Verdelago’s Marriott Hotel Project Advances in Castro Marim

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The landscape of golf in Algarve continues to evolve, particularly in the eastern region near Castro Marim. At Verdelago Resort, development of a new Marriott hotel signals a broader shift in infrastructure supporting premium tourism and strengthening the appeal of golf in Algarve.

First announced in June 2024 with an investment of €52.5 million and completion forecast for 2027, the project has since been revised. As of February 2026, total investment has increased to €80 million, with opening now scheduled for spring 2028. The structural phase of the hotel has been completed, marking a visible milestone within the 86 hectare resort.

Operating under the Marriott International brand, the property will offer 197 rooms, including six standalone forest suites integrated into the surrounding vegetation. The resort dedicates 70 hectares to green areas, including a 24 hectare seafront nature reserve and a 42 hectare leisure park, reinforcing the environmental character that distinguishes this part of the Algarve.

Castro Marim already benefits from proximity to established courses, positioning the eastern Algarve as an increasingly attractive base for golfers seeking quieter surroundings without sacrificing quality. As golf in the Algarve remains a central driver of regional tourism, developments such as Verdelago illustrate how hospitality and golf infrastructure continue to expand in parallel, particularly in the eastern Algarve corridor. This sustained growth is also reflected in rising demand for curated travel experiences, with many visitors booking tailored packages through specialised providers of Algarve golf holidays, ensuring streamlined access to the region’s fairways.

At the same time, interest in exploring the full range of Algarve golf courses continues to increase, as players seek championship layouts framed by the region’s distinctive coastal and inland landscapes.

Castro Marim Golf and the Quiet Side of the Algarve

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In the eastern Algarve, far from dense resort developments, Castro Marim Golf & Country Club unfolds across open hills shaped more by wind and sun than by construction. This is Algarve golf in a quieter register, where the landscape sets the tone and the built environment steps back.

The course stretches over 27 holes, divided into the Grouse, Guadiana and Atlântico loops. Fairways are framed by native vegetation that acts as a natural corridor for wildlife. Partridges move in small groups along the rough. Rabbits and hares appear at first light. A wide range of birdlife circles above the greens and settles near the lakes. Regular players often recognise specific families of partridges that return to the same feeding areas morning and late afternoon.

One recent visitor stood out. A young Iberian lynx spent time within the perimeter of the course, briefly disappearing before returning accompanied by a female. Its presence, calmly observed and documented, underscored the ecological continuity of this part of the Sotavento.

Winter mornings bring frost across the fairways, and the first tee shots share space with wildlife searching for food. Around the water hazards, ducks and moorhens gather, adding movement to the still air. Wild boar occasionally pass through at night, an unwelcome but infrequent reminder that this is still shared terrain.

Castro Marim Golf also remains active on the competitive calendar, hosting events such as the Southern Circuit tournament of the National Senior Golf Association of Portugal. Yet even during competition, the defining feature is the setting itself. In this corner of the Algarve, golf and landscape coexist with minimal interruption.

With contributions of Valdemar Afonso

Jamie Donaldson Seals Marbella Legends 2026 with Ice Cold Finish

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Jamie Donaldson ignited the 2026 season with a performance built on precision and nerve, capturing the Marbella Legends at Aloha Golf Club with a closing 64 (-8). His 13 under par total secured a one shot victory and delivered a compelling start to the year on the Legends Tour, the senior circuit of the DP World Tour. Set in the heart of golf in Spain, the event once again highlighted why Marbella remains a prime destination for elite competition and premium golf holidays.

The final hole provided the decisive spark. Locked in a tight battle with Stephen Gallacher, Donaldson executed a measured tee shot, a controlled approach into a light headwind and rolled in the winning birdie on the 18th. Gallacher closed at -12, narrowly denied. Thomas Bjørn completed the podium, adding further depth to a strong international field drawn to golf in Spain’s competitive calendar.

Donaldson’s final round was clinical. Eight birdies, zero bogeys and complete command under pressure. The Welshman, a three time DP World Tour champion, once again demonstrated the composure that defined his career. His name remains etched in history for holing the winning putt at the Ryder Cup, and in Marbella he showed that competitive edge does not fade with time.

Local favourite Miguel Ángel Jiménez threatened but could not build sustained momentum on the final day, finishing fourth after a level par round. Each surge was tempered before it could fully ignite.

The week also carried emotion beyond the leaderboard. Juan Quirós bid farewell to international competition, honoured during the prize ceremony in recognition of a distinguished career.

With world class venues, tournament heritage and year round sunshine, golf in Spain continues to attract both professionals and travellers seeking unforgettable golf holidays. Donaldson’s victory adds another memorable chapter to Marbella’s growing legacy.