The Ultimate Golfing Destinations for Luxury Travelers

Photo by Christine Roy on Unsplash

Love golf but love luxury just as much? There are plenty of destinations in which you can enjoy both… And for a much lower cost than you might expect. If you’re willing to travel for your most luxurious golf holiday ever, then here are 7 of the ultimate golfing destinations for luxury travelers to swoon over.

Luxury means different things to different people, but each of these destinations offers excellent golf, impeccable service, delicious cuisine, and deluxe experiences… If you know where to look.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria may not be your first thought when it comes to planning a luxury golfing vacation. But give it a chance – this Balkan country is one of the most interesting, affordable, and luxurious places in the world. Plus, it’s home to some spectacular golf courses too.

Thanks to how affordable it is, almost anyone can enjoy a luxurious holiday here. The country is home to some beautiful resorts, many of which have a stunning golf course right on the grounds.

Most resorts and hotels have an excellent reputation, so you can expect great service, spacious accommodations, fine finishings, and perfectly cooked and served food. Most resorts also offer facilities like spas, pools, and fitness centers.

If you’re looking to cross some bucket list golf courses off your list, check out Thracian Cliffs, BlackSeaRama, and Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort. Magnificent views, challenging golf, and worthy of the “luxury” label.

Canada

Canada has one big pro for US-based golfers – it’s close, so travel costs are likely to be friendlier. Plus, it’s loaded with beautiful countryside, so you can expect some fantastic views and natural experiences when golfing.

You can find all manner of resorts throughout the country, all of which have their own charm but do luxury very well. It may not be as cheap as some other destinations, but you know you’re getting waited on hand and foot when you’re at a luxury resort here.

Depending on which hotel or resort your heart is set on, you may be able to book golf-specific packages which include green fees in your overall total. These are often only for the course attached to the resort.

Canada does have some once-in-a-lifetime golf courses, though, so you may prefer to book your tee times ahead of time and plan your accommodation around that. Courses that are worth a look include Cabot Cliffs, Cabot Links, Fairmont Banff Springs, and Memphrémagog.

Thailand

If tropical holidays are more your scene, don’t discount Thailand as an excellent destination for both luxury and golf. It’s always been known as an amazing budget location thanks to its affordability, but you can find luxury if you know where to look.

Skip the backpacking lodges and opt for 5-star hotels or resorts instead. Just a quick Google search will turn up plenty of jaw-dropping options, from hideaways in the jungle to deluxe beachfront hotel rooms.

You can find some specific golf resorts, but it’s affordable enough that you can pick and choose your place to stay and travel to and from the golf courses of your choice.

Golf courses we recommend include Santiburi on Koh Samui, Siam Country Club in Pattaya, and Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin.

South Africa

You won’t be disappointed if you choose South Africa as your golfing destination. Not only is it relatively affordable, but you’ll be immersing yourself in a country rich in culture, good food, and nature that looks like it comes from National Geographic.

We recommend opting for Gauteng or the Western Cape (Cape Town) if you want the best combination of luxury, great golf, and things to do when you’re not on the course. Resorts are plenty in the Western Cape, and some of the best golf courses include Fancourt (3 courses), Pearl Valley, and Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Resort.

You’ll more likely have to settle for a 5-star hotel room if you’re in landlocked Gauteng, but you’ll be in close proximity to some superb golf courses, like Serengeti Golf & Lifestyle Estate and the River Golf Club.

If you want a truly unique experience, travel a little to Limpopo, where you can play the world’s longest par-3; the exciting 19th hole at the Legend Golf and Safari Resort.

New Zealand

Who wouldn’t want to golf and relax in Lord of the Rings country? New Zealand is known for its spectacular scenery and otherworldly landscapes, and you can spend an extremely enjoyable golf vacation in the country if luxury is what you’re after.

It’s important to note that a luxurious vacation in NZ is likely to cost a good bit more than some of the other destinations we’ve mentioned. But if you’ve got the cash to spend, then we say go for it… You won’t find a more beautiful spot to swing your clubs.

While New Zealand isn’t really a “resort” kind of place, you can find luxury lodges and wilderness experiences that you just can’t get anywhere else, or simply plenty of luxury hotels if you don’t want a wild experience.

And of course, it’s rife with amazing golf courses that avid golfers don’t want to miss. Some worthwhile mentions include Tara Iti, Cape Kidnappers, Kauri Cliffs, and Jack’s Point.

Conclusion

It’s tough to pick amazing spots for this list, because you can find luxury anywhere if you just look for it. Barbados, Portugal, and Hong Kong deserve honorable mentions, providing superb luxury for travelers who like the high life and exceptional golf courses for those wanting to cross a few off their bucket list.

Grab your golf clubs and accessories and book your next vacation in one of these golfing destinations for luxury travelers. Trust us, you won’t regret it—each one of them is a great combination of challenging but fun golf, magnificent views, luxury accommodations, top-notch service, and extra activities. Mostly for affordable prices too!