Quinta do Lago is a luxury resort located 20 minutes from Faro airport in the Algarve. The 2,000 acre estate features some of the most expensive real estate in Portugal. It is no surprise then that it is a hotspot for celebrities seeking an exclusive holiday. Visitors can rub shoulders with the Beckhams, Madonna and even Princess Caroline. Quinta do Lago was the European base for the former Formula One racing legend Ayrton Senna. The street ‘Ayrton Senna Drive’ in the resort is named after him.
The estate is made up of many resorts and private villas. The resorts (Vilar do Golf, Monte da Quinta, The Four Seaons Fairways and Country Club, Vale dos Pinheiros, Victory Village, Pinheiros Altos, Encosta do Lago) stretch from the beach to the entrance at the Quinta do Lago Plaza.
Golf is the sport of choice for most visitors to the area. There are four golf courses within Quinta do Lago; The North Course, San Lorenzo, The South Course and Laranjal. Each course is rated among the Top 25 in Europe. The South Course has held the Portuguese Open Championship eight times. All courses are open to members and visitors with various competitions held throughout the year. San Lorenzo is rated the second best golf course in Europe.
Tennis enthusiasts are also well catered for with the Jimmy Stewart Tennis Academy. The academy uses 11 courts throughout Quinta do Lago. The main courts are located at the Vilar do Golf roundabout.
The Quinta do Lago lake lies in the centre of the estate. The salt water lake is ideal for swimming and water sports. Some of the activities on offer include wind surfing, canoeing and diving. Lessons are also available for all the family.
The beach is accessed via a wooden walkway from the car park. Here you will find miles of golden sand surrounded by the Ria Formosa. There is a huge variety of sports available on the beach as well as a fish restaurant ‘Gigi’s’. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available to hire throughout the summer.
Foodies are well catered for in Quinta do Lago. Each resort generally has it’s own bar and restaurant open to the public as well as guests. For the widest selection of restaurants within the resort head to the Quinta do Lago Plaza. Located at the entrance to the estate you will find a number of restaurants and bars to suit every taste and budget. This is also the location of the supermarket and a number of designer boutiques.
There is a huge range of holiday rental accommodation available within the resort ranging from one bed apartments for €900 per week in high season to luxury six bedroom villas for €10,000+. The most popular luxury villas tend to be in the Parque Atlantico area which is near the beach. This is considered the most prestigious area within the resort. Villas on Ayrton Senna Drive are also popular due to the proximity to the Quinta do Lago Plaza. Popular budget options include Monte da Quinta suites, Victory village apartments and townhouses within the Vale dos Pinheiros resort.
