Top Resorts for Golfers...
Pine Cliffs – Algarve, Portugal
The multi-award-winning Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort, promises an opulent stay for any discerning travellers heading to southern Portugal. Perched on a clifftop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Pine Cliffs Hotel offers stunning views over the coast and immaculate resort grounds, with each of its 217 rooms and suites boasting a light and charming Mediterranean feel.
Those who want to pull out their irons and putter can do so 200 feet above the golden sands and blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean on their immaculate nine-hole golf course. Built in a pinewood setting, with tree-lined fairways, the course gives its guests breath-taking views along the Algarvian coastline. There’s also the Pine Cliffs Golf Academy, offering tuition from a team of internationally-qualified PGA professionals with a combined experience of over 20 years of teaching.
Angsana Laguna Phuket – Phuket, Thailand
Set along the shores of Phuket’s Bang Tao Bay on the northwest of the island, Angsana Laguna Phuket is home to pristine beaches with warm white sand, 409 stylish guestrooms and suites and the exquisite Angsana Spa and Treehouse Kids’ Club, which is ideal for younger guests.
Guests staying at the resort will have complimentary access to Laguna Golf Phuket - a newly-renovated, 18-hole course that will appeal to golfers of all abilities. Situated in the heart of Laguna Phuket Resort, you’ll have easy access with a free shuttle service between the course and hotel. Laguna Golf Phuket also features Southeast Asia’s first PGA-branded golf academy, offering a luxury holistic teaching environment led by experienced PGA instructors.
Sandy Lane – Barbados
Welcoming you the minute you arrive in Barbados, with airport concierge and transfers in an executive car, every stay at Sandy Lane comes with impeccable service. Luxurious accommodation is made up of 113 elegant rooms and an impressive five-bedroom villa, all boasting Italian marble floors, plantation-style furniture and spacious private verandas.
If you want to relax, head to The Spa, with its 11 lavish treatment rooms serviced by highly-trained therapists. The hotel’s four restaurants celebrate wonderful flavours from around the world from European cuisine to Caribbean and Asian influences.
Sandy Lane is also a top resort for golfers, not least because it played host to the wedding of Tiger Woods in 2004. Visitors can tee off on one of three world-renowned courses: The Old Nine, The Country Club and The Green Monkey – a Tom Fazio creation carved from an old stone quarry which is exclusive to Sandy Lane guests. Wherever you play, you’ll be served up enchanting views of Barbados’ Platinum Coast.
Sandy Lane also offers a golfing package which includes several rounds of golf, an exclusive Sandy Lane gift and lunch for two at The Country Club or The Spa Café.
“Barbados is my favourite holiday destination – we love that in bars, restaurants and beaches, locals and tourists mix together. People are so friendly wherever you go.
“I’d recommend a tour of the island to see what each of the coastlines are like, and a trip to the Mount Gay rum factory is a must, too. Make sure you do the cocktail making class as well.”
Fairmont Orchid – Hawaii, USA
While known for its natural beauty, its sunny shores and its surfing, Hawaii is also a golfing paradise, with several world-class resorts, and one such resort is Fairmont Orchid. This majestic resort is located on the Kohala Coast and is set across 32 acres of lush tropical gardens, which contain cascading waterfalls, a white sand beach and a stunning lagoon.
The resort offers 540 spacious guest rooms and luxury suites which draw on the warmth and serenity of Hawaii Island. Resort amenities include the award-winning Spa Without Walls, a 10,000-square-foot oceanfront pool, a year-round children’s program and a tennis pavilion.
Alongside the Fairmont Orchid is the award-winning, 36-hole championship Francis H. I’i Brown Course, with two distinct complexes, each comprising of 18 holes. The South Course snakes through stark, rugged, a’a lava and provides a real challenge to the backdrop of spectacular mountain and ocean views. The North Course, on the other hand, is excellent for tournament play and is characterised by its rolling terrain and kiawe groves.
A spicier mention too Fairmont in Marrakech where I've just returned from, stunning grounds and a holiday stay for all the family.
InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa – Fiji
Nestled amongst 35 acres of tropical gardens, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa boasts 266 beautifully-appointed rooms, world-class dining, three swimming pools, a kid’s club and a wedding pavilion.
It is also home to Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course, which hosts the annual PGA Fiji International. This 18-hole, par-72 course boasts up to five tee positions on each hole, providing an enjoyable challenge to players of all abilities. There’s also golf tuition from PGA professional players, with private and group lessons available.
Styled in traditional South Pacific architecture, the clubhouse is the ultimate vantage point for breathtaking views across the golf course, coral reefs and surf breaks, and its open-air bar and restaurant is the perfect way to cap off a round.
Food is a major part of most cultures and Fiji is no exception. The Flavours of Fiji cooking school offers market tours and cooking classes. Learn to make exotic curries, traditional sweets and homemade chutneys using fresh local produce, then take your newfound Fijian culinary skills home and cook a feast for your friends and family when you return home.
And when you’re in the capital, Nadi, be sure to visit the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere. With an estimated 30% of the local population being Hindu, the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple is an important place of worship for many. Dress modestly to ensure you can enter – long pants or long skirt and long-sleeved top are recommended for women and long pants for men.
So, where do you want to visit next? Shara