Vila Sol Spa & Golf Resort

Not so long ago Vila Sol Spa & Golf Resort was solely the home of an 18-hole Donald Steel layout: now it’s developed into 27 holes (three loops of nine) and boasts a 140-room hotel with superb amenities, including a Spa and other assorted accommodation spread around the site.

Everything about Vila Sol oozes class and that includes its peaceful location, a short ride away from bustling Vilamoura’s many attractions which include a golden sandy beach, casino, pubs, clubs and restaurants galore and, of course, a handful of golf courses.

Vila Sol’s original 18 holes still ranks as one of the best layouts around: a fantastic mix of tree-lined and water holes, particularly on the Prime nine with the par-5 6th stealing the show. You’re firing from an elevated tee with water virtually all the way down the left and, if you’ve avoided that, you’re left with a testing approach to an uphill green. Unfortunately the Challenge loop wasn’t in play owing to maintenance work being carried out while the new Prestige nine was fine if unspectacular.

Vila Sol Spa & Golf Resort is the first course in Portugal to be designed by English architect Donald Steel, Vila Sol quickly gained international recognition by twice hosting the Portuguese Open soon after opening in 1991. A third loop of nine holes was added in 2000.

Soft spikes are mandatory

• Course has: Bar
• Course has: Buggy Hire
• Course has: Driving Range
• Course does not have: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course has: Trolley Hire
• Course has: Dress Code
• Course has: Club Hire
• Course has: Handicap

• 4 out of 5 A Fantastic Course 05 October 2008

  By Andy Clem

  If you have a "must play list", add this course to it. I played it twice in a week. The first time I was spraying it - needed a guide dog to find my balls for me, so to speak, the second time I was much better. The course's main defence is the trees. Lots of trees. Stay out of them and keep them out of your way and you're rewarded. Hit it in the trees or beind them in the fairway and you'd better be creative or sensible. There is no real rough to speak of when you hit it in the trees, so you tend to find your ball. Thoroughly enjoyable.

• 4.5 out of 5 SIMPLY AWESOME 24 April 2007

  By markrowe

  Played holes 1-18 and was very impressed with everything about the place. Probably the nest set of par 3's I have played on one course. Knocked off 1 mark as some of the tees were not as good as other venues we had played but the greens were excellant. A MUST PLAY.

• 1 out of 5 Bad day at Vila Sol ! 19 February 2007

  By Anonymous

  I played with a group here in Oct 2006 the overall condition was bad ( not due to the wet weather ) the greens had big problems which surprisingly only one other person had noted, they certainly weren’t quick fix probs either. One of the guys lost his shoes ( the staff had put them somewhere safe and lost them) And they wouldn’t put our tee time back so we could look for them. We won’t be going back. Sorry Vila Sol could due better I couldnt get your Star ratings to work but i guess 3* would be right as it could be good at some point.

• 3 out of 5 Very lovely 31 January 2007

  By Anonymous

  I liked it a lot

• 3.5 out of 5 OK 08 November 2006

  By Anonymous

  The welcome and facilities are second to none. All our group enjoyed the day and like the par 3 challenge and photos. However due to heavy rain and "problems" with the greens - which we were told about, the course was not in tip top condition. Not worth the £55 we paid on the day (Quinta Do Largo is much better). Staff were superb and very helpful.

• 5 out of 5 Superb 05 October 2006

  By Anonymous

  Great course but watch the trees they do eat golf balls. Terrific day out by 6 girls, do avail of group photographs they are a great momento. Would love to go back

• 4.5 out of 5 Fantastic 01 October 2006

  By Anonymous

  We stayed at this resort and played 18 holes on our first day. What an awesome way to begin a weeks holiday. The course and its facilities superbly compliment the hotel and spa. Would strongly recommend to friends and colleagues.

• 4.5 out of 5 Superb Course 01 June 2006

  By Anonymous

  This is a 27 hole course and I am rating holes 1-18. The course is in superb condition with tree lined fairways , great greens and several water hazards. The par 5 sixth is one of the best holes in Portugal, you need a good long drive followed by a 150 yard carry over a lake followed by a wedge to an undulating green. This hole is followed by a 180 yard par 3 over the edge of the same lake, a gem of a hole. The clubhouse facilities are excellent with a great proshop and bar/restaurent and friendly staff. A great experience for all levels of golfer. I will definately return to this course.

• 4.5 out of 5 Stunning 18 August 2005

  By Anonymous

  Just an amazing place. So lovely it is untrue...