The Ultimate Luxury Experience: Inside the Most Exclusive Golf Resorts
Get ready to indulge in opulence as we embark on a journey of golfing extravagance. The most exclusive golf resorts unveil a world where lush fairways meet unparalleled hospitality, inviting you to discover the perfect combination of leisure and golfing excellence.
Join us as we explore the meticulously crafted landscapes, lavish accommodations, and unrivaled amenities that define these elite golf resorts, promising an unforgettable blend of sport and luxury.
Welcome to a realm where every swing is matched only by the sophistication of the surroundings. This is the ultimate luxury experience for golfers!
Park Hyatt, Dubai Creek Resort – Dubai
Photo courtesy of World of Hyatt
Park Hyatt Dubai is situated in a desirable spot on the banks of the Dubai Creek. Not only does this afford patrons a beautiful view, but it places the resort in a central location that’s close to both the airport and various attractions.
Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by beautifully detailed Moroccan-style aesthetics, attentive service with a smile, and various deluxe amenities.
Bask in the tropical atmosphere by the pool, complete with palm trees. Send the kids to The Cave Kids’ Club and relax in a hot tub. Get a spa treatment, or melt into the Lagoon Beach infinity pool and beat the heat.
Even the golf feels upmarket. The hotel partners up with the world-famous Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club right next door. The hotel staff will arrange everything—no stress at all for you.
Stretching to over 7,000 yards, the course is a testament to your skill and determination! It’s beautifully manicured, with the Creek coming into play on a few holes and providing lovely views of others.
The 6th hole is unforgettable, teeing off from a platform over the water. It’s a novel feature that adds a little fun to your round just when you might be starting to feel a touch of pressure. A confident drive is key to winning this hole!
If you aren’t in the mood to play a full round or you’ve got some hours to kill in the evening, play a round on the flood-lit par-3 course! It’s perfect for practicing your short game or just messing around with friends.
Be prepared to spend $200 to $400 per night to enjoy pure luxury at the Park Hyatt Dubai. But it’ll be an unforgettable experience that’ll have you yearning for more!
Banyan Resort, Thailand
Photo courtesy of Banyan Thailand Hua Hin
Luxury isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Thailand, but at Banyan Thailand Hua Hin, that’s exactly what you’ll experience.
The recipient of numerous awards, the resort isn’t your average hotel-type accommodation—this is a rent-or-buy, private, gated holiday resort with one- and two-bedroom villas for visitors or owners to enjoy.
Onsite is a stunning 18-hole golf course, and the resort offers stay-and-play packages for ease and convenience. Aside from the beauty of the surroundings, the golf course is trickier than it first appears.
The biggest challenge hits on the 4th hole, a par-3 that stretches to an almost shocking 253 yards from the back tees and includes a 150-yard carry-over water. Unusual for a par-3, but worth it!
The signature 15th hole is another par-3, but just 147 yards at its maximum. It’s a photo-worthy hole with spectacular views that won’t soon be forgotten.
Priced in Thai Baht, this course-side experience is excellent value for money. With a choice of deluxe suites, added perks, and attentive Thai hospitality, it’s well worth a visit for both the luxury and the golf.
Pro tip: Visit during August/September to enjoy the Hua Hin Golf Festival, and you may even get discounted green fees!
Adare Manor, Ireland
Photo courtesy of Adare Manor
This lavish manor has received a number of accolades, including Condé Nast Traveller’s pick for #1 Resort in the World in 2022 and #1 Resort in Europe in 2023. Located in Adare, known as “Ireland’s Prettiest Village”, you’re in for a treat if you visit this magnificent 19th-century manor.
You’ll be wowed by the detailed Gothic stone carvings, stained glass windows, and even gargoyles. There’s a certain sophistication to the historic stone masterpiece, and each room/suite is perfectly decorated in modern comfort that feels like a perfect complement to the old-school charm of the exterior.
Adare Manor boasts a championship golf course that provides an amazing experience for golfers of all levels. It’s a modern, exciting course requiring strategy and patience. Trees line the fairways, bringing a lovely fresh feeling to the course. A creek runs through multiple holes, adding an element of challenge to the gameplay.
And for the bad weather days, the Sports Simulation Room allows you to play a full round or get some training in without getting out in the cold! It’s a golfer’s paradise, but what would you expect from the prettiest village in the country?
The rest of the resort boasts equally impressive facilities. Enjoy the infinity pool, steam room, sauna, and fully-equipped fitness center, or get a spa treatment at the on-site self-care sanctuary.
There’s also a wide range of exciting and unique activities to take part in. Take your camera because you’ll want to capture every moment, whether you choose axe throwing, falconry, archery, clay pigeon shooting, horse riding, or a one-of-a-kind Irish gun dog experience.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar – USA
Photo courtesy of Fairmont
This hidden gem in San Diego is one of the rare Forbes Fifteen-Star properties and holds AAA Five-Diamond status. It’s the height of luxury, with a Mediterranean ambiance that brings a tangible sense of relaxation to the resort.
Expect to fall in love with the deep soaking bathtubs in marble-finished bathrooms, balconies, and terraces that overlook the expansive grounds and inviting workspaces. Take your pick of outdoor pools, relaxation pools, saunas, beauty and wellness treatments, fitness and yoga classes, all with impeccable service that’s hard to find elsewhere.
If you’re here for the golf, consider booking a villa with golf perks—a private chef and dedicated golf cart could be yours for the duration of your stay. You’ll get exclusive access to the Tom Fazio-designed course, forecaddie services, the elegant clubhouse, and the 7-acre practice area.
The course is surprisingly varied in elevation, keeping you on your toes as you work your way through it. Diverse bunkering makes things interesting, and you’ll enjoy a constant breeze coming off the Pacific Ocean.
Delight your taste buds at the Michelin-starred onsite restaurant after your round, or revel in an afternoon tea experience, attend a wine event, or book a cooking class. From breakfast to bedtime, you’ll be surrounded by decadence, both on and off the golf course.
Conclusion
Golf and luxury go hand in hand. If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy both, these resorts are but a few that mix deluxe resort experiences with spectacular golf.
Whether you’re planning on getting away for a golf-and-luxury-filled vacation on your own or with friends, arranging a conference, or giving your favorite golfer a once-in-a-lifetime gift, spending a few days playing on world-class golf courses and enjoying opulent resort facilities and service off the course is ideal.
About the Author
Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer and businessman. When he’s not on the course working on his own game or mentoring young golfers, he writes in-depth articles for his website, Golf Influence.