The immense Quinta do Lago complex is extremely impressive, with prices to match. Its fivestar hotel has accommodated heads of state and fully paidup members of the glitterati club, while its superb restaurants offer a cuisine fit for kings. Beyond this, its over 1500 acres offer no fewer than four championship sized golf courses, all situated alongside stretches of the Rio Formosa Nature Reserve and each with its own distinctive flavour. São Lourenço is par 72 and considered the most tricky with a large expanse of saltwater to overcome on some of the long drives. The Quinta do Lago and Rio Formosa courses take you through some terrain very typical of the Algarve, that is to say clusters of cork trees and the scented shade of pines. Finally, designed by American Ronald Fream, Pinheiros Altos boasts the tall pine trees alluded to in its name, along with many petite lakes and some shots that stretch even the most able golfers, despite looking cunningly straight forward.