Michelin-Starred Dinners at Vilamoura’s Old Course Clubhouse

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This summer, Vilamoura will serve up more than just elite golf. From 16 August to 13 September 2025, the Old Course Clubhouse will host a five-week series of Michelin-starred chef dinners, combining culinary excellence with one of the Algarve’s most iconic golf destinations.

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Every Saturday evening between 20:00 and 22:00, a different Michelin-starred chef will take over the Clubhouse kitchen, offering guests a five-course tasting menu built around the theme Portugalidade à mesa, a celebration of Portugal’s regional flavours and culinary identity. Each dining experience is priced at €150 per person and takes place inside the Clubhouse’s recently renovated space, styled after traditional British golf pubs.

The series opens on 16 August with Rodrigo Castelo (Ó Balcão, Santarém), who’ll reinterpret classic Ribatejo flavours. On 23 August, Louis Anjos (Al Sud, Lagos) brings a refined Algarvian touch to the table. The chef for 30 August remains a surprise, with the name set to be announced via the Clubhouse’s social media channels.

Rounding out the event are two acclaimed Lisbon-area chefs: Alexandre Silva (Loco) on 6 September, known for his experimental flair, and Gil Fernandes (Fortaleza do Guincho) on 13 September, who specialises in local seafood and coastal cuisine.

For golf travellers, this is a rare chance to enjoy a round at the historic Old Course followed by a Michelin-level meal, all without leaving the resort. With demand expected to be high, early booking is advised.

Planning your next Portugal golf holiday? Browse our Vilamoura Golf Holidays for handpicked packages near the Old Course and enjoy the very best of golf and gastronomy this season.

Fairmont La Hacienda Spain Sold for €175M

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One of southern Spain’s most luxurious golf destinations has just changed hands in a deal worth €175 million, underlining a rising wave of international investment in Spain’s high-end golf holiday sector. The Fairmont La Hacienda resort, along with its two acclaimed golf courses, was officially sold in mid-2025 to a Middle Eastern investment group, marking one of the largest golf resort transactions in recent Spanish history.

Located in San Roque, Cádiz, just minutes from Sotogrande and the Costa del Sol, Fairmont La Hacienda combines five-star coastal living with championship golf. The deal includes both La Hacienda Links Golf, a newly renovated, seafront links-style course, and La Hacienda Heathland, offering inland contrast with rolling terrain and panoramic views. Together, they form one of the most compelling dual-course setups in southern Europe.

This acquisition not only secures the Fairmont brand’s presence in the region, but also signals continued confidence in Spain as a global golf destination. According to industry reports, the new owners intend to further develop the resort’s facilities, positioning it firmly within the luxury travel segment. That includes enhancements to both the golf and hospitality offerings, appealing directly to affluent travellers from the UK, Germany, the Nordics, and beyond.

For the Costa del Sol, long celebrated for its sun-drenched fairways and deep golfing pedigree, this is another chapter in its evolution from seasonal escape to year-round elite destination. With Andalusia seeing record numbers of golf tourists in recent seasons, strategic investments like this one suggest that the region’s appeal is only growing stronger.

If you’re planning your own golf holiday in Spain, and want to experience courses like La Hacienda Links and Heathland, explore our curated Costa del Sol Golf Holidays for exclusive packages in this world-class golf region.

International Pairs Portugal 2025 Winners

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The final round of the International Pairs Portugal 2025 took place on 19 July at Quinta do Perú Golf & Country Club, concluding a fiercely competitive series of qualifiers held across the country. The national final brought together Portugal’s top amateur pairs, all vying for the chance to represent their nation at one of the most prestigious events in amateur golf.

Rising to the top were Gonçalo Belchior and Mateus Costa, representing Team OLIVIER, who secured 1st place and booked their spot at the International Pairs World Final in Sun City, South Africa, with all expenses covered. They’ll go head-to-head with amateur champions from more than 30 countries, a proud moment for both the players and Portuguese golf as a whole.

Now in its third decade, the International Pairs tournament has grown into a global celebration of amateur talent. For Portugal, events like this are not just competitive fixtures, they’re proof of the country’s continued investment in grassroots golf and its rising profile on the international stage. With initiatives like these gaining traction, Portugal is steadily cementing its reputation not just for scenic fairways, but for serious talent.

The day also saw strong performances from Team MRT Auditores (Hugh Thomson & José Gonçalves Roberto), who finished second, and Team G-FORCE (Grace Xiao & Shane O Laochadha), who placed third. Xiao also picked up the Nearest the Pin award, while Guilherme Jerónimo claimed Longest Drive.

If you’d like to experience Quinta do Perú and other top courses in the area for yourself, be sure to explore our Lisbon Golf Holidays page for exclusive golf packages in the region.