8th July 2008
La Cala Resort hits the million green fee mark
La Cala Resort, already recognised as the biggest in Spain, has passed a new milestone after welcoming its one millionth green fee since 1997. When David Neill from Scotland teed off on April 24th at 8 am little did he realise that he was setting the record breaking millionth round since the relaunch of La Cala Resort and the opening of Hotel La Cala in 1997. David and his wife Janette are regular visitors to the resort, coming three times a year to Hotel La Cala for the past seven years. “It’s a marvellous destination. We love the choice and standard of the courses and the Andalusian-style hotel and its attentive staff. We first saw the resort in a golf holiday brochure. When you come here once, you keep returning as it’s so spectacular,” says David. “We will keep coming back and hopefully we can be the two millionth customers as well,” joked Janette.
See La Cala (America) and La Cala (Asia) in our listings
A special award was made to David by the acting mayor of Mijas with responsibility for Tourism, Fuensanta Lima. She described the figure as “a magnificent achievement” and added “we are very proud to have the complex in Mijas. Not just because of the outstanding facilities and the stunning location but also because the management and staff are great.”
La Cala’s Director of Leisure, José Navas said the achievement was good news for the region at a time of international market uncertainty: “We have seen the economic fluctuations over the past ten years with highs and lows. We are therefore conscious of the great need for a coordinated approach in the marketing of the Costa del Golf given the uncertain, global economic times at this time. We hope that this significant milestone will assist in the promotion of the area as one of the largest and best golf destinations in Europe. However, we also appreciate the need for continual investment and upgrading of facilities. The new terrace area that we are using today forms part of our €1 million + clubhouse refurbishment that also includes a new garage for our significant fleet of 160 buggies. It is another stage in our continual investment in facilities to improve the service to our customers. The hosting of a special event and the presentation of an award to Mr Neill is our way of acknowledging all the golfers that have visited La Cala Resort over the years. Additionally, we see no reason why we should not be able to achieve another million golfers within the next decade and are already on our way to achieving this.
With 60 holes of golf, La Cala Resort is Spain’s biggest golf complex. It has the country’s only David Leadbetter Golf Academy and Europe’s only TaylorMade Performance Lab. In recent years it has hosted a number of prestigious golf tournaments such as the Ladies European Tour Q-school, the Spanish Professionals Q-school and Pairs final, junior international championships and this September welcomes the Ivobank EuroPro Tour for the ladbrokescasino.com Masters.
PGA Catalunya Resort bucks Spanish real estate sales trend Confidence in Spanish European Tour Destination underlined by solid infrastructure and reputation for excellence Girona, Spain – March 6, 2014 PGA Catalunya Resort, the 300-hectare estate near Barcelona, has reported sales of more than 30 luxury properties in 2013, defying market trends and cementing its position as one of Europe’s finest new golf and residential communities. Building on its reputation for excellence, the World Top 100 venue has agreed sales of more than 70 properties since the residential development’s launch in 2011, and continues to offer a credible and intelligent investment choice for international buyers. “While property prices stagnate worldwide, developments offering hideaways with rental perks are paying dividends,” wrote property columnist Zoe Dare Hall in The Sunday Times, after visiting PGA Catalunya Resort in 2013. “The reason it is selling well, in a Spanish market where 60% discounts are commonplace, is far more prosaic,” she added, explaining that a development with a solid infrastructure gives buyers confidence and encourages investment. Opened in 1999, the European Tour Destination features generous plots set away from the fairways, with stunning views of the Montseny Mountains, for contemporary design villas, comfortable semi-detached properties and modern luxury apartments. It also offers private leisure facilities for residents and a variety of rental opportunities for visitors. Property contributor to The Times, Graham Norwood, wrote: “Golf developments offer a sanctuary of tranquility, security and open green spaces. They’re more recession resistant than most and you don't even need to play golf. “In the economic uncertainty of recent years, some classic resorts have still proven popular and few more so than PGA Catalunya Resort near the historic Spanish city of Girona.” Graham Norwood attributes this success to having much more than just greens and fairways to offer buyers. The resort’s location, 25 minutes from the beach and just 37 minutes away from the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona via the new high speed rail link, plus local historical and cultural attractions, and numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, contributes significantly to its popularity. “Spanish star golfer Sergio Garcia has opened his training academy at PGA Catalunya Resort, and this association between top-class golfers and residential courses is often testament to their quality,” Norwood adds. The three-time Spanish Open venue has seen its popularity grow steadily since the residential development started in 2011 – a year that also saw the unveiling of the estate’s expansive 2,000 square-metre putting and chipping green, the largest in Spain and the only one of its kind in Europe. The following year, PGA Catalunya Resort was voted home to Spain’s No. 1 golf course* – an accolade it has retained for 2014/2015 – and was recognised as the best European Golf Development in Spain in 2012 and 2013 by International Property Awards. These milestones, coupled with the continued investment in infrastructure and its real estate development, further enhance PGA Catalunya Resort’s reputation as a secure and well-managed development that continues to attract property purchasers from across Europe. For more information about PGA Catalunya Resort visit www.pgacatalunya.com. * As ranked by top100golfcourses.com
Finca Cortesin Hotel opens 23rd September 2008 Finca Cortesin opens it's luxury 5 star Hotel and Spa in October 2008 Just off the coast of southern Spain, 40 minutes west of Malaga, Finca Cortesín is opening its doors in October of 2008. Bringing luxury and style to the Costa del Sol, Finca Cortesín is in Casares, one of the most picturesque villages of Andalucía. The region is famous for being the birthplace of flamenco and is world renowned for its sherry, tapas, and jamón ibérico de bellota. With typical red clay tiles roofs and white washed buildings, the hotel is designed with an Andalusian influence featuring Moorish inspired graceful interior courtyards and fountains. The 5-star deluxe property will boast a world class golf resort, the host of the Volvo Match Play Championship starting in 2009, and stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea. The 67 elegant and spacious suites are all lavishly appointed and elegantly furnished with interiors conceived by international designer Duarte Pinto Coelho . Cortesín Spa, a Zen-like sanctuary, is an impressive 8,000 sq feet including seven treatment rooms, Turkish hamam and heated swimming pool. Guests will melt beneath the hands of expert practitioners delivering a full range of wellness therapies. Featured products include Biologique Recherche created using a highly clinical approach to beauty and skincare with a mix of French glamour. They also offer Le Ric from Austria, who's exquisite and luxurious herbal ingredients bring a holistic approach to treatments. Cortesín Spa is perfect for those seeking mind, body, and spirit relaxation. Set in the foothills of the Casares mountains, Club de Golf Finca Cortesín, opened in 2006, presents dynamic views of the Mediterranean Sea while offering championship caliber golf. In a region that has attracted many of the world's greatest architects, highly regarded American transplant Cabell Robinson, has created his masterpiece while managing to maintain the natural character of the area by using indigenous plants. Its handsome coastal layout draws golfers from all over the world. The Club also provides an ideal learning environment with its Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy. One of the most prestigious golf schools in Spain, the academy utilizes state-of-the-art facilities; including a 30 bay driving range, coaching studio and a large short game practice area. The resort provides three distinct dining options . At poolside, guests will enjoy an al fresco dining experience at the poolside eatery, which offers grilled fare in an informal setting. The atmosphere is relaxed at El Jardín restaurant, serving classic Mediterranean cuisine. And then there is the eponymous , Restaurant Schilo, which is overseen by Dutch Chef Schilo Van Coevorden. This hotly anticipated venue is for serious gourmands who value originality and inspired creativity. S piced by Van Coevorden's artful hand, t he Asian Fusion cuisine offers s ophisticated menus which are available for lunch and dinner and are all delivered by intuitive service amid elegant yet modern décor. The resort also features two outdoor Olympic sized swimming pools, 24 professional grade tennis courts, a unique cigar bar set within the Moorish courtyard, and luxury boutique shops.
More resorts along the Spanish Costas Around this time last year, we published an article entitled Resort Golf in the Spanish Costas, where we featured some of the top golf facilities located along the east and south coast of mainland Spain. We’ve decided to revisit this geographical area again, starting with Peralada on the Costa Brava and finishing with La Hacienda Alcaidesa on the Costa del Sol. In between those two resorts, we’ll highlight several others that are worth consideration as affordable stay and play golfing options. Peralada We begin with Golf Peralada in the province of Girona, near the border with France in the northeast corner of Spain. The 18-hole layout here is an early 1990s creation from Jordi Soler i Peix, with holes routed around the hotel and a few small clusters of residential housing. Extending to just over 6,000 metres from the back tees, this par 71 layout is laid out as two returning nines, each of which end with approach shots to water-protected greens. There’s also a 9-hole pitch and putt course beside the driving range, with holes measuring between 53 and 108 metres. The hotel comprises 54 guest rooms (32-35 square metres) and 10 suites which vary in size – from a Garden Suite at 45 square metres to the Presidential Suite at 90 square metres. One and a half kilometres from the club, next to the 14th century Castell de Peralada, you’ll find the Peralada Wine Spa with its range of treatments and massages. Close by, the new Peralada Winery merits a visit to find out of it fulfils its stated aim to “provide visitors with a unique and sensory experience”. El Prat Positioned 30 kilometres north of Barcelona city centre, Real Club de Golf El Prat moved to its current premises at the end of the 1990s when expansion plans for the airport resulted in the club losing its former Javier Arana-designed layout. A total of forty-five holes were fashioned here by Greg Norman’s design firm, with the Pink (Bosque and Arriba nines) and Yellow (Piscina and Abajo nines) promoted as the two premier 18-hole configurations. Accommodation is supplied by Hotel La Mola, which is set in the nearby Sant Llorenç del Munt nature reserve. There are 185 guest rooms in the hotel and 22 fully equipped meeting rooms. For big events, the adjacent 17th-century Mas Bonvilar manor house can be used as a reception hall for up to 700 people. There’s also a buggy shuttle available between the clubhouse and the hotel. El Saler Another Javier Arana design that thankfully still survives is the architect’s masterpiece at Parador de El Saler in the Albufera Nature Park to the south of Valencia. Unveiled in the late 1960s, the course weaves in and out of a pine forest beside the Playa de la Devesa, where tree-lined inland holes alternate with links holes next to the sandy strand that runs along the coast. Many agree that it’s one of the best golfing layouts on the continent of Europe. The on-site Parador hotel extends over two floors to 63 spacious and comfortable air-conditioned rooms, along with a couple of suites. Guests can also enjoy the relaxing spa with treatment room, an outdoor swimming pool and a grass soccer field. For large events, the "Vela Latina" convention room can hold gatherings of up to 400 people. La Finca Situated around 150 kilometres south of El Saler as the crow flies, the 18-hole layout at the La Finca Resort on the Costa Blanca is an early new millennium offering from Pepe Gancedo, who journalist Peter Dobereiner once dubbed “the Picasso of golf” for his artful design work. Set out as two returning nines, the course extends to 6,400 metres from the back tees, with water coming into play at holes 5 to 7 on the outward half then at holes 16 and 17 on the inward half. There are 120 modern guest rooms within the La Finca Hotel and they’re a mix of 74 deluxe rooms, 20 Club View rooms and 20 recently refurbished Club Superior rooms, together with six Junior and Royal Suites (each with a generous 58 square metre configuration). The Spa offers guests the use of a wonderful water circuit, outdoor pool and a range of beauty treatments and massages. La Quinta We move now to the south coast of Spain and the Costa del Sol, where La Quinta Golf & Country Club first appeared in the late 1980s with an 18-hole layout that has since been extended to twenty-seven holes. It lies just off the AP-7 main highway, in the Benahavis golf valley between the Sierra Blanc mountains and Puerto Banus on the Mediterranean coast, with the A and C loops regarded as the 18-hole layout of first choice. The on-site Westin hotel affords 170 accommodation options, consisting of 163 guest rooms, three Junior Suites, three Executive Suites, and the Presidential Suite. Each Classic Room has either a king-size bed or two twin beds, with a Deluxe Room having a larger living area. Executive Suites can connect to a Deluxe Room, while the Presidential Suite has a 155 square metre terrace with an outdoor jacuzzi. Villa Padierna Venue for the LET’s season-ending Andalucia Costa del Sol Open de España a few months ago, Villa Padierna Golf Club is a 54-hole complex with three 18-hole layouts: the original Flamingos course (unveiled in 2001), the championship-standard Alferini course (inaugurated in 2007 and host to a recent LET professional ladies’ event), and the par 63 Tramores course, with ten par threes and only one par five on the scorecard. The Villa Padierna Palace hotel provides 132 guest rooms in total, split between Superior and Deluxe Rooms (19-42 square metres), Suites (43-250 square metres) and Villas (one of which in the past hosted First Lady Michelle Obama and is spread across three storeys). The Antanara Spa retreat has 10 treatment rooms, saunas, heated swimming pool, cold plunge pool and a floatarium. Alcaidesa Head half an hour along the AP-7 from Villa Padierna towards Gibraltar and you’ll arrive at La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort in San Roque, one of 28 golf facilities in membership of the prestigious European Tour Destinations network. Both the Links and Heathland 18-hole layouts were designed by Dave Thomas but it’s the recent extensive renovation conducted by former Nicklaus Design architect Kurtis Bowman – with every single hole substantially remodelled – that has elevated this course into the upper echelons of golf in Spain. At the moment, the main accommodation provider for the resort is the nearby all-inclusive 4-star Aldiana Costa del Sol hotel which has 334 guest rooms assigned across different buildings of up to three floors, from family rooms to superior suites with 80 square metres of living space and a separate living room. The hotel’s spacious spa also contains saunas, a whirlpool, and a large indoor pool. Additionally, the new Fairmont La Hacienda Hotel is due to open by Easter 2024, offering more than 300 guest rooms and suites either within the hotel or in the accompanying villas. This complex will also feature five restaurants and bars (including a pool bar and a beach restaurant) along with a spa, swimming pools and fitness centre. If you have any comment to make on the above article then please use the “WRITE A RESPONSE” link at the bottom of this page. Jim McCann Editor Top 100 Golf Courses
