THE FINEST RESORTS IN THE WORLD
The Collection
The Finest Resorts in the World
Pursue your passions. We know one of those passions is traveling to great destinations to experience the game at its best—savoring the finer things in life, from lush fairways to gourmet dining and luxurious spas. The Golfer presents a directory of the finest resorts in the world, where great golf is just one of the extraordinary amenities to enjoy with your family, your favorite foursome, or your business associates. Here is a collection of prestigious resorts, each with its own personality, all offering truly unique experiences. What they all have in common in addition to their distinct character is their drive to deliver the best. Exceptional service. Stunning vistas. Championship venues. Dramatic architecture. Perfect accommodations. Timeless traditions.
Innisbrook
Palm Harbor, Florida
At Innisbrook Resort, enjoyment has no limits. In addition to championship golf, there is tennis on 11 beautifully maintained clay courts, six swimming pools including the Loch Ness Monster Pool (complete with water slides), 60 acres of lakes for fishing, miles of jogging and cycling trails, and so much more. Not only does Innisbrook consistently receive top accolades as one of the “Top Golf Resorts in America” but the Tampa property is home to four outstanding courses, all designed by the innovative architect Lawrence Packard. Included, of course, is the top rated Copperhead, which welcomes the finest players in the world each March when the PGA TOUR visits Innisbrook for the Valspar Championship.
The Biltmore
Miami, Florida
Graced with effortless beauty and sophistication, The Biltmore Hotel is a National Historic Landmark located in the exclusive Coral Gables area, with close proximity to Miami Beach and Downtown Miami. The 273-room resort includes 133 suites and features spectacular Mediterranean architecture with classic Italian, Moorish, and Spanish influences spread over 150 acres of tropical landscape. A favorite of world leaders and celebrities since its opening in 1926, the hotel offers a restored Donald Ross 18-hole, 71-par championship golf course; tennis courts; the largest hotel pool on the East Coast of the United States with private cabanas; a European spa and a renowned fitness center. The dining destinations at the hotel include the award winning Palme d’Or; Fontana, a traditional Italian restaurant surrounding The Biltmore courtyard and fountain; the poolside Cascade and The19th Hole golf centric restaurant. The hotel also recently unveiled its Culinary Academy offering an array of hands-on cooking classes for adults and children.
Evian Resort
Evian Les Bains, France
The crown jewel of Evian Resort is the five star Hotel Royal, a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World, nestled at the foot of the French Alps overlooking Lake Geneva. For more than a century this legendary property has offered the unique experience of a “palace” hotel and a spirit that has been meticulously preserved after several years of historic renovation. It features the award winning Spa Evian Source, classic dining and 150 rooms and suites that epitomize refined luxury, enabling guests to enjoy true French “Art de Vivre”. Among the other world class amenities at Evian Resort are a second luxury hotel, the Ermitage, a Casino, a golfers retreat by the Golf Academy, Le Manoire du Golf and the stunning Evian Resort course, which hosts the acclaimed Evian Championship, one of the five major tournaments on the LPGA Tour.
La Quinta
La Quinta, California
La Quinta Resort & Club is a legendary hideaway and meeting destination, renowned since 1926 for its charm and serenity. Showcasing such famed designers as Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman and Tom Weiskopf, there are 90 holes of some of the best golf in the country, including the famous Stadium Course at PGA West and the picturesque Mountain Course at La Quinta Resort. In addition to superb golf, the resort also offers the world class Spa La Quinta, where guests enjoy a variety of unique treatments, including a signature Celestial Showers Sacred Stone Massage. A luxurious range of casitas, suites and spa villas are among the varied choices for guest accommodations.
Lajitas
Lajitas, Texas
Tucked away in Southwest Texas next to Big Bend National Park lies the exquisite 27,000 acre Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa. Set among the mountain vistas and borderland majesty of the Rio Grande River, it is a unique destination, rich in Old West history and complemented by unexpected luxury and Lone Star hospitality. For the adventurous, there is a wide range of activities, from horseback riding to cowboy action shoots, rafting the Rio Grande, hiking, ATV tours, fossil exploration, birdwatching—or simply indulging in the Agave Spa, complete with local artisan ingredients. The world class Black Jack's Crossing Golf Course was designed by Lanny Wadkins, and its breathtaking mountain setting make it a true work of art.
American Club
Kohler, Wisconsin
The western shores of Lake Michigan are represented in AAA Five-Diamonds and two words: “Destination Kohler.” The four golf courses are Pete Dye designs, and they are distinct. Blackwolf Run has two layouts, aptly named The River and Meadow Valleys. Indeed, Dye’s stamp is embedded deep in these rolling woods and wetlands. A much different story unfolds at Whistling Straits, home to The Straits and The Irish, which are set along two miles of shoreline. Add to this the luxurious Kohler Waters Spa where wellness assumes wide definition. But of course, the food and wine experience will not be upstaged . The Immigrant Room, the Winery Bar or any of the other enticing restaurants are sure to delight every palate.
Fox Harb'r
Nova Scotia, Canada
Fox Harb’r is a luxury retreat created by one of Canada’s business legends, Ron Joyce. It boasts an array of sporting pleasures, from award winning golf to a luxurious spa. The golf course is a unique mix of parkland and links styles, with a spectacular string of oceanfront holes. The picturesque par-3 course is perfect for introducing beginners to the joys of golf. An aircraft charter for sightseeing tours, fine dining and moonlight sails are samples of the activities available. Accommodations include manor style guesthouses offering the finest amenities. For those seeking a more “extended” stay, there are gracious New England craftsman-style homes and private homesites overlooking the Northumberland Strait.
Primland
Meadows of Dan, Virgina
To call Primland unique is an understatement. Its understated elegance blends seamlessly into the natural environment with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and stone fireplaces. There are also 26 guest rooms and suites in The Lodge, new four-bedroom Pinnacles cottages, Fairway cottages, mountain homes—and three treehouses! Dining ranges from casual to gourmet, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. In addition, the Lodge offers a spa and fitness center, as well as a domed observatory where guests can see galaxies in deep space. Activities include shooting, hunting, fishing and off-road vehicle trails. And then there is the golf. Designed by Donald Steel, the top-ranked Highland Course is a stunning mountaintop masterpiece.
Doonbeg
County Clare, Ireland
Set on the stunning southwest coast of Ireland only 45 minutes from Shannon, The Lodge at Doonbeg Golf Club introduces luxury to links golf. It combines a spectacular Greg Norman course, sumptuous accommodations, a picturesque location and impeccable service. The course plays along 1.5 miles of beach and dunes with views of the ocean on 16 of the 18 holes. Indeed, the White Horses Spa takes inspiration from the natural environment of the County Clare coastline with treatments like the Pearls of the Sea Caviar Facial and Voyager Massage. The gourmet dining experience created by renowned chef Tom Colicchio and extraordinary suites designed as private residences round out the world class amenities.
Longboat Key Club
Sarasota, Florida
Nestled on a secluded barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, The Resort at Longboat Key Club is an inspiring destination set on 410 acres of lush lawns and pristine beachfront. Along with breathtaking ocean views, luxury accommodations and authentic Old Florida charm, there are diverse restaurants and lounges and year-round activities, including 45 holes of premier golf on the Links at Longboat and The Harbourside courses as well as a full spectrum of water sports. Add 20 tennis courts, The Spa, Camp Loggerhead for children and the largest marina on the west coast of Florida, and the AAA FourDiamond resort is by all measures the perfect setting for a family vacation or a romantic getaway.
Kiawah Island
Kiahwah Island, South Carolina
With 10 miles of stunning shoreline, Kiawah Island Golf Resort is one of the top vacation destinations in America. Its five championship golf courses include the Ocean Course designed by Pete Dye, home to the 1991 Ryder Cup, 2007 Senior PGA Championship and 2012 PGA Championship. Turtle Point designed by Jack Nicklaus, Osprey Point by Tom Fazio, Cougar Point by Gary Player and Oak Point by Clyde Johnston round out the golfing options. In addition, Kiawah is known for its world class tennis and beaches, and has won accolades as a top family destination. The resort also boasts over 600 villas and luxury homes as well as The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, a 225-room ultra luxury oceanfront hotel and spa.
Terranea
Rancho Palos Verde, California
Located just a short drive from the bustle of Los Angeles on a private 102 acre peninsula, Terranea is surrounded on three sides by the tranquil waves of the Pacific. Its coastal setting and architecture shoowcase its Mediterranean heritage and blend seamlessly with its modern Southern California charm. The luxury eco resort offers elegant rooms, suites, residential Bungalows, Casitas and Villas. Complementing the accommodations is The Links at Terranea, a dramatic nine hole, par-3 golf course, a soothing Spa with a fitness and wellness center and a collection of eight distinctive restaurants, bars, cafes and lounges. Sporting adventures include paddleboarding, kayaking, biking, hiking, riding and falconry.