If you love to travel and play golf on holiday, there’s no shortage of premier destinations to choose from around the world. The problem most golfers have is trying to find a luxury property that suits their every need and caters to the experience they’re looking for.
Trying to narrow down your search is no easy feat. What amenities are you looking for other than golf? Would you rather be in the mountains, desert, or surrounded by palm trees in the tropics? What about cost? The questions that you need to consider when trying to find the perfect golf holiday destination are endless.
Fortunately, the team at Golf Travel Lux has scoured the globe and come up with a list of what we consider to be the best golf destinations that represent a wide range of different experiences.
The Ritz-Carlton, Abama
The secret is out that Spain is a top destination for a golf holiday. And with good reason; there are no shortage of luxury destinations.
Among the very best in Spain is the Ritz-Carlton, Abama.
The first thing you’ll appreciate about this luxury property is how seamlessly the golf and architecture blend with the natural surroundings. Set along the Atlantic coast, the panoramic views afforded from everywhere on property are truly breath-taking.
While the Moorish-style architecture is also a sight to behold, in no way does it detract from the natural terrain that remains largely untouched.
Lodging options are seeming limitless at the Ritz-Carlton, Abama too. If you’re looking for adults-only privacy, there’s an entire quarter set away from the resort that has everything you can imagine.
Citadel Accommodations are centrally located in the resort and allow easy walking distance to pools, shops, restaurants, and the award-winning golf course. Citadel Accommodations are a great option for families that like to be close to all the action.
A quieter, more secluded lodging option is the Villas. Set below the Citadel rooms toward the beach, the Villas give families a quiet reprieve amongst botanical gardens with expansive views of the Atlantic below.
The Ritz-Carlton, Abama’s most exclusive experience is found by those that stay at the Club Level. This designation gives you access to Persian Garden Pool, upgraded rooms and amenities, and a host of other perks not accessible to other guests.
When it comes to golf, the Thomas Davis-designed course is an experience you won’t forget. Set on sprawling land high above the Atlantic, this track boasts 22 lakes and more than 25,000 palm trees which can be as penal as they are gorgeous if you hit your ball offline.
If your game could use some work, be sure to take a lesson or two at the Golf Academy where world-renowned instructors are eager to help with every part of your game.
For non-golfers, the Ritz-Carlton Abama, has plenty of other offerings. The dining is delectable as two Michelin Star restaurants boast cuisine from around the world. Come hungry and leave full.
Other amenities include the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy, a world-class spa that offers a plethora of wellness and beauty treatments, and plenty of supervised fun for children.
A complete experience awaits at the Ritz-Carlton, Abama. You won’t want to leave once you’re here.
Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge
For serious golfers, the name Arnold Palmer is synonymous with excellence. That’s exactly what awaits when you venture to the King’s Bayhill Club and Lodge.
No less than 27 holes of unforgettable golf await at this Orlando, Florida, USA destination. Aptly named the Champion, Challenger, and Charger, each respective nine has its own set of characteristics that make it unique.
In true Palmer style, there is ample opportunity for risk and reward here. If you take on a shot and pull it off, you’ll be rewarded. But even the smallest miss could lead to a watery grave in one of the property’s Butler Chain lakes.
Even though the course can be stretched out to over 7,380 yards, there are plenty of tees to make the course playable for golfers of all ability levels.
All the accommodations and amenities have recently been refurbished at the Bayhill Club and Lodge. And guests are raving about the work that’s been done.
If you’re coming here for an extended holiday, choose from one of 70 aptly appointed guest rooms that have all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
Fine food and world-class wine await too. The Grill and Classic Dining Room serves up a host of memorable dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The setting is hard to beat too. The restaurant overlooks the iconic Rolex clock and putting green.
If world-famous golf and top-notch service are your cup of tea, Arnold Palmer’s Bayhill Club and Lodge is the place to be.
Minthis Resort
When you think of Cyprus, golf might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, the staff at Golf Travel Lux have done their research and can assure you the golf at Minthis Resort is second to none.
The resort is located in Paphos City, a mere 12 miles from the world-famous Markedeio Theatre.
Though there are other resorts with more lavish accommodations, those at Minthis Resort are more modern, comfortable, and have everything you need.
Each room comes with a kitchen if preparing your own meals is your preference, but the restaurant’s menu is extensive and delicious too.
In the end, it’s all about the golf here though. The Donald Steel design which opened in 1994, is set on the site of a 12th century monastery that overlooks the town below.
During the high season, you’ll be treated to cool breezes and a layout that though short, is ripe with character and intrigue. In order to play well here, accuracy is paramount over distance.
A classic, expertly maintained course, brilliant accommodations, and service that won’t disappoint, you can’t do much better than Minthis Resort in Cyprus.
The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa
More and more, the Middle East is becoming a destination for serious golfers that like to travel. One of the most highly touted destinations in this part of the world is the Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa.
If you’ve ever stayed at a Westin property before, chances are your expectations are pretty stout. Rest assured, they’ll be more than met at this golf oasis in the desert.
As soon as you step into your room at the Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa, you’ll be floored by what you see. The deluxe suites are bright, spacious, and feature modern décor and design features that will take your breath away.
When it comes to dining, you won’t run out of choices. Some six world-class restaurants boast cuisine from every corner of the world.
If you need a day off from golf to relax, there’s no better place to do so than the Heavenly Spa. As its name suggests, every health treatment and program is designed to have you feeling and looking your best.
When it comes to golf, no detail is overlooked at the National Course Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Host to the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship, each of the course’s 27 holes brims with character and challenge.
If you’re looking to really test your mettle, this is the course to do it as it measures 7,334 yards from the back tees. But rest assured, there are plenty of other playable tee options for everyone.
At the Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa, you’ll feel like a VIP from the moment you arrive until the time you leave.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to luxury holiday golf destinations, this list doesn’t even scratch the surface. Whether you want to venture across the Atlantic to the US, south to Cyprus, east to Abu Dhabi, or just about anywhere in between, the options are seemingly endless.
At Golf Travel Lux, we’re here to help make booking your next golf holiday as easy as it can be. Our experts have travelled far and wide to find the best destinations for whatever it is you’re in search of.