| Today's Travel News |
|
|
| · July 17, 2003 · |
|
For More About
Where To Go Next |
· Hotel Quinta Do Lago To Host 8th Annual Orient-Express Hotels' Amateur Golf Challenge One of the Premier Golf Resorts in Europe Offers the Chance to Play on Some of Portugal's Best CoursesALGARVE, PORTUGAL (July 15, 2003) - Put your golf skills to the test at the 8th Annual Orient-Express Hotels' Amateur Golf Challenge this November. The tournament, which takes place November 1 through 8, 2003 at Hotel Quinta do Lago, located in Portugal's Algarve, offers golfers the opportunity to play several of the finest courses on the Continent and compete for prestigious prizes. The Orient-Express Amateur Golf Challenge, open to all guests whose handicaps are 28 or less (men) or 36 (women), will feature three rounds of tournament play (plus two days of practice) as well as a special Algarvian Buffet with entertainment, a gala black-tie awards dinner with cocktails and several leisure activities, ranging from Reiki massages (to bring much-needed energy before the tournament) to Port wine tasting sessions (just the thing for relaxing after the tournament). Prices for the seven-night Amateur Challenge Program start at 1,395 Euros per person based on double occupancy (US $1,602.16 *). The tournament is played on five courses in the area, including two courses on the grounds of the hotel, the 7,091-yard, par-72 Quinta do Lago South and Quinta do Lago North, a 6,558-yard, par-72 course. Quinta do Lago South, designed by William Mitchell, is an extraordinary course that winds through undulating hills, pine forest, and long, wide greens that challenge all who play. This course has also proudly been the site of seven Portuguese Open tournaments. Quinta do Lago North (formerly the Ria Formosa), a 6,558-yard, par-72 course, offers large and rolling greens, characteristic of all of Quinta do Lago's facilities. Containing four par-five holes along with carefully placed bunkers, the course provides more of a challenge than one might think at first glance due to the mild looking downhill tee shot which sets the course in motion. The tournament continues to Vilamoura Old Course, designed by Frank Pennink in 1969. This is a favorite with most visiting golfers and features immaculate fairways and greens. After a gentle 1st hole, the course opens up to a well-designed outlay through well-established cork trees, and is always a pleasure to play. The course has also played host to many top Tournaments in past years. The 6,777-yard, par-72 Vilamoura Millennium, which opened in 2001 and was designed by Martin Hawtree, is also included in the tournament. This course boasts nine new holes, six of which are located in the forest, making the course even more of a delight to play. Quinta de Ria is the final and newest course in the tournament, having just opened in 2002. Situated in the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, it has already been described by experienced golfers as the most breathtaking golf course in the region. Hotel Quinta do Lago also offers something for the non-golfer attending the tournament. The Non-Golfer Wellness Program has been created to pamper guests during their stay and includes a facial, massages and aromatherapy, in addition to the activities planned for the golfers during the tournament. The resort offers a variety of "Golf a la Carte" packages throughout the rest of the year, representing outstanding values for some of the best golf in Europe. Golf also can be combined with a broad range of other leisure activities, including tennis, horseback riding and water sports and fit nicely with extra-value accommodations packages. The "Golf a la Carte" program combines play on any or all of the area courses. The Eagle Passport package, for example, features five rounds of 18-hole play at a choice of five courses; the Birdie Passport includes three rounds. In both packages, guests also receive a rental car for their length of stay. Golfers who wish to concentrate on learning and practicing the game may want to take advantage of one of two programs at Quinta do Lago's renowned Golf Academy, including lessons from Resident P.G.A. Golf Professional Peter Lester. The hotel's Beginner Academy Golf School will appeal to first time golfers, while the Intermediate Golf Program is tailored especially for the golfer that already has a handicap, but wants to improve with lessons. Non-golfing activities include tennis (two courts lit for night play), bicycling, swimming (heated indoor and outdoor pools), horseback riding, and a wide range of watersports along miles of magnificent beach located near the property. The Hotel Quinta do Lago is a five-star property set in its own gardens, overlooking the tidal Ria Formosa Estuary and the Atlantic Ocean, in the exclusive 1680-acre Quinta do Lago residential estate. Gentle hills scattered with pine trees complement the finest location on the Algarve coast; a haven for golfers, gourmets, tennis players, birdwatchers, riders, water and other sports enthusiasts. A wooden footbridge allows access to miles of golden sandy beaches across the estuary that is a protected sanctuary to many rare birds. The prestigious hotel is part of the international portfolio of luxury Orient-Express Hotels, cruises and trains around the world. For more information or reservations, call The Leading Hotels of the World at 800-223-6800. Additional information can also be found at Quinta do Lago's website, located at www.quintadolagohotel.com. *The US dollar price guide is based on the exchange rate at the time of going to press, but the final price, payable in Euros, will depend on the exchange rate at the time of booking Media Contact: Kristen Vigrass Account Supervisor The Brandman Agency 212-683-2442 kristen@brandmanpr.com |
| Produced by Judi Janofsky, Rich Steck and the Golf Press Association |