Quinta da Marinha Resort

Quinta da Marinha gives you two good routes, depending on how your trip is shaping up. The main hotel is the easiest option if you want everything under one roof, with rooms set up for proper downtime after 18 holes. Expect private balconies, air conditioning, satellite TV and in-room safes as standard, plus those fairway and mountain views that make the morning coffee feel deserved. The setting is peaceful, the facilities are modern and the backdrop of the Sintra range gives the place a bit of character that you don't always get at resort hotels.

If you're travelling with a larger group, or you just like having your own space, the resort's 44 villas are ideal. You get a separate living area, a kitchenette for breakfasts and snacks and a larger balcony, which makes them a strong shout for longer stays and self-catered golf weeks. The layout suits societies, multi-generational groups and anyone who prefers a bit more independence without sacrificing quality or location. You're still on-site, still close to the course and still within easy reach of everything the resort offers.

Facilities-wise, the Health Club is not trying to be a mega spa, but it covers what most golfers actually use: pool, sauna, Turkish bath, gym and massage options for tight shoulders and tired legs. There's also the Ritual Spa for more treatment-led sessions if you're making this a golf and relaxation break. If you fancy moving without holding a club, guided running routes around the resort are a nice extra, particularly if you want to explore the surrounding countryside without having to plan it yourself.

Food and drink is a real plus here. Five Pines leans into Portuguese classics with a modern edge, served in a stylish dining room that works for both casual dinners and something a bit more special. Monte Mar is the seafood spot, sourcing the daily catch from local waters and preparing it with care. Cosi Fan Tutte takes care of Italian favourites in a relaxed setting. When you're done for the day, the Trent Jones Bar, named in honour of the course architect, is the obvious last stop for a nightcap and a post-round debrief. It's the sort of place where you can settle in with a drink and review the day's play without feeling rushed.