Hotels • September 2014
Tee for two: golf hotels for non-golfers
A golfing holiday as a couple doesn’t always have to result in a disgruntled golf widow(er). Ahead of the Ryder Cup (23-28 September), Tim Southwell, editor-in-chief of GolfPunk magazine, picks the hotels that will keep everyone happy
Sandy Lane, Barbados
Playground of the rich and famous, Sandy Lane has three spectacular courses – but only residents get to play the famous Green Monkey course designed by Tom Fazio, which is carved out of an old limestone quarry, creating rollercoaster-like elevations.
One fore all: Barbados is a super-friendly island, and when you’re not star spotting by the hotel pool, meet locals in the bars in Hole Town – The Sea Cat is particularly full of character.
Abama Golf & Spa Resort, Tenerife
A fellow GolfPunk just came back from a trip to Abama and couldn’t wipe the smile off his face for a week. Tucked away in Guía de Isora, a little-known area of the island, Abama’s superb golf course features 22 lakes linked by majestic waterfalls, white-sand bunkers and 25,000 palm trees. At its highest point, the course is 315 metres above sea level.
One fore all: Take the cable car from the lower level of the resort down to a private beach cove, with fantastic views of La Gomera island.
Le Touessrok, Mauritius
Le Touessrok (pictured) lies on a beautiful stretch of sandy coast in the Indian Ocean. Out in a large lagoon are two beautiful islands, Ilot Mangénie and Ile aux Cerfs, home to the resort’s Le Touessrok 18-hole championship course. Every hole has a view of the ocean, with some requiring tee shots across sea inlets to the fairways.
One fore all: The famous Givenchy Spa awaits those who need that extra bit of relaxation (see offer below). For the more energetic, the resort has a water-sports centre just a 10-minute boat ride away.
La Manga, Spain
La Manga is one of the world’s best quick golf getaways, with three corking golf courses – North, West and South. The North and South are more forgiving, but I prefer the West, with its tighter fairways and challenging approach shots.
One fore all: Book a lunchtime table at La Cala, the little restaurant nestled on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. Aside from its spectacular Mediterranean views, it’s best known for its seafood dishes.
Mazagan Golf & Beach Resort, Morocco
The Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort (pictured) in El Jadida is a stunning hotel that sits by Morocco’s Atlantic Ocean coastline. The magnificent 18-hole championship links course follows the contours of the dunes – the par three 15th hole is picture perfect, with the green nestling by the ocean.
One fore all: The hotel’s spa is superb, especially the argan oil message. There’s also a free shuttle bus to the Morocco Mall.
Moon Palace, Cancun
When Jack Nicklaus designed this golf course, he wanted to harmonise his layout with the tropical lushness of Cancun. The result? A sumptuous course lined with native Mayan jungle vegetation and natural wetlands.
One fore all: Cancun boasts the world’s second-largest barrier reef, offering amazing snorkelling and scuba diving. Take a boat to Isla Mujeres for the best underwater views.
British Airways is the official global airline partner of Major winner Justin Rose. Listen to Justin’s golf tips to help you improve your game – visit the pop-up golf zone in Heathrow’s Terminal 5, Galleries South lounge
This article has been tagged Destination, Hotels