From the best holidays for a scenic swing to the best for championship golf, mini golf and beginners, here are some of the globe’s top golf getaways.
BEST FOR A SCENIC SWING: TIERRA DEL SOL RESORT & GOLF, ARUBA
The Tierra del Sol Resort & Golf, situated on the northern tip of Aruba, and rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest, offers an idyllic spot for a golf day.
The picturesque 18-hole PGA-approved course features sweeping panoramic ocean views, and desert scenery and was designed by renowned golf architect, Robert Trent Jones II.
Afterwards, visitors can head to the resort’s ‘19th hole’ and enjoy a refreshing beverage or unwind at the spa with a sports massage.
BEST FOR CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF: JA LAKE VIEW HOTEL
A stunning 9-hole championship golf course, which is seamlessly connected to the property’s exclusive 800-metre private beach.
Spanning 50 acres of lush greenery, the course was masterfully designed by world-renowned architect Peter Harradine, offering a scenically stunning yet engaging playing experience.
Over the past two decades, it has earned its reputation as a must-play course in Dubai, playing host to golfing legends like Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Greg Norman.
The JA Golf Academy Dubai provides cutting-edge facilities, including a floodlit driving range, along with advanced technology-driven teaching methods to help guests refine their game
BEST FOR MINI GOLF: AVANI+ KHAO LAK
The ultimate tropical resort just an hour’s drive from Phuket, has just introduced a new addition to its lineup of activities – a nine-hole mini golf course designed for fun under the shade of lush greenery.
The golf course is designed for all ages and skill levels, for up to six players, so all guests can enjoy some light-hearted competition in a picturesque setting.
Parents with older children can perfect their putting while younger ones dive into the expansive AvaniKids – a multi-zone haven featuring soft play areas, and also arcade games, PlayStation consoles, billiards, and table tennis in the dedicated teens zone.
For a splash of post-game relaxation, Avani+ Khao Lak’s four swimming pools, including a lively water park, offer a refreshing escape.
The mini golf course is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Complimentary access is available for in-house guests, while outside visitors can enjoy all nine holes for THB 300 per person.
BEST FOR SCRATCH AND BEGINNER GOLFERS: CALVIA
For golfers seeking a Mediterranean escape from the UK’s winter chill, Calvià, on the Balearic Island of Mallorca, is a dream destination boasting three exceptional courses open to the public that cater to players of all handicaps.
Golf Santa Ponsa I, is a championship course with wide fairways and the legendary 590-metre par-4 10th hole, one of the longest in Europe, offers a mix of challenge and playability amidst stunning views of the Tramuntana mountains.
Golf Calvià delights golfers with its meticulously renovated layout, featuring expansive fairways, undulating greens, and strategically placed water hazards.
Meanwhile, Real Golf de Bendinat presents a more intimate setting among a wooded valley, with tree-lined fairways and a signature 10th hole overlooking Bendinat Castle.
Combined with Calvià’s year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, and luxury amenities, these courses ensure every tee-off is an unforgettable round in paradise.
Green fees at Golf Santa Ponsa I are priced from €68 to play all 18 holes. Green fees at TGolf Calvià are priced from €101 to play all 18 holes.
Green fees at Real Golf de Bendinat are priced from €68 to play all 18 holes. Fly direct to Palma from most major UK airports.
BEST FOR A RELAXING BUT ACTIVE GETAWAY: VALENCIA
At The Parador de El Saler, guests can enjoy top-tier golf facilities alongside a relaxing spa experience, ensuring a memorable stay.
The Golf Course has an 18-hole design which integrates with the natural dune landscape. The course is located in El Saler Natural Park on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and ranges from beach links, similar to the famous Scottish courses, to areas of typical Mediterranean forest.
It was built and designed in 1968 by internationally acclaimed Javier Arana, considered to be the great architect of Spanish golf.
All water consumed in the Parador is treated and reused to irrigate the course, and the complex is powered by renewable energy, reflecting the Parador’s commitment to sustainability and its goal of carbon neutrality by 2030.
The Parador has exquisite gastronomy focused on locally sourced, sustainable ingredients and provides easy access to the local beaches as well as the city centre of Valencia, which is less than half an hour’s drive away.
Green fees at the Parador de El Saler course are priced from €60 for customers of the hotel for 18 holes and from €120 to pay and play all 18 holes on the day.
Stays at Parador de El Saler start from £95 per night on a room only basis.
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