Tee Times

Portugal’s First Fairmont Golf Resort

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Fairmont Victoria Golf Resort Portugal: Vilamoura’s Golf Flagship Reinvented

A new chapter is underway for one of Vilamoura’s crown jewels. The Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, long admired for its location beside the iconic Victoria Golf Course, soon to be renamed the Els Club Vilamoura, is being reimagined as the first Fairmont-branded hotel in Portugal.

As of 30 April 2025, global hospitality group Accor assumed management of the 260-room property, marking the beginning of a bold transformation. With a full renovation now in motion, the resort will soon join the prestigious Fairmont Hotels & Resorts portfolio, known globally for delivering refined luxury rooted in local culture. For golf travellers with an eye for comfort, consistency, and course access, this is a story worth following closely.

The property already features four restaurants, four bars, multiple outdoor pools, a gym, and a spa with six treatment rooms. Every room and suite includes a private balcony, and its expansive conference centre can host up to 700 guests, making it ideal not only for leisure breaks, but for high-end events, golf retreats, and society travel. As the resort undergoes its transformation, these features are being enhanced under Accor’s direction, with the Fairmont rebranding expected to complete in 2026.

But what truly sets this hotel apart is its proximity to the Els Club Vilamoura, formerly the Victoria Course and host of the Portugal Masters. Now a private members-only course designed by Ernie Els, it offers guests the rare opportunity to play one of the Algarve’s most prestigious layouts, steps from their room.

This development is more than cosmetic. It signals Vilamoura’s continued rise as the beating heart of luxury golf in Portugal. Already a mainstay in Algarve golf holidays, Vilamoura is being redefined, less as a sun-and-golf stopover, and more as a complete lifestyle destination. The arrival of the Fairmont brand only reinforces this trajectory.

According to Fairmont CEO Omer Acar, the company is “thrilled” to debut in Portugal through this flagship project, calling Vilamoura “one of the country’s most exciting and sought-after destinations.” The sentiment is echoed by property owner Arrow Global Group, whose long-term strategy is to create a multi-layered leisure, sports, and hospitality hub in Vilamoura. The result is a destination that blends international standards with authentic local experiences.

Guests won’t just be drawn to the greens. Beyond the fairways, the Algarve offers hiking along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, oyster tastings in the Ria Formosa, and day trips to the market town of Loulé, all easily reached from the resort. And with Faro Airport just 30 minutes away, access remains effortless.

For those planning golf holidays in Portugal for late 2025 or 2026, the Fairmont Victoria Golf Resort Portugal is poised to become a flagship experience: high-spec, well-located, and rooted in the best of Algarve golf.

Explore our full range of Vilamoura golf holiday packages

Tee Times Present at IAGTO European Convention: Connecting, Growing, Evolving

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The IAGTO European Convention (IEC) is back. From May 19 to 21, the spotlight will shine on Gran Canaria, and the golf travel community will come together again. With more than 30 years delivering top-tier golf experiences in Portugal, Spain, and other destinations, Tee Times Golf Holidays is proud to be part of this essential industry event as an IAGTO member.

This year’s IEC will be held at ExpoMeloneras — a world-class venue in the heart of Gran Canaria’s hospitality district.

For us, the IEC is much more than just a business convention. It’s a place to reconnect with long-time friends, strengthen trusted partnerships, and explore fresh opportunities. Carlos Ferreira, Founder & CEO, said: “IEC isn’t just a schedule full of meetings — it’s a chance to reconnect with partners who’ve been part of our journey for years. In this industry, relationships matter, and meeting face-to-face helps keep that trust strong.”

From Algarve to the World

Over three decades, Tee Times has grown from a local expert in the Algarve into a leading DMC serving golfers across Europe and other destinations. Our secret? A deep love for the game, personalised attention, and a constant drive to innovate, offering the best golf package for unforgettable golf holidays.

“Being at IEC is essential for us,” Ferreira adds. “It’s about reinforcing what we’ve built and staying open to new opportunities as a DMC — finding fresh connections with suppliers and buyers who share our passion for golf and quality service.”

Jorge Diogo, our Director of Sales & Marketing, agrees: “There’s nothing quite like a real conversation. Events like this let you connect with long-time partners and discover new opportunities.” And he continues: “We’re excited to be part of the IAGTO European Convention because it’s the perfect stage to show what we do at Tee Times. Meeting new buyers and suppliers helps us stay ahead and improve the experience we offer golf travellers.”

We look forward to another memorable edition of the IAGTO European Convention and continuing our mission of bringing golfers closer to the best courses, cultures, and connections across Portugal, Spain and some of the best world golf destinations.

Fontanals Golf Club 2025 – Charmasson Claims Breakout Win

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The Challenge de España 2025 wrapped up on May 11 at the scenic Fontanals Golf Club in Girona, and it delivered exactly what golf fans hoped for: tight competition, a picturesque setting, and a new champion on the rise. Clément Charmasson of France secured his first Challenge Tour title, edging out a strong international field and marking a career-defining moment on the Road to Mallorca.

Held in the early heart of the European golf season, this year’s Challenge de España drew heightened attention from players, fans, and media alike, in part thanks to the debut of Fontanals Golf Club as host. The tournament not only highlighted emerging talent but also showcased Spain’s ability to stage world-class events that blend athletic drama with unforgettable scenery. For Charmasson and others on the Challenge Tour, Girona was far more than a stop on the calendar, it was a high-stakes opportunity to change the trajectory of their careers.

This tournament is part of the Challenge Tour, Europe’s second-tier professional golf circuit. For many players, it’s the gateway to the DP World Tour, and for Charmasson, it now represents a major step forward.

A Career Milestone for Clément Charmasson

Charmasson’s performance in Girona was as composed as it was compelling. Finishing atop a packed leaderboard, he took home the winner’s share of €48,000, drawn from a €300,000 total prize fund. The win not only boosts his confidence but also significantly improves his position in the season rankings, putting him in strong contention for a DP World Tour card later this year.

The Challenge Tour has been a proving ground for some of Europe’s most successful golfers, think Brooks Koepka, Tommy Fleetwood, and Victor Perez, and Charmasson’s name now joins the list of potential future stars.

Fontanals Golf Club Shines on Tour Debut

Hosting the event for the first time, Fontanals Golf Club offered up a well-balanced test for the field. Nestled in the Catalan Pyrenees, the course provided strategic challenges, fast greens, and unforgettable mountain backdrops, a striking contrast to some of the flatter, sun-baked layouts elsewhere on tour.

The successful staging of the tournament also reinforced Girona’s rising profile as a competitive golf destination in Spain. It’s a region that blends natural beauty with high-level golf, and its presence on the Challenge Tour calendar helps solidify its status.

The Road to Mallorca Continues

As part of the Road to Mallorca, the Challenge de España plays a critical role in the season-long race for promotion to the DP World Tour. Points earned here contribute to players’ overall standings, with only the top 20 advancing at the season’s end.

For Charmasson, this victory could be the beginning of a breakthrough season. For the rest of the field, it’s a reminder of how slim the margins are, and how every week counts.

Spain’s Enduring Golf Legacy

For those inspired to follow in Charmasson’s footsteps or simply enjoy Spain’s rich golf offering, take a look at our Costa del Sol Stay and Play Packages. They combine top-tier golf with exceptional accommodation on the sun-drenched southern coast.

And for seamless travel arrangements throughout Spain, our Car Hire and Transfers ensure a stress-free experience from airport to tee box.

Events like the Challenge de España reinforce Spain’s reputation not just as a premier holiday destination, but as a serious stage for competitive golf. With world-class courses, year-round playability, and a growing calendar of international events, the country continues to support the game at all levels, from grassroots to elite.

For golf fans and players alike, tournaments like this offer a glimpse into the future of the sport, and perhaps the next global star.