• On the Course

A true golfing experience

The 11th at Laranjal is likely to be a much-photographed hole as time goes by © Getty Images

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I took the bold decision to head off to Portugal recently and found a golfing experience not to be missed.

A two-and-a-half-hour flight took my group to Faro and within 20 minutes we were transferred to our base at the Monte Da Quinta resort. You will never be short of options if Portugal is your destination of choice for a golfing break, but Monte Da Quinta is high on the list if you are looking for quality of resort and quality of golf.

There are five 18-hole courses based in the estate and the one disappointment is that we could only shoehorn two rounds of golf into our two-night stay.

After a brief bite to eat at the resort, we were transferred to the first tee at the Quinta do Lago South Course. The course marshalls were awaiting our arrival and we were given a brief tour of the facilities before being shown to the first tee.

A William Mitchell design, the course was opened in 1974 and has played host to the Portuguese Open on eight occasions - a clear indication of its quality. At 6,500 metres from the Championship tees, it is a test of golf for all levels of player. The mid-to-high-handicapper need not fear playing on the South Course, as the fairways are like carpets and the Bermuda grass that sits beneath the beautiful pine trees is not the punishing beast some would expect.

Those who can hit a long ball are favoured, but the ability to hit the fairway is also important as it will allow you a better chance to find the greens in the right places. The greens were simply beautiful, large and at times undulating and you will work out pretty quickly that it is not advisable to leave your ball above the pin.

The 15th at the South Course is a test of nerve © Getty Images

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As you would expect of a European Tour course, there are a range of challenges on offer including dog legs, water and cunning bunkers. The back nine takes you past the glorious Ria Formosa Natural Park and towards the signature 15th hole, a knee-knocking par three with a long carry over water. Negotiate that and two more water challenges on 16 and 17 await before you can meander towards the 19th and a cold, very cold, beer. There are courses you step off and instantly forget, this is not one of them.

The Laranjal was our second port of call and it was certainly one we were looking forward to, given it's the newest in the Quinta do Lago group. Opened in 2008, it joins the North and South courses as being of championship standard and the layout designed by Jorge Santana da Silva makes it immediately apparent that grand plans are envisaged for Laranjal.

The course was originally an orangery and there are clear signs of this as many of the tight fairways are lined with fruit trees. At 6,480 metres from the championship tees, it requires some solidity from the tee as accuracy as well as length is required as the glorious fairways are flanked by strategic bunkers and threatening lakes to make for a superb challenge. But those of a lesser standard need not feel that they are not catered for as there are four other tee positions that allow the lesser hitters to take their chance.

There is something absorbing, in the case of my ball positively magnetic, about water on a course and the signature 11th hole has everything including a 200-yard carry and a stunning beach bunker.

Many courses in the Algarve are flanked by stunning houses and although beautiful, this is accompanied by the hustle and bustle and noise. Laranjal does not have this and there is something quite soothing about the peace and quiet that follows you around the course.

The one disappointment from my trip to Laranjal was the greens had been treated on the eve of our visit. I had been told that the greens were amongst the best in the region so it was a shame not to have the chance to play on them at their peak, but experience dictates that they will soon be back in pristine condition.

The Algarve has an abundance of top-class courses to play on, but what makes me think Laranjal will take high rank amongst them is that you could transplant the course into one of the great stadium courses in the States and it would not look out of place.

Monte da Quinta Suites offer real quality © Getty Images

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Any golfing holiday requires a good base and quite simply Monte Da Quinta ticks all the boxes.

The resort caters for everyone from families to couples to golfing groups, as the accommodation ranges from one-bedroom suites through to five-bedroom villas. The one-bedroom suite I stayed in was well proportioned, with a sizeable living area, balcony, kitchenette and two bathrooms. The suite, one of 132 based over three floors, was spotlessly clean and this was mirrored throughout the resort and even if golf is not your thing, you will not be short of things to do. A tennis academy is a short stroll away, while resort staff can organise horse riding and cycling trips.

There is a family feel to Monte Da Quinta and a kids' club caters for children from six months to 12 years and the staff pride themselves on being able to offer one-to-one supervision. A welcome addition, and something hotels the world over should provide, is free wireless internet which will enable you to catch up on a bit of work and keep the kids occupied at the same time.

The restaurant offers Portuguese and international cuisine, while you can eat in more relaxed surrounds at the pool and grill bar. The lobby offers an airy and relaxed atmosphere and trust me when I tell you you will not be disappointed if you seek out one of Mario's cocktails.

There are plenty of options if you wish to dine away from the resort and the Casa do Lago offers fresh seafood that is cooked to perfection.

If you are looking to unwind after a trudge round the course, the Magnolia Spa and Health Club offers a range of facilities including Turkish bath, Jacuzzi, Sauna, heated indoor pool and ice plunge pool. A number of treatments are available and a Vichy shower is not to be missed.

Taking a walk through the complex reinforces the impression of quality and this is reinforced by the friendly and efficient nature of the staff who will go out of their way to make your stay a relaxed and enjoyable one.

Faro is a little over two-and-half hours away and Monarch offer flights from Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton (summer season only) and Manchester airports with fares, including taxes, starting from £46.50 one way (£83.99 return).

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