the Obidos Lagoon, a tranquil lagoon surrounded by nature trails and birdwatching spots.
For more cultural attractions, you can visit the town of Obidos, a charming walled town with cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses and a castle. You can also visit the town of Alcobaca, where you can see the impressive monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Recommended
Praia del Rey Golf & Beach Resort is a perfect destination for golf lovers and one of James Andrews Golf Schools favourite venues.
James and his team have 2 trips winter 2023-24 21st October 2023 and 15th April 2024 and can be veiwed here
This is a very special place and should be on any golfers wish list!