With cold weather in full swing in most of the northern hemisphere, playing golf outside is probably the last thing on your mind. But that doesn’t mean you can’t slip away for a few days on the course in a warmer destination. Check out some of our favorite winter holiday golf trips to find a destination to get you out of the winter doldrums and back on the fairway.
Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, which means December is their mid-summer. On top of that, the climate in and around Cape Town is mild year-round, so even in the summer, you won’t have to deal with extreme temperatures. Cape Town offers a slew of wonderful restaurants, bars, and cultural experiences, including world-class museums and shopping. Nearby Fancourt is one of the top resorts in the country, and offers the best golf in the area as well. Spend a bit of time on the Garden Route and you can also get to Arabella, Pezula, Simola, and the stunning Pinnacle Point, where you can watch Southern Right whales breaching as you play the difficult coastline course. And of course, no trip to South Africa would be complete without a few days on safari, specifically in a five-star safari lodge where you can view exotic animals while enjoying spa treatments and the best in lodging.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
If you’re looking for warmth and luxury while staying in the northern hemisphere, the Dominican Republic is quick to get to and offers some of the best beaches on both the Caribbean and the Atlantic. La Costa del Coco (the Coconut Coast), which is the combined coastline of Punta Cana and the just-north Bàvaro region, is studded with five-star, all-inclusive resorts. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities and adventures, like kayaking and sailing, or zip-lining and windsurfing for the less water-inclined. Our favorite part of Punta Cana is the Corales course at the Puntacana Resort & Club, spread across coral cliffs overlooking the Caribbean sea. The rest of the island isn’t hard to get to, either, and offers plenty of challenging, beautiful courses for you to hit up in between stints of sunning yourself on the beach.
Los Cabos, Mexico
For another trip with a tropical vibe, check out the municipality of Los Cabos, Mexico, located on the very southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. A Resort Corridor links the two towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, spanning 20 miles of beach side properties and, of course, championship golf courses. Quivira Golf Club offers a thrilling cliff side overlook right on the sea, while the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol is known for being one of the most beautiful courses in the world. The entire area is devoted to top-notch service, and you will have no trouble finding world-class golf, food, and entertainment.
Kauai, Hawaii, USA
There’s a reason Hawai’i is referred to as an island paradise. Even during the rainy season — which happens to November to March — it only rains for a short period of time and the temperatures stay pretty warm. With warm beaches, stunning hikes, and ancient history to explore, Kauai is one of the best islands for anyone in search of an escape from bleary winter climes. Ocean-front golf courses are de rigeur on Kauai, and you won’t want to miss the Poipu Bay Course, Princeville Makai Golf Club, or the Ocean Course at Hokuala.
Marrakech, Morocco
Morocco is making a name for itself in golf these days, with courses dotting the country from the Atlantic coastline to spaces further inland. As with the other locations on the list, the weather in Marrakech is wonderful in the winter months, and there are many high-end resorts worth staying at. The local history and world-renowned cuisine add another level of interest to this winter holiday trip. Most of the courses in Marrakech, such as Royal Golf Marrakech, Samanah Golf Club, and Assoufid Golf Club, offer stunning views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains with contrasting desert and palm trees.
Regardless of how far you want to travel or whether you want a cityscape or a beach, there are many luxurious golf travel destinations available to get you out of the cold this winter.
Ravi Coutinho is Founder and Lead Golf Travel Expert at Worldwide Golf Adventures. Worldwide Golf Adventures is a luxury golf tour operator that arranges custom golf vacations for clients around the world.If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Ravi Coutinho is the founder of Worldwide Golf Adventures, a golf travel tour operator committed to providing personalized golf trips for individuals and groups to bucket-list destinations. His customers enjoy custom golf itineraries that include exciting side-trips to cultural attractions and stays in some of the best locations in the world. Ravi played golf at university and is an avid traveler himself.
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5 Comments
A couple of years ago my wife booked us a trip to the Mexican Mayan Riviera. I’d been very busy with work and just rushed to get on the flight without knowing too much about where we were going. I didn’t pack any golf clothing or golf shoes not even knowing that Mexico was a golf destination.
Over our first breakfast I was amazed to see that the hotel had a golf concierge arranging everyone’s tee off times.
I spoke to a couple of guys who played the courses. They were very impressed but said that buggies were compulsory and that by the time you had hired them and clubs and paid green fees it was becoming quite expensive. How does golf in Mexico come in regarding cost?
Though I’ve got to say that the courses that I saw looked top class.
I played yesterday at my local club and it was a bit of a nightmare. The fairways were quagmires in places and the greens were so slow that putting was a real lottery. Reading this had made me start thinking about a once in a lifetime golfing trip somewhere overseas.
Last year one of my golfing mates went off to a course on Egypt’s Red Sea shoreline sometime in February, He had some coaching, worked on his short game on the Par 3 course and played the big course once a day. He came back looking like a golfer. A mid-winter golf holiday, in the sun, can definitely transform your game.
Can’t say I’m a golf fan myself but hubby doesn’t mind a round or two. If he wanted to go I’d be inclined to agree only if it’s somewhere I can enjoy the holiday and some nice weather, too. I never thought of Morocco for golfing. Such an odd contrast between the greenery, desert and snowy mountains, yet very beautiful to look at. I’d much prefer somewhere like that or the Dominican Republic so there are other things to do and enjoy nearby while you’re there.
Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, which means December is their mid-summer. On top of that, the climate in and around Cape Town is mild year-round, so even in the summer, you won’t have to deal with extreme temperatures. Cape Town offers a slew of wonderful restaurants, bars, and cultural experiences, including world-class museums and shopping. Nearby Fancourt is one of the top resorts in the country, and offers the best golf in the area as well. Spend a bit of time on the Garden Route and you can also get to Arabella, Pezula, Simola, and the stunning Pinnacle Point, where you can watch Southern Right whales breaching as you play the difficult coastline course. And of course, no trip to South Africa would be complete without a few days on safari, specifically in a five-star safari lodge where you can view exotic animals while enjoying spa treatments and the best in lodging.
Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, which means December is their mid-summer. On top of that, the climate in and around Cape Town is mild year-round, so even in the summer, you won’t have to deal with extreme temperatures. Cape Town offers a slew of wonderful restaurants, bars, and cultural experiences, including world-class museums and shopping. Nearby Fancourt is one of the top resorts in the country, and offers the best golf in the area as well. Spend a bit of time on the Garden Route and you can also get to Arabella, Pezula, Simola, and the stunning Pinnacle Point, where you can watch Southern Right whales breaching as you play the difficult coastline course. And of course, no trip to South Africa would be complete without a few days on safari, specifically in a five-star safari lodge where you can view exotic animals while enjoying spa treatments and the best in lodging.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
If you’re looking for warmth and luxury while staying in the northern hemisphere, the Dominican Republic is quick to get to and offers some of the best beaches on both the Caribbean and the Atlantic. La Costa del Coco (the Coconut Coast), which is the combined coastline of Punta Cana and the just-north Bàvaro region, is studded with five-star, all-inclusive resorts. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities and adventures, like kayaking and sailing, or zip-lining and windsurfing for the less water-inclined. Our favorite part of Punta Cana is the Corales course at the Puntacana Resort & Club, spread across coral cliffs overlooking the Caribbean sea. The rest of the island isn’t hard to get to, either, and offers plenty of challenging, beautiful courses for you to hit up in between stints of sunning yourself on the beach.
Los Cabos, Mexico
For another trip with a tropical vibe, check out the municipality of Los Cabos, Mexico, located on the very southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. A Resort Corridor links the two towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, spanning 20 miles of beach side properties and, of course, championship golf courses. Quivira Golf Club offers a thrilling cliff side overlook right on the sea, while the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol is known for being one of the most beautiful courses in the world. The entire area is devoted to top-notch service, and you will have no trouble finding world-class golf, food, and entertainment.
Kauai, Hawaii, USA
There’s a reason Hawai’i is referred to as an island paradise. Even during the rainy season — which happens to November to March — it only rains for a short period of time and the temperatures stay pretty warm. With warm beaches, stunning hikes, and ancient history to explore, Kauai is one of the best islands for anyone in search of an escape from bleary winter climes. Ocean-front golf courses are de rigeur on Kauai, and you won’t want to miss the Poipu Bay Course, Princeville Makai Golf Club, or the Ocean Course at Hokuala.
Marrakech, Morocco
Morocco is making a name for itself in golf these days, with courses dotting the country from the Atlantic coastline to spaces further inland. As with the other locations on the list, the weather in Marrakech is wonderful in the winter months, and there are many high-end resorts worth staying at. The local history and world-renowned cuisine add another level of interest to this winter holiday trip. Most of the courses in Marrakech, such as Royal Golf Marrakech, Samanah Golf Club, and Assoufid Golf Club, offer stunning views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains with contrasting desert and palm trees.
Regardless of how far you want to travel or whether you want a cityscape or a beach, there are many luxurious golf travel destinations available to get you out of the cold this winter.
Ravi Coutinho is Founder and Lead Golf Travel Expert at Worldwide Golf Adventures. Worldwide Golf Adventures is a luxury golf tour operator that arranges custom golf vacations for clients around the world.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
A couple of years ago my wife booked us a trip to the Mexican Mayan Riviera. I’d been very busy with work and just rushed to get on the flight without knowing too much about where we were going. I didn’t pack any golf clothing or golf shoes not even knowing that Mexico was a golf destination.
Over our first breakfast I was amazed to see that the hotel had a golf concierge arranging everyone’s tee off times.
I spoke to a couple of guys who played the courses. They were very impressed but said that buggies were compulsory and that by the time you had hired them and clubs and paid green fees it was becoming quite expensive. How does golf in Mexico come in regarding cost?
Though I’ve got to say that the courses that I saw looked top class.
I like the sound of South Africa for a golf getaway. Plenty of good courses, great food and wine, and no jet lag when travelling to/from the UK.
I played yesterday at my local club and it was a bit of a nightmare. The fairways were quagmires in places and the greens were so slow that putting was a real lottery. Reading this had made me start thinking about a once in a lifetime golfing trip somewhere overseas.
Last year one of my golfing mates went off to a course on Egypt’s Red Sea shoreline sometime in February, He had some coaching, worked on his short game on the Par 3 course and played the big course once a day. He came back looking like a golfer. A mid-winter golf holiday, in the sun, can definitely transform your game.
Can’t say I’m a golf fan myself but hubby doesn’t mind a round or two. If he wanted to go I’d be inclined to agree only if it’s somewhere I can enjoy the holiday and some nice weather, too. I never thought of Morocco for golfing. Such an odd contrast between the greenery, desert and snowy mountains, yet very beautiful to look at. I’d much prefer somewhere like that or the Dominican Republic so there are other things to do and enjoy nearby while you’re there.