Hot Spot: Algarve, Portugal - Sun, sea, sand, golf and great fish
Author:
Independent, The (London)
IF GOLF is your game, the sun is your salvation, and sardines are your type of fish, the Algarve in southern Portugal is as good as it gets. Central Algarve extends from Albufeira to Faro, where the airport is, and has developments in all price ranges, including the exclusive Quinta do Lago, where villas sell for millions of pounds.
Vila Sol near Vilamoura marina and port has three contiguous Donald Steel- designed nine-hole golf courses, each concluding at the clubhouse. Early phases have been sold out and, says a spokesperson: "The fourth phase of apartments is now selling off-plan, and construction will soon begin on a 180-bed hotel." Off-the-peg villas are available; alternatively, you can buy a plot and, within design and time limits, build your bespoke home.
Vila Sol homeowners have lifetime golfing rights, with the property to the next buyer. Owners enjoy discounted annual course subscriptions and exemption from green fees, and 70 per cent reductions for spouses. Villa Sol has children's swimming pools and playgrounds, tennis courts, and a bus shuttle making the 15-minute journey to the beach.
Overlooking the Atlantic in the western Algarve is Vale de Pinta, where British-owned Portogoa are building 10 three- and four-bedroom villas with swimming pools on private plots in Carvoeiro. Portogoa stresses its proximity to the village, home to the 14-court Club de Tennis.
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