Worldwide Golf

This resort is situated in the breathtakingly beautiful Sintra region with its myriad of spectacularly opulent palaces built over the years by Portuguese Royalty and aristocracy, nestling amid the never-ending tree-lined mountains.
The Penha Longa Resort delivers 5-star luxury against the backdrop of this magical fairytale-like setting with the regal palazzo-style hotel, sitting in a valley surrounded by rolling hills which create their own micro-weather patterns, namely wind, adding an extra snarl to a golf course which already has plenty of bite.
The immaculate 18-hole Championship layout is home to The European Tour’s Portuguese Open. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr, the Atlantic Course is ranked among the top 30 courses in Continental Europe and players are treated to an experience that is both thrilling and enchanting, making full use of the beautiful natural landscape. Playing this course on foot will definitely keep you fit as it winds its way up and down the rocky hillsides on which it sits, making the uphill holes a particularly tough proposition but also ensuring that players are treated to some of the most spectacular views imaginable with ocean and mountains combining to make a vista beyond compare. Plentiful trees and some wholly unforgiving rough, as well as a myriad of bunkers and water hazards, await to swallow up any wayward shots so accuracy is at a premium on the Atlantic Course, which is easier said than done with that mountain wind doing its best to wreck your scorecard. There’s also a lovely little 9-hole ‘Monastery’ course as well as a driving range, practice putting green and well stocked pro-shop.

The resort itself is a sight to behold. A frequent retreat for royalty and Portuguese dignitaries, the origins of the site can be traced back to the 14th century when a Monastery which still stands today was first built there.
Historical monuments and relics are visible throughout the sprawling estate which is framed by some exquisite gardens. The rooms in the hotel are roomy and stylish with a host of mod-cons such as a large plasma screen television, Bose i-pod docking station and Nespresso coffee machine. The bathrooms are beautiful, complete with double sinks, luxurious baths and separate showers you could stay in for hours.
The food at Penha Longa is some of the best you’ll find anywhere in Portugal. Sumptuous never-ending breakfasts can be enjoyed in the elegant dining room which becomes the AssaMassa restaurant in the evening, serving the best in authentic Portuguese cuisine. Japanese restaurant, Midori, offers a mindboggling variety of sushi, tempura, teppanyaki and noodle dishes prepared by expertly trained chefs in a chic but casual environment. Next to the golf course is the uber-trendy Arola where famous Spanish chef Sergi Arola has designed a mouthwatering menu of contemporary ‘tapas with a twist’ as well as a range of a la carte options. There’s also the Serra pool bar serving tasty Mediterranean food cooked on an open grill.
To work off all that food there is a fully equipped gym and a choice of indoor and outdoor pool while the Six Senses Spa is a delightful sanctuary where a team of skilled therapists await to work away the aches and pains from a tough day on the golf course. 

Web address: www.penhalonga.com

From the mountains of Sintra take a trip to the seaside resort of Cascais and the Quinta da Marinha Resort. Part of the ‘Onyria Golf Resorts’ group, which also has a new development in Palmares on the Algarve and another in Turkey, Quinta Marinha is an immaculate quality, modern establishment that manages to effortlessly combine what so many resorts around the world struggle to achieve  –  both a business hotel and a holiday resort. For the business traveller there are 11 fully equipped meeting rooms, banqueting facilities as well as team building and incentive packages but unlike many business hotels there is a happily relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere around the pool, bar and leisure areas.
The rooms are clean and spacious, many with beautiful views over the golf course, while the service throughout the resort is first class with all of the staff warm, welcoming and helpful. The aforementioned pool area is one of the highlights of the resort with a beautiful infinity pool which offers a stunning vista out onto the golf course while the on site health club and Spa offer the perfect place to recharge the batteries.
The 18-hole golf course was designed by the Penha Longha 

creator’s father, the legendary Robert Trent Jones Senior and while it offers a very different challenge, it is an equally tantalising proposition. The big difference to the Penha Longa layout is the terrain – Quinta da Marinha is built on a flat landscape, making it slightly kinder on the legs and generally less harrowing off the tee but the fairways and greens are equally pristine.
The course gently winds its way down to the sea and players are again treated to some spectacular scenery of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Sintra mountains, which form a dramatic backdrop. An abundance of trees, lakes and bunkers combine to set an enjoyable challenge on a course that will keep you coming back for more throughout your stay.
After working up an appetite on the course you can end a perfect day with a delicious meal in the trendy Rocca a la carte restaurant, followed by a nightcap in the wonderful Trent Jones piano bar – or you might want to venture down to the seafront for an oceanic feast you’ll never forget at the delightful Monte Mar.

Web address: www.quintadamarinha.com

No trip to the Estoril Coast is complete without a stay in Lisbon, one of the most cosmopolitan and engaging cities in the world. Portugal’s capital is perfectly placed to allow visitors to combine a golf trip with a city break with all the courses on the Golf Coast accessible by car in less than an hour.
The Sheraton Lisboa is right in the heart of the city within easy walking distance of all the main sights. The hotel is the height of modern chic, a triumph in design with truly 5-star service to match the quality visible at every turn.
Immaculate rooms feature glass-walled bathrooms where music from the state of the art Bang and Olufsen television and sound system can be remotely controlled.
The Sheraton Sweet Sleeper beds make it a struggle to want to get up and sample the delights of Lisbon while

the push of a button activates wirelessly controlled blinds which raise to reveal a truly stunning view of the city.
Diners at the exquisite Panorama Restaurant on the top floor are treated to the best vantage point for this magnificent view while guests on the Club Level on the 24th and 25th floors also have a fantastic view as well as gaining access to the exclusive Club Lounge where complimentary drinks and food are available throughout the day.
The Sheraton Lisboa is one of the few hotels in the heart of the city to feature an outdoor swimming pool, perfect for cooling off after a day of golf and sightseeing, while the Spirito Spa and Fitness suite offers the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation.

Web address: www.sheratonlisboa.com

Situated in the heart of the bustling Bairro Alto region of the city and tucked away down a side street is a hidden gem – 100 Maneiras.
Blink and you’ll miss it but open the unassuming wooden door and you’ll step into a hive of atmosphere and activity. Food is served as a 10 course ‘taster menu’ which changes periodically according to the ingredients available and the hugely talented head chef, Ljubomir Stanisic’s creative whims.
The food is wonderfully inventive and Stanisic uses local culture and history as inspiration to come up with fun dishes like ‘codfish chips on a clothesline’ that not only tastes great, they also come with a story delivered by the hugely knowledgeable staff. 

Web address: www.restaurante100maneiras.com

Bocca

Bocca is a trendy yet unpretentious eatery tucked away in Lisbon’s business district and yet never short of custom due to its burgeoning reputation as one of the best restaurants this gastronomic wonderland of a city has to offer.
The food is deliciously creative, with head chef Alexandre Silva delivering a choice of tasty dishes that fuse traditional Portuguese elements with the best modern international cuisine. There is a real personal touch to the service at Bocca from the warm welcome each and every guest receives from instantly likeable manager, Pedro, to the astoundingly knowledgeable sommelier who never fails to select the perfect wines to accompany your dinner choice.

Web address: www.bocca.pt