Courtesy: Le Meridien Penina Resort

A while ago, I signed up to receive travel e-mails from the New York Times. Basically the Times passes on travel deals without endorsing them; it's junk mail with a purpose, in other words.

Usually, I scan them briefly and discard them but, occasionally, one comes along that's interesting.

Today I received an offer from Starpicks.com, an online travel agency owned by Starwood Hotels and Resorts.

Starpicks.com has a list of hotels and resorts around the world at what are advertised as rates 30% off normal cost.

One of the hotels listed is a golf resort in Portugal called Le Meridien Penina Golf and Resort. It's in Portimao on Portugal's south coast, aka, The Algarve.

The Algarve is home to numerous beautiful golf courses; in fact, Portugal is a must-play golf destination if you like fine golf in magnificent settings at affordable prices. I can't think of any golfers who wouldn't!

I know nothing about Le Meridien except what I see on their site but I can say the prices look reasonable - whether you think and shop in Euros or U.S. dollars.

The resort is tailored to golf with an 18-hole Henry Cotton layout and a couple of 9s, along with range, putting greens and practice holes.

If your friend, partner, spouse or significant other plays tennis rather than golf, there are six lit courts.

But if your after-golf tastes go to a little footie, there's a regulation sized football (soccer) pitch where several world class pro teams have practiced ahead of European matches - namely Chelsea from England's Premier League and Borussia Dortmund from the German Bundesliga.

There's also a fully equipped gym, mountain bikes for guest use, an archery range and plenty of watersports.

Not a bad place to park your butt for 4 or 5 days and play golf.

I've heard great things about golf in Portugal; if you've played there or know someone who has, let me know via the "comments" section, which is now up and running again, and share your knowledge!