Montecastillo Golf Resort

On a 160 hectare estate beside the Circuito de Velocidad at the edge of Jerez de la Frontera, Barceló Montecastillo Golf combines a five star hotel, extensive sports facilities and a Jack Nicklaus designed 18 hole course. The Andalusian countryside setting gives the stay an easy rhythm, with golf at the centre and tennis courts, three full size football pitches, a multi sport court and jogging track available between rounds. A 19th century castle stands within the grounds, while the hotel’s 124 rooms and 38 villas provide contemporary B Room interiors with a more traditional sense of place around the resort.

Montecastillo Golf Course is a par 72 parkland test that reaches 7,062 yards from the back tees, or 6,424 yards from the whites. Generous fairways offer a little freedom from the tee, although carefully positioned bunkers and rolling putting surfaces demand thought on the way into the greens. The greens run quickly and hold quiet, awkward breaks, so leaving the ball on the right level is important. The 16th turns from right to left past fairway bunkers, with pines and olive trees lining the left side and water ready to punish a poorly judged approach. Water also becomes a serious consideration over the final three holes. The course hosted the Volvo Masters for five consecutive years, and still has the closing stretch to match that pedigree. A driving range, academy, short game areas and expanded pitch and putt facility make it straightforward to prepare properly before teeing off. Buggies can be hired and are compulsory before 11am.

After golf, El Lagar restaurant and El Tabanco Snack Bar serve regional dishes alongside international food, giving you the choice of a longer evening meal or something more casual. The U Spa has saunas, a hot tub, massage rooms, a fitness studio and treatments aimed at sports recovery. Jerez Airport is around 10 minutes away by car, while the beach is about 30 minutes from the resort, leaving scope for time on the coast alongside the golf.