Vilamoura has long been one of Europe's outstanding golf resorts, loved by golf associations and legions of golfing friends. As demand for organized group travel continues to grow, one trend is becoming increasingly clear: those who plan ahead get the best experience from a destination.
Group golf holiday provider, Glencore Golf Course Vacationsanalyzed its booking data and found that people planned golf holidays in Vilamoura significantly earlier than those traveling to other destinations, with an average of 212 days between initial inquiry and travel date.
The same data also shows that Vilamoura is one of the cities with the highest average booking value. This shows that golfers aren't just booking ahead to ensure availability; they're using the extra planning time to create more luxurious trips, often designed for large groups, special occasions and premium golf experiences.
Why do golfers book their Vilamoura holidays in advance?
The golf holiday industry has seen a growing demand for group travel and the typical “guys abroad” trip is no longer the norm. Golf holidays are increasingly associated with group celebrations such as milestone birthdays, retirement trips, reunions and gatherings of golf enthusiasts.
Golf associations, corporate groups and large groups of friends have more to consider when planning a golf holiday to Portugal. They must consider the budget, abilities, preferences and travel requirements of each member of their team before finalizing a booking.
Of course, this requires long-term planning.
When traveling to popular destinations like Vilamoura, failing to plan ahead can mean your group doesn’t ensure:
• Continuous tee times
• Suitable accommodation
• Dinner reservation
• transfer
• Preferred flight time and departure airport
The truth is: the Algarve, and especially Vilamoura, offers the best opportunities to the prepared traveler. Golfers who book early will benefit from more accommodation options, quality tee times and more opportunities to make the most of their time in Portugal.
Why early planners spend more on Vilamoura golf holidays
Glencor booking data shows Vilamoura attracts higher value bookings than many other golf destinations in Portugal.
But golfers pay more for the same type of vacation. In many cases, it reflects the type of travel that Vilamoura is known for: large groups, luxury hotels, carefully planned tee times and an itinerary built around some of the Algarve's most coveted courses.
Vilamoura is a worthwhile trip for golf associations, corporate groups and milestone celebrations. Groups aren't just looking for the cheapest break. They want the right hotel, the right location, the right course and tee times so the whole group can enjoy the trip together.
The best hotels in Vilamoura are booked early. Many groups choose well-located, high-quality accommodation as they book important annual trips, social tours and milestone celebrations. Golfers who want quality accommodation in a prime location will need to book in advance.
Well-prepared golfers can take advantage of early bird discounts at the following hotels:
Don Pedro Portobello
The 4-star Dom Pedro Portobelo hotel is situated on the beautiful Vilamoura seafront and has long been popular with golfers who wish to play on the marina and be close to some of the most popular golf courses in the area.
Our stay at Hotel Portobello Don Pedro also included:
• Group discounts available for groups of 8 or more
• Breakfast included
• Free transfer service from hotel to golf course
• Discount on 5 Vilamoura courses
• Apartment style accommodation ideal for groups
• Early bird discount for golfers who book their trip more than 120 days in advance
Hyatt Regency Vilamoura Algarve
Hyatt Regency Vilamoura Algarve is a four-star luxury resort located in the heart of the golf paradise of Vilamoura, a short walk from the iconic marina and pristine Algarve beaches.
Our stay at the Hyatt also included:
• Group discounts available for groups of 8 or more
• Breakfast included
•Free golf shuttle
• Discount on 5 Vilamoura courses
• Optional upgrade to Vilamoura Old Course for an additional fee
• Early bird discount for golfers who book their trip more than 120 days in advance
Book your tee time in advance and make the most of your trip
Vilamoura is one of Portugal's most prestigious golf destinations, with an unrivaled range of championship courses located just minutes from each other.
For large groups, golf association tours and corporate groups, booking tee times in advance is the best way to ensure your whole group can tee off consecutively and play together.
How far in advance do I need to book?
The bigger the group, the earlier the better. Tee times at Vilamoura's most popular golf courses need to be booked months in advance, so booking in advance is crucial for the best travel itinerary.
Popular Vilamoura golf courses that you should book in advance include:
• Lake Vilamoura
The Laguna course's wide fairways and forgiving layout make it ideal for mixed-ability groups. The variety and scenery also make the race fun and competitive, but not too demanding.
• Millennium Hotel Vilamoura
The Millenium Course is a moderately competitive course ideal for societies, corporate groups and friends who want a challenging and social golfing experience.
• Vilamoura Old Course
Affectionately known as the “Old Lady” of Algarve golf, the Old Course offers a championship experience with undeniable historical charm. For experienced golfers looking for an unforgettable trip, the Old Course is a must-do.
• Pijar Vilamoura
Pijar's pine-lined fairways are popular with groups who like to play a more challenging round. Its altitude, strategic design and scenery make it one of the most popular courses in the Algarve.
• Els Club Vilamoura
Els Club is one of the most prestigious golf courses in Europe. The course balances technical challenge with elegant design and is a bucket list destination for many professional and amateur golfers.
Why the golf community needs more attention than ever
A golf association, corporate group or milestone birthday party requires more planning than a few friends going on a golfing vacation.
They have to agree a date, secure enough suitable rooms, arrange transfers, collect deposits and book tee times close enough so that everyone can play the same game on the same day.
That’s why early planning can have such a big impact. Booking in advance gives groups a better chance of getting accommodation, lessons and times that suit the whole group, rather than planning their trip around the rest. It also gives organizers more time to confirm headcounts, manage payments and make small adjustments before supplies become tight.
Vilamoura rewards golfers who book early
Vilamoura remains one of Europe's premier golf destinations, and there's evidence that golfers who organize their trip early can make the most of their time there. Those who plan ahead will enjoy the best selection, more luxurious accommodation options, prime tee times and the most popular golf experience in the Algarve.
The higher average spend on Glencor Vilamoura bookings reflects these opportunities. Golfers don't just book basic breaks. They are planning bigger, better organized, more memorable trips because they have the best options and they know Vilamoura is a destination worthy of luxury.
Plan your trip to Vilamoura
At Glencor Golf Holidays we have over 20 years' experience booking bespoke golf tours for groups of all sizes. We plan trips based on your dates, budget, preferred destinations and ideal itinerary. All you need to do is get your team together and practice your swing.
Contact online to book your Vilamoura group golf trip Or call our friendly team on 01904 406550 for expert advice.
