Having just got back from this years trip, I already have withdrawal symptoms, so was considering options for next year.

I went around Vilamoura and Albufeira looking at golf courses on Monday and Tuesday, and have to say they are far superior to the ones we played this year.

Therefore I was wondering if any of the regulars fancied a change, next year?

We could possibly have two groups. Those that want to go back to Alvor, and those that fancy a change.

The travel company said that it would be around £150 extra overall to what we paid this year, to stay and play at Vilamoura. However the hotel and courses are worth the extra. Plus there is a lot more to do there and the area is better. They will have confirmed prices in May, and they know that there will be special deals available 

David,

you get what you pay for. I haven't played golf but have stayed in Vilamoura & it oozes class & money.

You should see the new villas they are building there, John.  They are sensational. They make the ones at Gramacho look like garden sheds

Plus the giant yachts in the marina. 

I don't mind lowering the tone of the place, by staying there next year 

I know Vilamoura is a good place to go Dave as I know some of my group of golfers at my club are going this year. They are only going for four days but are spending a considerable amount of money more than we did this year for seven nights.

I would assume that a lot of people would be on a budget like me so however much I would like to go it may be out of my price bracket. Spent a small fortune this year at the "cheaper" resort.

Let's see what you can get in terms of deals you mention before any final decisions are to be made and what everyone elses feelings are.

The time of year we go, Martin, is low season. High season starts at the beginning of March and raises steadily from month to month from then on.

For a cost benchmark I went to vilamoura last year. Stayed 4 nights and played millenium, Pinhal and Quinta da Lago South. Accommodation and golf came in at £273 and that was August.

David

After visiting the algarve on 2 previous visits and exploring the areas around villamura/albufiera i would be most pleased to play those courses, of course though i do agree with martin that the cost issue needs to be adressed before any final decisions are made

if it is just around the £150 mark then to me that seems fair for the courses in that area and the costs of restaurants/bars are in the same price bracket as this years in Alvor so the beer/food costs wouldnt rise that dramatically

just my 2 cents worth

 Having stayed and played in both places I'll go with the flow. I did like Millenium and Laguna and though the Old course promises and looks good I just found it to be long and was also taken aback by the officils there popping out from behind the trees telling you to get a move on. As for things to do there's just the Marina, nice as it is.

 All in all I'd say Villamoura courses are definately better manicured and I'd be surprised if you got the same standard of accommodation and 6 rounds for less than £500.

 Anyone got anymore pics from Alvor?

afternoon guys.

I'd be interested in coming next year, if there's a vilamoura trip. My in laws live in Almancil near Val de Lobo, so have played a few courses there when I started last year. The ones I've played to date are Piheros Altos, Millenium, Victoria, San Lorenzo and my favorite Vila Sol.

My father in law might be intersted in playing as well but obviously would not need the travel and sccomodation.

I might be able to arrange so cheaper deals if you are interested through the father in laws contacts. Let me know if you want me to make some enquiries, but if not, I'm still up for the trip.

http://www.yourgolftravel.com/vila-gale-marina.html

This looks a good option and as you get free golf transfers you don't need vehicles and also everything is within a short walk even the Marina (5 minutes away).

Matt, that would be good if you could see what prices are available. We tend to go the first week of February, around the 5th.

Like you, I adore Vila Sol and would love to play there again.

If we stay at Vilamoura, like Patrick says there is only the Marina. But, 10 minutes down the road is  Albufeira, and that is totally different. It has numerous shops and restaurants. If you go further down town, by the sea, there are sports bars discount drinking facilities and copious restaurants and shops.

It's just a thought, but it would make a nice change from the Pestana courses. Will wait and see how the prices pan out, when next years prices are published in May.

It may well be that we could have two options for next years event. Wayne, or somebody else, could do one and I'll do the other one 

Hi David, do you have an idea of typical numbers, number of days, number of rounds and any other particulars. Will everyone arrange their own flights, but require transfers from the airport and to and from each course? Sorry for all the questions, but never booked anything like this myself before so not really sure of the info needed.

I only started playing last year and had my best round in Portugal on Vila Sol scoring 101. The 6th was may favorite hole (runs paralell with the main round down to Quarteria). You don't really see the hole as you pull up round the back of the tee. When you step up you look down from a risen position onto the pond on the left and the fairway snakes between that and the bunker on the left. It helped that I hit a lovely drive onto the fairway, but then put my 2nd on top of the trees to the left of the approach to the green!!!!

I stayed at the Dom Pedro (I think) on the brother in laws stag do last year which was between the casino and the Marina which was perfect for both (and just round the corner from the new Snr Frangos!!) and played the Millenium that weekend.

Regardless of who you book through - I'm happy to help out with anything you guys might need there locally. I tend to go their about 3 times a year visting family so have quite a bit of local knowledge and a few contacts. I'll be going back in May for 2 weeks so if there's anything you need just let me know.

Matt,

Accommodation with B&B or self catering (depending on the price)

If it's a hotel then they generally do free transfers to the courses (I believe, but could be wrong)

Certainly transfers from and to Faro Airport. (or if no free transfers from hotel to courses, then cars picked up at airport)

5 rounds  (ie pinhal, laguna, vil sol, millenium etc) good courses.

Flights wise most people book their own.

Hi guys,

Just for your information. I arrange golfing breaks in Costa Blanc south and provide All Inclusive packages for 4-5-6-7 days etc. Last group paid £289 for 4 nights all inc stay at my villa with all drinks provided at accomm, all transfers to/from courses,villa and resort airport,breakfast,and evening meals etc etc.

Next group have the same all inclusive deal but for 7 nights with 4rounds of golf inc buggies at a cost of £415 all in.

Feel free to take a look at my website www.golf-holidays-spain.com

I arrange/include everything from start to finish with the exception of flights and insurances and also discount for non-playing guests.

Hope this is of interest to you all.

cheers

Stuart