Monte Rei's accommodation centres on two distinct options, both designed to keep you close to the course and the clubhouse. The Clubhouse Residences are the newer addition, positioned directly beside the hilltop clubhouse with views over the 18th fairway and out towards the Atlantic. These are modern, self-contained properties with one, two or three bedrooms, each featuring en-suite bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens and private balconies. The Residences share their own heated pool and gymnasium, making them ideal for golfers who want the convenience of resort living with the independence of a private villa. You're right next to the clubhouse, so early tee times are genuinely easy, and if you're the type who likes to grab a coffee and head straight to the range, you'll appreciate the walk being measured in seconds rather than minutes.
A short walk from the clubhouse, the linked villas offer a more traditional Portuguese aesthetic. Each villa contains three bedrooms that can be configured as twins or doubles, all with en-suite bathrooms. The interiors are light, spacious and finished to a high standard, with large open-plan kitchens and lounges that work well for groups or families. Outside, each villa has its own patio, perfect for a quiet coffee before your tee time or a glass of local wine after the round. For groups of six, the linked villas are a simple, sociable set-up with plenty of living space and enough privacy that you're not on top of each other.
Self-catering works well here, but you're still close enough to the clubhouse to make dinner and drinks effortless. The villas are set back slightly from the main hub, so you get a bit more peace and quiet in the evenings, but it's only a couple of minutes on foot if you want to head up for a meal or a nightcap. There's ample parking if you've hired a car, and club storage is straightforward, so you're not lugging your bag back and forth every day.
Both accommodation options are designed with golfers in mind. The layouts are practical, the finishes are smart without being fussy, and everything you need is either on-site or a very short walk away. If you're staying for three or four nights and playing multiple rounds, the convenience of being this close to the course makes a real difference.
Dining at Monte Rei is anchored by Vistas Rui Silvestre, the resort's Michelin-starred restaurant. The dining has had a further lift with Jaime Perez joining the team after time at the Ritz-Carlton Arts Hotel in Spain, with a focus on exceptional local ingredients and refined technique. For something more relaxed, the Monte Rei Grill and Veranda offer al fresco dining with views over the course. The Grill is the go-to for a post-round pint on the terrace, while the Veranda, located by the pool, serves a mix of Mediterranean and international dishes. The clubhouse bar stocks a strong selection of Portuguese wines and local beers, and the Monte Rei Club Sandwich has earned a reputation among Your Golf Travel staff as the best in Portugal.
Beyond the golf, the resort includes a swimming pool, tennis courts and a top-class practice set-up by resort standards. The driving range is complemented by a dedicated short-game area with a large bunker and a lightning-quick putting green, giving you everything you need to dial in your game before heading out.
Monte Rei is located between Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António in the eastern Algarve, approximately 50 minutes by car from Faro Airport.
Address: Sesmarias, Vila Nova de Cacela, Algarve, Portugal
