The renewal of its iconic golf course and clubhouse comes as the Eastern Algarve resort prepares for the arrival of Nobu
— October 4, 2026
Since 2007, Monte Rei’s North Course, in Vila Nova de Cacela, in the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António, has welcomed players from around the world. Two decades later, the course has reopened following a renovation designed to preserve its character whilst preparing it for the next 20 or 30 years.
Originally designed by Jack Nicklaus, the 18-hole, par-72 course stretches between the Caldeirão hills and the Atlantic Ocean, its broad fairways winding through trees and valleys. The renovation project, which began in April 2026 and was developed in collaboration with Nicklaus Design, followed a detailed assessment of the course and its supporting infrastructure.
“A course of this scale and standard requires long-term vision; we cannot wait for problems to arise before taking action,” explains Nuno Sepúlveda, co-CEO of DETAILS – Hospitality, Sports & Leisure.
Work covered the greens and bunkers, the expansion of teeing areas, landscape restoration, upgrades to the buggy paths, and improvements to the practice facilities. New training technology was also introduced, alongside wider infrastructure upgrades. Less visible changes include the modernisation of the irrigation system and pumping station, as well as maintenance processes and equipment.
Water efficiency was a major focus throughout the project. The aim is to make better use of water, improve irrigation performance, and make the course more resilient to Algarve conditions. For Nuno Sepúlveda, however, sustainability goes beyond water. It also encompasses the equipment being used, the way the landscape is managed, and the ability to maintain quality standards through more efficient, quieter, and sustainable operations. “The excellence of a golf course will increasingly be measured by how successfully it combines quality of play with responsible resource management,” he says.
Preserving Jack Nicklaus’s original vision was the guiding principle behind the work. Rather than redesigning the North Course, the team focused on elements that could improve the consistency, efficiency, and longevity of the layout.
“Our approach was one of evolution rather than disruption,” says Nuno Sepúlveda. “The true measure of this renovation’s success will be when a player returns to the course and feels that this is the Monte Rei they know, only better prepared for the future.”
And the transformation extends beyond the course. The clubhouse has also been modernised to create a more contemporary and comfortable environment without losing the resort’s identity. As well as marking the beginning and end of a round, it serves as a meeting place for players, residents, and visitors. The renovation aims to create a sense of continuity between the course, the clubhouse, and the wider Monte Rei experience.
“Guests don’t judge each element in isolation; they judge the experience as a whole. That’s why we’re working to ensure that all these components offer the same level of quality and consistency,” explains Nuno Sepúlveda. The aim is for the clubhouse to reflect the resort’s wider transformation through its atmosphere, service, and dining offering. It is within this context that the partnership between Norfin and Nobu Hospitality takes shape.
The project will bring a 100-room and suite Nobu Hotel to the 400-hectare estate, along with a Nobu restaurant, exclusive villas, and branded residences.
Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the hotel scheduled to open in 2029. Guest services, new leisure facilities, and future experiences connected to the resort lifestyle are also planned.
Despite this new chapter, golf will remain at the heart of Monte Rei’s identity. Nuno Sepúlveda sees Nobu as part of a strategy to broaden the resort’s offering and attract different types of guests throughout the year.
“We don’t want to reinvent Monte Rei, but to allow it to evolve coherently, creating new reasons to visit, stay, and return to the resort.” Nobu will also broaden Monte Rei’s appeal, attracting guests drawn to its gastronomy, well-being, outdoor activities, and sense of privacy. “The arrival of Nobu helps us open that door to new audiences without alienating those who made Monte Rei what it is today,” he adds.
This evolution could also influence the positioning of the Eastern Algarve. Nuno Sepúlveda believes that an internationally renowned golf course, high-end residences, and a brand such as Nobu will strengthen the Eastern Algarve’s appeal among affluent international visitors. Growth, he stresses, should not come at the expense of the landscape, tranquillity, or character of the area.
The various projects are progressing on different schedules, but all are moving in the same direction: the North Course now reopens following its renovation, the clubhouse is evolving alongside it, and the future hotel is expected to welcome its first guests in 2029.
The commitment is to preserve the sense of space, privacy, tranquillity, and belonging whilst broadening the resort’s offering and taking Monte Rei to a new level.
For Nuno Sepúlveda, the real test of this transformation will be the reaction of those who already know the resort: “I would like them to say that they immediately recognise Monte Rei, but feel that everything has been taken to a higher level.”