THE JOURNAL
Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico. Photograph courtesy of Rosewood Hotels and Resorts
Whether you prefer to swing your clubs on a legendary course or to tee off somewhere more unusual, we’ve chosen eight incredible hotels across the world. Places where state-of-the-art golf opportunities meet awe-inspiring surroundings and stylish design, with the most luxurious amenities to welcome you at the end of a round.
01. Como Laucala Island, Fiji
Photographs courtesy of Laucala Island
This South Pacific paradise is one of the world’s largest private-island resorts. And yet with only 25 villas – suspended over lagoons, on hilltops, within the rainforest and beside the beach – Como Laucala Island is an ultra-exclusive tropical retreat.
Take the shot
Between Melanesian waters and the Laucala mountains, the setting of the 18 holes couldn’t be much more cinematically scenic – the green of the 12th extends on to the sand. The par-72 course is on the challenging side, but it has a variety of tee box options to welcome newcomers.
Embrace the rest
Maximising the spoils of the heavenly destination, activities here span diving, snorkelling, hiking, sailing and horse-riding along the beach and through the waves. Guests are also invited to explore the 240-acre farm that supplies the fresh ingredients for the restaurants and bars.
02. Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico
Photograph courtesy of Rosewood Hotels and Resorts
Photograph courtesy of Rosewood Hotels and Resorts
Encircled by emerald jungle and silky white sands, the serene Rosewood Mayakoba sits on a stretch on pristine beach in Riviera Maya, with suites and villas immersed in the verdant surroundings – some right on the edge of the lagoon.
Take the shot
Mayakoba boasts the Greg Norman-designed El Camaléon championship course, traversing tropical jungle, mangroves, canals and the oceanfront. The fourth hole is played on the edge of the Caribbean Sea.
Embrace the rest
There are seven restaurants and bars celebrating Mexico’s rich and diverse culinary offering, with fresh-caught seafood an unsurprising highlight. Positioned on its own jungle island, Sense, A Rosewood Spa, is the most rejuvenating spot of all.
03. Adare Manor, Ireland
In the rural village of Adare in County Limerick, the 19th-century castle of Adare Manor has undergone meticulous renovations. It has become a magnificent retreat blending contemporary facilities with lavish design, amid the 842-acre estate.
Take the shot
Upcoming host of the Ryder Cup 2027, the championship course is designed by Tom Fazio, enjoying the surrounds of verdant terrain and the banks of the River Maigue.
Embrace the rest
Adare Manor has four restaurants, including the Michelin-starred The Oak Room, with expert whiskey and wine tasting on offer, Ireland’s first 111SKIN spa and a new padel club.
04. Amanera, Dominican Republic
On the sublime Playa Grande Beach along the Dominican Republic’s aptly named Gold Coast, where tropical jungle meets shimmering beach and boundless ocean blues, Amanera has all the ultra-luxe hallmarks that the Aman brand is known for.
Take the shot
The resort is close to the island’s spectacular Rees Jones-designed golf course, where the 18 holes all have jaw-dropping views over the Caribbean Sea – 10 of them directly overlook the water, bringing extra drama to your swing.
Embrace the rest
Expeditions on the water – from kayaking to paddle boarding and humpback whale watching – and land, including guided jungle walks, hikes and visiting the local fishing villages, Amanera provides the dream basis from which to explore. And, of course, with a supreme wellness offering.
05. Gleneagles, Scotland
Photograph courtesy of Gleneagles
Photograph courtesy of Gleneagles
The historic Gleneagles estate resides in the heart of Perthshire, hailing the natural splendour of the Scottish countryside.
Take the shot
Boasting the top spot in Golf World’s Top 100 UK and Ireland Resorts, and recent host of both The Ryder and Solheim Cups, Gleneagles caters for the pros, but also for beginners, across its three championship courses and one nine-hole course.
Embrace the rest
Golf is far from the only outdoor pursuit amplifying the locale – shooting, fishing, climbing, cycling, off-roading and horse riding give guests myriad opportunities to enjoy the surrounds. Back in the opulent interiors, a soothing spa and handful of hearty restaurants provide places to unwind.
06. Finca Cortesin, Spain
Photograph courtesy of Finca Cortesin
Inspired by quintessential Andalusian architecture, the Costa del Sol’s Finca Cortesin is built around two large, attractive courtyards lined with Mediterranean gardens.
Take the shot
A thoughtfully designed championship course, Finca Cortesin is GEO Certified, showcasing its planet-conscious commitments, enjoying the ideal golf-weather climes of the Mediterranean landscape.
Embrace the rest
There are four show-stopping swimming pools, a spa offering Thai-inspired treatments, tennis and padel courts, an array of restaurants and a beach club serving postcard-worthy panoramas.
07. Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort, France
Photographs courtesy of Terre Blanche
In the undulating landscape between Provence and the French Riviera, Terre Blache occupies 750 acres of idyllic countryside. The 115 suites and villas of the hotel are set up as a traditional Provencal village, dotted beneath oak trees and lush vegetation.
Take the shot
With two bucolic 18-hole courses and a stellar performance centre, Terre Blanche Golf is award winning – holding the Gold Label as the “Golf for Biodiversity” programme, in 2022, it was ranked second in Golf World’s Top 100 Best Golf Resorts in Continental Europe.
Embrace the rest
There are four restaurants, including the recently renovated Michelin-starred Le Faventia, a hillside infinity pool with panoramic views and a rejuvenating, nature-inspired spa.
08. Edgewood Tahoe, US
On the banks of legendary Lake Tahoe, surrounded by the imposing peaks of the Sierra, sits the high glass-ceilinged lodge of Edgewood Tahoe.
Take the shot
Edgewood offers something a little different, with an altitude of 6,200ft, spanning the shores of the majestic alpine lake. Originally designed by celebrated golf architect George Fazio – and since renovated by his nephew, Tom – it is suitable for all levels, has been named one of Golf Digest’s best public golf courses and is the host of the American Century Championship.
Embrace the rest
Whether tucking into a feast in the bistro, fine dining at The Edge restaurant, which opens this summer, or casual fare in the bar, the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the lodge are captivating. But, aside from the golf course, the lakefront pool takes the title of the hotel’s most scenic spot.