In celebration of National Golf Month this month, here are some international golf destinations that come in above par!
Ascona, Switzerland Golf Club Patriziale Ascona has been the place to golf along Lake Maggiore since 1928. The 18-hole course has been considered one of the most fascinating courses in Switzerland due to its layout and landscaping, which is a harmony between tradition and innovation. Travelers to Ascona can enjoy playing golf at this beautiful course during a summer visit and stay at Hotel Eden Roc. Perched on the shores of the lake, Hotel Eden Roc is a five minute drive from the golf course, making it an ideal retreat after a day on the course. Complete with a spa and wellness center, four restaurants, private beach and boat marina, and easy access to the main piazza of Ascona, the Eden Roc provides golfers an unforgettable stay on Lake Maggiore. French Riviera, France The French Rivera is an excellent destination for golf lovers. The next level golf courses of Saint-Tropez offer exceptional locations with stunning views ranging from the sparkling sea to idyllic forestry on the golf courses of the French Riviera. Located just minutes from the Saint-Tropez harbor and Pampelonne beaches, Golf Club Saint-Tropez is an 18-hole golf course designed together by golf course architect Thierry Sprecher and international golf pros Gary Player and Gery Watine, which spans over 100 hectares in a conservation area and wooded environment. Golf Club of Beauvallon features 18-holes and is situated between the Mediterranean Sea and mountains offering exceptional panoramic views of the bay of Saint-Tropez. Rivera Golf De Barbossi, a modern golf course tucked away in the hills close to Cannes and is the only course on the Riviera featuring a permanent collection of contemporary sculptures. Along the 18-hole course, golfers will find 22 original contemporary sculptures scattered along the fairways to make for a strategic and challenging experience. After a long day golfing in the sun, Hôtel Lou Pinet is an excellent hideaway in Saint-Tropez to unwind and relax. Far from the crowds, but still near everything, Hôtel Lou Pinet strikes a perfect balance for the ultimate Saint-Tropez vacation and was designed for those looking for an equilibrium between the thrill of partying and peaceful refuge. Hotel Lou Pinet is part of the Maisons Pariente collection, and as such the property has been designed to resemble private houses rather than hotels, inviting guests to relax and recharge as they would at home in exceptional settings. The hotel features 26 guest rooms and 8 suites — each bathed in natural light with private gardens, two bars, and it's very own BeefBar restaurant butcher shop. For even more relaxation and post-golf recovery the hotel also features a spa in partnership with Tata Harper and the largest pool in Saint-Tropez tucked away in a secret garden.
Niseko Village, Japan During the green season in summer, Niseko Village offers resort golf at its best - with views of Mount Niseko Annupuri in the background. The Niseko Village Golf Course, located right next to Hilton Niseko Village, offers 6,845 yards of greenery for golfers of all levels. Open from May to October, travelers can enjoy early bird or twilight golf combined with the many other experiences the village has to offer. Following a morning on the green, golfers can unwind at the Hilton's Wakka Spa and hot springs, enjoy lunch at Melt Bar and Grill and enjoy tree trekking or a hot air balloon ride to take in the sights from up above, before tucking in a for a good night's sleep to recharge for the next day.
Barcelona, Spain Barcelona as a city has shown a great interest in golf, and with that, more and more courses have been popping up around the city. The weather in Barcelona is warm yet mild enough to enjoy golf all year round, and the city’s yearly rainfall makes the greens fertile. There are a variety of courses for visitors to enjoy, such as Sant Cugat. Founded in 1914, Sant Cugat is the oldest course in Catalonia. Each hole has its own name, falling in line with a British tradition. The beauty of this course is marked by the perfection of its greens, tees, fairways and bunkers. A tight course, it is ideal for beginners or the experienced player. Another course guests can play is the Real Club de Golf El Prat. Inaugurated in 1954 and was completely rebuilt and relocated in Oct 2001 due to the expansion of Barcelona El Prat airport to its new home in Terrassa on the outskirts of Barcelona. The new El Prat Golf course comprising of 45 holes and designed by Greg Norman is set in beautiful rolling countryside and is a test for any golfer. Golfers can relax and unwind at Hotel Arts Barcelona, a luxurious retreat perched on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in the heart of the city's Olympic Village Area. One of the few hotels that are walking distance to the beach, Hotel Arts Barcelona features an infinity pool that seamlessly blends into the sea, an additional swimming pool, a cocktail bar — P41/Coctelarium, breakfast and brunch restaurant — Lokal and casual cafe restaurant — Bites. Hotel Arts Barcelona is also home to Michelin-starred restaurant Enoteca and the luxurious 43 the Spa, which offers panoramic views of the city and sea.
Johannesburg, South Africa With a number of exceptional courses and warm weather conductive to outdoor relaxation and enjoyment, South Africa is a golfer’s paradise. The capital and multifaceted city of Johannesburg boasts fine golf courses of all different player levels, a number of which have hosted European PGA Tour and South African Sunshine Tour Events. Just within a 6 mile radius of the city’s financial and business hub of Sandton are 10 golf courses, and outside of the city in the wider Gauteng region, there are a number of golfing estates with challenging courses and stunning scenery, while the famous Sun City resort complex is just two hours drive away. Golf course highlights of Johannesburg include the Eye of Africa, an estate with a Greg Norman-designed 18-hole golf course, Jackal Creek Golf Estate, offering 18-holes and winding fairways and strategically-placed bunkers for a challenge, and Bryanston Country Club Golf Course, which features water obstacles in their over 4 mile long, 18-hole golf course. The city also has a healthy blend of both member-based golf clubs available for visitors to play, golf resorts for the inbound tourism market, and daily-fee facilities for the local customer. The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa , a secluded and private hotel in the city is the idyllic retreat after a day spent on the golf course. Located in the tranquil, tree-lined suburb of Sandhurst, within minutes of Johannesburg's world-class shopping and business hub, the Saxon Hotel is an all-luxury, 53-suite hotel. The Saxon is also home to the nature-inspired Saxon Spa, which offers the ultimate relaxation oasis featuring rejuvenating menu of therapies and treatments. Following pampering treatments, guests can dine with one of the hotel gourmet restaurants including the Terrace, a causal outdoor space that serves light meals and Qunu, for an elegant dining experience. The Saxon also offers a red and white wine cellar with an impressive wine list — a perfect way to complete a day spent on the golf course.