Ombria Resort

Reflecting the rich diversity of the protected natural habitats, the two 9-hole loops are set in a quite different terrain. When preparing for their first tee shot, players are treated to a breath-taking panorama of a front 9 spread throughout an idyllic river valley. Played as a par 5, it works with the 2nd to introduce us to a whole new set of challenges to overcome. Playing along the twisting rivers and streams, golfers must decide when to cross - when to gamble and when to play safe. Picking the right strategy and knowing your game soon becomes crucial as the course winds in and out of the crystal-clear waters. Reaching the final two par 4 holes, a scratch player facing the short 8th, overlooked by the clubhouse & hotel, may well be tempted to drive the green – but the stream crossing before the green lies ominously in wait. The 9th dog-legs to the left around a splendid lake and we finally say goodbye as the river flows toward it. As we close out our days play on a large green, the final dramatic moments of this strategic, challenging course play themselves out in front of enthusiastic spectators crossing the lakeside road.

The back nine play out at the foot of sweeping hillside banks, leaving them completely untouched and intact. A ‘wall to wall’ design, with well-defined ‘hard-line’ grass, creates a vibrant contrast that will highlight each change of the seasons. Magnificent holm oaks, Azinheiras, have grown on these hills for generations and still stand as natural hazards and regional references. In contrast, the elegantly-designed bunkers work within the contours of the hillsides, marking out geographical features and guiding our eye. Golfers will find their back nine holes an easy walk and play experience, the subtle simplicity masking the demands of an elaborate design, contoured greens and undulating fairways.