IT’S THE MIGHTY QUINTA
Lloyd Embley finds an Algarve resort that offers top sports facilities, fun for all the family and great food too
We have a longrunning romance with the Algarve. The love affair started in the 1960s and has shown little sign of waning since.
With its epic beaches, great food, relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and excellent local wine, it’s not difficult to see why.
Throw in a handful of the best golf courses in mainland Europe, along with a host of other sporting facilities, and it becomes more than a summer fling – the Algarve works all year round.
Nowhere is this more true than the jewel in the crown, Quinta do Lago, which has to be one of the best family holiday destinations I’ve been lucky enough to visit. It started life in the early 70s, but for the past 20 years has been owned by Irish billionaire Denis O’brien.
Popular with the rich and famous, the resort has villas with eye-watering prices dotted all over – but it remains an effortlessly welcoming and warm place.
Finding a destination that works for all the family can be challenging, especially when the kids can’t be fobbed off with a bucket, spade and an imaginative engineering challenge. Buckets and spades do work at Quinta – the beach is fantastic
– but there is so much else right on your doorstep. Rarely have I found somewhere that so easily ticks the boxes. There are various types of accommodation – apartments, townhouses, larger villas, millionaire mansions and a range of hotels. The latest addition is the four-star Hotel Magnolia, at the northern end of the resort.
The Quinta estate bought and renovated the hotel a couple of years ago, and it’s an inspired addition. From the moment you see the big neon sign out front, you are drawn into a strong Art Deco, Miami vibe. It’s properly cool. A tennis court, gym and heated outdoor pool are all on site. The pool area continues the Florida feel but throws in more than a hint of Ibiza chill – especially when the guest DJS pay a visit.
And the weekly movie night is a great idea. Pull up a sun lounger by the pool, wait for the sun to go down and then enjoy as a blockbuster is projected onto the huge white wall at one end. You can also order food and drinks to be brought to your table.
There are 74 rooms and seven cottages, ideal for those looking for more privacy. The extensive facilities of the rest of resort are all within a few minutes drive – or cycle on one of the hotel bikes. Golf plays
Popular with millionaires, it’s also warm and welcoming
a huge part, and there are three worldclass courses – the well-established South and North, and Laranjal, which opened in 2009. I played and really enjoyed all three, but the South is definitely special. There is an excellent driving range and the only Paul Mcginley golf academy in the world, which adds some Ryder Cup kudos. Young golfers have their own little driving range next to the main facility – handily right next to cafe Koko, a good breakfast and lunch spot.
Golfers aren’t the only people catered for here, though. The Campus centre is a new sporting hub with serious credentials. The aim was to create something that works for professionals and amateurs alike.
Tennis facilities and coaching are particularly impressive, but the surprise treat for me was discovering padel tennis (special thanks to coach Manuel). Padel is hugely popular in Spain and Portugal, and it would not surprise me at all if it started to take off here – courts are already popping up.
It’s best described as short tennis (with stringless paddles) combined with a bit of squash (the court has glass walls all the way round). Played in a doubles format, it is a great game and much easier than tennis or squash for people of varying abilities to play. If you have the chance, give it a go. Cyclists, swimmers and gym lovers are extremely well looked after too and there is also a world-class football/ rugby pitch which has already been used as a training facility by some of the biggest teams in world sport.
Families with younger children will love the lake area. There is a range of kayaks, paddle boards and pedalos along with a water assault course.
Food always plays a part in my holidays, and Quinta has a huge array of restaurants. At the lake there’s the excellent Casa do Lago, where the fish was superb.
A short walk along the lakeside and you’ll find The Shack, a great familyfriendly bar and grill. Across the wooden bridge that leads to the beach there’s Gigi’s – the setting, seafood and service were all sensational. We met up with relatives who live in Spain and chose Gigi’s for our first reunion lunch.
It wasn’t our only visit. Moving from seafood to steak and you will find very few places anywhere to compete with Bovino – and make sure you allow time for a pre-dinner drink on the roof
terrace. The food and wine are first class and it’s one of those places that feels like a real treat.
There’s no doubt Quinta do Lago is a millionaire’s playground – but you don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy a fantastic holiday here. If I were ever to win the lottery, I would certainly be checking out one of the amazing villas lining the golf courses.
But back in reality, I’d happily book into the Magnolia again for a week or two and enjoy a very special holiday.