Golf enthusiasts are kind of in their own club. We won’t say a cult, but once golf starts running through your veins from now until the fall, we know what you’re doing on the weekends. By popular request, we have your list of the top golf hotels around the world. Because golf is just as good of an excuse as any, to head to Ireland. Or Scotland. Or just stay close to home at a classic, that’s pretty much the definition of legend. These are six golf courses at hotels, that any golf aficionado will want to know. And by the way, the hotels themselves are a reason to travel, even if we dare say, you aren’t so into golf.
Have Golf? Will Travel
Sometimes taking a vacation is about customizing how you unwind. To some it’s laying on the beach, to others it’s seeking adventure. Similarly, it can be about a luxurious hotel or about being thrown into the culture of a new city. Golf is another category on that list which attracts a flurry of travel every year. Some golf courses are known for their legend, others for their history. Sometimes, it’s as much about the sport as it is the breathtaking views. But it’s always an extra perk if the golf course comes attached to a luxurious hotel. Even better if it’s in an interesting location with award winning food, and plenty of other activities and amenities. Here is our list of the top hotel golf courses around the world.
The Hotel: The Gleneagles Hotel
The Location: Perth, Scotland
Overview
Golf and Scotland; well, that’s just synonymous, for those who know that golf originated on the Eastern Coast of the country. So when it comes to bucket list, Gleneagles is always at the top of golf destinations. The impressive hotel is set in a country estate that is deep in the Scottish countryside, and as pretty as can be. Gleneagles has luxurious rooms that are done up in elegant Scottish plaid. Pretty much wherever you stay, you’re in close proximity to the gym, pool, and spa, that is if you’re not golfing the entire time.
The food at Gleneagles is especially notable, because one can’t live on golf alone. The two-star Andrew Fairlie is one of the top dining experiences in Scotland. Fine dining doesn’t end there though; Gleneagles also has the Straethern, with Franco-Scotish fare. There are also casual grills, posh tea rooms, and low lit bars, to keep you well-fed.
Besides golf, Gleneagles offers activities like shooting and fishing, horse riding, lawn games and falconry. You know – the traditional Scottish fare, because after all, when in Scotland.
The Golf
Gleneagles has three of the top golf courses in all of Scotland. Firstly, The King’s Championship Course has been around for one hundred years. It is an eighteen hole course designed by the legendary James Braid. Secondly, The Queen’s Championship Course has some of the most scenic views with a variety of landscapes that will challenge and charm. In addition, the PGA Centenary Championship Golf Course has been the site of both the Ryder and Solenheim Cups. Lastly, there’s the Wee Course, with nine par three holes which is a good option for beginners.
The Hotel: The Lodge at Torrey Pines
The Location: San Diego, California
Overview
The Lodge at Torrey Pines is as traditional old-school as it gets for golf accommodations, where if the hotel business doesn’t work out, they can be a Stickley furniture showroom. Top rooms have unparalleled views of the golf course and Pacific Ocean, so you can eat, breath and sleep golf at Torrey Pines.
The food is all locally sourced with a menu that highlights the California spirit. The spa and its treatments are inspired by the ocean and lush plant life found around the landscape. Additionally, there is also a swimming pool, yoga classes, and nature walks to explore the surroundings. Being in La Jolla means that you can easily find some of the best beaches, restaurants, and sunset spots.
The Golf
The Torrey Pines Golf Course has a total of thirty six holes. These are split into two eighteen hole courses. The North Course is known for its spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean towards the end of the eighteen holes. The South Course, recently redesigned in 2001 by Rees Jones, has a more challenging terrain that’s been sought after. The Torrey Pines Golf Course has been the site of the 2008 and 2021 U.S. Open Championships. They currently have a package where if you spend three nights at The Lodge you get a complimentary round of Golf.
The Hotel: Amanera
The Location: Playa Grande, Dominican Republic
Overview
As far as top golf hotels go, Amanera may just be one of the top most luxurious hotels in the world. Amanera is wedged between the Atlantic Ocean and a Dominican Republic jungle. The northern shores of Playa Grande instills the atmosphere with golden beaches and thriving tropical plants all around. They have a series of ocean view casitas and one bedroom casas which are like your own private homes. Additionally, you get seasonal and sustainable dining options and a world class spa and wellness center. This is Aman, after all.
Because the hotel is between an ocean and jungle, you get plenty of activities to take part in while here. However, many are drawn to the golf course, which is one of the most spectacular in all of the Caribbean.
The Golf
The golf course, located next to Amanera, is available for guests to use. It is such a beautiful course it would inspire someone who doesn’t care for golf, to take up the sport, at least for the stay at the hotel. The eighteen hole golf course at Playa Grande was designed by Rees Jones. Ten of its eighteen holes are oceanfront, the most in the western hemisphere. Playing this course you’ll enjoy cliffside greens, panoramic views, and pristine fairways that feel like paradise. In addition, they have a series of comfort stations along the course. These include a taverna for drinks, a mini putting competition, and even axe throwing.
The Hotel: Anahita Golf and Spa Resort
The Location: Beau Champ, Mauritius
Overview
Anahita is a luxury resort set on 213 hectares of tropical gardens on the east coast of Mauritius. They have a selection of lavish suites and villas that overlook the gardens, golf courses, and sea. There are four restaurants, one directly on the beach, and a bar with live music and DJ sets on selected evenings. The spa is done by Thémaé Paris and features tea based treatments and traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Additionally, you can enjoy their gym, tennis courts, beaches, and boat excursions when you’re not hitting the green. There is also a world class Four Seasons next door, so you are in no lack of supply of top luxury accommodations.
The Golf
Golfing at Anahita is complimentary. Yes, you read that correctly, because if you’re coming this far, they’re gong to take care of you. That applies for both eighteen hole courses, designed by Ernie Els and Bernhard Langer. Anahita Golf, the course designed by Ernie Els, features five sets of tees, large fairways, and six oceanfront holes. Subsequently, Ile Aux Cerfs Golf, is a five minute boat ride away and is a par-72 Championship course. Additionally, there is a golf academy to step up your game.
The Hotel: Castiglion del Bosco
The Location: Tuscany, Italy
Overview
Castiglion del Bosco is a Rosewood hotel set in the region of Tuscany known as Val d’Orcia. This 5,000 acre Italian estate is 800 years old and exudes an old world atmosphere of luxury. It has four-two suites decorated with antiques, textiles, and crafts. In addition, there are eleven Tuscan villas on the estate which come with their own heated pools, gardens, and terraces.
There are a variety of options for dining at Castiglion del Bosco. One of them, Ristorante Campo del Drago, won a Michelin star. The Rosewood Spa includes a sauna, steam bath, and tranquil garden. There is a fitness center as well as a swimming pool perched on the hilltop.
The Golf
The golf course at Castiglion del Bosco is one of the finest in Europe. It is designed by champion golfer Tom Weiskopf. He uses the natural landscape to create an 18 hole course that highlights the best of its surroundings. Additionally, The Club is the only private golf club in all of Italy, open to hotel guests and residents. Equipment and golf carts are available to rent and the Clubhouse Restaurant is open on select evenings. What really makes this course stunning is that its surrounded by panoramic views of Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO-protected landscape.
The Hotel: The Four Seasons, Lanai
The Location: Lanai, Hawaii
Overview
The Four Seasons Lanai is an oceanfront resort located on the unspoiled island of Lanai, Hawaii. It is surrounded by scenic views, breathtaking trails, and a pristine beach. There are a variety of rooms and suites facing the gardens or looking out onto the ocean below. These range in style and size but come with the Four Seasons touch of luxury and attention to detail. Enjoy Japanese cuisine at their own Nobu Lanai, a cliffside restaurant where the food is as good as the views. Other elements that make the resort special, are its lagoon style pools, botanical gardens, Hawanawana Spa, and a ton of activities.
The Golf
The Manele Golf Course is reserved exclusively for hotel guests. Built around hardened lava, the course features three cliffside holes and a magnificent landscape overlooking the Pacific. It has a five-tee concept that will challenge the best golfers. The course features shots over ravines and gorges, as well as grassy vistas perched high above the ocean. Complimentary club rentals are available to guests playing 9 or 18 hole rounds after noon.
