0800 233 5844
Now that COVID-19 restrictions have been eased and the warm, sunny summer weather has arrived, golfers across the UK and Western Europe are showing renewed interest in golf and travel.
With so many destinations to choose from across the globe, however, finding the perfect spot can seem like a daunting task.
We’re here to help. The staff at Golf Travel Lux have searched all corners of the globe to find the finest golf destinations perfect for your next golf holiday.
Barcelo Montecastillo Golf Resort
Located in the province of Andalusia, halfway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cadiz Mountains, you’ll find the quaint city of Jerez de la Frontera and the Barcelo Montecastillo Golf Resort.
Recently renovated, the property features 124 rooms whose design blends elegance with modernity. For larger parties, 39 villas are available as well.
The Jack Nicklaus designed golf course has played host to the European Tour’s Volvo Masters for five years straight. It’s touted as one of the premier golf courses in not only Spain, but all of continental Europe.
The finishing hole is particularly memorable. The tee shot is set some 40 meters high and plays to a fairway with a wide landing area. The approach plays to a green set in an amphitheater-like setting which is surrounded by water.
In addition to great golf at Barcelo Montecastillo, guests enjoy world-class international cuisine at El Lagar Restaurant and Ricardo’s café. All dishes are made with the freshest locally sourced ingredients and the prices are reasonable.
If you’re looking to relax and unwind, the U-Spa is just the spot to do it. Here you’ll find saunas, a first-rate fitness studio, a hot tub, and massage rooms.
For a total golf experience in some of the most beautiful country Spain has to offer, look no further than Barcelo Montecastillo Golf Resort.
Penha Longa Resort
One of the most underrated holiday countries in Western Europe is Portugal. And when it comes to destination golf, it doesn’t get any better than Penha Longa Resort.
Dating back to the 14th century, Penha Longa is surrounded by the stunning Sintra Mountains. Visitors to this property often remark that it’s one of the most beautiful places they’ve ever been.
Penha Longa has a lot more to offer than just great views, however. If seeing wildlife and exploring outside are your priority, you’re in luck – the Resort is set inside a 545-acre National Park.
No fewer than 27 holes of spectacular golf await at Penha Longa. All three nines were designed by the venerable Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Each course blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape. During a round, don’t be surprised if you encounter abundant wildlife, and be sure to bring your camera.
A wide variety of both difficult and risk-reward holes will keep you on your toes for the duration of your round.
Penha Longa’s accommodations are second to none as well. The luxurious rooms are well-appointed and have all the conveniences you need for a pleasurable stay.
There’s no shortage of dining options either. Penha Longa boasts eight world-class restaurants with delicious fare to satisfy any palate.
A complete experience awaits at Penha Longa.
The Lodge at Pebble Beach
If most golfers had only one place to go on a golf holiday in the United States, they would choose the Lodge at Pebble Beach.
One of the most recognizable courses in the game, Pebble Beach has played host to some of the most notable tournaments in golf including the U.S. Open, the AT&T Pebble Beach Invitational, and numerous U.S. Amateurs.
Set right on the Pacific Ocean and Carmel Bay, the views Pebble Beach has to offer have to be seen to be believed. The par-five 18th is arguably the most photographed hole in golf.
While the scenery is spectacular at Pebble Beach, the golf course is memorable as well. Small, sloped greens make putting a challenge. The stretch of holes seven through ten provides a stern test for even the most seasoned players.
The accommodations won’t disappoint either. Every room is comfortable and spacious, and no detail is overlooked.
There are plenty of dining options as well. Of particular note is The Tap Room, an all-American steakhouse that serves the finest cuts of meat and has a wine list to match.
Golfers also revere the Stillwater Bar and Grill. This venue’s menu is inspired by the California coast from which its ingredients are sourced.
Pebble Beach is a golfer’s bucket list destination for a reason.
Address Montgomerie
More and more, golfers from all over the world are flocking to the Middle East for golf holidays.
Dubai has become an especially popular destination, and the Address Montgomerie is a big reason why.
As its name suggests, the 18-hole championship course at this resort was designed by European great, Colin Montgomerie.
Located in the heart of the Emirate Hills, this destination is perfect for discerning golfers that appreciate quality. The grounds are lush, and the service at this oasis in the desert is first-class. The staff are knowledgeable, courteous, and do everything they can to make each guest’s stay as enjoyable as it can be.
While the golf course will challenge the best players, it’s also user friendly for golfers of all abilities. The verdant fairways give you plenty of room off the tee, and golfers you can run the ball onto most of the greens.
Should you wander too far offline, however, more than 49 acres of water are waiting to swallow up errant shots.
Guests can choose from a variety of spacious, modern suites that all afford tremendous views and have open floor plans that capture natural light.
The Montgomerie Suite is the premier room. It can accommodate up to four people, has an impressive lounge, three private balconies, and every amenity imaginable.
For food, Monty’s offers exquisite international fare while Nineteen highlights the very best of Mediterranean cuisine.
It’s not hard to see why Address Montgomery is considered the premier golf destination in the Middle East.
Fancourt Hotel and Country Club
In South Africa, there might not be a finer golf destination than Fancourt Hotel and Country Club.
The property has three world-class golf courses, which all offer their own unique experience.
The Gary Player designed Links Course was inspired by some of the game’s most iconic holes in the British Isles. Home to the 2003 Presidents Cup, this track is a difficult test from the back tees, but plenty manageable for the average player.
The Montagu Course is a traditional parkland layout with fairways lined by native vegetation. Holes vary in both length and difficulty. Even though the layout is somewhat straightforward, its condition is pristine, and golfers get to hit every club in their bag.
Lastly, the Outeniqua Course is named for the magnificent mountain range that borders the Fancourt property. Here, golfers are treated to incredible views, and a layout that’s challenging yet fair. A variety of landscapes are found throughout the course and include forests, wetlands, large bodies of water, and rugged dunes.
Unlike a lot of golf destinations that boast big hotels meant to house a lot of visitors, the accommodations at Fancourt are more intimate. Guests stay in one of the property’s garden suites, or in the elegant Manor House. Whatever lodging choice you make, you’ll experience privacy, quiet, and individualized service fit for a king.
Dining options are numerous here too. Visitors rave about the steaks in the Grill Room, the African fare in Sansibar, and Henry White’s contemporary menu.
At Fancourt, you won’t run out of golf to play or things to experience.
Verdura Golf Resort
Without question, the premier destination in Sicily is Verdura Golf Resort.
Set on 230 hectares of the Sicilian coastline, the property is dotted with olive groves, a private beach, and no less than three memorable links courses.
The East Course was recently renovated under the watchful eye of Kyle Phillips. In traditional links fashion, the front nine moves away from the clubhouse, and the back nine returns. Perhaps the most memorable hole is the ninth which features a challenging tee shot, and a well-guarded approach that plays directly toward the sea.
The West Course gets your attention right from the start with three formidable par fours that are long and well-protected. Undulating greens are this course’s best defense. Going around without a three-putt is quite an accomplishment. The finish is memorable as well with a number of holes that hug the picturesque coastline.
Verdura’s nine-hole par three is the perfect spot to work on your short game. Holes vary in length and present a challenge with sloped, well-guarded greens that require precision and accuracy.
Simple luxury is what you’ll find when you come to Verdura on holiday. The sizable rooms are aptly appointed and feature a private balcony overlooking the golf courses and the blue waters of the Mediterranean.
If you’re keen on fitness, you’ve come to right place. Verdura has six tennis courts, a world-class gym, infinity swimming pool, and seemingly endless running trails that meander through tranquil olive and lemon tree groves.
For those that want to be pampered, be sure to visit one of four thalassotherapy pools, and the spa where a variety of massage and beauty treatments are available.
Whether you want to play as much golf as you can, or prefer to sit back and relax, there’s no better place to do it in Sicily than Verdura.
Final Thoughts
Deciding where to venture on your next golf holiday isn’t easy. There are countless destinations all over the world, and this list represents just a small portion of the many upscale properties Golf Travel Lux is proud to partner with.
Whether you’re looking to get away for a weekend or an extended golf holiday, you can trust Golf Lux Travel to find the perfect destination for your group at a price you can afford.