Monte Rei | Perfect Days
David Shepherd , Monte Rei ’ s director of golf , is guiding us through the course today and we are soon grateful for his advice . The 72 par course is challenging but breathtaking . The Golden Bear has worked with the contours of the terrain to create a beautiful course that is truly one of the best we have played . Each hole has four tee positions to ensure a memorable experience for every level of golfer , and even though we know we are one of several groups on the course today , we are never made to feel rushed thanks to the generously staggered tee time intervals of at least 12 minutes . We rarely catch a glimpse of the group behind us and when we do , they are on the distant horizon .
The course is kept in tournament condition on a daily basis with well maintained greens , pristine bunkers and water hazards . Native plants are used throughout the course and views extend all the way to the Atlantic Ocean . Villas and plots surround the course they do not intrude upon the space but blend seamlessly into the landscape .
When our round finishes , we are greeted and presented with a souvenir Monte Rei bag tag before our clubs are whisked away to be cleaned . We head to the well-appointed locker rooms to collect our things before heading to our villa in the O Miradouro Village . These exquisite villas , built in the Algarvian vernacular boast four bedrooms , four luxury bathrooms , private gardens , terraces and swimming pool . Each of the homes sleeps eight adults and we are tempted to make use of the outdoor barbecue and dining facilities the following day .
28 | Summer 2012 | www . portugal-life . net |