There are golf courses (there’s probably one not too far from you right now), and then there are luxury golf courses. Not just luxury golf courses but the MOST luxurious golf courses, situated in some of the most scenic locations, offering some of the most ingeniously designed layouts and boasting world class cuisine, accommodation and customer service. Mark Twain may have thought that golf was “a good walk spoiled” but if you fancy exploring some of the finest golfing experiences the world has to offer, then take a look at some of these luxurious golfing escapes.
Laucala – Fiji
How do you get to this resort? Via the resort’s own private jet, of course. Set in a former coconut plantation overlooking imposing volcanoes and jagged cliff faces, this beautiful 18 hole course will blow your mind as you reach the famous 12th hole that nudges right up against the Pacific Ocean (you did remember to bring your surfboard, right?). You’ll be staying in one of 24 equally luxurious villas under the care of over 350 highly trained resort staff and enjoy the finest cuisine prepared in the care of world class chef, Jean-Luc Annan.
The Broadmoor – Colorado
In 1959, at this famous course set against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, a young golfer named Jack Nicklaus won his first major tournament, so you wouldn’t be in bad company if you took an extravagant golfing break at this resort. It’s a huge estate, over a hundred years old and with over 5000 acres opening up to three separate courses you can play on.
If you like a bit of retail therapy sprinkled into your luxury golfing holidays then you’ll be able to indulge yourself and your loved ones here as it has over ten restaurants, twenty-six boutique stores (why not treat yourself to a new set of hybrid golf clubs?), a health spa and even a spot of fly fishing. You won’t get bored here and your wallet isn’t going to thank you but you can always sleep it off in one of over 784 luxury rooms, lodges or cottages available at the resort.
Terre Blanche – France
One of the most luxurious golfing locations in all of France, Terre Blanch is nestled into the beautiful countryside around Provence Cote d’Azur in the South of France. Two 18 hole, championship quality courses are situated here; the water feature adorned Le Chateau and the Le Riou. The scenery really is quite stunning with waterfalls, lakes and forests all vying for your attention. Mull it all over in the Michelin starred La Faventia, one of four delicious restaurants at the resort.
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
When he’s not winning golf majors, Did you know Australia legend, Greg Norman likes designing luxury golf resorts? The Ritz-Carlton is one of his. Not for the feint of heart, Greg’s creation may only be nine holes in length but what it lacks in duration it more than makes up for in technical challenge. With five restaurants (one being a three Michelin star affair) you won’t need for much and when you want a break from the golfing you can get lost in the beautiful landscapes and vistas in the 144 acre estate that takes in Seven Mile Beach.
Banyan Tree, Phuket, Thailand
There are quite a few luxurious golfing locations in South East Asia but none are as popular or as lauded as Phuket’s Banyan Tress. Designed by architect (and water hazard fan extraordinaire), Paul Jansen, this stunning course is set against Thailand’s iconic lagoons, tropical landscapes and beautiful flora and fauna. Accommodation is equally first class with plenty of boutique villas, swimming pools and an award winning spa.
One&Only – Los Cabos – Palmilla – Mexico
Palmilla is one of the most legendary golfing locations in the world, opening first in 1922. Jack Nicklaus (when he’s not designing golf courses in Colorado) is a big fan of Mexico and picked a stunning site here for his three 9 hole courses; Ocean, Mountain and Arroyo. He designed the courses specifically to be accessible to all golfers, beginners included, and it’s the perfect place to take a golfing selfie as the resort is sat just above the Baja Peninsula and the Sea of Cortez, famous for gorgeous sandy beaches and stunning sunsets.
These are just a handful of the many luxurious and unique golfing locations around the world and whilst they may not be in the budget every time you want to take an extended golfing break they would certainly make for a once in a lifetime golfing experience.
