If you’re planning on getting away during the cold, wet and windy UK winter months you will likely be looking for guaranteed hot weather so you can play some golf and lounge by the pool afterwards. Provided you don’t mind the longer flight times, the world is your oyster!
Here we’ll take a look at some of the best long haul destinations for you and your friends to book your winter golf getaway. We have included tips on some amazing resorts and locations that are all friendly, won’t care how good your golf is and have fabulous facilities!
Caribbean
Can you hear the steel drums and taste the rum already? The winter months are the perfect time to head off to a Caribbean island! Hot weather and gorgeous sandy beaches are just what you want when escaping the UK.’s rainiest months. When it comes to golf courses there are plenty of options, but either Barbados or Dominican Republic would be great choices.
If it’s luxury you’re after, then the pick of the bunch would be Sandy Lane in Barbados – it really does have all the facilities you could ask for. There’s a private beach and world class spa to wind down after a day of golf, then for the evening you can enjoy one of five bars and choose from a selection of freshly made cocktails. When you want to swap flip-flops for golf shoes you can choose between three wonderful golf courses, one of which is a more relaxing 9-hole option.
UAE
For glamour, luxury and unrivaled hospitality then a trip to Dubai or Abu Dhabi will have everything you need and more. The UAE is now world renowned for its golf courses and it’s definitely somewhere to consider when you’re looking for some winter sun.
With so many ultra-modern luxurious five star hotels you are spoilt for choice, but the Westin Abu Dhabi Resort showcases almost everything that the UAE has to offer. The grounds are beautiful, the pool is massive and you have plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. There is a championship golf course onsite, but for a unique experience there’s also a floodlit 9-hole course available 24/7 for some late night golf – one for the bucket list!
Mexico
Holidaying in Mexico gives you the perfect blend of culture, weather, tropical waters and golf. Who doesn’t want to be out on the golf course one minute, then eating enchiladas and sipping margaritas the next?
The Baja California Sur Peninsula and Puerto Vallarta are both areas growing in popularity for their golf resorts, but the best location is still Cancun. For the ultimate relaxation and wellness holiday Le Blanc Spa Resort offers a blissful oasis featuring infinity pools and a stunning beach. Outside of the hotel, you have 45 holes of golf to choose between, plus you can explore the Mayan ruins and experience Cancun’s buzzing nightlife. What’s not to love?
Thailand
There is something for everyone on a holiday to Thailand: an excellent year-round climate and golf resorts combined with royal palaces, ancient ruins and a vibrant local culture. Bangkok and Phuket are the most common tourist destinations, and if you’ve never experienced Thailand before, Bangkok is without doubt an absolute must-visit, but it’s also worth considering Pattaya and Hua Hin as locations that are currently growing in popularity.
However, it’s the SAii Laguna Resort in Phuket that gets our vote as one of the best places for a golf holiday. You’re located on the laidback Bangtao Bay beach and not too far away from the bustling Phuket City. The hotel itself has three restaurants to choose from and, as you would expect in Thailand, a top Spa. There isn’t a golf course onsite here, but when staying at SAii Laguna Phuket you can take your pick from several local courses all located only a short distance away.
South Africa
You might be thinking of safaris and wine rather than golf when you consider a holiday to South Africa, however, the stunning landscape creates some of the most naturally beautiful golf courses anywhere in the world. Oh, and you can still enjoy safaris and wine too!
Despite there being several amazing golf resorts in South Africa, it is Sun City Resort that stands out amongst all the others. Sun City has just about everything you can think of for the perfect golf retreat and you will certainly never be bored. On top of two championship golf courses there is a waterpark, hot air ballooning, a casino and even a nightclub! If you want a group holiday packed with adventure and fun, you will struggle to find many better than here.
Wherever you end up, we’d love to see your golf break photos – just tag us on social media @lovegolf_uk!
