As the 2011 Masters Competition draws to close in Augusta, Georgia, for many a budding Charl Schwartzel – winner of this years green jacket, it’s time to get those clubs out of the garden shed, dust off your driver and head to the nearest golf course. It’s also the time of year, as the weather gets nicer that we start to think about holidays, so why not combine the two? Imagine enjoying a game of golf with the sun beating down on your face, the sea breeze in your hair and stunning view across a dazzling blue sea and, of course, a cocktail or two at the nineteenth hole.
There are now hundreds of golf courses to choose from across Europe with Portugal and Spain perhaps heading the leader board for popularity, mainly because they are both easily accessible from the UK with frequent and short flight times. Turkey and Cyprus both have their fair share of picturesque greens along with African destinations such as Morocco and Tunisia with some better suited to summer holidays whilst others are playable all year round.
The Algarve in Portugal is a Mecca for keen golfers and is extremely popular with celebrities and footballers, many of whom have holiday homes here. The Hotel Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort and Spa is a Thomson A La carte property and not only rates as a 5T, but has something for the whole family, not just the golfer. The resort boasts 5 swimming pools, 2 tennis courts, a Spa with Zen Garden, a gym, driving range and a running track. Children are well catered for too with organised activities, their own pool, club and playground. Speaking of catering, this is where the Hotel Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort and Spa really comes into its own with Portuguese and Latin American cuisine, Moscada international a la carte restaurant, a Mediterranean poolside restaurant and a snack bar serving Tapas.
One of the most beautiful places to enjoy golf holidays to Spain would have to be in the Costa de la Luz at the El Rompido Golf Hotel. This 5T property is located in the El Rompido Golf and Beach Resort and is surrounded by a stunning natural landscape. For those who don’t play golf or for in your spare time there is a gym, sauna and option to book spa treatments. The kids have their own pool, playroom and kids club and with 5 further courses within 40km, you really are spoilt for choice.
Tunisia is perhaps not the first place to spring to mind when considering golf holidays abroad; however the excellent climate and great value accommodation make golfing holidays to Tunisia a very definite option. The Houda Golf and Beach Club in Skanes may only be rated a 3T property by Thomson but it not only has a Tunisian a la carte restaurant but also an Italian one too. Children have their own play area, kids club, pool and slides so the there’s something for the whole family at the Houda Golf and Beach Club.
Turkey is rising year on year as a popular holiday destination and the Letoonia Golf Resort Hotel in Belek is a highly recommended choice for golf enthusiasts. The 4T Thomson property has a driving range and putting green onsite with unlimited golf lessons available for beginners. There is also easy access to a number of world class golf courses in the local area whilst back at base there are 4 swimming pools, one with slides to choose from at the end of a successful day on the green. If you fancy a break from golf there are plenty of activities around the hotel to keep you busy including badminton, archery, boccia, table tennis, billiards and even fishing. Children have their own pool and section of the main pool, soft play centre, playroom, playground, kids club and special menus. The whole family will love golf holidays to the Letoonia Golf Resort Hotel in Belek.
Golf holidays to Cyprus can be spent enjoying the hospitality of the St George Hotel in Paphos, West Cyprus. This Thomson platinum property has scored good or excellent with 90% or more of its customers and is a stylish hotel with extensive, immaculate grounds. The hotel offers concessions at local golf clubs and is more than happy to arrange bookings and organise tee off times for you. For days away from the greens there is a spa, tennis courts, squash, water sports and a gym to keep you busy, or simply relax on the sumptuous terraces looking out over the sea.
Moving Back to North Africa, the Sofitel Agadir Royalbay Resort in Agadir, Morocco is a 5T Thomson Chic & Unique property. Its exotic beachfront location and immaculate poolside terraces add to the sophisticated air that this hotel breathes. With swaying hammocks and sun loungers that resemble four poster beds it’s a wonder anyone would actually want to leave thee property to go and play golf. However, if you do, then you will be lucky enough to benefit from discounted golf packages at the nearby Golf du Soleil course. The Sofitel Agadir Royalbay Resort can also boast 5 bars and 3 a la carte restaurants, a spa, Moroccan bath, sauna, massage, gym, tennis, table tennis and pool table. Children can enjoy their own playroom and kids club, so the whole family are kept happy on golf holidays to Agadir.