Fam tour: exploring Costa del Sol best golf resorts

By Jorge Diogo (Director of Sales & Marketing)

From June 9 to 13, the Tee Times Golf Agency booking department team had the privilege of embarking on an exciting fam tour through the stunning Costa del Sol. This tour was not just about work but also about enjoying some of Spain’s best golf courses and hotels. Our crew, consisting of Telma Santos, Marisa Galhardo, Atyla Miranda, Vera Santos and me, had a blast and returned with a wealth of knowledge and unforgettable experiences.

The Costa del Sol, nestled along the southern coastline of Spain, is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and picturesque landscapes. However, one of its most captivating attractions is its world-class golf courses and luxurious resorts. This region has become a premier destination for golf enthusiasts from around the globe, offering a blend of exceptional facilities and rich cultural experiences.

During the fam tour, our team was dedicated to learning in detail about each golf course and the services of the hotels and restaurants. This commitment ensures that we can provide our clients with the most accurate and beneficial information and services.

The fam tour in detail

We began our adventure at La Hacienda Links Golf Resort, a golf course offering spectacular views towards Gibraltar and Morocco. Besides its natural beauty, we couldn’t resist trying their delicious cheese pie, which is an absolute must!

Then we continue our trip visiting The San Roque Club and La Reserva, enjoying the beauty of its golf courses, which are recognised by golfers worldwide.

Our next destination was SO/ Sotogrande, which made us feel like we were in a charming village. The spacious rooms and incredibly comfortable beds added a touch of luxury to our stay. We savoured an à la carte breakfast on the terrace, with the stunning views of the mountains and sea enhancing our dining experience.

During each day of the fam trip, we visited many golf courses and hotels, and describing each activity in detail is tough. But I want to acknowledge the kindness and friendliness we received in each place.

Hotel Finca Cortesin left us speechless with its opulence and splendour, seamlessly blending modern and classic elements. At Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis Marbella Resort, we were warmly welcomed with fresh towels, cava, and chocolates, a detail we deeply appreciated.

La Cala Resort is not only a paradise for golf lovers but also for spa enthusiasts. The METT Hotel & Beach Resort captivated us with its location facing the sea and private pools in the suites, offering a luxurious and comfortable experience.

On our last day, we ended by relaxing at the infinity pool at La Zambra, a modern-style hotel with many Andalusian features. We enjoyed a memorable welcome dinner that concluded with an excellent tiramisu prepared right at our table.

Chaparral Golf Club, a privileged place close to the sea and surrounded by a pine forest, welcomed us warmly. We enjoyed a fantastic experience at the Driving Range, followed by an exquisite lunch highlighting the club’s hospitality and culinary excellence.

We are deeply grateful to all the golf clubs and hotels that welcomed us with their warm hospitality. La Hacienda Links Golf Resort and SO/ Sotogrande, your fantastic hospitality made our stay memorable. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Finca Cortesin, El Paraíso Golf Club, Villa Padierna Hotels & Resorts, and Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis Marbella Resort for their outstanding service. 

During our tour, we visited several premier golf and resort destinations, including The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa, Los Naranjos Golf Club, Atalaya Golf & Country Club, Rio Real Golf & Hotel, La Cala Resort, Santa Clara Golf Club Marbella, Marbella Golf Country Club, METT Hotel & Beach Resort, and Melia Sol Atalaya Park

Our thanks to all for hosting our team and sharing your magnificent facilities during the fam tour. With over 30 years of experience at Tee Times Golf Agency, we take pride in offering exceptional golf holidays in Portugal and Spain, ensuring our customers’ satisfaction.

Andalucia: sustainability innovations at Isla Canela Golf Club

In a notable effort to promote sustainability and enhance its environmental impact, Isla Canela Golf Club has launched an improvement project with an investment exceeding €120,000. This initiative focuses on two key areas: the complete renovation and waterproofing of the existing lake and the modernization of the electrical system at its pumping station.

The 6,380 square meters lake has been newly waterproofed to ensure the optimized use of both rainwater and irrigation water (non-potable). Simultaneously, a comprehensive upgrade of the electrical system at the pumping station has been completed, along with the fabrication of the essential boiler components. These improvements are crucial for distributing water efficiently across the golf courses.

Tino Cordero, Director of Golf at Isla Canela, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “This initiative follows a similar investment last year when we inaugurated our Solar Garden. We set an ambitious goal for the project timeline, as we needed to operate alongside the international golf season, and we met it successfully. This achievement is thanks to the excellent work of the various contracted companies and the coordination by the responsible departments at Isla Canela.”

With these improvements, Isla Canela aims to reduce its water consumption by 15% and lower its electrical consumption by 10%. This reduction is further supported by the photovoltaic energy production plant installed on the golf course, achieving nearly 50% energy self-sufficiency. Undoubtedly, these actions raise awareness among golf course managers, who are making consistent and realizable efforts toward sustainability.

At Tee Times Golf Agency, we are unwavering in our commitment to promoting the sustainable growth of golf. We actively support using renewable energy sources to power our facilities, significantly reducing our carbon footprint. We aim to enjoy the game while preserving the planet for future generations.

Isla Canela Golf Club facilities

Hotel Isla Canela Golf offers a peaceful, relaxed, and friendly setting where visitors can enjoy various activities at Isla Canela and the nearby village of Ayamonte. The hotel features 58 exclusive and elegant rooms with Andalusian-style architecture.

Isla Canela is home to two exceptional golf courses: the Isla Canela Old Course and the Isla Canela Links Course. The Old Course, with its proximity to the sea and unique vegetation, offers an unforgettable golfing experience. On the other hand, the Links Course, nestled on the left bank of the Guadiana River, provides a distinct riverside parkland that feels seamlessly integrated into a nature reserve. Both courses offer unique challenges and stunning landscapes, making them the perfect choice for those seeking a sustainable golfing experience.

Isla Canela Golf Club is an excellent destination for those looking for an unforgettable experience in their Spain golf holidays. Of course, it is part of Tee Times Golf Agency’s fantastic range of golf courses, which are offered with special packages and green fees.

Golf Torrequebrada: A gem in the heart of the Costa del Sol

Discover the unique charm of Golf Torrequebrada, a hidden jewel in the heart of the Costa del Sol. Just a short 20-minute drive from Málaga Airport, this prestigious course, founded in 1976 and designed by the renowned José Gancedo, offers a golfing experience like no other. Known as the ‘Picasso of Golf,’ Gancedo’s design is a testament to his artistry, with each hole presenting a unique challenge. The course’s stunning beauty and diverse layout make it a must-visit for players of all skill levels.

Convenience meets beauty at Golf Torrequebrada. Located in the charming town of Benalmádena, the course is a stone’s throw away from major tourist destinations like Torremolinos, Fuengirola, and Marbella. The nearby beach, marina, and a wide range of hotels and tourist activities make it an excellent destination for golf lovers and their families. The course’s vibrant vegetation and perfect climate create an inviting atmosphere for golfers, adding to the allure of this golfing paradise.

Golf Torrequebrada design

The course’s exquisite design ensures an enjoyable experience throughout. Each hole presents a unique test, featuring large, undulating greens and fairways lined with lush trees, including palms, pines, and olive trees. Elevated tees provide panoramic views, enhancing the strategic play on each hole. Strategically placed bunkers and lakes add to the challenge. At the same time, the gentle terrain offers spectacular vistas of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding mountains, making Golf Torrequebrada a truly unique course.

The diverse fairways, expansive greens, numerous lakes, and well-positioned bunkers ensure that Golf Torrequebrada is both a challenge and a pleasure for all golfers. The course’s lush vegetation, featuring over a hundred species of trees, evokes a subtropical jungle feel, enhancing the overall golfing experience.

Golf Torrequebrada offers a 300-meter-long driving range with 15 tee positions, a putting green, a bunker, and a short game area for those seeking a well-maintained practice area. It is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

The Clubhouse

With its panoramic views of the course and the Mediterranean, the clubhouse is a haven for golfers. It offers various services, including a pro shop, locker rooms, a terrace, a bar restaurant, and meeting rooms. After a golf round, players can relax on the terrace with a refreshing drink, enjoying the dazzling views of the sea and the 18th hole. The clubhouse is the perfect place to de-stress and socialise, adding to the overall golfing experience. The clubhouse restaurant is open daily from 8:00 AM, serving breakfast, snacks, and international cuisine.

In the heart of the Costa del Sol, Golf Torrequebrada is one of the top destinations offered by Tee Times Golf Agency, making it a prime choice for those looking to enjoy their golf holidays in Spain.