Ria Park Hotel & Spa

Ria Park Hotel & SPA sits in Vale do Garrão, between Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, with the Ria Formosa Natural Park on one side and the Atlantic coast close by. It works particularly well for a golf break built around the Algarve’s established courses, with five courses within five miles and both Vale do Lobo layouts only three miles away. Back at the hotel, 175 rooms and suites, three swimming pools and four places for food and drink give the days between tee times an easy rhythm. Standard rooms are 30 square metres, sleep two adults and a child up to 12, and have balconies overlooking the hotel entrance. Garden View and Standard rooms also include evening turndown and 24-hour room service.

Vale do Lobo Ocean is the natural choice for a round with coastal character. Sir Henry Cotton’s par 73 stretches to 6,711 yards from the back tees, travelling through fig trees before reaching the Atlantic side of the course. A driving range, putting green and academy make it straightforward to loosen up or arrange a clinic before play. Its neighbouring Royal course is a par 72 measuring 6,626 yards, shaped by Cotton and Rocky Roquemore. The pro shop, chipping and putting areas, academy and clubhouse keep everything close at hand for a relaxed golf day.

Quinta do Lago gives the stay further depth. North is a 6,700 yard par 72, refreshed by Beau Welling and Paul McGinley in 2014, while South is the longest nearby test at 7,095 yards from the back tees. Laranjal, five miles away, is another par 72 at 7,064 yards, with a driving range, practice greens, trolleys and buggies available. For a change of scene, Vilamoura Millennium and the Old Course are both nine miles away, each with full short-game practice facilities. Monte Rei is a longer outing at 41 miles, where Jack Nicklaus’s 7,183 yard par 72 rewards a properly planned day.