For golf pros who regularly hit birdies and newbies looking to move up from mini-golf, here are some exciting golf destinations around the world that are the perfect setting for a hole in one.
Niseko Village, Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, 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 near the brand-new Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, 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 their time on the green, golfers can unwind with a spa treatment and a soak in the onsen at Spa Chasi La Sothys, indulge in a meal and cocktail at Yukibana, Sushi Nagi or the Ume Lounge and enjoy tree trekking or a hot air balloon ride to take in the sights from up above, all before tucking in a for a restful night's sleep to recharge for the next day.
Ascona, Hotel Eden Roc, 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 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.
Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic
Designed by renowned French architect Savin Couëlle, Ventanas al Mar means "windows to the sea" and the expansive home lives up to its name with ocean views throughout. Avid golfers won’t have to go far, as the home is located on the seaside eighth hole of the Teeth of the Dog golf course – one of the four Pete Dye Golf Courses included with all stays at Ventanas al Mar. This home and other properties with PGA certification are available for exchange to members of the luxury travel and property club, THIRDHOME.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is home to a wide array of courses that’ll test any golfer’s skills with driver, iron or putter. Golf Courses in Cape Town offer different unique experiences, from historic roots to views. For example, Royal Cape Golf Club has a history dating back to 1885 and has undergone many transformations to now stand as one of the top clubs in the Cape. The ‘Royal’ was conferred by King George V in 1910, but these days it offers a well-maintained parkland course that suits all levels. Westlake Golf Club is another fantastic club that sits against the backdrop of the Silvermine Mountains offering an 18-hole parkland course that has great fairways, challenging rough and Poa Annua greens. Clovelly Golf Course was originally started to that naval officers could get in a round while they were passing through. Today, it’s a nice inclusive course that offers a more varied terrain than most of Cape Town’s other courses. Close to the city centre, Rondebosch Golf Club offers a conveniently situated and picturesque 18-hole course to play that is well-maintained and is great for experts and beginners alike. King David Mowbray is the result of a merger between two golf clubs, Mowbray and King David, and offers a solid round of golf with a course that designed to minimize the impact of Cape Town’s notorious wind. The ultimate hotel in Cape Town is Ellerman House, a quintessential urban retreat for discerning luxury travelers wanting to experience the very best of South Africa. Located in Bantry Bay, the hotel offers spectacular Atlantic Ocean views against the dramatic backdrop of Lion's Head. Clifton's beaches are within walking distance, while the best local attractions are a 10-minute drive away. Featuring one of South Africa’s most impressive private art collections, an award-winning wine list, and gourmet modern cuisine, Ellerman House is an entire destination in itself epitomizing the best Cape Town has to offer.
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.
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.
Any of these experiences can be organized with start-up premium travel company, Niarra Travel, a next generation tour operator that operates according to its two guiding principles of transparency and purpose to ensure that each trip has a positive impact on the ground.
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