30 Best golf hotels and resorts in the world

A contender for the most luxurious hotel in Ireland, this stunning Victorian Gothic mansion lies on the edge of the beautiful town of Adare in County Limerick, and boasts one of the finest parkland courses in Europe. Indeed, golf expert and journalist Fionn Davenport includes Adare Manor golf course on his round-up of the world’s best golf courses.

Recently refurbished to the tune of around $70m, from the moment you pass through the porte cochere you are in the expert hands of a staff whose role is to make you feel as if you are a valued guest of the Earl of Dunraven (whose manor this once was).

The original stylings – from the huge marble fireplaces to the stained-glass windows throughout – give the place an air of old-world grandeur, but this is very much a 21st-century hotel, including a vast new annex with contemporary-styled bedrooms, a cinema, top-notch spa and new restaurants spanning casual to fine dining.

The service throughout is exceptional – and very much in keeping with the standards its largely moneyed American clientele would expect.

Sitting on a broad stretch of palm-forest-shaded, white sand beach backed by lagoons and an 18-hole golf course, the Andaz is in an idyllic location.

Rooms and private villas are huge and bright – decked out in fresh, minimalist tones (with splashes of colour from folky art), offsetting the turquoise ocean views seen through wall-high windows, and from sundecks and private plunge pools.

Hotel facilities are luxurious. The award-winning Casa Amate restaurant serves classy Mexican food; bars (with great margaritas) and the four other restaurants serve snacks, Asian and western food. The Naum spa has a sauna, steam rooms and a huge range of treatments.

There are also tennis courts, kayaks, and myriad tours organised by the hotel. The superb El Camaleon Golf Course – the first PGA Tour Golf Course in Latin America and arguably its best, designed by Greg Norman, is right outside the door.

The emphasis at Andaz is tranquillity with all luxury comforts and amenities. Playa del Carmen is a short cycle ride (bikes provided) along the sand, and the coral reef is right offshore.

A five-star retreat in the heart of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, the Arabella Hotel is located in one of the world’s richest plant kingdoms and surrounded by lagoons, a nature reserve and mountains.

Every room comes with breathtaking views across the shimmering lagoon or lushly-wooded mountains; there’s a feeling of infinite space and peace that’s wonderfully relaxing.

Alongside the gorgeous, coastal golf course, there’s a world-class spa, horse-back riding along the beach, and some of the best restaurants on the whole of the Garden Route.

A contrast to many of Tuscany’s more traditional properties, the Argentario is a low-rise design hotel, literally built into the hillside in the heart of the unspoilt Maremma region.

A haven for sports lovers, the golf course is arguably Italy’s most beautiful, but tennis, horse-riding and five-a-side football are also on offer, while the concierge can arrange off-site activities, including sailing trips, watersports and transfers to a nearby beach club.

Beyond the soaring, space-age lobby are four classes of room, ranging from minimalist to modish safari-style, complete with freestanding stone tubs.

There’s a Bond villain-style vibe to this place for sure, so long as that villain enjoyed golf, wellness and good food.

This rustic resort is all about the golf – where you stay depends on which of the two courses you’ve booked to play. The Dunes offers a choice of Victoria-style beach boxes or newer two-bedroom oceanside villas; Lost Farm players get a modern eco-lodge with superb views of the golf course. Here you’ll also find a tiny spa – where you can sit in the magnesium bath and take in the surrounding wilderness. The overall style has a rustic elegance and the amenities are excellent.

The hotel may appeal almost exclusively to golfers, but the setting is a nature-lover’s dream: wallabies roam the wild and natural brush, while the beach is perfect for a solitary amble.

A huge resort hotel attached to the famous golf course, the Belfry is a popular destination for groups looking for an active break.

Rooms are a touch corporate, but this isn’t a place for a romantic weekend a deux; besides the three golf courses, there’s a huge spa, a swimming pool, shops, bars (where they do cocktail classes and the like) and a restaurant (the Ryder Grill) big enough to handle most of the guests in the 300-odd rooms.

The Brabazon Bar is a fine spot for afternoon tea, but really this luxury resort on the outskirts of Birmingham is all about its world-class golf courses, even if there’s plenty to keep you entertained in between rounds.

This family-friendly, modern resort is nothing special per se; except that it sits alongside Asia’s best golf course. There are 3 courses here, in fact.

It’s a simple affair, made up of a series of 2- and 3-bedroom villas, each with a private pool, surrounded by pristine golfing greens and lush, wooded hills.

A little impersonal perhaps, but elegant and comfortable – off the large open-plan living room are the en suite bedrooms, a western-style kitchen and an outdoor terrace. The complimentary shuttle runs guests between their room, the main clubhouse and – yes – the resort’s own water park, which is a big hit with younger members of the family.

Worn-out parents will appreciate the full-service spa and the restaurant, which makes a welcome break from relying on the villa’s fully equipped kitchens.

Half a century on from the days when Sinatra and the rat pack would fly into the private airstrip and indulge themselves, the Casa de Campo may have lost its elite swagger but it’s still a great resort hotel.

Oscar de la Renta’s original design still holds up; the large rooms have an indoor-outdoor vibe that feels wonderfully extravagant. The 50-or so private villas spread out from the glittering marina are all available for rent; pack D&G beachwear to sashay between the eight restaurant and seven bars.

The resort also boasts three golf courses, including the ‘Teeth of the Dog‘ course – one of the world’s best. Most guests don’t feel the need to stray beyond its 7,000 acres.

Most people come to this part of the world for one reason: the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links course, which stretches along the rocky shoreline. It’s been voted the No 1 public course in the US, and has hosted 6 US Opens.

Of the three hotels at Pebble Beach, Casa Palmero is the classiest; once a private home, this 1920’s Spanish Colonial house has 24 elegant rooms surrounding a fountain-filled courtyard.

The palette of honey, taupe and carnelian evokes a soothing Med vibe, but it’s the little touches that really make this place stand out, including the dedicated services manager who’ll get in touch before you check in to help with everything from tee times to restaurant reservations.

A multi-million-pound redesign courtesy of a cutting-edge Parisian architecture firm has transformed this tropical resort of low-rise, thatched-roof buildings into something stylistically quite daring.

It’s an opulent property, with 278 units spread across 37 acres of tropical gardens hugging the lagoon on the east side of Mauritius. There are two championship golf courses, but it may be hard to tear yourself away from the mile-long white-sand beach and glittering lagoon.

Time a round on the Links course to finish at sunset, and settle in at Le Swing bar for sundowners and spectacular views.

Only 45 minutes from Nice Airport, the 115 suites and villas of Terre Blanche are designed to replicate a Provencal village, hidden away between cypress trees and woodland.

The aroma of herbs and oleander is everywhere; the gardens beyond the pathways a lush, natural habit for owls, red squirrels and bees. The location may be rustic, but once inside, there’s an atmosphere of pleasingly-understated luxury, from the colonnaded indoor pool to the Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Faventia (one of four).

There are two excellent golf courses, and the two-storey spa is the perfect place to relax after a round. The nearby villages of Tourettes and Calian have wonderful weekly markets.

If you’re expecting a hotel overlooking the Old Course, you’ll be disappointed. But this modern hotel on the edge of town has sea views, two golf courses and a tartan-meets-the-sea vibe that combines well with the contemporary manor house decor – complete with the grand double staircase in the lobby.

There’s a free shuttle service in and out of town and a great spa and pool that offers treatments by Ishga, Aromatherapy Associates and OPI.

In the shadow of the Outeniqua Mountains on South Africa’s lushly-beautiful Garden Route, this luxury resort has 617 acres of carefully landscaped gardens, surrounding an elegant hotel, a 150-year-old Manor House and individual self-catering lodges. Rooms and suites all come with either a private balcony or patio, perfect for relaxing after a day on the greens.

Although primarily a golfing destination (there are three superb courses nearby, including the world-class Links course at Fancourt itself), the hotel is also home to a fabulous spa, cinema and floodlit tennis courts, with hiking and biking trails criss-crossing the grounds.

One of Spain’s most sought-after hotels, this gorgeous Andalusian manor house, with rooms set around two picturesque courtyards, is surrounded by 23,000 square metres of glorious, flower-filled gardens.

Sitting between Sotogrande and Estepona, Finca Cortesin effortlessly blends Moorish and Castillian touches to luxurious effect. Its gorgeous, antique-filled bedrooms set around two shaded patios are inspired by Granada’s Alhambra Palace. There are three separate pools – including one adults-only – and a level of service that King Alhamar would have approved of in the Alhambra.

This is a destination unto itself – from the world-class golf course to the superb Thai-style spa (that also includes Spain’s first ice-cave) and Michelin-starred restaurant. The hotel’s exclusive beach club is a short shuttle ride away.

This low-key sanctuary, all teak and zebrawood, is as elegant as you’ll find anywhere in the Hawaiian archipelago. Hard to pick a highlight: the cliff-top location, perhaps, or the lush botanical gardens and koi ponds that make for a zen-like ambience.

The modern island-inspired rooms are a treat, while gourmets will relish the presence of Nobu and Malibu Farms among the nine on-site restaurants.

Each guest is assigned an ‘ambassador,’ whose consistent presence throughout your stay adds another layer of luxurious indulgence to an already pretty fancy stay. They can book tee times or tuition on the Jack Nicklaus-designed Manele Golf Course.

This Four Seasons property blends perfectly into the Sonoran landscape of Southern Arizona, 20 miles north of Scottsdale; its collection of adobe-style casitas laid out against a backdrop of saguaros and perpetual sunshine.

Beyond the stunning lobby and its contemporary Southwestern decor, the style is more low-key and in-keeping with the resort’s hideaway-in-the-desert vibe. Still, the amenities are excellent: there are three restaurants, the wonderful Onyx Bar and a huge split-level swimming pool – an absolute must in the dry desert heat.

The attentive staff are on hand to arrange all kinds of off-site activities, from hot air balloon rides to hikes and horseback rides, but the primary pastime is golf at nearby Troon North, home to two superb courses.

When this grand Scottish hotel first opened in 1924 it was dubbed ‘a Riviera in the Highlands’.

Today, it’s still the ultimate Scottish resort, famous, of course, for its golf courses and Pringle-touting clientele, but also sporting a staggering range of additional activities – everything from gun dog school to falconry, wildlife photography to off-road driving.

For the more sedentary, there’s a sleek destination spa and two-Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s a one-stop holiday shop.

Unusually for a luxury hotel, Gleneagles is dog-friendly; providing a dog-bed, bowl, dog-in-residence sign for the door, doggy treats – and a pooper scooper for those walks in the ground.

Seven pools, three restaurants, two championship golf courses and a spa – this is not so much a resort as a luxury family playground, nestled in the stark desert landscapes of the Coachella Valley, only 30 minutes from Palm Springs.

The facilities are uniformly excellent, from the hard-court tennis courts (which have hosted professional tournaments) to the shimmering pool and varied programme of treatments at the Agua Serena Spa.

There’s a terrific kids’ club, the poolside cabanas come with flat-screen TVs and the enormous gym has every conceivable piece of equipment. Transfers to and from the golf courses are included in the resort fee.

Set on a hillside about 20 minutes outside Taupo, this isolated luxury resort is made up of a stark, white-stone white building and a clutch of wooden lodges that overlook the Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf course, and the glittering lake beyond.

Golf is the primary focus here, with electric carts ferrying players to and from the clubhouse and between the main house and their lodges. But non-golfers can enjoy the tennis courts and the fine spa, while the large dining room serves ingredients sourced locally, including from the resort’s own vegetable garden.

And, no matter how you spend your day, everyone tends to gather for sundowners on the terrace, watching the sky flame rose-pink over Lake Taupo.

Secreted away on a virtually untouched island in St Vincent and the Grenadines, this stunning property takes the Mandarin Oriental mark of quality and ratchets it up a few notches – your personal butler is always on hand to help you navigate the abundance of luxury, including a glass of Cristal champagne, always at the ready.

The 1,200-acre private estate is yours to explore on foot or by golf buggy: besides the superb Tom Fazio-designed golf course there’s a gorgeous spa that offers treatments with a view, a private beach and even an 18^th-century English church. The dining doesn’t disappoint, either: whether beach side or in the elegant Tides Bar & Grill.

Secluded and sophisticated, the resort is designed for maximum pampering, which can begin before you even arrive, with a transfer from Barbados on the hotel’s private jet.

Sleek and contemporary, Mission Hills is a 317-room resort hotel on an estate that boasts an astonishing twelve golf courses (all designed by Jack Nicklaus, Vijay Singh and Jumbo Osaki).

This is a place that doesn’t do anything by  halves; rooms are huge, with views over the golf courses and the lush, landscaped gardens, and the 51 tennis courts mean you’ll always be able to get a game.

A great choice for committed golfers who like to change it up and play a different course each day – with four different club-houses to try and a gigantic spa, offering every conceivable treatment.

A laid-back luxury hotel tucked up against a couple of canyons just south of Laguna Beach, this place has the feel of a mountain resort, even though the Pacific Ocean is only 350 yards away.

Rooms – spread throughout the 87 acres – are decorated in coastal-ranch style (lots of natural light and soft tones), with Tuvalu-designed furnishings that give off an air of breezy elegance. The Treehouse – complete with a private gazebo – is perfect for families and comes with a fully stocked kitchen.

The setting is California casual – think firepits where you can enjoy a glass of local wine, or splash about in the outdoor saltwater pool, which is heated to a constant 26 degrees. And if that’s too cold, there’s always the hot tub. The resort’s much-loved nine-hole course wends its way through the canyon, making for a scenic golfing experience.

This sprawling resort, about 20 minutes south of Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park, puts most of the focus on its three superb golf courses, designed by Watson, Palmer and Nicklaus.

Unsurprisingly, there are plenty of golfers, but this family-friendly resort remembers that not everyone likes to tee it up; there’s a vast range of other activities, including 10 pools and a five-acre water park as well a huge gym and a decent spa. It’s loud, brash and lots of fun.

Rooms are divided between the main tower and the one- to three-bedroom condo-style villas and apartments that are clustered in 15 separate ‘villages’ – ideal for bigger groups or larger families. You can watch the Disney fireworks from the rooftop bar.

This upscale property on a private island in the middle of Lake George is a journey into American history – but updated for the 21st century.

The Sagamore, a landmark hotel on the National Register of Historic Places, has been welcoming moneyed guests since 1883, who came for the luxurious privacy of the island and the magnificent views of the surrounding Adirondacks.

Privacy and the views are still the big draws, but the contemporary Sagamore is also all about the amenities – the indoor and outdoor pools, the eight restaurants, an expansive spa and an excellent 18-hole golf course.

It’s impossible to be bored here: when you’ve gone through the list of activities – from fishing and hiking around the lake to rock climbing and basketball in the huge gym – there’s always sundowners on gorgeous terrace, sitting in the old-style rocking chairs just like the original guests would have done.

The most luxurious hotel on the private Kiawah Island resort, the Sanctuary was designed to feel like a classic Southern mansion, right down to the hand-planked walnut flooring in the lobby, allowing them to give and creak like older floor-boards.

Swish down the grand staircase in the main building and you’ll feel like a 1930’s film star; or find a shady spot in the state-of-the-art spa and pool complex – it’s size ensures there’s always a quiet space, whatever time of day you come to laze.

If you only play one of the five championship courses, tee off on the Ocean Course, consistently named one of the best in the world. Away from the greens, the island is lush with forest and parkland, with miles of walking and cycling trails for guests to explore.

The most famous hotel in the Caribbean is all about conspicuous luxury, shameless pampering and the chance to see A-list celebs snoozing on sunloungers, or knocking back Bolly in the famous Monkey Bar.

The setting is beautiful: a coral-stone, Palladian mansion backed up by a 300m golden beach shaded by mature mahogany trees. Inside, Italian marble floors and sumptuous fabrics complement the plantation-style decor, while the magnificent spa – housed in a separate Romanesque building – comes in at a cozy 47,000 sq ft.

There are three golf courses, including a fun nine-hole, but the real treat is either of the two championship courses – the Tom Fazio-designed country club course or the guests-and-members-only Green Monkey. The luxury is unrivalled, but so are the prices.

Delicately positioned in a beautifully maintained garden and straddling a white sand beach with views of Koh Phangan, this elegant resort is one of Koh Samui’s very best.

The classic Thai-style rooms (think polished wooden floors and delicate Thai furnishings) and villas surround one of the island’s largest pools, while down on the beach there are kayaks, jet skis and catamarans for guests to enjoy.

Bo Phut’s Fisherman Village is nearby, with waterfront shophouses converted into chic restaurants and bars, while guests can take advantage of discounted tee times at the exceptional Santiburi Golf Course – one of the world’s best golf courses.

Sea Island has been welcoming guests since the 1920’s, and an air of old-fashioned glamour still defines this ultra-private, luxury resort.

Guests have a choice of different accommodation styles, from the gentleman’s club atmosphere of the Lodge, to the more Spanish villa vibe of the Cloister, and the more informal Inn at Sea Island.

The legendary golf course is invariably the big draw here, but there’s also an exceptional spa and top-class dining across a mind-boggling 15 separate venues, from the five-star dining room to milkshakes at the Beach Club.

Palm trees, white sand and cobalt skies come as standard at the St Regis, one of Abu Dhabi’s most exclusive hotels, which oozes an ultra-luxurious vibe in a breezy-unstuffy way. This is a dictionary-definition fly and flop (or fly and tee-off), with a superb, mosaic-tiled spa, six restaurants and gorgeous, palm-dotted grounds.

Saadiyat also boasts the Arabian Gulf’s first beachfront course, designed by Gary Player, with greens rippling out beside the glittering sea. Book an early tee-time to avoid the worst of the heat, and spend afternoons at Saadiyat’s air-conditioned big draws; Ferrari World, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

From outside, the luxury Monarch Beach resort looks almost Tuscan, with terracotta roofs and Italianesque frontage, but inside it’s the epitome of Southern California chic; easy-going elegance all the way

Service is friendly but absolutely on point; the resort’s seven dining options range from tangy ceviche and tacos at Sombra Cantina to succulent steaks at Bourborn Steak. The best of the evening action is around the outdoor firepits, with perfect views of the ocean and – in the foreground – the resort’s superb 18-hole golf course.

There’s an impressive list of amenities (golfboarding, anyone?) including a gym and an award-winning spa, while the resort’s private beach club is just a short walk away – with a regular shuttle from the hotel for when you’re feeling lazy.