Monte Rei Golf & Country Club has entered an exciting new chapter following the reopening of its renowned North Course after a major six-month renovation programme.



For golfers planning a luxury golf holiday in Portugal, the reopening represents an opportunity to experience one of the Algarve's most acclaimed courses following a carefully considered programme of improvements designed to protect the character of the original Jack Nicklaus design while enhancing its long-term quality and sustainability.

A New Chapter for Monte Rei

Set in the Eastern Algarve between the Serra do Caldeirão mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Monte Rei has established itself as one of Portugal's standout golf destinations.

The resort's North Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature design, first opened in 2007 and has since become one of the region's most prestigious golfing experiences. The 18-hole, par-72 layout stretches across the resort's dramatic natural landscape, with mature vegetation, valleys, water features and sweeping views creating a distinctive test of golf.

In February 2026, Monte Rei announced that the North Course would close from April to September for a comprehensive programme of improvements. The objective was not to reinvent the course, but to carefully restore and enhance key elements while remaining faithful to the playing experience originally envisioned by Jack Nicklaus.

Following the completion of the works, golfers can now look forward to the next chapter in Monte Rei's development.

Renovation Focused on Quality and Sustainability

The six-month project involved improvements across some of the course's most important infrastructure and playing areas.

The programme included:

• Reconstruction and enhancement of selected greens
• Bunker improvements
• Irrigation system and pump-station upgrades
• Cart-path refurbishment
• Landscape restoration
• Improvements to the practice facilities
• An enhanced practice tee
• Upgraded training technology
• More modern and sustainable course-maintenance equipment

The improvements were designed to strengthen the course's long-term resilience while retaining the distinctive character that has made Monte Rei such a popular destination for discerning golfers.

The resort's own announcement emphasised that the renovation was intended to improve quality, sustainability and resilience while remaining true to the character and values of the course as conceived by Jack Nicklaus.

Keeping the Jack Nicklaus Character

One of the most important aspects of the renovation is that Monte Rei has taken an approach based on restoration rather than reinvention.

That is particularly significant for a course with such a strong design pedigree.

Nicklaus Design continues to identify Monte Rei as a Jack Nicklaus course in Faro, Portugal, describing the resort as a unique development set across more than 1,000 acres between the Serra do Caldeirão mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.

The North Course provides a varied challenge, with generous fairways, mature trees and natural valleys combining with strategically positioned hazards and water to create a memorable round.

According to Monte Rei, water comes into play on 11 of the 18 holes, adding another dimension to the challenge.

The result is a course that rewards good course management as much as pure ball striking.

More Than Just Golf

While the North Course remains the centrepiece, Monte Rei is designed as a complete luxury resort experience.

Guests can enjoy a range of facilities including:

• Luxury apartments and villas
• High-end dining
• Concierge services
• Swimming facilities
• Gym and wellness facilities
• Tennis
• Practice and training facilities
• Clubhouse facilities

The resort's Clubhouse Residences, for example, offer contemporary one-, two- and three-bedroom accommodation overlooking the North Course and towards the Atlantic Ocean, with fully equipped kitchens, balconies and access to a heated pool and gymnasium.

This makes Monte Rei particularly appealing to golfers travelling as couples, families or small groups who want their golf holiday to offer considerably more than simply a hotel and a tee time.

A Major Investment Is Coming to Monte Rei

The reopening of the North Course comes at an interesting time for the resort, with further major investment planned for Monte Rei.

In July 2026, Nobu Hospitality and Norfin announced plans for Nobu Hotel, Restaurant, Villas & Residences Monte Rei.

The proposed development will include:

• A 100-room Nobu Hotel
• A signature Nobu restaurant
• Branded villas and residences
• Additional resort amenities
• Approximately 21,000 square metres of Nobu-branded residences

Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the first guests anticipated in 2029.

The project will form part of a wider investment programme aimed at developing Monte Rei into an even more comprehensive luxury lifestyle destination while maintaining its connection to the surrounding Eastern Algarve landscape.

For golf travellers, the combination of a newly enhanced championship course and significant future investment makes Monte Rei a destination worth watching closely.

Why Monte Rei Should Be on Your Algarve Golf List

For golfers considering a trip to Portugal, Monte Rei offers a compelling combination of championship golf, luxury accommodation, exceptional service and the natural beauty of the Eastern Algarve.

Unlike some of the busier golf destinations around the Algarve, Monte Rei enjoys a more secluded setting, surrounded by countryside with the mountains to the north and Atlantic coastline to the south.

The reopening of the North Course adds another reason to visit.

Golfers now have the opportunity to experience the course following a significant programme of investment, while future developments promise to further enhance the resort over the coming years.

Experience Monte Rei With Quality Golf Destinations

If you're considering a Portugal golf holiday, Monte Rei is a destination we highly recommend considering as part of your itinerary.

At Quality Golf Destinations, we can create tailor-made golf holidays around Monte Rei, combining accommodation, golf, transfers and additional Algarve courses to create an itinerary suited to your group.

Whether you're planning a luxury golf break for two, a fourball or a larger golf group, we can help you build the perfect Algarve experience.

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