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By David Brice
Golf International, Inc.

The Algarve has long been one of the most popular golf holiday destinations for the British, a people who understand the game well and have a deep appreciation for good courses, especially when they come with a climate to match. So when the highly regarded British golf magazine, Golf World, produced a survey of Europe's Top Ten Golf Resorts last year, with an Algarve resort at the top of the list, it was affirmation of The Algarve's importance as a world-class golf destination.

Donald Steel's perfectly balanced layout at Vila Sol has hosted The Portuguese Open twice.

Portugal's southern coastline holds a strong appeal for any vacationer, no matter what their interests and for golfers, the added attraction of more than 30 highly ranked golf courses is simply too much to resist.

Accompanying the banquet of golf is an equally impressive selection of hotel choices. From the plushest of palaces to charming, more modest accommodations, there is something to suit everyone. But a vacation should be a time to spoil yourself and if you follow Golf World's advice, the Vila Sol Spa & Golf Resort stands out as one of the best among the luxurious, 5 star resort properties.

The resort sits in the heart of The Central Algarve and the richest collection of golf courses in the country. Surrounded by 370 acres of landscaped gardens, lakes, countryside and its own 27 holes of championship golf, designed by the noted British architect, Donald Steel, this is a haven for golfers and non-golfers alike.

The 190 guest rooms include 49 suites and private villas (each with an individual swimming pool) scattered around the golf course. The state of the art health and beauty spa is one of the best on The Algarve and the Beach Club brings the prettiest of the area's Atlantic beaches to the back door. There is also a selection of half a dozen restaurants and bars to tempt the taste buds, tennis and a full range of water-sports. Vila Sol's extravagant collection of original Portuguese art seems to adorn every wall and contemporary sculptures are caringly positioned throughout the hotel grounds, including the golf course. But it's the decidedly British styled golf course that commands the visiting golfer's attention.

Each luxurious villa at Vila Sol come complete with a private swimming pool

Since first opening in 1991, Vila Sol has been twice selected to host The Portuguese Open. Regarded as the most prestigious European tour event to visit Portugal's shores, this is the first indication of Vila Sol's pedigree.

Donald Steel's sophisticated and extremely handsome design flows as naturally as any along this golfing coast, taking full advantage of the undulating terrain and elevation changes. Carved out of a huge pine forest, interspersed with oaks, fig and almond trees, the tight fairways demand accuracy more than brawn, and a little strategic planning will be more than helpful -- this is a course for the thinking golfer.

Steel has managed to integrate an excellent range of hazards into his design, bringing variety, yet maintaining a balance where no single obstacle dominates. The bunkering is carefully thought out and water, in the form of either lakes or streams, always serves the purpose of being a meaningful part of the layout's defenses, rather than window dressing.

Shrewd bunkering, fast greens and plentiful trees are only the beginning of the Vila Sol test

Especially noteworthy are Vila Sol's greens; always in top condition, they are considered as being among the very best along the coast. Fast and undulating, with slopes, swales and nuances that are often subtle, accurate reading of the greens together with an ability with the short stick will be a big help toward a good scorecard.

Before going to the first tee at Vila Sol, it's useful to bear in mind that some of the more difficult holes are on the front nine and if you are to end up with a good scorecard, it's important to handle the opening holes successfully.

The wiser players will put the hotel's practice facilities to good use for an hour or so before tackling the course. There is a driving range, a putting green and perhaps the most useful, a pitching area, complete with bunkers. Hone your skills in a serious warm-up session and you will be celebrating when you reach the 19th, rather than repenting.

Vila Sol is certainly one of the courses to be included in any Algarve golf trip and at 16 years of age, has attained a maturity, way beyond its years. There are other courses close by that provide a more difficult challenge, but none that delivers the same kind of all round, fair test and enjoys the same unquestionable good looks. The fact that the layout is in the back yard of one of the most luxurious resort hotels in the region is a special bonus.

This southerly coast of Portugal is beginning to come to the attention of American travelers as a rather special vacation destination, whether golf is to be the sole focus of the trip, or only one of several. Few other European countries offer so much and, with a climate that provides more than 330 days of sunshine a year, it deserves a place high on everyone's list of future vacation spots.

For more ideas and suggestions on how best to include Portugal's Algarve Coast in your golf travel plans, click here.

© 2007 David Brice / Golf International Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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