Lake Balaton is Central Europe’s largest freshwater mineral body of water and is the second most visited tourist destination in Hungary outside of Budapest. The Balaton region’s rolling greenery and warm waters offer an idyllic setting for Hungary’s first planned golf resort community: Zala Springs.
Surrounded by the lush forests of the Balaton Uplands National Park, the shimmering waters of Lake Balaton stretch for 50 miles in length, earning it the nickname of the ‘Hungarian Sea’. It’s an inviting destination for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting cycling trails, water sports and sailing yachts to charter. The Lake Balaton region is famed for its enchanting fairytale castles and fertile vineyards fit for an aristocrat. It’s easily accessible from abroad via the international Hévíz Airport only 15 minutes away, and is also within a two and a half hours drive of five European capital cities, including Vienna and Zagreb.
Many visitors are also drawn to the Balaton region for its spa and wellness facilities, particularly those surrounding the mineral-rich waters of Lake Hévíz. It’s Europe’s largest thermal lake, dotted with fragrant water lilies and warmed by hot water bubbling out of fissures below the surface. Water temperatures average 25°C in the winter and soar up to 36°C in the summer months, making it a pleasant year-round attraction. The ancient town of Keszthely sits a stone’s throw from Hévíz, and is also home to popular sights like the Balaton Museum and baroque Festetics Mansion.
The Zala Springs Golf Resort brings a touch of luxury to the heart of Central Europe, positioned minutes from the sparkling shores of Lake Balaton. Apartments at Zala Springs are available in a range of sizes, from cosy two-person studios to lavish penthouses, all with lofty 2,8 metres-high ceilings and a modern, minimalist interior design. Living spaces offer access to the outdoor scenery with spacious balconies or private gardens, while interiors are flooded with light due to large windows overlooking the lake and golf course. The smaller sized apartments, where guaranteed return is offered, are fully furnished to a high standard, with a choice of three layouts crafted by Lima Design, including built-in kitchen spaces and flat-screen smart TVs, while in the larger apartments the owners can have their own preferred interior design.
At the core surrounding the golf village is its USGA-conforming golf course, designed by an internationally renowned landscape architecture firm. The award-winning Robert Trent Jones Jr. brand has designed more than 300 courses across the globe that host prestigious competitions from the PGA Senior Tour to the World Championship. Zala Springs’ 18-hole, par 72 championship course has been thoughtfully laid out across the development to make the most of its natural setting, blending breathtaking views with skill-testing challenges. Lakes, streams and gently sloping fairways merge to create a memorable game for players at all levels. Concierge service is provided on the course, along with an exclusive clubhouse and gourmet restaurant for relaxation off the greens.
This up-and-coming real estate concept is set to change the landscape of Central Europe with its proximity to all the recreational outlets of Lake Balaton. Thanks to the championship golf course and airy modern residences, the Zala Springs Resort is likely to appeal to a broad range of buyers.
