Sustainability at the Real Club de Golf La Herrería: a green haven near Madrid

Close to madrid, the Real Club de Golf La Herrería is a prime example of sustainability in golf, blending sport with environmental responsibility. The Real Club de Golf La Herrería is a prime example of sustainability in golf, blending sport with environmental responsibility. Established in 1966, the club is located northwest of Madrid in the Real Sitio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984. Surrounded by lush forests of oaks, ash trees, and holm oaks, and with views of the Monastery of El Escorial and Madrid’s skyline, playing at La Herrería is an immersive experience in nature.

The club’s unwavering commitment to preserving its unique natural setting has garnered general recognition. Laura Ojea, in an article for El Español – Enclaves ODS, wrote about La Herrería’s dedication to environmental protection and numerous eco-friendly initiatives. These include installing solar panels, irrigation with recycled water, and a comprehensive avian protection program, all of which contributed to the club winning the prestigious “Premio Madera Verde.”

Real Club de Golf La Herrería vision

Since its foundation, the Real Club de Golf La Herrería has been a steward of the natural landscape, preserving the area’s topography and maintaining a delicate ecological balance. The club’s environmental efforts extend to a forest inventory and restoring key areas within the surrounding forest, ensuring long-term sustainability. Enrique Gil Octavio de Toledo, the club’s director, notes that visitors appreciate being immersed in nature, occasionally spotting deer among the trees.

La Herrería also built a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant, allowing the club to use recycled water for irrigation. In addition, energy-saving measures like solar power, CO₂ emission controls, and electric buggies have earned the club ISO 14001 certification, a standard achieved by only a few golf clubs in Spain.

Tee Times Golf Agency proudly aligns itself with Golf La Herrería’s vision. With over 30 years of offering top-tier golf packages in Spain and Portugal, we are deeply committed to promoting sustainability. By supporting environmentally responsible clubs like La Herrería, Tee Times ensures unforgettable golf breaks and the best Spain golf holidays that also contribute to a greener planet.

2025 reopening: Highgate’s vision to reshape hotel experience in the Algarve

In an article published by Travel News, Alexandre Solleiro, CEO of Highgate Portugal, confirmed the closure and extensive remodelling of four hotels in the Algarve, with their reopening scheduled for April 2025. The hotels involved are Salgados Dunas Suites, Salgados Palace, Palm Village, and São Rafael Atlântico, the latter of which will rebrand under the Kimpton name. Solleiro emphasised the focus on improving the infrastructure and elevating the hotel experience in the Algarve and tourism offerings, primarily through luxury branding.

The renovation is set to begin in November 2024, after the hotels close in late October. Solleiro assured that all preparations are “100% guaranteed,” with approved budgets, finalised designs, and contracts signed. Furniture orders are already underway. This large-scale project aims to shift away from the all-inclusive model, repositioning the hotels for the upscale market. Solleiro highlighted the transformation of Palm Village and Dunas Suites into branded residences, which will “completely change the marketing of the complex.”

Hotel experience in the Algarve

Solleiro’s comments underline the importance of better infrastructure in attracting high-end tourists, stating that these changes will introduce “an interesting proposition for the luxury market.” He also mentioned that the rebranding of the Salgados hotels would cater to different luxury market segments, supported by a golf course and a conference centre, making the destination more appealing to various upscale tourism sectors.

Despite these closures, Solleiro expressed optimism for 2024, noting a 7% growth in RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) even with partial closures due to renovations. He believes that the repositioning of the hotels will lead to “significant growth after reopening.” Additionally, Highgate is exploring further expansion opportunities in Portugal, with potential investments on the horizon for 2025.

This ambitious project demonstrates a commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure for the best Portugal golf holidays, particularly the hotel experience in the Algarve, setting a new standard for luxury hospitality in the region.

Photo by: Travel News.

Discover the Best Golf Experience in Costa Blanca

Costa Blanca is a prime destination for golfers seeking the perfect blend of stunning landscapes and a world-class golfing experience. With its beautiful coastline, warm Mediterranean climate, and rich cultural heritage, the region offers an ideal setting for any golf holiday. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, Costa Blanca’s variety of golf courses promises a challenging and enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels.

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The allure of Costa Blanca lies in its diverse selection of golf courses, each designed to showcase the natural beauty of the region. Golfers can enjoy rounds with stunning views of rolling hills, coastal scenery, and lush greenery. These courses are tailored to suit players of all abilities, offering a range of challenges that keep the game exciting while allowing for a memorable and scenic experience.

Costa Blanca’s exceptional climate makes it a standout destination for year-round golf. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, the region provides ideal playing conditions regardless of the season. Whether you prefer a sunny summer round or a quieter game in the mild off-season, the Mediterranean weather ensures that every golfing day is enjoyable.

Costa Blanca offers endless opportunities for golfers to customize their ideal getaway. Combine your rounds of golf with exploring charming local towns, enjoying Mediterranean cuisine, or simply relaxing by the coast. With personalized golf packages available, it’s easy to design the perfect holiday that balances sport, leisure, and relaxation in this stunning region.

Book your unforgettable golf holiday in Costa Blanca today with Tee Times Golf Agency!

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