First, there was a coastline of fabulous, long sandy beaches and then there was Vilamoura.
Unlike many of the Algarve’s coastal resorts that started out as traditional fishing villages, the sophisticated resort of Vilamoura was purpose-built with the most discerning holiday maker’s requirements in mind. Environmentally conscious development, attractive landscaping and tasteful design led to the creation of this quality resort that is home to every sport, leisure, entertainment and amenity imaginable and one of the Algarve’s most sought after holiday destinations.
Foremost among Vilamoura’s many attractions are its glorious beaches and numerous championship golf courses. The Blue Flag beaches on either side of the marina offer a wide choice of water sports and amenities, their gently shelving shores and calm waters being a favourite with families. Vilamoura’s famous marina, one of the largest in Europe, attracts luxurious yachts from all over the world, its fashionable boutiques, cafés, bars and restaurants lending to its chic, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Boats departing from the marina offer an impressive array of additional sports or leisure activities, including dolphin-sighting, water-skiing, big game fishing, scuba diving and parasailing.
Overlooking the marina and providing a private stretch of beach and inspiring beach club, the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Hotel affords glorious ocean views, a central location and first-class facilities, including a luxurious spa, a putting green and children’s amusements. Also adjoining the marina and situated very near the beach, the Dom Pedro Marina offers lovely ocean and marina views and guests can enjoy the use of a private bar and sun loungers on the beach. Within walking distance from the marina, the Dom Pedro Golf Resort offers fabulous views, a superb spa, children’s entertainment programmes and a free shuttle service to many of the area’s golf courses. Situated just behind the beach and near the marina, Dom Pedro Portobelo’s studios and apartments offer the convenience of self-catering holidays with access to all the facilities of its sister hotels.
Vilamoura is a paradise for golf lovers. In addition to the high number of premier golf courses within such a small radius, many of which are championship courses designed by acclaimed architects, their carefully engineered fairways often provide spectacular settings, be they pine forests, lakes graced with migrating birds or fabulous clifftop views of the ocean. There are six renowned golf courses to choose from around Vilamoura: Oceânico Pinhal, Oceânico Laguna, Oceânico Old Course, Vila Sol, Oceânico Victoria and Oceânico Millennium. Integrated in the Oceânico Victoria golf course, Hotel Tivoli Victoria provides luxurious accommodation and facilities with dazzling views over the golf course.
Besides golf, Vilamoura offers a fabulous choice of sports facilities. A riding school, tennis and squash courts, cycling and hiking through the protected wetlands, lawn bowling and a shooting club complement the many water sports available in the marina and on the beaches.
And at the end of an action-packed day of sport or relaxing hours spent on the beach, this stylish resort continues to impress. There are an abundance of bars, restaurants and nightclubs to choose from, the most popular evening venue being the glamorous marina. The evening shows staged at Vilamoura’s elegant casino and the many international DJs featured at its nightclubs also act as powerful magnets, attracting many visitors from nearby resorts.