In search of your next luxury getaway for the year? If you’re tired of doing the usual beach holiday, then why not mix things up a bit with a more action-packed break? From hitting the ski slopes to taking to the waves, active holidays have enjoyed a spike in popularity in recent years, and with resorts around the world ever expanding their offerings to cater for every type of guest, there has never been a better time to combine your favourite hobby with your summer escape.
The latest trend? Luxury golfing holidays, where a day of on-course action can be nicely rounded off with Michelin-starred dining or a sumptuous spa treatment to ease those aching muscles. If it sounds like a match made in heaven to you, then be a good sport and check out our pick of the top luxury golfing resorts to visit this year. And you don’t even have to be a PGA Championship quality golfer to enjoy our impressive selection.
Terre Blanche, Provence
Nestled into the picturesque scenery of the stunning Provence Côte d’Azur in southern France, Terre Blanche is home to both Le Château and Le Riou, two 18-hole championship courses that will keep you chasing victory all day long. Renowned for its beautiful water features, Le Château plays host to the annual French Riviera Masters on the Senior European Tour. The five-star resort sits comfortably amidst the region’s picturesque lakes, forest and waterfalls, with all 115 suites and villas boasting breath-taking views over the surrounding countryside.
Foodies can take their pick from four restaurants, the most notable of which being Michelin-starred Le Faventia. This is one place you certainly won’t go hungry – in fact, you’ll be positively spoilt for choice.
And while you’re in such a fantastic location, you will want to make sure that you look the part too, so don’t forget to pack some stylish attire from the top brands. Golf waterproofs and jackets, shirts, trousers and shoes all to keep you looking your very best on the course and swinging those perfect shots too.
Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort, 3100 Route de Bagnols en Foret, 83440 Tourettes, Provence Cote d’Azur, France +33(0)4 94 39 90 00
Banyan Tree, Phuket, Thailand
Fancy heading somewhere a little more exotic? The gorgeous Banyan Tree in stylish Phuket is a luxury Asian paradise, having already been recognised as the continents very finest golfing destination.
The hotel’s impressive par 71 course is the work of architect Paul Jansen, with plenty of water hazards added into the mix along the 6,756 yards for those who enjoy an extra challenge.
Set against the mountains, lagoons and tropical foliage of Phuket, the Banyan Tree makes for an idyllic spot in which to indulge in your favourite sport, with USGA specification greens guarantee quality putting surfaces year-round.
Villas boast their own private pools, and the world-class spa offering is truly second to none – so that’s off-course relaxation sorted, too.
Banyan Tree Resorts Phuket 33, 33/27 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Amphur Talang, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Laucala, Fiji
If you’re in search of real luxury, then look no further than the spectacular Laucala, Fiji. Guests are flown out to the island via the resorts own private jet, taking in incredible views of the volcanic mountains and towering cliff faces along the way. They soon give way to sweeping vistas of the South Pacific, making for the ultimate high-end holiday destination, complete with your favourite sport.
The par 72 is set on a former coconut plantation, while the green on Baravi, the signature 12th hole, sits right on the edge of the ocean. A welcome distraction, even on this all-important shot.
Impeccable service here is a given, with a whopping 350 staff on hand to serve just 24 private villas. Anything you want is yours for the taking – and what more could you ask from a holiday than that?
Laucala Island, Fiji +679 8880077
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Designed by the Australian winner of two majors, Greg Norman, The Ritz-Carlton offers a slightly smaller golf course than most – but what it lacks in this department, it more than makes up for elsewhere. For a start, it’s not the number that counts, and this challenging course promises to give you a run for your money regardless.
This dreamy 365-room, ocean-front resort offers a range of other sporting activities for you to immerse yourself in, too – including coaching from Nick Bollettieri tennis pros for those partial to a bit of on court action.
Set within 144 acres of grounds along Seven Mile beach and with five restaurants to choose from, including one from three Michelin-starred chef Eric Ripert, it’s one of the closest places to paradise on earth.
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Seven Mile Beach, KY1-1209, Cayman Islands +13459439000
Abaco Club, The Bahamas
There are few thoughts more appealing than a summer trip to the Bahamas, and the Abaco Club offers a range of luxury cabanas, cottages and estate houses to choose from for those in search of a little more privacy. Private dining is available in the comfort of your holiday home, while other options include The Cliff House, which overlooks Winding Bay where grouper, lobster and conch chowder are the orders of the day.
Links golf, namely playing a round skirting the shoreline and negotiating sand dunes, is usually associated with Scotland and Ireland, but Abaco offers the same experience in a much more temperate climate! Its course is the handiwork of architect duo Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie, with sloping putting greens and deep sand traps promising a challenging and exciting game.
Abaco Club, Cherokee Road on Winding Bay, Marsh Harbour, Abaco, The Bahamas +1 242 367 0077
