Luxe resorts that take golf to the next level

It's time to glow up your golf game

Lydia Swinscoe

3 min read

October 10, 2024 - 9:08AM

These five-star escapes offer so much more than just a day on the green. Image: Four Seasons Resorts

Lifestyle

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From luxurious private villas and world-class spas to chef-inspired cuisine, these five-star escapes offer so much more than just a day on the green.

Four Seasons Resort, Beau Champ, Mauritius

Reef-fringed Mauritius has year-round sunshine, allowing for almost 365 days of perfect weather for golf – which can be played across two championship courses at this spectacular resort (fourseasons.com/mauritius). Choose from the oceanfront, Ernie Els-designed, 18-hole course and the Bernhard Langer Signature Course at Ile aux Cerfs during your stay. Abundant with lush tropical greenery and superlative views, these pilgrimage-worthy courses feature seafront holes, stunning island vistas and mesmerising final shots. The hotel’s Golfers’ Island Getaway package offers savings on villa rates (each with its own pool and garden), and complimentary green fees for extended stays.

Four Seasons Resort, Beau Champ, Mauritius.

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand

Backed by dramatic cliffs, where bright white gannets thrive, sits one of New Zealand’s most captivating hotels. Appealing to golf aficionados and nature lovers alike, the sprawling estate (rosewoodhotels.com/en/cape-kidnappers) is a wildlife conservation area and boasts an award-winning golf course spread across forest, farmland and marsh. The exclusive sanctuary overlooks the wild Pacific Ocean and the decadently luxurious bedrooms feature open fireplaces to ensure they’re warm and welcoming year round. The hotel’s farm-to-table-inspired restaurant offers seasonally changing menus created with ingredients grown on site and locally sourced produce – including 30 varieties of fresh figs.

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand.

Verdura Resort, Sicily, Italy

With two 18-hole championship courses and a nine-hole, par-three course, Italy’s number one golf resort wows with its dreamlike volcanic island setting, overlooking endless olive groves and the glimmering Mediterranean Sea. All bedrooms, suites and villas at this super-luxe property (roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/verdura-resort) boast sea views, while their bougie ensuites feature rainfall showers and offer bath products made with ingredients sourced from the resort. The hotel’s four outdoor thalassotherapy pools utilise the area’s mineral-rich waters to soothe away aches after a successful day on the green. There’s also a generously sized swimming pool, picturesque spa, daily yoga class and a helipad if you’re inclined to chopper in from mainland Italy. Magnifico!

Verdura Resort, Sicily, Italy.

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, St Moritz, Switzerland

Synonymous with luxury, Badrutt’s Palace (badruttspalace.com) is the ideal base for a sun-soaked lakeside getaway with a difference, offering access to the Engadin Golf Club. Founded in 1893, it’s Switzerland’s oldest golf club and situated 1700 metres above sea level within a UNESCO World Heritage site. After a day on the green surrounded by impressive mountain views, head back to the hotel and choose from its wide array of restaurants. Bedrooms are elegant and traditionally decorated, with stunning lake or village views. If you fancy a break from the fairway, there’s a host of other outdoor activities on offer, including paragliding and horse-riding, along with a sublime spa and brand-new swimming pool.

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, St Moritz, Switzerland.

The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, Florida, USA

Known for its iconic pink façade and rich history, The Vinoy is home to an award-winning, 18-hole championship golf course located on Snell Isle, designed by famed architect Ron Garl. The picturesque course appeals to golfers of all skill levels with expansive fairways and puzzling bunkers. When the heat of the day gets too much, retire to the hotel’s beautiful swimming pool, surrounded by blue and white striped parasols or head to the extremely Instagrammable veranda with its terracotta tiles, rose-hued walls and selection of leafy plants - it’s the place to relax with a decedent high tea or sunset cocktails.

The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, Florida, USA

InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Queensland, Australia

If you can drag yourself away from the one-acre lagoon swimming pool, serene spa or the modern Mediterranean-inspired bedrooms at this haven (sanctuarycove.intercontinental.com) its acclaimed golf courses, The Pines and The Palms, certainly won’t disappoint. With a prime Gold Coast location, novices and pros alike will adore the tropical surrounds and inspiring views of both fairways, mere moments from the hotel’s lobby. As one of Australia's most challenging courses, kangaroos and rare bird life can often be spotted at The Pines, while The Palms features numerous water features and hazards since undergoing a recent $8.8 million redesign.