Nobu to Launch Hotel, Restaurant, Villas and Residences at Monte Rei in Portugal's Eastern Algarve - and the sports angle is seriously strong.
Monte Rei already felt like a golfer’s paradise. But what’s coming next? Nobu is planting its flag in Portugal’s Eastern Algarve with a full-scale resort that blends luxury seclusion with elite athletic ambition. Two Jack Nicklaus-designed courses are already in play. A brand-new padel centre just opened. World-class fitness facilities are taking shape. And ultra-exclusive villas are selling fast. This is the luxury-sports crossover you never knew you wanted. Let’s dive in.
Tee Time with Nobu: Two Nicklaus Courses, One Legendary Resort
The North Course - Already World-Class and Freshly Renovated
The Jack Nicklaus Signature North Course anchors the resort. It just underwent a major 2025 renovation. The result? Tighter fairways. Smarter bunkering. Greens that reward precision over power. This isn’t a casual holiday loop - it’s a championship test. The Portuguese Open Pro-Am landed here on April 10 - 13, 2026, drawing 30 international tour pros. Local hero Ricardo Santos shot a 62, a new course record that had the gallery buzzing. If you haven’t booked a tee time yet, you’re already behind.
The South Course - Breaking Ground for a Mid-2028 Debut
One great course is nice. Two? That’s legendary. The South Course secured final planning approval in February 2026, and earthmovers started chewing up dirt that April. Target playable date: mid-2028. So while you’re sipping Nobu cocktails at the hotel’s soft opening in Q1 2028, you’ll have a front-row view of a second Nicklaus masterpiece rising from the Algarve soil. This is the kind of build-up that gets genuine golf fans excited.
Beyond the Fairway: Padel, Tennis, and a Pro Exhibition You Can't Miss
New Padel Centre Hosts Algarve Open - and a Star-Studded Exhibition
Padel is exploding across Europe, and Monte Rei is leading the charge. A brand-new padel tennis centre with four covered courts opened on May 15, 2026. Two weeks later, it hosted the Algarve Padel Open (amateur division). The buzz hasn’t let up. Mark your calendar for September 12, 2026. That’s when Miguel Oliveira and João Sousa step onto the court for a professional exhibition match. A world-class padel showdown, right here at the resort. Bring your paddle or grab a seat - either way, you’ll want to be there.
Tennis, Squash, and a 25-Metre Lap Pool - Elite Training Grounds
The Nobu Gym & Spa spans 3,200 square metres. It’s structurally complete. Equipment installation began July 10, 2026. What’s inside? A 25-metre indoor lap pool, a squash court, a cycling studio, and top-tier fitness gear. Everything tracks for a February 2028 opening alongside the hotel. Whether you’re a competitive swimmer, a squash junkie, or someone who demands a proper workout on holiday, this facility is built for results. No cramped hotel gyms here.
Live Like a Pro: Villas, Residences, and Priority Access to Elite Sports
Only 3 Villas Left - Private Putting Greens and Infinity Pools
The Nobu Signature Villas are disappearing fast. As of July 1, 2026, only three of 18 remain. The last available - plot 12 - is priced at €6.8 million. It comes with a private putting green and an infinity-edge pool overlooking the 7th fairway. Picture this: finish your morning round, hop into your pool, and roll putts on your own green before lunch. That’s not a fantasy. That’s a Tuesday at Monte Rei. If you want one, call your agent now. These won’t last the summer.
Phase I Residences - Priority Tee Times and Academy Passes Included
Not ready for a villa? The 48 Nobu-branded residences in Phase I are on sale now, starting at €1.95 million for a two-bedroom. Here’s the sports kicker: owners get priority tee times on both Nicklaus courses - before the public even sees a booking window - plus complimentary access to the golf academy and tennis centre. So you’re not just buying a home; you’re buying membership into one of Europe’s most exclusive sports communities. Construction is underway alongside the Nobu Hotel Monte Rei (80 keys) and restaurant. Soft opening target: Q1 2028. The countdown is on.
Monte Rei is building something special. For the latest golf, padel, and real estate updates, check out our Monte Rei coverage and Nobu hotel reviews. External sources: Portuguese Golf Federation confirms the Pro-Am record; Monte Rei sales office provides current villa and residence data.
