Staff WriterHilton Vilamoura hotel has just swapped out its old spikes for spanking-new FootJoys, and—wouldn’t you know it—did so on the eve of its 18th birthday.
Golf pilgrims heading for Portugal’s sun-kissed south this season will find the venerable resort sharper, shinier, and more self-assured than a plus-handicapper on the practice green.
A facelift with fairway flair
Under the watchful eye of sports-management outfit DETAILS (an Arrow Global Portugal brand), the property that sidles up to Vilamoura’s legendary Pinhal Course has been polished from lobby to rooftop.
Guest rooms, apartments, pools, conference suites—nothing escaped the nip-and-tuck.
The goal? Turn an already popular base camp into the Algarve’s undisputed clubhouse of comfort.
“For golfers looking for comfort and quality both on and off the course, the recent upgrades at Hilton Vilamoura offer just that – in a location right at the heart of golf in the Algarve.” — Nuno Sepulveda, Co-CEO, Details – Hospitality, Sports, Leisure
Courses worth the detour on every scorecard
Pinhal is merely the appetiser. Within a flop-shot lie you’ll also find:
- Old Course – the Algarve’s grande dame, as timeless as persimmon and still ranked among Europe’s elite.
- Millennium & Laguna – twin tracks laced with umbrella pines, crafty bunkers, and enough water to make a caddie sweat.
- Els Club Vilamoura – Ernie’s first European signature, opening this summer and threatening to rewrite the local yardage book altogether.
Each layout has enjoyed its own recent tune-up, meaning the turf is as pristine as the hotel’s refurb.
Inside the new-look Hilton Vilamoura hotel
Walk through the sliding doors and you’re greeted by a lobby that could moonlight as an art gallery—minus the hush-hush pretension.
The apartments now boast soft-close everything, rain showers big enough to practice your takeaway, and balconies made for post-round Tall Tales.
“Celebrating 18 years is more than marking a successful journey—it’s honouring a legacy of hospitality, innovation, and excellence that are part of Hilton’s DNA. This renovation reflects our ongoing ambition to exceed expectations and provide truly memorable experiences. It also acknowledges the commitment and dedication of our entire team, whose passion for service makes Hilton Vilamoura a place where comfort, sophistication, and the authenticity of the Algarve uniquely converge.” — Miguel Afonso dos Santos, General Manager
Eat, drink, repeat
- Aquarela Restaurant keeps hunger at bay from dawn to dusk with a crowd-pleasing all-day menu.
- Cilantro Restaurant tips its cap to Mediterranean flavors—think olive-oil whispers and Sicilian nods.
- Rubi Bar delivers burgers, open sandwiches, and signature cocktails in a nook so cosy you’ll consider skipping an early tee time (briefly).
Pro tip: ask where the herbs in your dish were grown. Chances are, a youngster picked them that morning from the hotel’s organic garden.
Fairways for the family
The renovation wasn’t only about lowering handicaps. A brand-new main pool, a supersized Kids Club, and a covered party zone ensure the little ones burn energy faster than you can lose a Pro V1.
Add in garden workshops that sneak-teach sustainability, and the resort becomes as much about memories as mid-irons.
Packages built to fit your swing
Travelling four-ball? Couples’ escape? Solo stay with nothing but wedges and wanderlust?
Tailor-made packages let you choose night count, tee times, and course rotation.
The booking team will even juggle daylight hours to match your circadian rhythm—or your predilection for lingering over breakfast.
The takeaway
With its spruced-up digs and a constellation of upgraded courses on the doorstep, Hilton Vilamoura hotel stands poised to anchor a fresh era of Algarve golf travel.
Whether you’re chasing birdies, a family break, or simply a place where the 19th hole arrives with a sea breeze and a slice of citrus, Vilamoura’s newly minted gem is ready for the next 18 years—and then some.
For more information on Vilamoura Golf, click here.
