When it comes to a golf resort that has continued to adapt, evolve and reinvent itself to meet the changing needs of the world, you’ll struggle to find a better example than Quinta do Lago.

While other venues have resisted change, the Portuguese destination has always understood the need to invest in the latest facilities, on the course and off it, in order to stay as modern and contemporary as possible for its members, guests and residents.

The €9.6 million renovation of its North Course in 2014, the opening of the resort’s state-of-the-art performance centre The Campus – a sports hub designed for professionals and amateurs alike to train and live well – and the acquisition of the boutique hotel, The Magnolia Hotel, are just three recent illustrations of that which have helped to set Quinta do Lago apart from its rivals.

Faced with a global health pandemic and numerous challenges resulting from it, the iconic Algarve resort – which first opened in 1972 – could have opted to consolidate its position in the golf-travel market this year.

But that is not how Quinta do Lago does things – it’s not in the resort’s make-up and, in many ways, it is the secret of its success.

Under the leadership of its forward-thinking chief executive Sean Moriarty, the award-winning venue embarked on a fresh wave of investment this summer after unveiling a new €7 million golf course improvement programme to raise the golf experience to an even higher level.

“At Quinta do Lago, we are continuously investing to improve the facilities and unrivalled experience we offer to our residents and guests as Europe’s premier luxury golf and lifestyle resort,” said Moriarty.

“For example, this year we invested €7 million into upgrading our South Course. We have invested greatly in our restaurants to make Quinta do Lago a destination for food. We invest in our team here, in training and opportunities. We strive for excellence and continually raise the bar in luxury standards.”

Moriarty arrived at Quinta do Lago in August 2016 having spent the previous two decades working in senior roles in the retail industry for leading brands including Tesco, Dairy Gold and Topaz Energy/Circle K.

The successful launches of The Campus, The Magnolia Hotel and Dano’s Sports Bar & Restaurant and the completion and sale of 26 new luxury residential apartments in the RESERVA development have all been completed under Moriarty’s guidance, but little prepared the Irishman for the challenges that he faced this spring following the outbreak of COVID and subsequent lockdown.

He said: “During lockdown, we were focused on adapting to keep our community safe. It was a difficult time for everyone, but the resilience and solidarity here was something very special.

“Before the borders were closed, we had families return to Quinta do Lago to quarantine, as this is where they felt safest. This really brought home our responsibility and the whole team here pulled together to make sure our residents were safe and comfortable.

“Now, the biggest challenge faced by the whole tourism industry is in how different countries are at different stages in dealing with the pandemic. We look forward to when people are safe to freely travel, and we are ready to welcome them when they do. Now, more than ever, things like privacy, safety and low-density are valued, and Quinta do Lago will lead the way in this regard.”

Set amongst 2,000 acres of the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park and located just 15 minutes from Faro airport, Quinta do Lago is famous for offering residents and guests a variety of lifestyle pursuits in an unparalleled location.

Like many resorts in Europe, the resort continues to evaluate its response to the pandemic on a daily basis, but Moriarty is determined that it won’t get in the way of its on-going plans.

The upgrade of Quinta do Lago’s iconic South Course, an eight-time host of the Portuguese Open, forms the centrepiece of the multi-million euro golf improvement plan announced by the resort, with the new-look layout set to be unveiled early next year.

In addition, the resort’s other two 18-hole championship courses – the North Course and Laranjal – are also undergoing significant maintenance improvements; the resort has invested in a new fleet of state-of-the-art electric golf buggies; while golfers can now tuck into a new dining experience after the reopening of the main golf clubhouse this month following an extensive refurbishment.

Moriarty explained: “Investment to continually improve the experience of our resort is something we are committed to at a foundational level at Quinta do Lago.

“The South Course renovations began during the pandemic because, while the course was closed, we saw an opportunity to make improvements for our members and guests. By taking early action in these works, we can ensure that our golf courses remain open and in pristine condition during the peak seasons.

“Our investments are always made with our community in mind and a value for enhancing quality of life for families. The most important place we want to be ranked is among the esteem of our visitors and members. We believe the South Course is the top course in Europe, and these investments are sure to further enhance this.”

Further to the upgrades being made on the course, Quinta do Lago recently underlined its long-term commitment to preserving the environment by unveiling a new eco-strategy to boost its sustainability credentials.

Working closely with the Golf Environment Organisation and following its ‘On Course’ environmental stewardship programme, the top sports and family venue launched a multi-tiered plan with three key aims: to foster nature, conserve resources and support the community.

The strategy is typical of the lengths that Quinta do Lago is prepared to go to deliver the best possible experience to all its residents, members and guests, and one that Moriarty is confident will see it enhance its position among the world’s elite golf and lifestyle resorts.

He added: “At Quinta do Lago, we never keep still. We continue to invest in our people, in our infrastructures and in innovation. With awareness of human impact on the world sharpening, sustainable action and social responsibility has all become more meaningful.

“More than ever, people are seeking outdoor living, family experiences and a relaxed lifestyle, all of which we have been committed to providing in Quinta do Lago for nearly 50 years. From spotting wildlife on the golf courses to enjoying local, seasonal produce in our restaurants, the luxury of living closer to nature is strongly felt in Quinta do Lago.

“This feeling is at the core of our resort and will continue to be our compass as we grow into the future.”