As important as the swing itself—the most crucial movement in golf that involves a coordinated action of the entire body—is choosing where to play. There are many courses available at or near luxury resorts, perfect for a dream vacation. Join us on a journey through several countries, combining golf with luxury hotels that offer spas for relaxation, top-notch restaurants, stunning pools, and in some cases, even breathtaking beaches.
The best golf resorts in the world combine the beauty of the landscape—often painted in lush green, and sometimes with the blue of the sea as a backdrop—with luxury hotels. Whether set on hills, nestled between mountains, in plains, or right next to the beach, the greens are meticulously designed, each offering unique challenges. Golfers don’t mind traveling long distances to hit a few balls, and their vacation destinations are often chosen based on the golf courses they want to try. From Dubai to Indonesia, Australia to Scotland, not to mention Italy, France, and Portugal, discover elegant resorts with luxurious rooms, exclusive suites, or standalone villas. In your luggage, don’t forget the attire that matches the sport’s dress code: polo shirts, pants or shorts, belts, gloves, socks, golf shoes, and a hat. Golf is much more than a sport; it’s a lifestyle that benefits both the mind and body.
Park Hyatt Dubai
Located along the banks of Dubai Creek—the channel where the fishing village that gave rise to this Emirate was born—the Park Hyatt Dubai backs onto the award-winning Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, making it a top choice for golfers. The architecture of its various buildings resembles traditional houses with wind towers, echoing the old part of Dubai near the resort. Voted the Best Golf Hotel in this Emirate by the World Golf Awards, it boasts 223 luxurious rooms and suites, all with a private balcony or terrace, some of which include a pool. Speaking of pools, the main one is surrounded by lush tropical gardens. A must-see is the Lagoon Beach by Twiggy, a white sandy beach with an infinity lagoon that seems to flow into the Creek.
There are also several restaurants offering Mediterranean, Thai, and French cuisine, available both indoors and al fresco. At the Amara Spa, the focus is on relaxation, with exclusive massage rituals and rejuvenating facial treatments.
Banyan Tree Bintan
This luxury resort, located in the forest of Bintan, an Indonesian island in the Riau archipelago, faces the South China Sea and is home to Laguna Golf Bintan, one of the best golf courses in Indonesia, shaped by nature and incorporating impressive rock formations that mark the island’s landscape. Just a short walk from the private white-sand beach lined with palm trees, the villas scattered across the property feature Balinese-style décor and private pools, blending seamlessly into the lush green surroundings.
The resort also features several restaurants and the Banyan Tree Spa, known for its wellness temples that emphasize Indonesian traditions. Yoga enthusiasts have another reason to choose this destination, as daily yoga classes are offered.
Qualia
In Hamilton, one of the 74 Whitsunday Islands off the coast of Queensland, Australia, there’s a true paradise characterized by exclusive service where every detail counts. Named Qualia, it is set against the backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef on one side and a national park that covers 70% of the island’s lush forests on the other, inviting exploration along trails that demand time.
Golf is the most sought-after activity at the resort, as it is located next to the Hamilton Island Golf Club, an 18-hole course designed by award-winning golfer Peter Thomson. Its par-71 is considered one of the most challenging in the world.
As for the hotel, the accommodations consist of 60 luxurious lodges overlooking the sea, perfectly in sync with the local landscape. At the far end of the property is a magnificent white sandy beach, and even in the restaurants—Pebble Beach and Long Pavilion—the Whitsunday Islands are always in view. The holistic therapies at the Qualia Spa, located in the heart of the resort, are also a must-try.
Dundonald Links
In Ayrshire, Scotland, golf is an institution—after all, the origins of the sport date back to the 15th century in this British country. That legacy can be experienced at Dundonald Links, though with a contemporary twist. Recognized by the World Golf Awards as the Best Golf Hotel, its modern lodges are arranged around a putting green, so you don’t have to walk far to take your first swing. The luxurious accommodations, ranging from two to six bedrooms, even feature a dedicated room for storing golf equipment.
The resort is naturally integrated into the rugged coastal landscape of western Scotland, and the course was designed by golf champion Willie Fernie, who highlighted remarkable undulations and gorse bushes, with pine trees framing some areas of the green. At the Dundonald Links Clubhouse, you can dine at the Canny Crow restaurant, work out in a gym equipped with state-of-the-art technology, or sample whiskey in a tasting lounge.
Verdura Resort
Between the blue of the sea and the green of Sicily’s nature, Italy’s Verdura Resort is highly sought after by discerning golfers and consistently ranks among the top hotels in various golf-related rankings. The 18-hole course, designed by Kyle Phillips, is both scenic and challenging, and the accommodations live up to that standard. In addition to various types of rooms and suites, the resort also offers villas with three or four bedrooms and infinity pools, all with sea views and surrounded by the Sicilian landscape dotted with orange and olive trees. Just steps away is the La Zagara beach.
Don’t forget the spa, the four restaurants that highlight southern Italian cuisine, and the Granita Bar, where you can enjoy a unique sunset while sipping cocktails made with ingredients grown in the Verdura Resort gardens, part of the Rocco Forte Hotels group.
Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort
Named the Best Golf Hotel in France in 2023 by the World Golf Awards, Terre Blanche Resort exudes the charm of Provence and the elegance of the Côte d’Azur, perfectly fitting its location. At Terre Blanche, everything is designed to respect the surrounding nature, and the architecture is a tribute to southern French tradition, so it’s no surprise that the property resembles a Provençal village. It was Dietmar Hopp, a golfer, who in 1999 decided to create the resort, which still reflects his dream today. The suites and villas feature terraces perfect for relaxing, and the latter come with pools. The resort’s infinity pool is also not to be missed, along with its 3,200 square meter spa.
Food lovers will be in their element, with six different dining options highlighting modern French cuisine, Provençal flavors, and kid-friendly delicacies. One of the restaurants, Le Faventia, boasts a Michelin star.
The resort’s two professional 18-hole golf courses, Le Château and Le Riou, were designed by renowned architect Dave Thomas.
Vale de Lobo
One of Portugal’s most exclusive resorts, Vale de Lobo dates back to the 1960s. Golf has been one of its pillars from the start, and it offers two 18-hole courses that can be played year-round. With luxury and comfort as its foundation, all the individual or semi-detached villas and apartments are designed to provide the best vacation experience.
The beach stretches for two kilometers and is another of the resort’s highlights, as is the Royal Spa and the various restaurants where guests can enjoy both international and national cuisine. This summer, two new additions were introduced: Tinto Vale do Lobo and Doce Vale do Lobo. The former invokes traditional Portuguese taverns, with a menu featuring regional tapas paired with a curated selection of wines. The latter focuses on traditional Portuguese sweets and coffee, with fresh salads and natural juices also available on the menu.
