A luxury golf holiday has certain key requirements. The first is a world-class, challenging, but ultimately playable, 18-hole course (preferably on your doorstep); the second is an elegant, contemporary hotel offering five-star service; and, last but not least, is an excellent spa in which to unwind tired muscles after a day on the greens. Thankfully the Oitavos, just outside Lisbon, has all of this. To add a touch of drama, it is set against a backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Sintra Mountains on the other.
First the Course
The first thing to consider before booking your luxury break is always the golf. Portugal has any number of ‘good’ golf courses, but if you are looking for something special then you’ll be seeking a course that offers you something great. The course at Oitavos Dunes was recently listed in the Top 100 Courses in the World by Golf Magazine. It was designed by the legendary Arthur Hills, who worked with the natural landscape along the undulating Atlantic coast to create a links course that sits perfectly in its natural environment.
Sandwiched between the Atlantic and the Sintra Mountains, this is the most easterly course in Europe, with some of the Continent’s most stunning views. The 71-par, 18-hole stretch of fairways and greens is around 6,300 metres and runs through glorious woodland and coastal planes, offering some of the country’s best golf. Portugal always promises much for keen players and the Oitavos Dunes will not disappoint.
The Hotel
The five-star Oitavos Hotel is a stunning modern construction designed by Portuguese architect José Amaral Anahory. The sleek steel-and-glass construction was created to allow as much of the natural light and stunning coastal scenery into the hotel as possible. The luxury suites, lofts and rooms all offer space for elegant modern living, complete with seating areas and balconies which overlook either the coast or the famous golf course.
Whether you are travelling with golf buddies or loved ones who may not share your passion for the game, everyone can enjoy the excellent facilities at the Oitavos. With four restaurants to choose from – all overseen by head chef Cyril Devilliers, who trained under the three-Michelin-starred Michel Guérard – dining at the hotel will never disappoint. There is also a selection of stylish, elegant bars, a pool, tennis courts and even an equestrian centre.
The Spa
There is nothing like soothing tired muscles after a hard day of driving and putting, and the world-class spa at the Oitavos is just the place to pamper backs stiffened by overextended swings. With a balneotherapy area incorporating the medicinal benefits of heated sea water, and eight treatment rooms offering a wide range of health and beauty treatments, you’ll feel revived and refreshed again, ready to hit the greens the next day.
Combining both the elegance and luxury of a five-star spa break with world-class golf, Portugal’s Oitavos offers guests the chance to enjoy the ultimate getaway where they can indulge not just one, but many of their passions in a stunning, coastal location.
Steve Frewin is the Managing Director of A Golfing Experience, a company with more than 29 years experience organising bespoke golf holidays and escapes throughout Europe for individuals, societies and groups. If you're looking for truly great destination to play golf, Portugal is one of our top destinations. We also operate in all the other major European destinations and, if you'd like to explore options further afield, we can arrange holidays to the world's greatest courses in The Caribbean, Mauritius, Bermuda and USA.
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