Staff WriterVilamoura Golf has once again proven that its sun-kissed fairways and pristine greens aren’t just picture-perfect, but also paragons of environmental stewardship.
The famed Algarve resort’s quartet of courses – The Old Course, Pinhal, Millennium, and Laguna – recently pocketed two prestigious sustainability distinctions: GEO Certification and Biosphere Certified.
These honours celebrate the resort’s far-reaching efforts in conserving resources, protecting local biodiversity, and contributing to a healthier planet.
According to the GEO Foundation, each course achieved GEO Certified® status for their outstanding work to “foster nature, conserve resources and support the community.”
As the organisation notes, GEO Certified® is the gold standard for sustainable golf, backed by modern scientific development and rigorous criteria.
Meanwhile, the “Biosphere Certified” endorsement recognizes destinations that embrace sustainable tourism practices in alignment with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Inspectors were especially impressed by ongoing improvements at all four Vilamoura Golf courses: efficient irrigation systems, reduced water use and chemical dependency, plus concerted efforts to boost long-term ecological health.
The Old Course, second oldest in the Algarve, stood out for its new pump station that reduces energy consumption and for its pine management program, which bolsters local biodiversity.
Millennium was described as “an example of environmental stewardship in the golf industry,” lauded for its water-efficient irrigation networks, methodical tree management, and determination to tread more lightly on the environment.
Laguna’s renovated irrigation system led to a remarkable 20% cut in water consumption, while Pinhal garnered praise for supporting youth golf education and working with local organisations to drive positive community impact.
All four courses fall under the DETAILS management platform. Co-CEO Nuno Sepúlveda confirmed that sustainability and nurturing the local environment are cornerstones of their operation:
“Vilamoura has some of nature’s most stunning settings, and we feel a great weight of responsibility to make sure it not only is maintained but flourishes for generations to come.
“Understanding the importance of sustainability and avoiding waste of any sort is a key part of our business strategy and also increasingly important for our customers and visitors.
We are grateful to receive these very prestigious accolades and are determined to ensure we continue to be the leader when it comes to setting a strong environmental agenda.“
DETAILS manages all Vilamoura Golf’s course operations under the ownership of Arrow Global, aiming to cement Vilamoura’s place as a world-class sports and leisure destination.
Recent milestones include the transformation of the Dom Pedro Vilamoura hotel into a Hyatt Regency, the unveiling of Europe’s first Els Club, the development of an international sports facility, and the renovation of the Equestrian Centre – set to return to the global showjumping circuit later this year.
For more information and the latest news on Vilamoura Golf, visit www.vilamouragolf.com or follow @vilamouragolf on Instagram.
