While golf is known for being mostly male-centric, I can think of nothing more romantic than a couple that likes to play golf together. Adding a round of golf can give you some special bonding time, even in destinations that are already known for being as close to paradise as possible. For those lovely teams of two, I recommend the following fair-weather golf destinations.
Relax and recharge at Fancourt in South Africa
Ranked the best in South Africa for a number of reasons, Fancourt is a favorite of links golfers and couples alike. The resort is home to beautiful accommodations, romantic dining options, and a wonderful spa where you and your beloved can recharge together. The Fancourt Links course is world-famous, and offers a challenging day for players of any level. The dunes and windswept terrain were once an airfield, and the course has hosted a number of important championships in its time. While the golf is one major draw to Fancourt, the hospitality and attention to detail will make you and your significant other glad you made the trip.
Change things up at El Camaleón Mayakoba
Named the Spanish word for “chameleon”, El Camaleón Mayakoba in Riviera Maya, Mexico is known for its distinctive duality: a mangrove wetland on the oceanside of the course and rolling rockiness on the upper area holes. This par 72 jewel will give you changing views during play, from the azure Caribbean Sea to dark green tropical Mayan jungle and the aforementioned mangrove wetlands. The course also holds history for golf lovers, as it was the first to host a PGA Tour event outside of the U.S. or Canada with the Mayakoba Golf Classic in 2007. If the beauty and challenge of the course isn’t enough to make you want to go, there’s the Mayakoba resort development, with several high-end hotels connected through a unique six miles of freshwater canals and dozens of nature trails. The resort is eco-friendly, too, so you can experience luxury while taking in the beauty of nature.
Add a little history at Cinnamon Hill
Jamaica is a lovers’ paradise for some very obvious reasons, like it’s gorgeous coastline, fabulous warm weather, and stunning natural beauty. The Cinnamon Hill Golf Course continues in this tradition, exposing you to the turquoise Caribbean as well as a pine grove and promising “enchanting panoramas framing your every shot”. As part of the historic 18th century Rose Hall sugar plantation, Cinnamon Hill boasts history that any buff would love to know more about, including being the home of poet Elizabeth Barrett-Browning’s ancestors, as well as American singer-songwriter Johnny Cash. The course also claims to have some of the best caddies in the world, and if you’re willing to add two more to your foursome, their Caddie Concierge program offers quite an array of services for your round. If challenging golf and history aren’t enough to amp up the romance, the property also holds a nightly Haunted House Tour of the Rose Hall Great House. And nothing is more romantic than ghosts!
Explore ecosystems at La Cana Golf Club
If you’re looking for the best golf in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic has earned a reputation for being just that. La Cana Golf Club in Punta Cana upholds this reputation with 14 of its 27 holes offering a clear view of the Caribbean Sea. Beyond its stunning natural beauty, the eco-conscious resort was the first in the region to use paspalum or crown grass seed, which can be watered with sea water. The resort also offers first-class accomodations, including Tortuga Bay, whose sunny yellow villas were designed by the late Oscar de la Renta, and whose villa managers are known for setting up romantic touches like candlelit rose-petal bubble baths for you.
Enjoy an Adventure at Cabo del Sol
Cabo del Sol means “cape of the sun”, so if you’re looking for warmth, look no further than this world-class resort and golf club. If you’re looking for a challenging day at a world-class course, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Cove Club Golf Course (formerly known as the Ocean Course) is a perfect place to start. The course is spread across mountains and desert with a view to the ocean (hence its historic name), and has been tempting world-traveling golfers since 1994. They’re currently in the process of turning it into a members-only course, there’s still time for non-members to grab a tee time. And if a day on the course isn’t enough to fill your needs for adventure, the resorts offer a variety of outdoor activities, including mountain biking and snorkeling or paddle boarding.
Whatever your romantic ideals are, there are a number of golf courses scattered throughout paradise that can make an ideal trip for you and your partner.
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.
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