Looking for a golf holiday that will satisfy both you and your non-golfing partner? In need of some rest and recuperation? Or simply want some time to indulge? Either way a golf and spa break is sure to tick all the right boxes. Here are five of the best resorts in Britain and Ireland you need to experience.
The Grove
Are you looking to escape the hub of the city, but don’t have time to travel? If so, then The Grove may be exactly what you’re looking for. Located in 300 acres of scenic parkland, just outside London, the country estate is one of the finest luxury golf resorts in Britain. The course itself is a majestic layout, designed by one of the greatest designers of the modern era, Kyle Phillips.
As well as playing host to the 2016 British Masters, the Hertfordshire gem notably welcomed the world’s best golfers for the WGC in 2006. The winner? No other than the great Tiger Woods.
The Grove’s Sequoia Spa is regarded as one of the best spas in the capital. A vast menu of treatments will be music to the ears of your non-golfing partner. A collection of soothing treatments designed with men in mind however, ensures no one goes home without enjoying a spot of pampering.
Mount Juliet Estate
Nestled in the idyllic countryside in the South East of Ireland lies Mount Juliet Estate. The heart of the resort is a Georgian mansion, which now houses the resort’s exquisite 4* hotel. Voted the best golf course in Ireland, Mount Juliet Estate is a majestic feat of modern golf course architecture. The course has twice played host to the WGC Championship, drawing the likes of Ernie Els, Tiger Woods, and Sergio Garcia.
With beautiful rolling fairways, an ingenious design, and what Tiger described as the ‘best greens we’ve putted on all year’, the Jack Nicklaus Signature course is a true delight to play.
The beautiful country estate is far more than simply a golf resort. Fishing, riding, and archery are just a few of the activities on offer. Named Best Boutique Spa by Irish Tatler Magazine, Mount Juliet Estate offers the ultimate in pampering and relaxation. The Treatment Rooms have an extensive menu but are famed for their alternative therapies.
Gleneagles
This Scottish Baronial meets French château hotel, has become one of the most iconic resorts in golf. Exemplary service, Michelin Star cuisine, and a rich golfing heritage ensures visitors enjoy an unparalleled experience.
Golfers and non-golfers alike will be spoilt for choice at the Perthshire resort, which is set to host the 2019 Solheim Cup.
Three championship courses await. The most recent addition, the PGA Centenary, provided a stunning backdrop to the 2014 Ryder Cup, while the Kings Course is considered the best moorland layout in Britain. The picturesque Queens Course completes the trio, and is a charming track that should not be overlooked.
Away from the fairways, off-road driving, croquet, archery, and riding are just a few of the many activities on offer.
The Spa at Gleneagles by ESPA is considered among Scotland’s finest, and offers an extensive menu of traditional therapies and alternative wellness treatments.
Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg
Doonbeg is one of the most opulent golf escapes in Europe. Set against the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, in the South West of Ireland, the resort’s oozes elegance.
Situated close to the historic village of Doonbeg, known for its sandy beaches, the golf course is among the most natural and authentic links you could ever dream to find. So much so that fourteen of the greens required no alterations at all from their original state, beyond simply being mowed. The course redesigned by Dr. Martin Hawtree carves its way through epic dunes, with golfers afforded stunning ocean views on several holes.
Doonbeg’s White Horses Spa will blow you away, with signature treatments using natural, local products making the spa among the most popular in Ireland.
Trump Turnberry, a Luxury Collection Resort
A round at Turnberry has been a pilgrimage for generations of golfers. The revered Open Championship layout, with its famous views over Ailsa Craig, is one of the most iconic courses in the game. The Ailsa course has received much acclaim since reopening last year. So much so that many are now positioning the Open Championship venue as the best golf course in the world.
A trip to Turnberry however is so much more than just sublime links golf. The lavishly redecorated hotel boasts one of the best spas in Scotland. The wellness centre enjoys beautiful views over the Irish Sea, with heat and relaxation rooms, and bespoke treatments, just some of the many experiences on offer.
