Fam tour: exploring Costa del Sol best golf resorts

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By Jorge Diogo (Director of Sales & Marketing)

From June 9 to 13, the Tee Times Golf Agency booking department team had the privilege of embarking on an exciting fam tour through the stunning Costa del Sol. This tour was not just about work but also about enjoying some of Spain’s best golf courses and hotels. Our crew, consisting of Telma Santos, Marisa Galhardo, Atyla Miranda, Vera Santos and me, had a blast and returned with a wealth of knowledge and unforgettable experiences.

The Costa del Sol, nestled along the southern coastline of Spain, is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and picturesque landscapes. However, one of its most captivating attractions is its world-class golf courses and luxurious resorts. This region has become a premier destination for golf enthusiasts from around the globe, offering a blend of exceptional facilities and rich cultural experiences.

During the fam tour, our team was dedicated to learning in detail about each golf course and the services of the hotels and restaurants. This commitment ensures that we can provide our clients with the most accurate and beneficial information and services.

The fam tour in detail

We began our adventure at La Hacienda Links Golf Resort, a golf course offering spectacular views towards Gibraltar and Morocco. Besides its natural beauty, we couldn’t resist trying their delicious cheese pie, which is an absolute must!

Then we continue our trip visiting The San Roque Club and La Reserva, enjoying the beauty of its golf courses, which are recognised by golfers worldwide.

Our next destination was SO/ Sotogrande, which made us feel like we were in a charming village. The spacious rooms and incredibly comfortable beds added a touch of luxury to our stay. We savoured an à la carte breakfast on the terrace, with the stunning views of the mountains and sea enhancing our dining experience.

During each day of the fam trip, we visited many golf courses and hotels, and describing each activity in detail is tough. But I want to acknowledge the kindness and friendliness we received in each place.

Hotel Finca Cortesin left us speechless with its opulence and splendour, seamlessly blending modern and classic elements. At Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis Marbella Resort, we were warmly welcomed with fresh towels, cava, and chocolates, a detail we deeply appreciated.

La Cala Resort is not only a paradise for golf lovers but also for spa enthusiasts. The METT Hotel & Beach Resort captivated us with its location facing the sea and private pools in the suites, offering a luxurious and comfortable experience.

On our last day, we ended by relaxing at the infinity pool at La Zambra, a modern-style hotel with many Andalusian features. We enjoyed a memorable welcome dinner that concluded with an excellent tiramisu prepared right at our table.

Chaparral Golf Club, a privileged place close to the sea and surrounded by a pine forest, welcomed us warmly. We enjoyed a fantastic experience at the Driving Range, followed by an exquisite lunch highlighting the club’s hospitality and culinary excellence.

We are deeply grateful to all the golf clubs and hotels that welcomed us with their warm hospitality. La Hacienda Links Golf Resort and SO/ Sotogrande, your fantastic hospitality made our stay memorable. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Finca Cortesin, El Paraíso Golf Club, Villa Padierna Hotels & Resorts, and Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis Marbella Resort for their outstanding service. 

During our tour, we visited several premier golf and resort destinations, including The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa, Los Naranjos Golf Club, Atalaya Golf & Country Club, Rio Real Golf & Hotel, La Cala Resort, Santa Clara Golf Club Marbella, Marbella Golf Country Club, METT Hotel & Beach Resort, and Melia Sol Atalaya Park. 

Our thanks to all for hosting our team and sharing your magnificent facilities during the fam tour. With over 30 years of experience at Tee Times Golf Agency, we take pride in offering exceptional golf holidays in Portugal and Spain, ensuring our customers’ satisfaction.

Driving greatness: the impact of World Golf Awards

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The 11th annual World Golf Awards, a prestigious event that sets high standards in the industry, will be held on November 21-22, 2024, on the scenic island of Madeira.

Since its inception in 2014, the World Golf Awards have become a benchmark for excellence in golf tourism and a prestigious gathering of the industry’s top courses, destinations, and tour operators. This exclusive annual event brings together the crème de la crème of the golfing world, including VIPs and leaders from the golf tourism sector, to honour outstanding achievements and set new standards in the industry.

Tee Times Golf Agency has garnered significant accolades, being named Portugal’s Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator in 2020 and 2021 and Portugal’s Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator in 2022. This recognition underscores the agency’s commitment to delivering exceptional service in a country renowned as a premier golf destination. Portugal has frequently been honoured as the World’s Best Golf Destination, adding prestige to these awards.

World Golf Awards: the importance of exemplary service in golf tourism

Providing exceptional service is paramount for golf tour operators. Tee Times Golf Agency goes beyond this, offering personalised experiences that cater to golf enthusiasts’ unique needs. Our dedication has not just set them apart in the competitive field of golf tourism, but it has also created a buzz among golf enthusiasts. A tour operator’s role extends beyond booking rounds; it involves creating unforgettable golfing experiences, ensuring seamless logistics, and delivering unparalleled customer service.

Shaping the future of golf

The World Golf Awards are not just a celebration; they play a pivotal role in shaping the future of golf tourism. By recognising excellence, these awards drive standards of quality and innovation across the industry, inspiring hope for a brighter future. The rigorous voting process involves golf travel and tourism professionals, ensuring that only the best are acknowledged. This year, Tee Times Golf Agency is in the running for Best Tour Operator in Europe 2024 (you can vote here), a testament to our continuous pursuit of excellence.

Acknowledging leaders in golf tourism

These awards significantly raise industry standards by spotlighting leaders in golf tourism. With extensive media coverage from partners like Destination Golf, TV5Monde, Bloomberg, and CNBC, the awards reach a global audience, reinforcing their status as the ultimate accolade in golf tourism.

Tee Times Golf Agency’s consistent recognition by the World Golf Awards highlights our vital role in the industry and our unwavering commitment to providing top-tier service. As we contest for Best Tour Operator in Europe 2024, our story continues to inspire excellence and innovation in golf tourism.

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.