PESTANA CARVOEIRO GOLF RESORT

Vale da Pinta Course
The Vale da Pinta is a fantastic parkland course, measuring 6,728 yards. Like the resort's further two courses, it was designed by Ron Fream, a highly regarded American golf architect, and features a number of lakes which are as testing as they are beautiful. Since opening in 1992, the course has established an excellent reputation, culminating with the award of a European Seniors Tour event in November 2007.

Gramacho Course
Designer Fream was aided by multiple major-winner Nick Price in creating the Gramacho Course, the second at Carvoeiro. The Gramacho is unique in that it has 18 sets of tees, but has 27 greens, making for welcome variety. The 6,679 yard layout features many obstacles, including lakes, rocks and walls, as well as the almond, fig and olive tress that help to make the course so beautiful. The Gramacho has been selected to host the Ladies European Tour's finest players, and is a fascinating challenge.

Silves Course
Just ten minutes away is the Silves Course, the third on offer for guests at the Carvoeiro resort. Silves is a typical resort course, with generous rolling fairways, and a number of large water hazards. Bordered by palm and olive trees, the course affords terrific views of the mountains and the valley. The main difficulty is the severity of the green-side bunkers, so accurate approach shots are crucial around this delightful Algarve track.

Alto Golf & Country Club
Situated in a stunning private community in the Western Algarve, Alto was the last course to be designed by the legendary Sir Henry Cotton. The winding fairways and elevated greens are typical of Cotton's architectural philosophy, and ensure that there is a stern challenge for the low handicap players, whilst remaining fair for the average golfer. Set across two rolling hills, visitors will enjoy beautiful views of the Lagos Bay.

The resort at Carvoeiro offers outstanding self-catered accommodation to golfers and non-golfers alike, and represents outstanding value for a terrific holiday in the sun-drenched Algarve.

The accommodation consists of 115 apartments and 169 private villas which are spacious and modern, and are complete with all the necessary amenities to ensure that you will feel entirely comfortable during your stay. Notable features include full equipped kitchens, deluxe bathrooms, washing machine, central heating, direct dial telephone and satellite television.

All apartment guests are free to use a communal swimming pool, while larger groups and families in the villas will benefit from a private pool. The Carvoeiro resort not only has three terrific golf courses - two of which are on site - but also boasts a fantastic range of sport and leisure facilities that make it such an outstanding holiday destination, with an option to suit every demand.

Check in for the accommodation is at Gramacho Golf Clubhouse, not the reception at the top of the hill.

A short drive from Carvoeiro you can visit some stunning beaches, typical of the Algarve's coastline, while inside the resort there are swimming pools, a football pitch, tennis and basketball courts, and a number of bowling greens. For something a bit more adventurous, there is a riding school in the local area, while the beaches are the place to try your hand at one of any number of hair-raising water sports.

The well-equipped kitchens in the apartments and villas are perfect for the enthusiastic chef, but if cooking is not your forte, head for the nearby town of Carvoeiro, home to an array of bars and restaurants.

The focal point of Carvoeiro is the old square, where you can find many charming restaurants and bars.