Ria Park Garden Hotel

Set in pine woodland between Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, Ria Park Garden Hotel makes a relaxed base for an Algarve golf break with several established courses within a short drive. The 93 room hotel sits among tropical gardens, close to the sandy Atlantic coastline and the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Vale do Lobo Ocean and Royal are both 2.9 miles away, while Quinta do Lago North and South are 3.7 miles from the hotel, each with a stated transfer time of around 10 minutes. The setting suits golfers who want strong course choice without moving hotels between rounds.

Vale do Lobo Ocean is a par 73 measuring 6,711 yards from the back tees, with Sir Henry Cotton’s routing running through fig trees towards the Atlantic. A driving range, putting green and academy allow time to loosen up before the round. Nearby Royal, designed by Cotton with Rocky Roquemore, is a 6,626 yard par 72 with putting and chipping areas, academy and clubhouse. Quinta do Lago provides three more substantial tests. South reaches 7,095 yards, North plays to 6,700 yards following its 2014 renovation by Beau Welling and Paul McGinley, and Laranjal stretches to 7,065 yards. Each has practice provision, with Laranjal also offering chipping areas, buggies and trolleys.

Back at the hotel, two swimming pools provide an easy way to spend the afternoon, while three food and drink outlets cover a casual meal or an evening drink without needing to head out. Standard rooms measure 323 sq ft and have a balcony or terrace, while the larger 409 sq ft Garden View and Pool View rooms give extra space. Pool View rooms sit on the upper floors with balconies facing the water. Traditional Algarve forms influence the building, with verandas and small arches adding character to the garden setting, and room service runs from 07:00 until 23:00.