Elsa Honecker's golf blog

Winter escape to the sunny Algarve Part III

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"Europe's Best New Golf Course" ...

... the 18-hole "Ombria" course, which will open in 2023, can claim this accolade, not least because it was designed as a sustainable resort course. Located in the hilly hinterland near the market town of Loulé, it is designed to fit seamlessly into the Barrocal landscape. Less than a quarter of the area is built on, fairways and greens surround old rivers and over 2,000 holm oaks stand at attention. In addition, 18,000 m² of wild flowers have been planted and the 35 hectares of rough covered with native wild plants. The course, designed by Jorge Santana da Silva, winds its way through narrow valleys, small streams, olive groves and cork oak groves. The first 9 holes are particularly spectacular with elevated tees, doglegs and drives over water. The second 9, on the other hand, offer wide panoramic views, but also many slopes that have to be mastered with skill. All in all, a memorable course - especially the clubhouse, which is the first thing that stands out in the style of a castle.

www.obria.com

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The associated 5-star luxury resort Viceroy at Ombria Algarve is located directly on the golf course. Visible from afar, it looks like a white village on a hill, between old-established farms and typical Algarve villages. The luxury is rather restrained, but impresses with authentic graphics on the walls and elegant furnishings. All 141 spacious rooms and suites are dominated by oversized windows with fantastic views of the golf course or the surrounding valleys. This is a quiet place to stay, especially in the winter months - some with their own pool and landscaped terrace. Feel-good moments include a stay in the 2000 m² "The Spa by Viceroy" with heated indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and beauty salon, which is housed in its own building, as well as the culinary offerings.

Dining at "Ombria Kitchen" is like a meal in the kitchen of the Algarve - warm, spirited and with original cuisine - partly with a buffet for breakfast, partly in the evening with changing menus. The Café Central is a popular meeting place for in-between meals, while after golf you can relax in the "Casa E Fora Bar & Terrace" with good food and a view of the golf course. The Salpico Pool Bar or the Bellvino wine bar with its rooftop terrace and panoramic views offer snacks and wine, while Solalua plays eclectic music at sunset. In summer, a shuttle runs to Ancão Beach, one of the finest stretches of coastline in the Algarve. We preferred to visit the charming town of Loulé, which is also located inland and is still considered an insider tip, and ended up in the Mercado Municipal. The pulsating heart of the locals beats here in Moorish architecture with red domes, with live music, daily fresh products, fish and handicrafts. For a stroll afterwards, we recommend the Cidade Velha with its narrow streets, traditional houses and the Praça da República, which leads to the neoclassical town hall.

www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com