As part of our monthly feature , we endeavour to give our readers a deeper insight into the various destinations and hotels that we offer. This month we’ve chosen the Le Méridien Penina Golf & Resort, in the beautiful Algarve. We conducted an interview with Le Méridien Penina’s very own Cristina Gabriel (Sales Director) and Lionel Rio (Golf Director). If you need more information regarding booking this resort, feel free to look on our website or contact a member of our experienced sales team. We also encourage you to leave any comment on our Facebook site. Enjoy the read!
Name: Cristina Gabriel
Job Title : Sales Director, Le Meridien Penina
Tell us a bit about your resort, including details of restaurants for the foodies reading this blog.
Le Méridien Penina Golf & Resort reflects its culture through a natural fusion of English architecture, Portuguese hospitality and European lifestyle. The high standards of service and the numerous facilities make Le Méridien Penina the ideal resort for families, golfers or for who just wishes to relax. The resort has 188 rooms and suites that have been recently refurbished to offer comfort, relaxation and stunning views over the pool, golf, gardens and Monchique Mountains. Just one step away from the hotel building you will find fine golf facilities for the most experienced golfers or for beginners. Three golf courses surround the hotel. These include Sir Henry Cotton Championship, Resort and Academy course.
The restaurants that we have onsite, offering a wide choice of a’ la carte menus, including Portuguese, Italian and international cuisines. Enjoy the lively atmospheres of the L’Arlecchino, Dunas Beach and Pool Restaurant to the more formal Le Grill or Sagres Restaurant. Here’s a bit about each of the restaurants that we have onsite:-
Sagres Restaurant
The hotel’s main restaurant rouses clients’ appetites with an extravagant buffet breakfast and exquisite themed buffet dinners including an array of regional specialities. Clients may have their meals indoors, in a relaxed and casual setting or outdoors in the patio, freshened by the soothing Algarve breeze and sunlight.
Le Grill Restaurant
Our elite vintage and fine dining restaurant, offers a superb and romantic dinner, serving a Portuguese and international cuisine to please any gourmet loving client.
L’Arlecchino Restaurant
Our L’Arlecchino Restaurant delights its guests with the finest blend of traditional Italian cuisine. An excellent menu graced with a comforting and friendly atmosphere.
Sir Henry’s Cotton Club
Perfect for those who delight themselves with a light meal, or simply a snack and drink after their game of golf. A great way to relax and watch sports on the large screen at the Sir Henry Cotton Club.
Pool Bar (seasonal)
The summer Pool Restaurant serves alfresco, light lunches, snacks with a wide selection of beverages. The restaurant makes for a casual setting where you can enjoy splendid views and dips in the pool.
Dunas Beach Restaurant (seasonal)
During the summer months, spend the day at the beach and treat yourself to an array of exotic and tasty dishes, overlooking the sea at Dunas Restaurant The rolling sound of the waves and inspiring Atlantic Ocean sunset will leave you breathless.
Bar Le Monchique
The resort’s cocktail bar with live music
What other facilities does the resort offer? Are there any facilities for children?
There are other facilities such as beautician, an entertainment gym, kids facilities and such. It also boasts a world class beauty center, where one can be pampered with a sauna, massage and sublime beauty treatments. Other facilities include a jogging trail (3 km), an outdoor swimming pool (60 m.), floodlit tennis courts (5 hard courts) and a snooker table.
Kids Facilities (Penguin Club)
Caters for children (6months-12years of age) and is open from Easter time to October, and from mid-December to the beginning of January. The club comprises of an area of 2269 m2, including a small football pitch, swimming pool (60 cm deep), meal area and bouncing castle, our team organizes games, competitions, painting, cut & paste, treasure hunting and many other surprises!
Name: Lionel Rio
Job Title: Golf Director, Le Meridian Penina
Can you give us a brief overview of the courses and include an famous events that have been hosted there?
Onsite you will find excellent golf facilities catering to an array of players from the most experienced to the beginner. Three onsite courses that surround the hotel include the Sir Henry Cotton Championship, Resort and Academy course. The Sir Henry Cotton Championship course was the first golf course to be built in the Algarve. The property also includes two 9-hole facilities, namely the Academy course (which winds its way between the holes of the Championship course) and the Resort course ( located in the far side of the Hotel). Both courses give the player an opportunity to fine-tune one’s short game, as well as while providing a gentle training ground for the beginner.
The Championship course has played host to numerous events. These include:
European Ladies Cup (1967)
10th World Team Championship (1977)
Ten times Portugese Open, with the last events being held in 1998-2000, 2004 & 2006
Daily Telegraph Seniors Matchplay (2000-2001)
Sir Henry Cooper Charity Classic
Safira Tournament(2010)
Audi Corp. Tournament Finals (2010)
