Vale do Lobo Resort

The beach-bed incident sums up how this place felt to us. We went down with the family around 6:30 pm, when the whole area was empty, and asked if there was a discount for the beds since it was late. The man said we had to pay the full daily rate, claimed it would cost more the next day, and said they were running a business. That wasn't true about the next day's price. I run a business too, and I would have sold a bottle of champagne rather than turn away a potential customer when nobody else was there. We came as five, my wife, me and our three kids, including our youngest, who is three. They made us book two apartments, which they call rooms, and pay for eight people. They wouldn't let our youngest stay with us in one apartment even though it had a sofa bed. They didn't arrange anything, and we had to pay for both apartments. I thought this was a hotel from Google Maps, but when we arrived they said it wasn't. There's no room service, and they don't make the beds. Everything costs extra. The elevator to the room doesn't work properly, you have to press the up button to go down. The internet was out for 36 hours, and I had to call reception five or six times. The safe still doesn't work, so I have to carry my valuables. The staff overall are rude and unfriendly. This has been the worst holiday experience ever. I'm usually friendly and positive, and this is the first time I've said something this bad about a place. I deeply regret spending my money here. It felt like a deception, like being part of a bankrupt real estate project in southern Europe during the subprime crisis. Take your money elsewhere. Go to Sicily or Spain, rent an Airbnb or a house, and play golf somewhere else. Read all my comments on Google.

The course is in great condition, and its interesting, challenging layout with plenty of water keeps you alert. The clubhouse is relaxing, with good shade for enjoying a well-earned drink. ⛳️

Hole 16 is still the highlight of the Royal Golf Course at Vale do Lobo. The par 3 carries more than 200 yards over the red sandstone cliffs, and the contrast between the green fringe and orange rock is striking. Even if your ball ends up in the ravine, the walk to the green is beautiful. Watch the wind there, since it usually plays at least one club longer than the yardage suggests. The course is in tip-top condition right now, and it feels like a world-class playing surface, not just a scenic round. The fairways are immaculate, with a satisfying clip under an iron, and the transition from the pine-lined holes to the ocean-side back nine is seamless. Greens are fast and true, with consistent speed across all 18 despite the salt spray. The bunkers have fresh, quality sand, though they're soft and plugged lies are possible. The two nines play differently. The front winds among umbrella pines and luxury villas, where precision matters more than power. Holes 6 and 7 are especially sharp at the moment, and local flowers frame the tee boxes. The back opens toward the Atlantic, where wind becomes your main opponent. The clubhouse service is attentive, and its terrace overlooking the resort is a great spot for a post-round Sagres or Transfusion. The Royal was designed by Sir Henry Cotton and later refined by Rocky Roquemore, and it remains a brilliant test. Algarve really is the 'Mecca' of European golf. With green fees around €155-€175 this season, it's a premium round, but the condition and that bucket-list 16th make it worth every cent.

The grounds are beautiful, and the resort is close to the beach, though you'll need a car to get there. You even have to pay for parking at the beach. Beyond that, this is poor value for a supposed five-star resort, especially if you're not a property owner. You get an average two-star room, while the resort amenities all cost extra: gym, spa, beach lounger, drinks, restaurants and more. A beach chair rental is €42, and dropping into an average gym costs €33. The spa is similarly priced and in poor repair. Restaurants are overpriced and average at best.