The Penha Longa Hotel Spa & Golf Resort, a five-star resort on 2220 metric acres in Sintra, has concluded a €2 million investment program, Penha Longa Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort is proud to unveil two newly renovated golf courses. All 27 holes—the 18 hole, par 72 championship course Atlantico and the nine-hole, par 35 Monastery course—offer unparalleled golf experiences in the serene and lush environment of the Serra da Sintra, just 30 minutes from Lisbon. The renovation also included the preservation of the natural beauty, the protection of wildlife habitat and a sustainable water and resource conservation management. Penha Longa’s efforts to obtain sanctuary status on its courses have just been recognized for Environmental Stewardship by Audubon International. Penha Longa is the 1st course in Portugal and the 711th in the world to receive the honor to be a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary". Designed by Robert Trend Jones, Jr., the drainage and irrigation systems of both courses have been improved, using new technology and a more eco-friendly use of valuable water resources, including a computer-controlled sprinkler system, allowing the immediate adaptation of actual wind and water need conditions. http://www.penhalonga.com/

The new Lonely Planet Travel with Children: Your Complete Resource has just been published its "Top 10" list for beach holidays includes Tavira, in the Algarve as one of the top destinations for families looking for a beach vacation. And, the book names Lisbon as one of the Top 10 City Breaks. The book's emphasis on international travel may seem somewhat exotic to Americans who are less familiar with destinations outside North America and Europe, but it stresses the value of world travel for kids.  Lonely Planet founders Tony and Maureen Wheeler traveled often with their children from the time they were babies. So, Travel with Children offers advice on how to minimize problems by picking the right destinations, remaining flexible, and involving kids in planning and problem-solving.