Vila Sol combines plush accommodations with 27 holes of golf magic

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The Algarve region of Portugal's most southerly coast is a golf paradise that has been on a rocket-ride to world golf fame for the past 40 years or so. The British, who invented the game more than 6 centuries ago and have never been generous in their praises of others who "intrude" upon British territory, were the first to recognize the brilliance of Algarve golf. The Irish, who have made golf a national past time, seem to have a similar view as the Brits in their adoration of The Algarve and her golf courses. And American golfers are just now coming to the same realization - golf on The Algarve is something quite special -- a world-class collection of superb courses, all designed by some of the best talents known in contemporary golf.

Vila Sol Resort's private villas come complete with your own swimming pool.

Donald Steel has created 27 holes of golf magic.

Testing approach shots are only a part of the Vila Sol challenge.

Water is not an infrequent hazard.

Vila Sol is another gem in The Algarve's golfing crown.

Immaculate maintenance is par for the course at Vila Sol.

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To find some 30 excellent layouts, all located along a short 90-mile length of spectacularly beautiful coastline, is a rare treat for any seasoned golf traveler and perhaps unique to this sun-blessed region of one of Europe's most charming countries. Choose a centrally located hotel and the cream of the crop will be yours and without having to waste time, checking into and out of different hotels and spending hours on the road driving from one side of the country to the other.

The resort community of Vilamoura is the heart and soul of The Algarve's golf. The five Oceanico championship courses that make their homes here are among the best -- The Old Course, Victoria, Laguna, Millennium and Pinhal, all belong on your list of courses that must be played and just a couple of minutes away, the outstanding Donald Steel design at Vila Sol, 27 holes of pure golf magic. Stay at the plush Vila Sol Spa and Golf Resort and you'll find yourself with more superb golf, literally within minutes of the front door, than you had ever dreamed possible.

Recently positioned at the very top of a survey to determine Europe's Top Ten Golf Resorts, made by the prestigious British golf magazine, Golf World, the luxurious Vila Sol Resort is a one of a kind property. Surrounded by 370 acres of landscaped gardens, lakes, countryside and top-ranked courses, it's 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.

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 has been 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.

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.

©2008 David Brice / Golf International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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