We’ve picked out four superb resorts in the Algarve, Sardinia, Andalucia and Scotland where you can combine world-class golf and accommodation with fantastic horse riding experiences.
Quinta do Lago, The Algarve
Quinta do Lago is located in the Algarve within the Ria Formosa nature reserve. It’s a 5-star retreat, home to three world-class golf courses with excellent restaurants, a premier sports hub with aquatic centre, a boutique hotel and golden sand beach. It’s very family-friendly and there’s a host of fun activities.
The North Course here underwent a €9 million redesign in 2014 by renowned architect Beau Welling, in conjunction with former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley. The South Course has hosted the Portuguese Open on no fewer than eight occasions and is regarded as one of Portugal’s premier golfing venues, while the Laranjal Course is beautiful with five lakes, umbrella pines, cork-oaks and orange trees.
Anyone wishing to have a horse riding experience in the Algarve can visit the Pinetrees Riding Centre, just a couple of minutes away, which provides expert classical tuition for riders from 4 years old to 70, and all abilities, from riding lessons for novices on quiet horses and ponies to the more advanced rider training.
Is Molas Golf Resort, Sardinia
Is Molas Golf Resort, located 30km from Cagliari on the beautiful south-west coast of Sardinia, combines a 4-star hotel in a tranquil location with a private beach, swimming pools, great food and one of Italy‘s best golf courses. The Championship Course is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 golf courses in Italy having hosted the Italian Open four times and the Volvo Masters in 1989. The new Yellow Course, the work of Gary Player Design, was added more recently.
There’s a golf academy, sailing school, diving, wellness centre and gym and a host of activities, including horse riding excursions. The resort offers Individual lessons, group lessons. Individual walks and group walks. During the summer, the walks take place in the mountains, while in winter they are also done on the beach.
Gleneagles, Scotland
The world famous Gleneagles hotel is set in 850 acres close to the stunning Scottish Highlands. The resort offers guests a superb choice of sports and leisure facilities and has over 230 luxurious guest bedrooms and suites as well as Michelin-starred dining.
The three wonderful championship golf courses at Gleneagles bear the hallmarks of two of golf’s greatest names. Five-time Open Championship winner James Braid laid out both the King’s and Queen’s courses, while all-time great Jack Nicklaus later added the PGA Centenary Course, which hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup.
When it comes to horse riding in Scotland, the Gleneagles Equestrian School stands out. The 50-acre centre offers indoor and outdoor coaching, horse riding lessons and experiences for guests at all levels, from age four up. Trail riding, lead rein lessons, polo lessons and carriage riding are also available.
SO/ Sotogrande, Costa del Sol
Set in the Andalucian hills, Luxury brand SO/ Hotels & Resorts opened SO/ Sotogrande in 2022, promising a new one-of-a-kind 5-star resort – and it has lived up to the billing, offering a new, stylish way to enjoy Andalucia. You can stay here and play at four of Europe’s finest golf courses, the on-site Almenara Golf Club, or the close by La Reserva Club, Real Golf Club Sotogrande, and Real Club Valderrama, host of the 1997 Ryder Cup.
The area of Sotogrande is a hotspot for equestrian lovers. You will find many equestrian centres, dressage schools and polo clubs. If you are an enthusiast, there’s a lot to do during your stay at the resort. Take a private horse riding lesson or sign up to a horse trek in the gorgeous local countryside. There’s a variety of treks available to suit your expertise and preference.
