Portugal Golf

Azora expands its golf portfolio with the acquisition of Praia d’El Rey and West Cliffs

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Azora, a Madrid-based European real estate investment manager, has significantly enhanced its presence in the Portuguese market by acquiring the prestigious Praia d’El Rey Resort in Óbidos, Portugal. This acquisition, executed through the Azora European Hotel and Lodging Fund (AEHL), includes the luxurious Marriott Praia d’El Rey hotel, two top-ranked golf courses—Praia del Rey and West Cliffs—and the management of 90 apartments and two food and beverage outlets.

The Marriott Praia d’El Rey, a 177-room, 5-star hotel, is a jewel in our crown. It will continue operating under the Marriott brand, managed by Blue & Green. The hotel, with its stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, direct beach access, and surrounding golf courses, offers a unique and luxurious experience. It boasts premium amenities, including four dining options, a renovated spa and wellness area, indoor and outdoor pools, a kids club, and extensive meeting and event facilities. The golf courses, recognized among Portugal’s top ten and recipients of the 2023 Golfer’s Choice Award from Leading Courses, are key highlights of the resort.

Azora leadership position

This acquisition is a testament to Azora’s strategic growth in Portugal. It expands our portfolio to include seven hotels and two golf courses with 36 holes. The Praia d’El Rey Resort, with its exceptional facilities and prime location, strengthens Azora’s position as a leader in the leisure and golf destination sector in Europe and underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to our guests.

Azora’s portfolio now encompasses over 12,000 keys under management, cementing its status as a significant player in the European hospitality and leisure investment sector. Since its inception, Azora has invested over €3 billion in the hospitality industry, acquiring over 100 hotels and 26,000 hotel keys. The company’s strategy focuses on high-quality hotels and urban hostels, targeting assets that require active management and repositioning.

Launched in 2021 with €815 million in capital, AEHL has focused on the vacation hotel segment in major European destinations. The fund employs a value-add strategy, emphasizing asset transformation and active management of hotel operations. Recently, AEHL has also adopted an alternative hotel strategy for urban tourism, targeting a diverse range of travellers and aiming to revolutionize city tourism.

Concha Osácar, one of Azora’s founding partners, expressed confidence in the hospitality sector across the Mediterranean and Southern Europe. She emphasized that the acquisition of Praia d’El Rey Resort marks a significant milestone for AEHL, underscoring Azora’s commitment to high-potential markets and its belief in Portugal’s growing appeal to both European and American tourists.

For over 30 years, Tee Times Golf Agency has offered the best packages for those seeking Portugal golf holidays. With extensive industry experience, we provide unparalleled access to top courses, including the newly acquired by Azora, Praia del Rey and West Cliffs golf courses, ensuring a memorable and high-quality golfing experience.

Amendoeira Golf Resort: a premier destination in the Algarve

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Amendoeira Golf Resort, a unique gem nestled in the heart of the Algarve, spans 270 hectares of lush natural beauty. This one-of-a-kind destination offers an array of amenities, including several swimming pools, two award-winning 18-hole golf courses, and Portugal’s only illuminated 9-hole golf course. Sports enthusiasts will be thrilled by the two synthetic turf 5-a-side football pitches, a FIFA-sized football pitch, six Savannah tennis courts, a fully equipped gym with modern Technogym machines, a jogging track, and a children’s playground.

The Clubhouse, a beacon of luxury and comfort, is the resort’s social hub, featuring a restaurant where guests indulge in delicious meals, snacks, and drinks. Additionally, the pro shop provides everything golfers need to enhance their game. Whether staying in an opulent apartment with access to multiple pools or a lavish villa with a private pool, visitors are guaranteed a comfortable and luxurious experience. The resort’s proximity to the beach, just a 10-minute drive away, further enhances its appeal as a perfect holiday destination or permanent residence.

Undoubtedly, Amendoeira Golf Resort stands as one of the most exclusive destinations, offering the best options for those seeking unparalleled Portugal golf breaks in the Algarve with Tee Times Golf Agency.

Faldo Course at Amendoeira Golf Resort

The Faldo Course, a masterpiece by the legendary Sir Nick Faldo, is a 6578m Par 72 championship course that beckons strategic play. This course, which clinched the title of Portugal’s Best Golf Course by World Golf Awards in 2016, is renowned for its dramatic landscape. It boasts unique elements such as cacti and wild herbs, spartan Holm oaks, ancient olive trees, and desert scrub bunkers of crushed limestone, offering a modern twist on traditional golf course design.

O’Connor Jnr. Course

The O’Connor Jnr. Course, designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr., complements the Faldo Course with its lush valley setting. Water features, including lakes and watercourses, challenge golfers of all levels. The course’s mature palm trees and rich topsoil create a serene, oasis-like environment. The course’s greater distance, water hazards, and large greens provide an additional challenge, requiring golfers to carefully read the subtly contoured putting surfaces.

Academy Course

The Academy Course, the only floodlit 9-hole course in Portugal, is ideal for beginners and those wishing to improve their short game. Built to the same high standards as the Faldo and O’Connor Jnr. courses, it features three teeing options for varied play. The 7th hole, with two teeing options over water, is a highlight. This course is a family favourite and must-play alongside its more challenging counterparts.

The Amendoeira Golf Academy

The Amendoeira Golf Academy takes pride in its tailored training programs for men, women, and juniors of all skill levels. With a maximum 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio, the academy ensures each student receives personalized instruction, utilizing high-tech tools like Trackman for swing analysis. The holistic approach includes mental efficiency, equipment evaluation, nutrition, and fitness. Each lesson concludes with a personalized CD/DVD comparing the original and improved swings, making every student feel valued and catered to.

Amendoeira Golf Resort is a sanctuary for golf enthusiasts and nature lovers, providing an unmatched experience in the stunning Algarve region for unforgettable Portugal golf holidays.

Photos by: Amendoeira Golf Resort.

Tee Times Golf Agency at the 15th IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention

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Tee Times Golf Agency is set to take part in the 15th IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention (NAC), held at the Mountain Grand Lodge & Spa in Boyne Falls, Northern Michigan, from June 17-19, 2024. This prestigious event brings together key players in the golf tourism industry, including golf resorts, clubs, hotels, tourist boards, and other suppliers from the USA, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond.

The NAC is renowned for its highly structured format, where suppliers and buyers engage in pre-scheduled meetings over two days, fostering meaningful business relationships and networking opportunities. This year’s convention starts with a golf tournament across two of Northern Michigan’s premier courses, followed by a series of social functions, including a Welcome Reception and Farewell Evening function. Delegates will also enjoy buffet lunches and evening drinks at the IAGTO Bar, ensuring ample informal networking and discussion opportunities.

Northern Michigan, known for its exceptional golf offerings, particularly with Boyne Golf’s ten courses and two resorts, provides an ideal backdrop for the event. The timing in June is perfect for experiencing the region’s golf courses at their peak condition.

Tee Times Golf Agency, a proud IAGTO member since its founding in 1997, has consistently driven forward the golf tourism industry with a special focus on Portugal and Spain. Our participation in the IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering growth and innovation in golf tourism, instilling confidence in our partners and clients.

As one of Europe’s leading golf travel agencies, our team specialises in offering top-tier golf and tourism packages, providing exceptional vacation experiences in Portugal and Spain. Our curated packages cater to golf enthusiasts seeking the best courses and luxurious accommodations, ensuring memorable and seamless holidays. The agency’s deep industry knowledge and extensive network enable us to deliver personalised services that meet the highest quality and customer satisfaction standards.

IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention program

Attendees began arriving on Wednesday, June 12 and participated in Fam Tours programs until June 15. The event schedule includes a Dinner for Buyers’ Golf Day participants at Grand Traverse Resort on June 15, followed by the Buyers’ Golf Day and NAC Tournament player check-in on June 16.

The first official day, June 17, starts with breakfast at Everett’s Restaurant, followed by the NAC Golf Tournament with a shotgun start at Bay Harbor and The Highlands. The day concludes with a Welcome Reception on the lawns of Mountain Grand Lodge. Convention Day 1 on June 18 will be held at the Civic Center Foyer, where activities resume through June 20. The complete program is available here.

We are poised to take full advantage of the IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention, continuing to shape the future of golf tourism through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives. Our commitment to excellence and passion for golf tourism ensure that we remain at the forefront of the industry, providing unparalleled experiences for golf travellers worldwide.