Paul McGinley has delivered a glowing verdict on the new modern face of Quinta do Lago and hailed the famous Portuguese family destination as “the best resort in Europe.”
McGinley, who guided Europe to a famous Ryder Cup victory over the United States last year, has been a regular visitor to the award-winning Algarve venue for nearly 25 years and believes its facilities are unrivalled on the continent – and are among the finest in the world.
Featuring three 18-hole championship courses, Quinta do Lago’s outstanding facilities also include the world’s first Paul McGinley Academy, a state-of-the-art TaylorMade Performance Centre – the only such facility in southern Europe – and new short game area, making it a first-choice destination for international golf federations seeking a training base including England Golf.
Its new North Course – redesigned by American architect Beau Welling in close collaboration with McGinley – has won widespread acclaim from the golf industry since re-opening last autumn. And the opening of the new Bovino steakhouse this summer means guests at Quinta do Lago now have ten exclusive bars and restaurants to choose from, as well as numerous other five-star sports and leisure facilities.
McGinley said: “I rate Quinta do Lago, its golf courses and the other facilities as the best in Europe – it is the close proximity of everything that sets it apart from other resorts; from the beach and the restaurants to the golf courses and the shopping available.
“I first visited the resort in 1991, the year I turned professional, and I try to get here whether for work or holiday with the family four or five times a year. I spend time on the golf course and at the academy, the kids play a lot of tennis and kids’ family time on the beach is always fun. In the evenings, there are a variety of restaurants which gives a fresh feel to each evening.
“The resort has changed and improved a lot in the time that I’ve been coming here and it will continue to do so in the coming years.”
Visitors to Quinta do Lago, Europe’s number one luxury family destination, can enjoy an extensive programme of more than 30 different events this summer covering golf, sports, food and entertainment.
The official winter training base for England Golf’s national squads, McGinley hosted the 3rd McGinley Junior Cup at the resort at the end of this month (July) while the Irishman is particularly proud of the role he has played in helping to develop its golf facilities, in particular the North Course and academy.
Revamped at a cost of €9.6 million, redeveloped with the emphasis firmly on precision and strategy, the North Course was one of the most talked-about design projects of 2014 but has quickly become a firm favourite with golfers at Quinta do Lago, and was named ‘Europe’s Best New Course’ at the 2014 World Golf Awards.
McGinley added: “It’s great to receive such positive feedback both through the media and people who have played the course, and we will continue to ensure it is of a quality that people would expect of Quinta do Lago.
Set among 2,000 acres of the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park, and just 20 minutes from Faro airport, Quinta do Lago offers residents and guests an unparalleled location benefiting from a year-round temperate climate. Away from the fairways guest can enjoy a variety of lifestyle pursuits with events, tennis, cycling and watersports just some of the extensive leisure activities available.
Quinta do Lago www.quintadolago.com