Le Méridien Penina Golf & Resort… a real golfing pleasure

In the 60's the Algarve was considered a true winter paradise, although did not offer any other type of incentive for those who seeked more than just sun and tranquillity.

Acknowledging the lack of leisure activities in this region, John Stilwell decided to take a chance and pursue his dream.

Penina area was the ideal place to build what was to become the first golf course in the Algarve. The land provided a rich supply of water, helping to maintain the greens and fairways, the shade of emerald green; and, just a few minutes away, were breathtaking golden beaches with exquisite rock formations creating unique intimate coves. Indeed, the ideal ingredients for the perfect golfing destination.

In 1966, 360 acres of rice fields were transformed into the luxury 5 star Hotel do Golfe da Penina surrounded by an 18 hole, par 73 Championship golf course, designed by the renowned golfing icon, Sir Henry Cotton.

Thirty years later, the hotel joined Le Méridien brand, which was acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. in 2005, thus entering an internationally distinguished hotel group.

Today, Le Méridien Penina Golf & Resort features 188 recently refurbished rooms and suites, providing its guests with the ultimate in comfort and luxury together with magnificent views over the golf courses, gardens, resort pool and Monchique mountains.

The resort offers several golf facilities which have become renowned worldwide throughout the years, namely the Sir Henry Cotton Championship course.

The Championship course has hosted some of the most prestigious events such as the Daily Telegraph Seniors' Match Play event (2000/1), the National Finals of the Audi Corp., together with major international and charity competitions such as the Sir Henry Cooper Charity Classic and the Portuguese Open (hosted here for 10 times, including 1998/99/2000, 2004 and 2006).

The resort also features two 9-hole facilities: the Academy course, which winds its way between the tree lined fairways of the Championship course, and the Resort course, located in the far side of the Hotel; both providing guests the opportunity to fine-tune their short game, while providing a gentle a training grounds for beginners.

In 2008 the new Driving Range was inaugurated and considered by many as one of the best in Europe, presenting a capacity of up to 70 golfers with a selection of target greens, putting greens, chipping greens and practice bunkers.

Penina Golf Academy offers extensive and specifically tailored programs to individual players or groups, be they a three or five-day program or simply for a few hours to perfect specific game techniques. A team of three PGA Professionals (two of which had the privilege of assisting Sir Henry Cotton) benefit from extensive teaching skills, and are always available to refine the golf game of every standard of golfer. Recently the Academy welcomed a new Professional to the team - Bart van der Wind, who is known as "the Dutch Putting Guru". Bart joined the Certified Instructors Programme conducted by the World's Leading Putting Instructor, Harold Swash, and therefore is specialized in the art of putting. His lessons offer players a personal fitting of their equipment which in turn assists considerably their putting stroke.

Other resort leisure facilities include an outdoor Olympic swimming pool, 6 tennis courts, a FIFA-sized football pitch, a three-kilometre jogging circuit with 12 exercise stations, and wellness and fitness facilities.

A wide selection of à la carte dining is available, ranging from Portuguese to Italian and international cuisine, which caters to all tastes and occasions. Guests may enjoy the lively atmospheres of the L'Arlecchino, Dunas Beach and Pool Restaurant or opt for the more elegant Le Grill or Sagres Restaurant.

With its renowned service and array of leisure facilities available to its guests, Le Méridien Penina Golf & Resort is considered one of the most prestigious golf resorts in Europe, and the ideal destination for a golfing or leisure voyage.

To learn more about this golf resort, visit the website www.lemeridienpenina.com .

November 24, 2009