Portugal is a place made for golf-lovers. There are so many courses, specifically in the Algarve, narrowing it down can be more difficult than lowering your handicap.

Look no further. We found the all-in-one putting mecca, whether you just want to play a few rounds or you have the whole family in tow.

Opened in January 2002 – after staying here for a four-day getaway from Lisbon – it’s no wonder to me how Boavista quickly became established as one of the Western Algarve’s premier resorts. With an exceptional 18-hole championship course it is one of the Algarve’s most beautifully manicured courses, bordered by properties all designed to harmonise with the land’s natural contours.

The main event here is the golf. Boavista course, designed by Howard Swan, featuring two distinctive subdivisions on the front and back 9 holes. Consummately with varied holes. It begins with a winding slope in hole 1, par-4, surrounded by sub-tropical vegetation and beautifu, harmonious properties. The first nine climb to the highest point of the resort, where the 9th Tee is a mandatory stop for those who want to enjoy the stunning panoramic views. The following nine holes descend steadily surrounded by picturesque water features such as streams and lakes juxtaposed with manicured gardens and footbridges, all leading with a finish at the tranquil clubhouse. Friendly service is waiting to help with anything from golf tips to a frosty cerveja.

Hugo Pinheiro is the Director of Golf at the resort. He has a wealth of experience acquired from time spent at other well-known golf hotspots throughout Portugal. My husband – golf fanatic and the guinea pig for this article – well, it was his birthday too, was taken out by Hugo for a round. He shared a great insight to the course as a whole, as well as hole-by-hole tips and was beyond accommodating through our time there. My husband commented on how immaculate the condition of the course was, the greens were impeccable and not too fast. He said it was challenging enough to make it enjoyable. That was made clear while I took to the pool as he played two more rounds at Boavista as opposed to his usual tradition of trying out the multitude of other options the Algarve has to offer in the realm of world-class golf courses.

Complete with two outdoor pools, a spa, health club, indoor pool, two restaurants, there’s a little something for everyone at Boavista in Lagos. 45 minutes from Faro Airport, if you are not familiar with the area, it is characterised by a spectacular coastline with azure seas and sandy beaches framed by naturally-sculpted limestone rocks, which have formed magnificent caves and grottos. That’s to say, if you ever want to leave the property (I did not!), there’s always a beach just a few minutes away.

In fact, one could easily live at Boavista. And guess what? One can! Today, a plethora of luxury properties with sea and golf views, and attractive outdoor pools constitute a residential oasis where the delights of the Algarvian lifestyle can be enjoyed by its owners and guests alike. Sales director and maven of hospitality, Ann Laws, is like the expat mum of my dreams. She arranged our meals at the clubhouse and The Bistro, the latter located in Boavista’s Bela Colina Village, our home for a blissful four days. This luxury accommodation affords magnificent views of either the pristine waters of the Atlantic Ocean or the rolling Monchique mountains. Furnished to high standard, each townhouse provides two double bedrooms and living areas that cater to fit all needs. Guests have direct access to the heated pools and leisure areas which are set in private landscaped gardens where children can safely play and adults can fully relax.

Bonus: There was a bottle of bubbly waiting for us upon arrival. I’ll raise a glass to that, Boavista.

For More Information:
Website: https://www.boavistaresort.pt/
Tel.: +351 282 000 100
Email: info@boavistaresort.pt
Address: Urbanização Quinta da Boavista
Sítio da Atalaia - Lagos 8600-382
Apartado 62 Lagos 8601-382 - Algarve - Portugal