Have clients who love to golf but their partner doesn’t? We’ve found six places you can recommend that will please both travellers.
Gleneagles, Scotland
With three of the top courses in Scotland and hosts of The Ryder and Solheim Cups, it’s easy to see why this resort would top any golfer’s travel to-do list.
The three championship golf courses cater to everyone from novices to elite players – and there’s also a ‘Wee Course’ of nine holes for beginners.
For those who don’t want to tee off, this picturesque country estate – a Leading Hotel of the World – has a sprawling spa with two indoor pools, an outdoor thermal pool and a state-of-the-art gym.
Days can also be spent horse riding, walking, cycling or off-road driving, and when you return, dine in the two Michelin-starred restaurant, Andrew Fairlie.
Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, New Zealand
Talk to anyone from New Zealand about the best luxury lodges in the country and Rosewood Kauri Cliff’s name will pop up.
Home to a par 72 championship golf course with panoramic views across the Pacific Ocean, this Northland resort sits on more than 2,400 hectares of manicured grounds.
If you’re not golfing, walk through the verdant bushland to see ancient Kauri trees, the Hikurua waterfall, and serene beaches. Regardless of where you go, you’ll be surrounded by quintessential New Zealand nature.
Dunluce Lodge, Northern Ireland
The about-to-open Dunluce Lodge (main image) sits alongside the fourth fairway at the world-famed Royal Portrush Golf Club, and is the region’s only five-star resort.
If not playing at Royal Portrush, overlooked by the ruins of the 13th-century, Dunluce Castle, guests can immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Causeway Coast, go cycling, fishing or indulge in a tasting platter in the lodge’s wine vault or library.
Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort, Italy
Marriott’s Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort in Tuscany is home to the country’s only PGA National Italy golf course.
Come September 2024, it will host the prestigious Italian Challenge Open, and the Italian Open on the DP World Tour in 2025.
The course is as picturesque as you’d expect in this locale, with 18 holes in a panoramic valley overlooking Orbetello Lagoon and the Mediterranean Sea.
For those who aren’t ‘golfers’, days will be spent exploring nearby vineyards, or stay onsite and indulge in tastings of the resort’s organic olive oil made with olives harvested on the golf course.
The active can do a workout in the fitness centre with Technogym cardio and weightlifting equipment, and areas for CrossFit and functional gymnastics.
Or head to the sprawling spa which has a heated swimming pool, Turkish bath, massage cabins, tanning showers and MediSpa.
One & Only Palmilla, Mexico
One & Only Palmilla is minutes from the Palmilla Golf Club in Los Cabos, recognised as the “Grand Dame of Los Cabos golf.”
Designed by American professional golfer, Jack Nicklaus, it is described as a world-class masterpiece and is “the best of Cabo golf” in Los Cabos with views across the Sea of Cortez from all 27 holes.
While one traveller spends the day at this pro course, the other can charter a private yacht to go whale watching, spot sharks and manta rays, or set off on a sunset speedboat ride.
Closer to the resort, guests can try thrilling water sports, tequila tastings, al fresco picnics, and art classes.
Barnbougle Golf Resort, Tasmania
Located on the northeast coast of Tasmania, Barnbougle Golf Resort has two ‘links’ golf courses, both rated in the top 100 courses in the world (and top five in Australia).
The first course, Barnbougle Dunes, was designed by renowned US Golf Architect Tom Doak and five years later, the second course Barnbougle Lost Farm opened for play. Most recently, Bougle Run, the 14-hole short course was added.
For those not playing, seven of Australia’s best cool climate vineyards are nearby, including Janz, home to one of the country’s most popular sparkling wines.
Or, jump in the car and head to Bridestowe, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Lavender Farm, or the nearby seaside village of Bridport where guests will find family-friendly beaches and plenty of cafes to while away the day.
For more information, visit Gleneagles, Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, Dunluce Lodge, Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort and Barnbougle Tasmania.
