Lagunamar Suites Quinta Do Lago, Algarve

A sun-kissed coast, world class beaches and championship golf are just a few reasons why Quinta do Lago has become one of Europe’s true five-star destinations. Now a brand new resort, Club La Costa at Lagunamar Suites, is one more reason to experience the Algarve at its absolute best.

Quinta do Lago has long been famous for its ravishing scenery and special golden light. Set in 2,000 pristine green acres that include the Rio Formosa nature reserve which stretches eastward towards Spain, this exclusive resort continues to win awards for its high quality tourism since it was created by the visionary developer Andre Jordan in the early seventies.

Since then it has become one of Europe’s most glamorous resorts, visited by a regular list of celebrities including Madonna and the Beckhams. With four top class courses in the immediate area it’s a magnet for golfers, while the area’s climate and sports clubs attract international footballers such as Michael Owen, Paul Ince and Alan Shearer, all of whom own villas in the area. Sir Cliff Richard was so taken by the Algarve he didn’t just buy a villa he bought an entire vineyard – Quinta do Miradouro – where he now produces his signature Vida Nova wines.

It’s not just the multi-million euro mansions and breathtaking scenery that make Quinta do Lago reminiscent of California, it’s the easygoing way of life. Aptly known as “the Beverly Hills of the Algarve”, it really is one of the few places in the world where you can enjoy a sophisticated lifestyle in the tranquil surroundings of a natural park with the ocean on your doorstep. And far from being isolated, Quinta do Lago is only 15 kilometres drive from Faro airport, near shops, bars, restaurants and entertainment, including a casino and yachting marina where you can watch the world go by over a café com leite and sweet custard tart on the water’s edge.

With Algarve resorts more in demand than ever, leading European holiday resort developers Club La Costa Resorts & Hotels have just announced a new addition to their extensive Vacation Club portfolio, Club La Costa at Lagunamar Suites. The brand new, just completed resort complex is part of the Clube do Ancao and set in lovely gardens in a quiet area right in the heart of the Algarve’s prestigious Golden Triangle – which includes Quinta do Lago and sister resort Vale do Lobo – an unbeatable location for beach or golf holidays.

Lagunamar offers considerably more than quality accommodation in beautiful surroundings. As with all of Club La Costa’s resorts, on-site amenities are a prerequisite and at this particular resort there are plenty on offer. As well as a café and restaurant – in addition to the area’s multitude of restaurants to suit all pockets – there are numerous leisure facilities available to guests. There’s a beauty salon, wellequipped gym, two swimming pools (an indoor heated pool and spa and large outdoor pool), Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms.

Those looking for more activity have a lot to choose from. Sailing, boating, scuba diving, tennis, fishing, horse riding with excellent forest and beach trails, and bicycle rental are all close by. Add in the attractions of the nearest town Almancil, the nearby marina and four championship calibre golf clubs and vibrant nightlife close by and it’s a tempting mix of options for all ages. The Club La Costa-branded resort offers every opportunity for pampering and the resort is designed for relaxation down to the last detail - it even has its own Team Marina on hand to keep youngsters occupied so parents can have some quality time to relax and recharge their own batteries.

The resort’s modern one and two bedroom suites are furnished in Club La Costa’s signature “California Beach” style, with spacious private terraces, and kitchens are equipped with top line appliances. Each apartment has air-conditioning, satellite TV, DVD and CD equipment.

One of the advantages of the location is its proximity to a beautiful beach just 1.2km away. The Algarve is synonymous with clean golden sand, wide beaches, dramatic rocky coves and clear blue water. Even in the hottest summers, temperatures remain comfortable thanks to the refreshing Atlantic breeze.

Lagunamar Suites is particularly suited to families; with little traffic in the locality, children can have fun in the safe and natural surroundings whether or not they’re being entertained by Team Marina!

For golfers there are four championship courses in the immediate area:
Pinheiros Altos, Sao Lourenco and Quinta do Lago’s excellent North and South courses. For those just starting out, the golf academy offers private lessons with a PGA qualified instructor who is always on hand.

For a more relaxing day with the family, wander down to the beach bars and the famous Gigi’s restaurant where locals claim the grilled prawns and fresh seafood are the best anywhere. You’ll need to book at this lunch-only restaurant where you can sample a variety of fresh fish which Gigi himself purchases daily at the local Quarteira fish market. Another must-visit place is the legendary Julia’s. This is the place where you might spot the odd racing driver or footballer as everyone comes here for its friendly, laid back beach bar atmosphere and Mozambique influenced menu. Julia’s has been an Algarve landmark for the last thirty years and if you’re looking for the perfect spot for a couple of margaritas at sunset then this is it.

Part of the Algarve’s charm is its untouched-by-time feel: little fishing villages that remain mostly unchanged and tiny plazas where time seems to pass slowly, only marked by the chimes of the church bells. Yet a few minutes away the modern shopping centres at Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo offer an international mix of interior design shops and fashionable boutiques, bistro-style cafés, Chinese and Italian restaurants and estate agencies.

Many say the secret to Quinta do Lago’s success in the face of daunting competition from numerous new resorts is the developers’ commitment to maintaining Andre Jordan’s original philosophy. He wanted to offer clients the option of privacy, tranquility and seclusion when they required it, plus an active social and sporting life combined with a wide range of leisure facilities. It’s a philosophy shared by Club La Costa, which makes Lagunamar Suites a natural choice for those seeking the best the Algarve has to offer.

Club La Costa is actively expanding in the Mediterranean region throughout 2008 and will be opening new resorts in the Canary Islands and southwest Turkey this year, with other destinations to be announced soon. This April marks the launch of the Club La Costa Yacht Club’s second season in Palma de Mallorca, following its successful inaugural season in 2007 and a winter 2007 season in the Red Sea region.

For more information about Club La Costa, the Club La Costa Vacation Club or The Yacht Club see www.clublacosta.com and www.clublacostayachtclub.com

Courtesy of Perspective Magazine - subscribe free here to view the full color version in the March 2008 edition