In Portugal’s famous Algarve, the sun shines more than 300 days a year. Victoria Golf Resort and Spa, managed by Accor. A luxurious hotel, resting in a vast park, managed by Accor for a year.
Less than 20 km east of Faro International Airport, a simple taxi ride transports guests through a golf landscape of lush green fairways, dotted with bougainvillea and oleander, to the large fountains playing in front of the resort.
It’s not just a place for golfers and spa enthusiasts; The resort’s kids’ club also attracts families. Spread over several hectares, couples can always find a secluded spot on a day bed or shaded sofa.
Surrounded by half a dozen golf courses, an effortless ten-minute transfer away, the resort is perhaps Europe’s ultimate golfing mecca.
The reception As our taxi pulls into the grand entrance of the Victoria Golf Resort and Spa, two porters, dressed in cream shirts and white pants as if they were about to head to the first tee, load our luggage onto a cart; before even leaving the car.
Sitting in comfortable armchairs at reception, a few details and signatures are required before a porter delivers us and our luggage to our suite, presenting us with the much-needed air conditioning and a refrigerator for cold water.
The room Dressed in light wood textures and tones, contrasting with the traditional Portuguese furnishings with dark words, the one-bedroom suite is exceptionally spacious.
Beyond two doors, a separate living room, complete with a sofa bed, also has a dining table for room service. Perhaps a “golfer’s breakfast” for those who play very early? The bedroom and living room have separate balconies with day beds offering palm tree-lined views of the gardens and swimming pool.
Room amenities meet all five-star criteria: turndown service, room service, dressing gowns, slippers, Algarve glossy magazine, kettle, coffee maker, iron and ironing board.
The bathroom No space constraints here with a walk-in shower, separate deep bathtub and sink area with plenty of Banho toiletries; imagine aromas of lemon, bergamot and lemongrass.
Next to the living room there is a second bathroom, again with bathtub and shower.
Everything you need to plan your trip in 2026 The facilities The RIA restaurant overlooks a long, inviting swimming pool symmetrically lined with tall palm trees. A light strawberry gazpacho, topped with a cluster of caviar, embodies both the chef’s creativity and impeccable sourcing. It’s almost impossible to resist the catch of the day – sea bream, snapper, squid or turbot – filleted and served at your table.
For now, a superb sushi menu previews the soon-to-open Asian-themed Sensai restaurant. Although the wine list is extensive, a fresh, crisp vinho verde, with just the slightest green tint, is an ideal choice for a summer evening.
At lunchtime, the poolside Palms Restaurant offers a menu of light fare for those returning from the golf course or simply taking the few steps from their cabana or deck chair to the lunch table.
On the second floor there is a gym and spa with spectacular views. Therapists know how to soothe golf-weary bodies in one of half a dozen treatment rooms.
The location The Victoria Golf Resort and Spa lives up to its name. Half a dozen superb golf courses are within a ten-minute shuttle ride.
Most golf enthusiasts consider the Old Course Vilamoura to be the most difficult. Opened in 1969, it established the standards for this group of courses in the Algarve where Atlantic and Mediterranean habits merge; where Eurasian hoopoes flutter between Aleppo and umbrella pines.
“Made by God, sculpted by humans” is the course’s slogan describing a golfer’s paradise; impeccable fairways mowed once a day, teams of green-keepers constantly, caring with passion for greens sometimes mowed twice a day.
Adjoining the Victoria course, the magnificent Els course offers driving distance, water hazards and crosswind challenges. Nearby Pinhal offers another eminently playable 18 holes for competent players. A buggy ride takes golfers through a scenic course where rough balls are rare and errant balls are relatively easy to find. Snack carts and rest rooms make golfing an even more enjoyable experience.
For golfers looking for even more variety, Laguna, perhaps the most forgiving of the local courses, and Millennium are also just minutes from Victoria.
Just five miles from the coast, guests can head out to sea on a dolphin-watching expedition or sail a private boat along the beaches of Benagil.
Other Nice Touches Made-to-order Portuguese eggs, pastel de natal and cinnamon rolls, all local specialties, make up a hearty breakfast buffet enjoyed al fresco on the restaurant’s terrace or indoors.
A free shuttle takes guests to stroll through the maritime forest of masts at Vilamoura Marina and browse boutiques and shops.
Golfers appreciate the narrated shuttle to nearby courses. At the end of the route, reception, at the chosen route, invites you to return with a quick call.
The cost Room rates start from £132 per night including breakfast.
The best piece As the sun sets, guests head up to the rooftop Botanic Terrace Bar for cocktails; admiring spectacular views of the lakes and fairways of the neighboring golf courses where the wading birds strut.
Most evenings, the DJ prepares a relaxed end-of-day playlist.
The final verdict The Algarve’s mild, sunny climate makes Victoria Golf Resort and Spa a year-round destination for golfers, families and travelers who simply want to relax in sumptuous surroundings.
Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by Victoria Golf and Spa Resort, managed by Accor.
Michael Edwards Michael Edwards is a travel writer from Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. Although Michael published his first travel articles nearly four decades ago, he continues to find new luxury destinations to visit and write about.
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