Travelling golfers have been invited to leave dreary December behind to soak up some last-minute Christmas sunshine on Madeira.
The islands – which boast three world-class golf courses – are always popular with golfers from the UK and northern Europe seeking a sunshine break in warm temperatures at an outstanding and safe destination.
Unlike some of the travel restrictions in place on other destinations, Madeira benefits from its exempt status on the UK’s Covid-19 travel quarantine list, while there are stringent rules in place for everyone flying into Madeira airport to maintain utmost safety.
And with the weather taking a turn for the worse in northern Europe, a stay at the superb Savoy Palace will provide some festive cheer – especially with a selection of tempting five-night packages which includes three green fees at Palheiro Golf and Santo da Serra.
Prices start from €1,004 per person, based on two sharing up until December 20, which includes all golf transfers, daily buffet breakfast, welcome drinks, one spa entry per person and one dinner with a four-course tasting menu at the Terreiro Concept.
Just a few minutes from Madeira airport, the Savoy Palace offers the ultimate in modern and contemporary accommodation – each with a sea view – and features an extensive array of first-class sports and leisure amenities.
For those looking to extend their stay, seven-night packages with five green fees start from €1,460 per person. And for those golfers looking further ahead, guests can take advantage of the booking window until December 31 for advance reservations throughout 2021.
The islands’ three golf courses include two on the mainland – Santo da Serra and Palheiro Golf, as well as Porto Santo Golf, which is located on the nearby island of Porto Santo.
Located approximately 1,000km from the European mainland – and just 500km from the African continent – Madeira enjoys an amazingly mild climate, ranging from 25°c in the summer to 17°c in the winter, with very mild average temperatures and moderate humidity, making it the perfect year-round destination for a golf break.
Safety also remains paramount as, prior to arrival, all passengers must complete the Regional Health Authority’s (IASAÚDE) epidemiological survey and will need to submit a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of departure. If they have not performed a test in advance, they will be required to take one upon arrival at the airport – although this is free.
Incoming visitors will also be subject to thermal screening, even if they carry a negative test for Covid-19.
Discover Madeira, the consumer-facing brand of the Madeira Promotion Bureau, has been working with the local and Portuguese authorities to put plans in place for all holidaymakers to visit safely, with the “Madeira Safe to Discover” guidelines being stringently followed across the islands to control and prevent the spread of Coronavirus and other possible infections.
Hotels, restaurants, bars, golf clubs and other tourist activities across the islands are also adopting the “Clean and Safe” stamp, created by VisitPortugal, which distinguishes tourist activities which are compliant with certain hygiene and cleaning requirements.
Madeira and her islands were last year hailed as the ‘world’s best emerging golf destination’ at the World Golf Awards, and as Europe’s ‘leading island destination’ for the fourth successive year, as well as the world’s ‘leading island destination’ for a staggering fifth year running in the 2019 World Travel Awards.
For more details on the Christmas Special packages, visit www.madeiraallyear.com