In a recent article by David Bryce of Golf International Inc. - the perfect island Golf escapes were recommended. Read an excerpt from that article here:

Ever dream of running away to a desert island and escaping from it all? It’s one of those classic dreams most of us have at one time or another and although it may seem a wonderful idea at first, it doesn’t take too long before our sensible side points out the drawbacks of desert island living. Desert islands may have swaying palm trees, crystal clear waters and pristine beaches, but that’s about it.
A desert island sounds good, just as long as it’s not deserted and we have all those little comforts that we take for granted at home and if this is a real vacation, we also need to be pampered. Take heart, there are some wonderful islands out there that have all of the island atmosphere you yearn for and yet they are totally civilized and specialize in pampering their visitors in high style.

Forget those over-crowded islands to the south, where you are more than likely to bump into your next-door neighbors from home, as well as umpteen other familiar looking faces. Instead head across the Atlantic to Europe where you will find some especially attractive islands and they have everything you ever hoped for. Their European history and culture, gives them twice the fascination of those other islands and if you choose your island carefully, you can also find golf — even excellent golf.
Portugal, just like Spain, has two island groups. The Azores, an archipelago of nine small islands, with some surprisingly good golf courses, is located practically in the mid-Atlantic, little more than halfway between Boston and the Portuguese capital of Lisbon. The Madeira Islands, also located in the Atlantic, but much closer to mainland Portugal is the better known of the two island groups.

The main island of Madeira has been aptly referred to as the “jewel of the Atlantic”. Discovered by the Portuguese explorer, Henry the Navigator, in the 15th century, this dramatic volcanic island thrusts up out of the sea, 600 miles southwest of Lisbon and a few hundred miles off the coast of Morocco. It’s only a brief, 1 ½ hour flight from Lisbon, making the possibility of combining stays in Madeira and Lisbon a very practical one week Portugal experience and if you can squeeze in a 10 day trip, add The Algarve and you will be seeing three totally different sides of the country and all of the best golf courses.

Madeira’s never-ending, Spring-like climate seldom varies by more than a few degrees, hovering around the low 70’s in the depths of “winter” and even during the height of summer, temperatures struggle to reach 80 degrees. Rich volcanic soil and an idyllic climate makes this stunningly beautiful island a literal, floating garden, where the main exports are orchids, sugar cane, papayas, mangoes, avocados, grapes and of course, world renowned Madeira wine.

There are four islands in all, only two of which are inhabited - the main island of Madeira and just 25 miles offshore, charming little Porto Santo, population barely 5,000. The remaining two islands, Desertas and Selvagens are uninhabited and retaining their original, natural state, are valuable nature reserves.

Funchal, the charming historic capital sweeps around a picturesque bay and up into a mountainous backdrop. This is where the best of the luxury hotels are to be found, everything from the most impressive resorts to enchanting intimate manor houses, set on private estates where elegance reigns supreme. A profusion of excellent restaurants, equally good shopping and fascinating sightseeing opportunities abound and golf is never far away.

The Madeira Islands do not overwhelm the visitor with a befuddling selection of golf course choices, instead adopting an approach of quality over quantity. There may only be three courses, but the caliber of each is so consistently good, you have no choice, other than to play them all. Santo da Serra and Palheiro, both on Madeira, are automatic must plays and both are literally a few minutes drive from Funchal. But don’t overlook the relatively new and very impressive, Seve Ballesteros layout on tiny Porto Santo Island. Challenging and very handsome, this is what island golf is all about and a very special experience to be savored. Sitting only a short 15-minute flight from Funchal, it’s one of those treasures that will live in your memory for many years to come.

Palheiro Golf, Madeira: Enjoying a magnificent location, 2,500 feet high in the mountains overlooking Madeira’s capital, any player distracted by the never-ending array of breathtaking views is doomed to failure on a course that demands attention from start to finish. A few blind holes and some other occasional oddities, bring complications to a design that was never intended to be a walk in the park. Fortunately, the thoughtful designer, Cabell Robinson, offers a number of different tee-positions to bring this beauty within reach of most golfers. So play to your ability, don’t try to impress and you’ll do just fine.

This is a course that leaves nobody indifferent and at the end of the round, it’s impossible not to have an opinion, and fond memories of this layout in the clouds are all but guaranteed. Unless you have the stamina and agility of a mountain goat, take a buggie; it’ll at least give you some time to enjoy the truly spectacular vistas.