Crowne Plaza Vilamoura

For a Vilamoura golf break with the beach and marina close at hand, Crowne Plaza Vilamoura Algarve makes an easy base between rounds. The hotel stands directly on Vilamoura Beach, beside the casino and a short walk from the marina, putting restaurants, bars and the evening promenade within simple reach. Its golf department is set up to support travelling groups, while the surrounding area offers a strong choice of courses including The Old Course, Millennium, Pinhal, Laguna, Vila Sol, Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo. Faro Airport is around 25 minutes away by road, which keeps arrival day straightforward.

Vila Sol is a particularly good option for groups wanting variety, with 27 holes divided into three nine hole loops of differing difficulty across a 150 hectare estate. Natural vegetation and wildlife remain part of the setting, giving the course a quieter feel than its position near Vilamoura might suggest. For a day further along the coast, Vale do Lobo’s Royal Course moves through pines, lakes and wildflowers on rolling ground, while the Ocean Course follows undulating fairways beside a nature reserve before dropping towards the Atlantic. These are courses that reward sensible club selection and control from the tee, rather than simply reaching for the driver.

There are 323 contemporary rooms and suites, each with a private balcony, air conditioning, minibar and wireless internet access. Beach facing rooms and junior suites add a fuller view of the shoreline. Cataplana Restaurant covers Portuguese and international dishes throughout the day, with a private Wine Cellar focused on Portuguese food and wine, while grilled dishes suit a relaxed lunch by the outdoor pool at the Seafront Restaurant. Caravela Bar and Lounge has sea views from its terrace for a drink after golf. Away from the course, the outdoor pool looks over the beach, and the Almond Tree Wellness Spa has a hammam, dry sauna and treatments, with a heated indoor pool and oversized whirlpool for quieter time between tee times.