Back in 2011, Ben Cowan-Dewar, in collaboration with Mike Keiser of Bandon Dunes acclaim, unveiled what is now known as Cabot Cape Breton, a golf resort of extraordinary design and beauty, strikingly laid out on Cape Breton Island in Canada’s Nova Scotia.
Stunning holes are crafted along the arresting Atlantic coastline and many when played will live long in the memory. The par three 16th on the Cabot Cliffs course is one such hole, set high above the cliffs, the crashing ocean down below, the green set within an outcrop, jutting out into the water. It is an intimidating tee shot, but a thrilling one.
This new resort would fast become one of the world’s most sought-after golfing destinations and it became the foundation of what is now ‘The Cabot Collection’. Cabot Cape Breton, acknowledged as a ‘Top 100 Golf Resort in the World for 2024 – 2025’ by Golf Magazine, featuring two 18 hole golf courses, a 10 hole short course, 72 rooms of award-winning lodging at Cabot Links Lodge, 19 upscale golf villas and 30 luxurious homes, supported by three exceptional on-site restaurants, became the bluebrint for The Cabot Collection’s expansion across the globe.
Over the last decade, Cabot has enhanced its portfolio and now lays claim to an enviable offering of luxury residential, resort and golf destinations, which also includes Cabot Saint Lucia in the Caribbean, Cabot Revelstoke in British Columbia in Canada, Cabot Highlands in Scotland, Cabot Citrus Farms in Florida in the USA and Cabot Bordeaux in France.
All The Cabot Collection’s resorts feature top class golf courses, with designs by the likes of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, as well as real estate and other luxury amenities.
Now, The Cabot Collection has announced a further addition to its exclusive resort collection, the Canadian developer adding its first Scandinavian property, with an investment into Lofoten Links, which is found on the Lofoten Islands of Northern Norway.
Situated just above the Arctic Circle, this spectacular setting, at the 68th northern parallel, showcases amazing mountain and sea scenery. In summer, visitors to this mesmerising part of the world experience the ‘midnight sun’, the phenomenon whereby the sun never sets, a natural occurrence for several weeks in locations north of the Arctic Circle. In winter, the location showcases the enchanting spectacle that is the Northern Lights.
The golf course of Lofoten Links started its life over two decades ago as a six hole creation. It took a period of 12 years for the course to expand to nine holes and finally, in the summer of 2015, the 18-hole links course that is played today was unveiled.
The course lays claim to being the world’s northernmost links course and is a golfing track of quite extraordinary beauty and challenge. The Norwegian Sea neighbours many holes and sandy beaches create natural bunkers on a course which weaves itself through a dramatic and rugged landscape.
The opening par four gives a glimpse of both the allure and the test of what lies ahead, the natural contours of the sea shaping the left hand side of the fairway on this dog leg left. Try and cut the corner with a big drive over the sea, risking a lost ball with your first strike of the round, or play safe out to the right. It’s a fine start. The course’s signature hole follows next at the second, the large multi-level green of the par three sits beyond the double-sided beach and is encased by rocks. There are so many holes of note on this course, all 18 carefully crafted into this magnificent landscape.
Accompanying the golf course is delightful accommodation, Nordic style lodges, around the corner from the lovely Hov Beach. With careful thought, all the lodges face north towards the Norwegian Sea, meaning that all guests get to experience the midnight sun in summer or the Northern Lights in winter.
With this magnificent golf course and its accompanying amenities, it’s no surprise that Lofoten Links is a natural fit for Cabot, the visually stunning property offering an unparalleled blend of alluring landscapes and outstanding golf. Cabot plans to welcome the property into its growing portfolio, extending its international presence to Northern Europe.
Referencing the strategic investment into the property, built majestically into the rugged, seaside landscape of Norway’s remote Gimsøy Island, part of the wider Lofoten archipelago, Ben Cowan-Dewar, CEO and co-founder of The Cabot Collection said: “We are thrilled to join forces with Lofoten Links, a spectacular property that effortlessly aligns with our vision of delivering world-class golf and experiences across the globe’s most remarkable destinations.” He continued: “General manager Frode Hov is a true visionary, and we couldn’t be more excited about the future of this extraordinary site.”
Whilst the fabled golf course is known for its challenging yet rewarding design and ranked no. 24 in the world by Golf Digest and no. 88 in the world by Golf Magazine, its dramatic scenery and remote coastline provide a breath-taking backdrop for golf enthusiasts, it isn’t the only activity on offer for guests at this luxurious retreat. Lofoten Links presents myriad activities for discerning travellers seeking authenticity and adventure, including horseback riding, hiking, and kayaking.
Cabot’s investment in Lofoten Links comes amidst a period of significant international expansion plans. The company recently announced Cabot Bordeaux, previously known as Golf Du Médoc Resort, a premier destination for golf and wine enthusiasts located in the Bordeaux region of France. With this latest addition in Norway, The Cabot Collection further enhances its outstanding reputation for the presentation of the most desirable luxury golf and residential resorts in the world.
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For more information go to lofotenlinks.no
