Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, Managed by Accor, Vilamoura, Portugal

On Portugal’s famed Algarve, the sun shines for over 300 days a year on Victoria Golf Resort and Spa, Managed by Accor. A luxurious hotel, relaxing in extensive grounds, that has been managed by Accor for the past year. 

Less than 12 miles east of Faro’s international airport, an easy taxi ride carries guests through a golfscape of verdant green fairways, colourfully dotted with bougainvillea and oleander, to the grand fountains playing in front of the resort. 

This is not just a place for golfers and spa lovers; the resort’s Kids Club attracts families too. Spread over several acres, couples can always find a secluded spot on a day bed or shaded sofa. 

Surrounded by half a dozen golf courses, within an effortless ten-minutes transfer, the resort is perhaps Europe’s ultimate Mecca for golfers. 

The welcome

As our taxi sweeps into the grand entrance of the Victoria Golf Resort and Spa, two porters, dressed in a cream shirt and white slacks as if they are about to head for the first tee, load our luggage onto a trolley; before we’ve even left the car. 

Sat in comfortable armchairs at reception, just a few details and signatures are required, before a porter delivers us and our luggage to our suite, introducing us to essential air-conditioning and a fridge for chilled water. 

The room

Dressed in light wooden textures and tones, contrasting with traditional Portuguese dark word furniture, the one-bedroom suite is exceptionally spacious.

Beyond two doors, a separate lounge, with a sofa-bed, also has a dining table for room service. Perhaps a “Golfer’s breakfast” for those with very early tee-off times? Bedroom and lounge have separate balconies with day beds giving palm-fringed views of gardens and pool. 

Room facilities tick all the five star criteria: turn-down service, room service, dressing gowns, slippers, Algarve glossy magazine, kettle, coffeemaker, iron and ironing board.

The bathroom

No space constraints here with a walk-in shower, separate deep bath and wash-basin area with plenty of Banho toiletries; imagine aromas of lemon, bergamot and lemongrass.

Off the lounge, there’s a second bathroom, again with both bath and shower.

The facilities

The RIA Restaurant looks out over an inviting long pool symmetrically lined by tall palm trees. A light strawberry gazpacho, topped with a caviar cluster, epitomises both the chef’s creativity and impeccable sourcing. It is almost impossible to resist the catch of the day – perhaps bream, red-snapper, squid or turbot – filleted and served at your table. 

For now, a superb sushi menu gives a preview of the Asian-themed Sensai restaurant soon to open. Although the wine list is extensive, a cool, crisp vinho verde, with the merest green tint, is an ideal summer evening’s choice. 

At lunchtime the poolside Palms restaurant has a menu of light choices for those returning from the golf course or merely taking those few steps from their cabana or sun-lounger to lunch table.

Up on the second floor there are a gym and a spa with spectacular views. Therapists are adept at easing golf-weary bodies in one of the half-dozen treatment rooms

The location

Victoria Golf Resort and Spa certainly lives up to its name. Half-a-dozen superb golf courses lie within a ten-minutes shuttle drive. 

Most golf aficionados consider the Old Course Vilamoura to be the most challenging. Opened in 1969, it sets the standards for this cluster of Algarve courses where Atlantic and Mediterranean habits coalesce; where Eurasian hoopoe birds flit between Aleppo and umbrella pines. 

“Made by God, sculpted by humans”, is the course’s tagline describing a golfer’s paradise; impeccable fairways mown once a day, teams of green-keepers constantly, passionately curating greens that are sometimes mown twice a day. 

Adjoining Victoria’s grounds, the magnificent Els course provides challenges of driving distance, water hazards and crosswinds. While nearby Pinhal provides another eminently playable 18 holes for competent players. A buggy drive takes golfers through a scenic course where rough is rare and errant balls are relatively easily found. Snack carts and rest rooms make golf an even more enjoyable experience. 

For golfers seeking still more variety Laguna, perhaps the most forgiving of the local courses, and Millennium are also just minutes away from Victoria.

A mere five miles from the coast, guests can head out to sea for a dolphin-watching expedition or sail on a private boat along Benagil’s beaches.

Other nice touches

Portuguese eggs cooked to order, pastel de natal and cinnamon rolls, all local specialities, make it onto an extensive breakfast buffet enjoyed al fresco on the restaurant’s terrace or inside. 

A complimentary shuttle takes guests to stroll around the maritime forest of masts in Vilamoura’s marina and to browse the boutiques and shops. 

Golfers appreciate the commentary shuttle to nearby courses. At the end of the round, reception, at the chosen course, summons a return journey with a quick call. 

The cost

Rooms rates start from £132 per night including breakfast.

The best bit

As the sun sets, guests ascend to the roof-top Botanic Terrace Bar for cocktails; taking in spectacular views across the lakes and fairways of neighbouring golf courses where wading birds strut.

Most nights, the DJ curates a chilled end-of-day play list. 

The final verdict

The Algarve’s benign and sun-drenched climate makes Victoria Golf Resort and Spa a year-round destination for golfers, families and travellers who simply want to relax in sumptuous surroundings.

Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by Victoria Golf and Spa Resort, Managed by Accor.

Michael Edwards

Michael Edwards is a travel writer from Oxfordshire, UK. Although Michael had his first travel pieces published nearly four decades ago, he is still finding new luxury destinations to visit and write on.