Golfing Holidays - Pestana Dom Joao II

The Dom Joao II has a fine selection of guest rooms which are spacious and bright, and are complete with all the amenities required for complete comfort. Many rooms offer sea views, while all are equipped with air-conditioning, satellite television, radio and direct dial telephone.

High levels of service are assured by the well regarded Pestana group, while the local golfing delights that include Silves, Pinta, Gramacho and Alto make the Dom Joao II a fantastic option for a golf escape to the Algarve.

Guests can take advantage of the hotel's indoor and outdoor pools and gym, while there is also mini-golf, tennis courts and water sports in the local area.

Location: Alvor, 40 miles West of Faro
Nearest Airport: Faro Airport

Vale da Pinta Course
The Vale da Pinta is a fantastic parkland course, measuring 6,728 yards. Like the resort's further two courses, it was designed by Ron Fream, a highly regarded American golf architect, and features a number of lakes which are as testing as they are beautiful. Since opening in 1992, the course has established an excellent reputation, culminating with the award of a European Seniors Tour event in November 2007.

Gramacho Course
Designer Fream was aided by multiple major-winner Nick Price in creating the Gramacho Course, the second at Carvoeiro. The Gramacho is unique in that it has 18 sets of tees, but has 27 greens, making for welcome variety. The 6,679 yard layout features many obstacles, including lakes, rocks and walls, as well as the almond, fig and olive tress that help to make the course so beautiful. The Gramacho has been selected to host the Ladies European Tour's finest players, and is a fascinating challenge.

Silves Course
Just ten minutes away is the Silves Course, the third on offer for guests at the Carvoeiro resort. Silves is a typical resort course, with generous rolling fairways, and a number of large water hazards. Bordered by palm and olive trees, the course affords terrific views of the mountains and the valley. The main difficulty is the severity of the green-side bunkers, so accurate approach shots are crucial around this delightful Algarve track.

Alto Golf & Country Club
Situated in a stunning private community in the Western Algarve, Alto was the last course to be designed by the legendary Sir Henry Cotton. The winding fairways and elevated greens are typical of Cotton's architectural philosophy, and ensure that there is a stern challenge for the low handicap players, whilst remaining fair for the average golfer. Set across two rolling hills, visitors will enjoy beautiful views of the Lagos Bay.