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More than 50 years of legacy

Quinta do Lago celebrates more than 50 years of unique history.

Over the years, Quinta do Lago has become a place of constant inspiration, where quality of life is measured by proximity to nature, an active, outdoor lifestyle and treasured family moments, and, with a commitment to nature, its sustainable approach protects our environment and secures the future for generations to come.

This was recognised most notably when, following a €7 million upgrade, the South Course was crowned the Best Golf Course in Portugal at the World Golf Awards, and Quinta do Lago was the recipient of the 2021 International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) Sustainability Award for Resource Efficiency.

The unique history of Quinta do Lago is one that lives on in every corner of the resort today; a legacy of lifestyle firmly rooted in health, family and connection to nature.

An award-winning, world-renowned destination for luxury lifestyle, Quinta do Lago is a truly timeless destination in which families can live their dream life in a secure and clean environment.

One Man, One Vision

The story of Quinta do Lago reveals how the creation of a destination can rest in the hands of just one man. This man was property developer André Jordan, and it was his vision, that secured the future of the Algarve’s leading resort. “It was a day I will never forget,” Jordan recalls. “I sat on the hill, looked across the marshlands and I had a vision of what would become the Quinta do Lago Master Plan.”

A Testing Beginning

As Quinta do Lago made its first tentative steps, it did so in a country about to enter political turmoil. This was a time seemingly not conducive to investing in a major golf and real estate development, but Jordan had his dream. The initial and successful phase, from 1972 to 1974, saw the opening of a resort’s first facilities and accommodation: a restaurant in the estate’s original farmhouse.

Golf: A Defining Part of The Quinta Story

Part of the resort’s founding vision, golf excelled from the outset, with William F Mitchell’s initial 27-hole layout (today’s South Course and nine holes of today’s North Course) paving the way for the Quinta’s very first golfing accolade, when it was chosen to hold the Portuguese Open in 1976, with Spain’s Salvador Balbuena ending with a four-shot lead over Scotland’s Sam Torrance. The tournament and its successful outcome represented an unrivalled achievement for the resort.

Initially, because the future of the Portuguese Open itself was uncertain. Only through the concerted efforts of Quinta do Lago and the Portuguese Golf Federation was it able to go ahead. Additionally, at the time the course had no facilities, and as a result it was forced to improvise, using military tents to accommodate the players, media and visitors. Between 1976 and 2001 Quinta do Lago hosted the Portuguese Open a total of eight times.

Denis O’Brien Takes
the Reins

In 1998 Planal was sold to Irish billionaire Denis O’Brien. Almost two decades down the line, O’Brien’s leadership has ensured the resort’s position as the leading golf and real estate resort in the Algarve, and as a guiding light in luxury developments for Europe and beyond. Sticking to Jordan’s original vision, the resort goes from strength to strength.

A New Chapter for Quinta

With Sean Moriarty as Chief Executive of the resort, Quinta do Lago has become ever more family and lifestyle oriented. The opening of The Campus high performance sports hub in 2018 has made the resort a fly-to destination for the world’s elite sports stars and athletic champions, as well as a favourite spot for health and fitness enthusiasts, sports holiday makers and active families. Its state-of-the-art facilities, including high performance gym, tournament tennis and Padel courts, aquatic centre, bike shed, fitness classes and rehabilitation clinics, has made Quinta do Lago’s one of the finest wellness and lifestyle resorts in Europe.

Discover The Quinta do
Lago Lifestyle

The Resort

Quinta do Lago has been at the forefront of international golf since its creation. Today the resort’s three courses are among Europe’s best and are joined by world-class golf facilities such as the Paul McGinley Golf Academy and Southern Europe’s only TaylorMade Performance Center.

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