Hotel of the Week - Tivoli Victoria Vilamoura - 19th Hole Golf Blog by Your Golf Travel

The Algarve has long been one of THE go to destinations for those who are looking for the heavenly combination of top class golf courses, near guaranteed sunshine, a vibrant nightlife and white sandy beaches. Of course none of these are as enjoyable when the accommodation you are staying in isn’t up to par which is where our Hotel of the Week, the Tivoli Victoria in Vilamoura, comes to the fore. Located just a stone’s throw from the fabulous Oceanico Victoria Course – the hotel actually offers direct access to this excellent Arnold Palmer designed course – the Tivoli Victoria Vilamoura opened in 2009 and was recognised as the first true luxury accommodation option offering direct access to the popular Oceanico courses making it simply perfect for an Algarve Golf Holiday.

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Location, location, location…

With a host of first class championship golf courses within a few minutes’ drive, Vilamoura is without doubt one of Europe’s very best golfing destinations and the Tivoli Victoria is situated slap bang in the heart of this golfing hotspot.

Getting to and from the hotel is a piece of cake thanks to its enviable location just a short drive from Faro Airport and as well as offering easy access to some of Portugal’s finest golf courses, around the hotel guests will also find a wide range of entertainment options that include beaches, Vilamoura Marina, bars, restaurants, Vilamoura Casino and shopping centres.

Accommodation

The 280 guestrooms on offer at the hotel will surely cater for any needs as they range from standard double and twin rooms – which are still impressively luxurious – to large, lavish suites all the way up to the heady heights of the Presidential Suite.

All accommodations at the Tivoli Victoria are luxurious, spacious, well equipped and boast views over the Oceanico Victoria golf course and beyond.

All accommodations are decorated in a sleek and modern style and feature luxury furnishings and all of the modern amenities and services that you would expect of a 5* establishment. Comfortable living areas allow you to relax in style while watching the LCD, flatscreen TV mounted on the wall while Nespresso coffee machines mean you can have a high quality pick-me-up should the mood strike. Complimentary wireless internet is also on hand should you need access to the web and in many rooms you can relax on your own private balcony overlooking the golf course.

Luxury bathrooms are just one of many top class amenities on offer at this excellent hotel.

Suites feature all of the same luxury amenities and furnishings as the smaller guestrooms while offering additional space in the form of comfortable living rooms and stylish dining rooms should you take the option to eat in with food either ordered from one of the two on-site restaurants or prepared in your own private, in-room kitchen. Luxury bathrooms are standard throughout with walk in and separate rain showers providing the perfect place to freshen up following a long day on the fairways.

Dining

As previously stated the Tivoli Victoria boasts two outstanding restaurants, Gourmet Restaurant – Emo and Sensorial.

Located on the top floor, the Emo Restaurant boasts awesome 180 degree panoramic views of the golf course and beyond and offers guests the chance to sample the latest and most daring flavours and dishes in the evolution of traditional Portuguese cuisine, all within a seriously stylish and comfortable setting.

The gourmet Emo Restaurant is a stylish place to dine: perfect for special occassions.

Sensorial on the other hand is a more down to earth experience. This simply stylish restaurant opens each morning to serve a fantastic buffet breakfast and throughout the day guests can enjoy direct access from the pool should they require refreshments or light snacks. In the evening Sensorial also serves a dinner buffet which is ideal for those who have designs on sampling Vilamoura’s famed nightlife. High quality, no frills food: the perfect alternative to the stylish, more fanciful experience on offer at Emo.

Sensorial is more relaxed and is a really convenient place to dine throughout the day.

Pop Bar, Bartini Bar and the Chill by the Pool Bar are the watering holes on offer at the hotel. Pop Bar, with its outdoor lounge, is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail with friends before dinner while Bartini is a modern space where guests can enjoy tea or coffee, gourmet snacks or a well deserved drink from the Cheers Menu.

Leisure Facilities

Although much of your time will be spent on the golf course – and perhaps nursing a hangover in your stylish room – the hotel’s leisure facilities will no doubt keep you entertained and relaxed in equal measure.

There are three outdoor swimming pools and an indoor pool as well…plenty of room for all!

Separate outdoor swimming pools for adults and children provide a great place to cool off in the heat of the day while the indoor swimming pool is a quieter place where you can enjoy the soothing benefits of the hydro massage circuit. Those who like to work up a sweat can do so in the fitness centre while those seeking the ultimate in relaxation can make use of the tranquil Banyan Tree Spa.

The Banyan Tree Spa.

Here you can choose your own personal experience from a vast selection of health and beauty treatments, all based on ancestral practices and the finest Oriental traditions. There are seven treatment rooms, one indoor Vitality Pool, a sauna, private jacuzzis with a view of the Victoria golf course, hydromassage facilities and relaxation areas…whether you are after a relaxing massage after a round of golf or just a place to chill out before the evening’s festivities, the Banyan Tree Spa is the perfect place.

Nearby Golf Courses

Direct access is offered to the Oceanico Victoria Course, the flagship course of the Oceanico Resort. Designed by Arnold Palmer, the Victoria’s quality is undeniable, in fact the course has played host to the best players in the game during the Worlds Golf Championships and thanks to a number of tee positions can also pose an enjoyable test to lesser players.

The Oceanico Victoria Course is among the best in Portugal.

The Victoria can be stretched to 7,105 from the tips, and is dotted with a number of large man-made lakes which are a real threat, and create a beautiful contrast with the crystal white swathes of sand that guard the greens. This is a formidable test that can humble even the most skilled player, and is an essential part of any trip to Vilamoura for the golfing aficionado.

Other Algarve heavyweights such as Quinta do Lago are just a short drive away.

Thanks to the hotel’s fantastic location at the heart of Vilamoura other courses, including the six other Oceanico layouts, of which the Laguna and Millennium are both within walking distance, are easily accessible by transfers from the hotel. As a hotel specializing in golf, the Tivoli Victoria has a Golf Desk, exclusive changing rooms with direct access to Victoria Golf Course. There is also a putting green on site and tee times can also be arranged for a number of other Algarve courses including the likes of Vale do Lobo, Pinheiros Altos and Quinta do Lago.

Nearby Attractions

Obviously the wealth of golf courses in the area is the main pull for golfers but with the beach just a couple of miles away, the Tivoli Victoria offers easy access to a whole host of exciting activities and water sports. All of the classic holiday water sports including parasailing and jet skis are available while diving and big game fishing can also be arranged.

Away from the golf courses, those paying Vilamoura a visit can spend plenty of time at the amazing Vilmaoura Beach where there is an endless array of activities on offer.

Cultural and historical attractions are surprisingly rife with the main attraction being the Sintra Parks and Palaces and there are always the simple pleasures of local malls and shopping centres for those who enjoy a little bit of retail therapy.

YGT’s Favourite thing about the Tivoli Victoria

“The fact that the hotel caters specifically for golfers makes this a great base for a golf holiday in Portugal. The Victoria Course is my favourite of the Oceanico Courses so having direct access to this is a blessing and other classics like the Vale do Lobo Royal Course, home of my favourite hole in the whole of Portugal, the par 3 16^th, are also within easy reach. On one of my days away from the golf course I tried my hand at bug game fishing which I would also recommend…not for the faint hearted but lots of fun!” – Your Golf Travel European Sales Specialist

For more information on Algarve Golf Breaks, Portuguese Golf Holidays and other European Golf Tours please visit www.yourgolftravel.com or call free on 0800 043 6644.