The course, which was designed by the famous architect Donald Steel, secured the Portuguese Open for 2 years running shortly after it opened. It stretches along a wide, naturally sculpted valley and is divided into 3 loops with three levels of difficulty: Prime, Challenge and Prestige. There is also a Golf Academy, Clubhouse, driving range and 2 fast surface tennis courts.

There are 3 types of accommodation at the resort. The Hotel offers very comfortable 5 star accommodation or, for those looking for more privacy, there are equally luxurious Villas and Apartments.

The Vila Sol Hotel, located near the golf course, comprises a central area which houses most of the accommodation. It is surrounded by ten clusters of suites and rooms, which are linked by footpaths which wind their way around the lakes and gardens. All blend perfectly with the natural beauty of the landscape creating a haven of total relaxation.

The hotel, which is decorated and furnished in a modern European style, has a central lobby with 24 hour reception.

The spacious accommodation comprises 93 Garden rooms, 47 Superior rooms, 1 Presidential Suite, 3 Master Suites and 45 Garden Suites. All rooms are air conditioned and have a private balcony, ensuite bathroom, Satellite TV, direct dial telephone, internet connection, safe, mini-bar, smoke detector and hair-dryer.

Some bedrooms are suitable for disabled persons and there are also non-smoking bedrooms.

Facilities and services include 24 hour room service, concierge, tobacconist, boutique, indoor heated swimming pool, outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, gymnasium, Turkish bath, Kid’s club, games room, hairdresser, manicure and pedicure and free parking for 400 cars.

The Vila Sol Villas are located in another area of the resort and offer a choice of the Villas do Golfe, which enjoy unrivaled views over the fairways, or Villas do Pinhal. The villas, which are independent, are beautifully furnished and fully equipped.

This accommodation is particularly suitable for families or groups of friends and ranges in size from 3 to 5 bedrooms or suites. Each villa has a private swimming pool, and is air conditioned.

In this area of the resort there are 3 swimming pools, one of which is heated, and a poolside bar.

The Vila Sol Villas and Residences are approximately 1000 meters from the golf course and Clubhouse. They are situated in large gardens and there are 5 swimming pools, 2 of which are heated, a Jacuzzi and poolside bar serving al fresco snacks and light meals.

The apartments have 2 or 3 bedrooms private bathroom, air conditioning, living rooms and fully equipped kitchens. They also have balconies and terraces with views of the pool area.

Like the Villas, an a la carte service is available.

This area of the resort has a lively, holiday feel and is ideally suited to families and groups of young people.

The Vila Sol Spa blends the finest elements from the East and West in a uniquely luxiourous experience. There is a superb variety of treatments available, all designed to restore harmony and balance at the spiritual and physical level.

Daily, weekend or weekly programmes are available and are totally tailored to suit the client by the permanent team of highly trained specialists.

This state-of-the-art facility has 20 treatment rooms, hammam, aquamedic pool, and offers massage, black soap exfoliation, hydrotheraphy, beauty treatments, pedicure, manicure, hairdressing and make-up.

The resort has 6 restaurants and 2 bars all offering a completely different mood.

Sophisticated and light dining can be had at the Green Pines Restaurant which specializes in local cuisine. From the terrace there are panoramic views over the golf course, waterfalls and the lakes surrounding the Hotel.

L'Olive Gourmet Restaurant serves the best of fine dining in an elegant and luxurious setting. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, with carefully selected wines from the best regions of Portugal, Italy and France.

The La Palmeraie Piano Bar offers a wide selection of whiskey and port wines and is the perfect place to enjoy an aperitif, or sample one of the many scented teas in the company of friends in a comfortable and totally relaxed setting. The pianist provides live music from 6pm most evenings.

Alternatively, there is the very sophisticated Prime Bar at the Hotel Vila Sol.

The resorts pool side bars offer light meals and seasonal seafood dishes.

Just 15 minutes from the main resort you can enjoy the sun and sea breezes in the relaxing atmosphere of Vila Sol Beach Club which is located within the Ria Formosa Natural Park at Ancao beach. There are sun loungers and umbrellas and if dining here you can sample the famous charcoal-grilled fish and seafood.

The terrace of the Clubhouse overlooks the 18th hole in stunning, natural scenery. The restaurant, serves breakfast, lights meals and snacks. Throughout the day a tempting array of cakes and pastries are also served.

There are 2 rooms inside the restaurant with open fireplaces which are very popular during the winter months.

The resort has 6 meeting room which range in size, the largest will accommodate upto 450 persons. These rooms are suitable for hosting any social or business event and are equipped with the latest technology.

The business centre provides secretarial services, translation, high speed internet connection etc and a highly professional team are on hand to assist and advise.

The resort provides a courtesy bus to Vila Sol beach in Ancao from June to September. Other services include, baby sitting, launderette and dry cleaning, car rental and transfers, to and from the airport.

The beautiful Vilamoura Marina, approximately 5 minutes from the resort, has shops, restaurants and bars.

The resort is approximately 20 kilometers from Faro International airport.

• Rates are in euros and are 'per room per night' including breakfast and taxes
• 2 nights minimum from 1 November 2006 to 24 May 2007 and from 14 September to 31 October 2007
• 3 nights minimum from 25 May to 19 July and from 27 August to 13 Sept 2007 
• 5 nights minimum from 20 july to 26 August 2007
• Maximum 1 child per room up to 12 years old is free of charge