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When golfers around the globe think of top-tier golf destinations, there are a few different places that come to mind. First and foremost is the British Isles. Of course, this is where the game was invented, and to this day, its windswept links remain some of the most revered in the game.
There are other notable destinations too: Florida and the Carolinas on the U.S. Atlantic Coast, California and Arizona on the Pacific Coast.
While these destinations certainly offer everything a golfer could ever want, they can be crowded and exorbitantly expensive during peak times of the year.
But there are plenty of other worthy destinations that are waiting to be discovered, especially in Europe. The dedicated staff at Golf Travel Centre have worked hard to develop close relationships with many of these properties and are standing by to help you handle every step of planning your next golf trip abroad.
The southern tip of Spain is home to the province of Cadiz. In the city of Jerez de la Frontera, you’ll find Barcelo Montecastillo Golf and Sports Resort. Located just outside the city proper, this property is surrounded by lush, rolling hills, and a castle that dates back to the 19th century.
The resort features a newly renovated hotel with 124 large, modern rooms, and 39 villas. Every accommodation is equipped with the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
Chances are you’ll want to venture outside your room though as much as you can because there’s so much to see and do.
The U-Spa is a world-class experience that guests have been raving about ever since it opened. It offers multiple saunas, a substantial fitness facility, massage rooms, and every type of wellness treatment under the sun.
Make sure to bring your appetite too when you visit Barcelo Montecastillo. Ricardo’s café offers up fine fare that’s inspired by cuisines both local and from around the world. Only the freshest ingredients are used, and the portions are fit for a king.
The heartbeat of this property is the world-renown Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. Home to the Volvo Masters for five years running, this gem is an experience you won’t encounter anywhere else. Be sure to bring your camera as the views are incredible.
The layout itself is relatively flat, though there are some subtle elevation changes that make club selection a challenge, especially in windy conditions. While there is ample room off the tee, approach shots must be played with precision as the greens are surrounded by penal bunkers and water hazards.
The 18th hole is one that really stands out. The tee shot is elevated significantly above the fairway, and the approach plays to a green that’s surrounded by an expansive lake. Make par here and it’s a job well done.
For one of finest all-inclusive golf experiences in Spain, look no further than Barcelo Montecastillo Golf and Sports Resort.
If you’re looking for five-star golf, amenities, food, and service, you’ve come to the right place at the Hotel Camiral at PGA Catalunya.
The hotel is world-class. Each of the rooms are open, airy, and receive ample natural light. They’re also equipped with all the necessary modern amenities. You won’t get tired of looking at the views either.
During your stay, you’ll definitely want to spend a day at the spa. A wide array of health and beauty treatments are available. Be sure to take advantage of the geothermal pool, hot tub, sauna, and hammam.
If you want to be a little closer to nature, the natural mineral waters at Caldes de Malavella are just a short drive away.
The real story at this property is the golf, however. The Stadium and Tour Courses are both world-renowned.
Ranked as the #1 course in Spain, the Stadium Course has hosted a bevy of European Tour events over the years.
While it’s a stern test for the pros, it’s more than playable for everyday amateurs. The layout is right in front of you and asks that you hit every club in your bag.
The Tour Course is the more user-friendly of the two, but it lacks nothing in character. Pine trees and pristine lakes can be found throughout.
While the fairways are generous, your approach shots need to be on point to well protected greens. Elevation change is a constant theme throughout as well.
With numerous stay-and-play packages available at all times of the year, Hotel Camiral at PGA Catalunya will have you wanting to come back again and again.
Not many other golf resorts exude luxury like Hotel Elba Palace Golf on Canary Island. Unlike a lot of other resorts that have hundreds of rooms and can be overrun with visitors, you’ll find things quiet and peaceful at this boutique property.
No more than 51 rooms and 10 suites are elegantly appointed and make for a most comfortable stay.
For those that want to relax, the outdoor and children’s pools are the perfect spot. They’re complemented by a spa that features a jacuzzi and Roman-style sauna.
Finding something to eat won’t be a problem. Hoyo 19 is the perfect place for breakfast as the buffet allows you to choose from all kinds of tasty ingredients and dishes. For a midday snack, be sure to check out St. Andrews Restaurant where al fresco choices are plenty. If you’re in need of a hearty dinner after a long day on the course, La Bodega offers up regionally inspired fare that’s sure to satiate even the most discerning food critics.
Fuerteventura Golf Club sits right on the coast and offers vast views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Even though the course is on the shorter side measuring less than 6,100 yards, it demands creative shot making and precision. Venture too far offline and scores can add up quickly.
Quiet, secluded, and breathtakingly beautiful, Hotel Elba Palace Golf is the perfect place to truly get away.
Formerly known as Lumine, Infinitum Golf is located on Costa Dorada. The property is set amongst ancient Roman ruins that constantly remind you of this region’s long and storied history.
Two outstanding golf courses await.
Accuracy is at a premium at the Lakes Course which meanders through the Sequia Major wetlands. As its name suggests, keeping the ball dry is the key to scoring well. Always in excellent condition, this thinking man’s track will test every aspect of your game.
The Hills Course moves out of the low country and features significant changes in elevation. White pine, olive, and carob trees line the fairways and demand that you keep the ball in play.
From the highest points on the course, golfers are treated to breath-taking views of the Balearic Sea.
While long hitters will like the option of hitting driver from the back tees, plenty of forward tee options make this course playable for everyone.
It’s just about golf at Infinitum, and the experience is one of the more memorable ones in Spain.
Tenerife is arguably one of the most gorgeous places in all of Europe. That’s especially true at Melia Hacienda del Conde.
Set right on the coast, this property’s temperate climate makes it a highly desirable destination year around.
No less than 117 rooms feature modern amenities and private balconies that afford expansive views of the ocean and surrounding countryside.
The a la carte restaurant gives guests plenty of Mediterranean choices while the buffet has cuisine from all over the world. No matter what you’re in the mood for, your stomach will be full by the time you're done.
Buenavista Golf Course was designed by the late, great Seve Ballesteros. Measuring 6,582 yards from the back tees, coastal winds put a premium on club selection, even on what might seem like a calm day.
If you want to take your game to the next level, be sure to book a lesson or two at the Golf School. It features some of the best instructors in Spain and the facilities are second to none.
The premier golf destination in Tenerife, Melia Hacienda del Conde won’t disappoint.
The word might be out on Spain as a world-class golf destination. However, its westerly neighbour, Portugal boasts destination golf properties that are equally impressive, and often more affordable.
Ranked five stars, no detail is overlooked at Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort.
The modern hotel has 280 rooms and all the modern amenities you need to feel comfortable. They include three outdoor pools, a world-class spa, and state-of-the-art fitness facility.
Every morning, the Victoria Restaurant serves up a grand breakfast buffet that highlights local produce and ingredients.
Anantara Lounge and Bar is the ideal spot to grab a drink and some light tapas after a round of golf. From there, you’ll want to head to the Wine Oriented Restaurant where the world-class chef and resident sommelier prepare a delectable menu every day of the week. You won’t go hungry at this resort.
The Anantara Spa, Wellness, and Fitness Centre is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Asian inspired treatments are the perfect way to feel balanced and revitalized. For those that want to work out, the gym is open 24 hours and personal trainers are available.
The Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course is the premier course in the area. Designed by Arnold Palmer, it’s played host to a number of European Tour events throughout the years. Names like Lee Westwood, Padraig Harrington, Andy Sullivan, and Shane Lowry have all been crowned champion here.
If you want to play in the footsteps of some of the game’s greats, this is the place to do it in Portugal.
Just a short drive from the quaint town of Tavira, you’ll find Monte Rei Golf and Country Club. Even though this property has the phrase “Country Club” in its name, it happily welcomes golfers from all over the world.
Instead of a large hotel, visitors can choose from a variety of villas and penthouses that feature multiple sleeping quarters and private terraces. Every unit comes with a modern appointed kitchen and all the necessary cutlery for guests that prefer to dine in.
If eating out is your preference, there are plenty of outstanding options close by. A local’s favourite is Vistas Restaurant which overlooks the 18th hole of the Jack Nicklaus designed course and has views of the ocean below.
Speaking of golf, this is one of the more unique courses in Portugal. It has eight par-fours, five par-threes, and five par-five.
Ball striking is the name of the game as water comes into play on 11 of the 18 holes.
The course flows naturally with the terrain too. Not much land was moved in its design, and the natural features are highlighted throughout.
If you find yourself in the East Algarve region of Portugal, be sure to spend some time at Monte Rei Golf and Country Club.
There’s a lot of quality golf to be found in and around Lisbon. But there’s no place quite like the Oitavos.
This resort features spacious lofts and suites that have all the modern creature comforts. There are plenty of different floor plans to choose from.
The Lounge Restaurant boasts a menu of the finest contemporary cuisine. Verbasco is the less formal option and highlights Portuguese flavours with plenty of drink options to match.
You won’t have a problem relaxing here. The spa takes a holistic approach to wellness with the use of organic treatment products. You can also indulge in yoga, Pilates, and various other fitness classes.
The Oitavos Dunas Golf Course is located just outside the town of Cascais. Designed by the venerable Arthur Hills, golfers enjoy majestic views of the Atlantic Ocean on most holes. A true links style layout, you can expect the wind to be a factor, and often the best choice is to keep the ball on the ground.
When golfers think of world-class destinations, Greece probably isn’t a place that comes readily to mind.
While there aren’t as many courses in Greece as there are in other European countries, there’s one property that certainly stands out.
Set on the shores of the Ionian Sea, this five-star resort offers plenty of activities and sites to see.
The hotel’s design was inspired by Messinian mansions, and such is reflected throughout. All the rooms are modern and afford stunning views of the water.
If you have the family in tow, you won’t have to worry about anyone being bored while you’re out on the course. The Aqua Park and Children’s Sports and Recreation Centre have plenty of activities to keep the young ones occupied.
For adults that want to be pampered and relax, the Anazoe Spa offers a variety of treatments that utilize olive oil and local herbs.
Other activities include biking, hiking, rock climbing, and even PADI-certified diving.
No less than 36 holes of golf await at Costa Navarino. The Dunes Course was designed by Bernhard Langer and takes its name from the natural dunes through which it meanders. Located close to sea, expect wind to play a factor.
The Bay Course is the work of Robert Trent Jones Jr. Named the European Golf Resort of the Year in 2017, this course features a number of holes directly on the water that offer incredible views.
Both courses are widely known for being in superb condition, and the variety of holes keep golfers on their toes throughout.
At no other place in Greece can a comprehensive family experience be found like the Westin Resort Costa Navarino.
The British Isles, and east and west coasts of the United States are what come to mind when golfers think about the best golf destinations in the world. And with good reason; there’s plenty of truly spectacular golf to be found.
But there are increasingly more and more places that offer world-class golf holiday options. And many of them have yet to become outrageously expensive and aren’t overrun with people.
If a golf holiday like that sounds good to you, Spain, Portugal, and Greece are waiting to be discovered. To find out more and get your next golf holiday booked, contact the knowledgeable staff at Golf Travel Lux today. They’re eager to help you take care of everything from the time you leave to the time you arrive back home.
