Palmares Ocean Living & Golf is officially the home of \u2018Europe\u2019s Best Golf Clubhouse\u2019, as announced at the prestigious World Golf Awards 2024.<\/p>
The Algarve venue\u2019s success was confirmed in Funchal, Madeira, on November 22, at a prizegiving ceremony packed with delegates from the industry\u2019s biggest names.<\/p>
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning RCR Arquitectes to blend seamlessly into the coastal landscape, the clubhouse is blessed with dazzling views over its nine-hole Praia loop and out to the Atlantic Ocean.<\/p>
The building boasts unparalleled culinary experiences at one of Palmares\u2019 crown jewels – the acclaimed AL SUD, which earned its Michelin star just five months after opening and is the fastest Portuguese restaurant ever to achieve the feat. Fronted by executive chef Louis Anjos, AL SUD is a fine dining experience that puts fresh-caught seafood in the spotlight in an elegant modern atmosphere, among other delicious dishes.<\/p>
Nuno Sepulveda, co-CEO at Details \u2013 Sports, Hospitality, Leisure, Palmares Ocean Living & Golf\u2019s management company, said: \u201cIt\u2019s an honour to see Palmares\u2019 clubhouse named the best in the entire continent.<\/p>
\u201cBetween the incredible design work from RCR Arquitectes, the flair and talent of Louis and his team at AL SUD and the natural beauty of this site, we agree that there is no better place in Europe to relax and dine after a round of golf. We believe that a great clubhouse should be an experience in its own right and go above and beyond in what it delivers to players \u2013 and Palmares is a prime example of this philosophy.\u201d<\/p>
Anjos said: \u201cI think we are in a special, unique location. From the first day that we opened, we have always tried to use our seaside location as the inspiration.\u201d<\/p>
For the perfect coda to a round on the resort\u2019s acclaimed Robert Trent Jones Jnr-designed course, guests can immerse themselves in AL SUD\u2019s elegant modern atmosphere for the \u2018AL SUD Dining Experience\u2019, an exquisite five-course tasting menu inspired by the traditional flavours of the Algarve, for \u20ac175 per person.<\/p>
About the menu inspirations, Anjos added: \u201cWe have a rule in AL SUD: a dish\u2019s recipe must be inspired by the Algarve and, if it\u2019s not inspired by the Algarve, then you have to use a local product. That is the rule in our kitchen.\u201d<\/p>
At the heart of Palmares\u2019 ethos is a reverence for Portuguese tradition and heritage. At the clubhouse, guests can indulge in two wine tastings, including the carefully curated Heritage experience (\u20ac150pp) – where six wines are paired with home-crafted snacks \u2013 and the three-course Algarvian Flavours Wine Tasting (\u20ac35pp).<\/p>
AL SUD is complemented by the clubhouse\u2019s main restaurant, where local ingredients are the star attraction at breakfast, lunch and dinner \u2013 ranging from three-course meals to tapas and light bites with friends.<\/p>
Anjos added: \u201cOne of our values is quality and freshness in the food that we serve. For example, our oyster farm is just 200 metres away, so we have oysters in all our F&B outlets, including at the clubhouse, which is something really nice and unique.<\/p>
\u201cThe guests are happy and that\u2019s the best part of our job \u2013 feeling the energy coming from them and turning that into gratitude and motivation to keep delivering something unique, every day.\u201d<\/p>
Capable of hosting a wide variety of functions and events, the facility includes a pro shop stocked with some of golf\u2019s leading clothing and equipment brands to ensure that players never need to head out onto the course unprepared.<\/p>
With 27 holes of golf designed by one of the world\u2019s most renowned architects in Trent Jones Jnr, Palmares is one of the stand-out venues in the popular Algarve region. Each distinct nine-hole loop \u2013 Praia, Lagos and Alvor \u2013 presents a unique environment and challenge to golfers, with holes ranging from picturesque parkland to seaside links.<\/p>
Guests looking to stay at Palmares can choose from a wide range of luxurious accommodation, including opulent signature apartments and boutique Beach Hotel, the latter of which features a restaurant also managed by Anjos.<\/p>
As well as Palmares, Details – Hospitality, Sports, Leisure \u2013 currently manages nine golf courses in Portugal, including Vilamoura and the newly rebranded PGA Aroeira Lisboa. The group also manages 18 hotels across the country.<\/p>