Perfect Days | Monte Rei
Nestled in the unspoilt countryside of the Eastern Algarve is one of the area ’ s most spectacular new developments . Monte Rei , an exclusive and luxury resort , opened just five years ago but already it has been voted ‘ Best Golf Resort in Portugal ’ by Golf Monthly and ‘ Best Golf Course in Portugal ’ by Top 100 Golf Courses . It is not difficult to see why the resort attracts such accolades . As soon as we pull up in front of the beautiful clubhouse at the centre of the resort , a valet comes to attend our car and directs us into the elegant and welcoming Clubhouse that is the perfect place to relax , eat or shop .
The Grill restaurant offers stunning views over the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and the Atlantic Ocean at a distance . As we sit on the terrace , a friendly waitress soon arrives to bring us refreshments and light snacks . The service is efficient and the food delicious , although we are trying not to over indulge as we have reservations this evening at the Vistas restaurant , one of the region ’ s best dining establishments headed by award-winning chef Jaime Perez , formerly of El Bulli .
Reluctantly leaving the comforts of the terrace , we venture to the Pro Shop while we wait for our tee time . A host of designer brands are on offer and the shop oozes refinement with its oak shelving , glass fronted displays and tiled floors . We choose a couple of Monte Rei branded polo shirts as a memento of our day before heading to the practice area . Pyramids of golf balls await us and we are encouraged to practice our swing on the well appointed practice facility . When our tee time finally arrives , we find our buggy equipped with towels , chilled water , tees , 3D course guide and our clubs , and we are kindly escorted to the first tee by a smiling member of staff .
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