Morgado Golf & Country Resort ★★★★

The Algarve is surely one of the most naturally beautiful regions in the whole of Europe, famous for its impossibly turquoise waters, its idyllic, golden sandy beaches and its rugged cliffs which glow alluringly in the never-ending sunshine. And there is more to it than the shiny veneer of luxurious resorts and pristine beaches which line the coast! Just inland from the coastline, the region is a beautiful patchwork of fertile fields and valleys, cork trees, olive groves and vineyards, fascinating fauna and flora… and some pretty great golf courses too! This is where the Morgado Golf & Country Club treats its guests to a stay amid complete tranquillity and natural beauty, offering magnificent views from the fairways, the bedrooms, the swimming pools and everywhere in between.

So, even despite my decidedly amateur golfing skills, it was with great excitement that I jetted off for a stay at the luxurious four-star resort – and it certainly met my expectations! It is not simply all about the golf courses; the hotel makes sure it treats every one of its guests to the kind of service which makes this a fantastic destination regardless of whether or not you like your golf. No sooner had I arrived than I was getting my first taste of Portuguese hospitality with a delightfully friendly welcome and directions up to my room.

The bedrooms themselves, I was delighted to see, blend outstanding facilities with a bright and refreshing contemporary design and a spacious layout. I hurriedly set down my suitcase and went straight out onto my private balcony, a gorgeous spot to grab some fresh air and admire some marvellous views. A series of undulating, verdant hills unfurled before me beneath a spotlessly blue sky, the sun beating down on the forests and vineyards in the distance. A little closer, a few golfers were also enjoying the scorching sunshine, strolling along the fairways and the immaculate greens at a leisurely pace. Besides the view, my room also provided all the amenities I would expect from an upmarket four-star establishment, including an enormous television, minibar and inviting bed. Meanwhile, I also spotted the rainfall shower in the roomy bathroom, which turned out to be a real treat after a day on the golf course or sunning myself on the beach!

I made sure I spent plenty of time practising my swing on the golf course while staying at the Morgado, partially because I needed the practice and partially because it was just such a magical way of spending a few hours. The two 18-hole courses are both beautifully maintained, with large, challenging greens and wide fairways. Part of the challenge lies in trying to concentrate on the game, with some incredible views to be glimpsed from anywhere along the courses, weaving their way through rolling hills and lakes which glint lazily in the sunlight.

Non-golfers should not despair, however – I was also delighted to find out that some of the finest beaches of the southern Algarve coast were within a half hour drive! The soft, golden sand, dramatic cliffs and clear, turquoise waters make the region’s beaches a paradise for sunbathers. Meanwhile, there was also plenty of sunbathing to be found back at the hotel, thanks to the comfy sun loungers scattered around the four outdoor pools (two main pools and two shallow pools for children to splash around in). On a hot summer’s day, the water was always inviting me to slip in and cool down, while the bar nearby offered an alternative but equally appealing form of refreshment…

After a few cool drinks beside the pool, it was also a pleasure to be able to dine at the hotel without having to venture out. In addition to providing a delicious breakfast buffet every morning, the hotel’s restaurant conjures up an enticing menu of fresh local cuisine and irresistible international classics. With its cuisine, its luxurious facilities, its enchanting setting, attentive service and magnificent scenery, the Morgado Golf & Country Club ticks all the boxes. It is certainly not all about the golf, although the superb courses are sure to make you fall in love with the sport. After a few longer-than-average rounds, I was ready to agree that golf is ‘the best game in the world at which to be bad’, and this might just be one of the best places at which to be bad at it…