Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, Managed by Accor, announced the launch of this experience on 13 January, marking a new positioning in the premium golf accommodation segment. The initiative is the result of an agreement that makes the resort the only hotel where it is possible to stay and play at The Els Club Vilamoura, with a minimum booking of three nights.
The offer includes a round at The Els Club Vilamoura and another at the Old Course, allowing guests to play on two of the region’s most prestigious courses during the same stay.
Officially opened by Ernie Els in July 2025, The Els Club Vilamoura is the Algarve’s first private golf club and the first Els Club to open in Europe. From 2026 through 2025, the club will host the Portugal Invitational, a Champions Tour tournament, scheduled for 31 July to 2 August, reinforcing Vilamoura’s international profile as a golf destination.
The result of a complete reinterpretation of the former Victoria Course, the 18-hole championship course reflects Ernie Els’ vision, combining tradition, strategic demands and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
As a private club, The Els Club Vilamoura follows a members-first policy, offering only a limited number of tee times to non-members staying at Victoria Golf Resort & Spa to safeguard the experience’s exclusivity.
According to Wael Soueid, general manager of Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, this partnership aligns with the evolution of tourist demand.
“Guests increasingly value highly exclusive experiences, integrated into a more comprehensive leisure offering. We have seen growing interest in private and personalised golf experiences, and this collaboration provides access to one of the most prestigious private clubs in Europe,” he says.
Romeu Gonçalves, golf director at The Els Club Vilamoura, also highlights how the partnership aligns with the club’s philosophy. ‘This collaboration allows a very limited number of visiting golfers to enjoy the course in line with the members-first policy, maintaining the high standards of service and exclusivity that characterise The Els Club internationally,’ he emphasises.
In addition to golf, Vilamoura has established itself as an attractive year-round destination, combining a marina, beaches, protected natural areas and proximity to the historic town of Loulé.
The Victoria Golf Resort & Spa has 260 rooms and suites, three restaurants, four bars, four outdoor swimming pools, a spa, a tennis court and a kids club, positioning itself as an option for both discerning golfers and extended leisure stays.
Located about 30 minutes from Faro International Airport, the resort offers rates starting at €132 for a single room and €165 for a double room.