From Parque de Floresta in the west to Seve's Quinta do Vale in the east, a couple of decent drives away from Spain, a ribbon of lush Bermuda grass weaves around white sand bunkers for 100 miles along Portugal's southern coast.

The question for every golfer looking for some sun on their back is where to play and where to stay? P O Monchique If you never want to be less than 100 yards from an all-day English breakfast and Live Premiership, then there's Albufeira. Armacao Lagos 10 miles If you want the yachting crowd, a casino and the bright lights, there's Vilamoura. And if you want a more peaceful time with a more, well, mature crowd, then there's Quinta do Lago.

This vast estate, just 30 minutes from Faro airport, sits at the apex of a group of golf courses, Quinta's own North and South, Pinheiros Altos, the fabulous San Lorenzo and the newcomer Laranjal, opened in 2009 but already looking well established.

It is a 6,500m, par-72, with five par-5s, eight par-4s and five tricky par-3s and a fair sprinkling o f wat e r hazards, set among the familiar umbrella pines, plus orange groves and the odd avocado tree.

Greens are fast and undulating, so don't think your work is done just getting on the dancefloor.

The 2,000 acres of Quinta do Lago are home to several separate developments of villas and apartments and a luxury hotel.

We stayed at Four Seasons Fairways, just a short drive from the Rio Formosa estuary and the resort's excellent beach.

The Fairways "village" is a private club, immaculately presented and very peaceful.

The club has its own golf booker with discounts available on local courses and even weekly competitions for club members.