Last-minute Christmas 2023 golf escapes

Fancy a last-minute winter golf break to some sunshine? These great golf resorts in the Algarve, Turkey, Dubai and Mallorca might inspire you to pack your bags.

The Algarve, Portugal

The winter temperature in the Algarve is usually around 18 degrees with plenty of sunshine. One of the best resorts is Quinta do Lago, just 20 minutes from Faro International Airport. There’s three brilliant courses: the South course which has hosted the Portugal Open eight times, the Laranjal course, also a rolling and manicured world-class layout, while the newest addition, the North Course, was recently redesigned by European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley.

Quinta do Lago is one of the region’s finest golf resorts. Its boutique hotel, The Magnolia Hotel, offers a unique holiday experience you won’t find anywhere else in the region. There’s sublime restaurants, a sports hub and golden sand beach.

Amendoeira Golf Resort is about an hour further west. Here, the championship-level course was designed by Sir Nick Faldo which is joined by the 18-hole Christy O’Connor Jnr. course and the only illuminated 9-hole par-3 course in Portugal. Amendoeira features elegant self-catering apartments and villas with swimming pools.

Other resorts include Monte Rei Golf & Country Club where you can enjoy Michelin-starred dining and stay at the Monte Rei Villas and new Clubhouse Residences. Both are close to Monte Rei golf course, designed by Jack Nicklaus in 2007, which we rate as the best golf course in Portugal.

Discover our 5-day packaged of golf and relaxation on Algarve.

Belek, Turkey

The coastal town of Belek in Turkey‘s southern Mediterranean region of Antalya is the country’s golfing capital. It enjoys a superb climate for golf with over 300 days of sunshine per year and temperatures around a mild 15°C in the winter.

One of its flagship resorts is the five-star all-inclusive Maxx Royal Golf Resort which has the Montgomerie Maxx golf course opposite, designed by Colin Montgomerie. It opened in 2008 and has staged the Turkish Airlines Open four times. There’s a large selection of room options for singles, couples and groups, including the Albatross golf villas, which can accommodate up to 10 people.

Less than five minutes from here is the luxurious Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort, which is home to the Carya Golf Club that has also hosted the Turkish Open. Among the other five-star resorts in Belek is Sueno Golf Deluxe Hotel which is home to the championship-level Pines and Dunes golf courses, and Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa, which boasts Sir Nick Faldo’s Cornelia Golf Club.

Dubai, UAE

Millions of tourists visit Dubai each year to enjoy the sunshine, shopping and family fun. During the winter season, it’s sunny with an average daytime temperature of 25 degrees. Discover Burj Khalifa, the Bastakia quarter, The Palms, Ski Dubai, Dubai Mall and Wild Wadi Waterpark, as well as the world-class service and facilities.

The luxurious waterfront retreat of Park Hyatt Dubai is set in a prime location on the banks of the Dubai Creek and adjacent to the world-famous Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. The resort provides the perfect haven for a golf escape, while guests have access to several legendary courses designed by stellar names such as Ernie Els and Sir Nick Faldo. 

Park Hyatt Dubai is just minutes from the city centre and the world-class shopping district, with 223 guest rooms and 34 suites each offering a private balcony or terrace with gorgeous views of the Dubai Creek and skyline or the lagoon. There’s a stunning 100 metre infinity pool which leads into a private lagoon beach, several award-winning bars and restaurants.

This five-star resort sits adjacent to the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and the world-famous Dubai Creek golf course. Following a major redevelopment in 2004 of the existing golf course by European Golf Design, in association with Thomas Bjorn, the golf course at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is now the centre piece of one of the best golf resorts in the world. Guests at the resort can also play at the Majlis and Faldo courses at Emirates Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Earth Course by Greg Norman and The Els Club.

Discover our bespoke travel packages for Dubai.

Mallorca, Spain

With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the daytime temperature get as high as 18 degrees during winter. The largest of the Mediterranean Balearic islands has great food, wonderful beaches and the capital Palma is steeped in historic charm.

Melia Palma Marina is a four-star resort with a prime location offering stunning views of the local marina, the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Bay of Palma. Its also close to attractions such as Bellver Castle and the Bendinat Golf Course. This hotel is a great choice for guests who wish to explore the beautiful island of Mallorca, with its capital right on the doorstep.

Rooms and suites offer city or sea views and this Melia resort also dedicates some of its areas to ‘The Level’, where guests have private access to exclusive rooms, services and facilities. There’s a spa and fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace. There’s a restaurant and grocery providing a buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner showcasing a wide array of local dishes.

Close to the resort are several brilliant golf courses. Bendinat Golf Course is set in a wooded valley with sloping terrain and scenic views from a number holes. It’s a fun test for golfers of all abilities. It’s a part of Mallorca blessed with dozens of outstanding courses such as Golf Santa Ponsa I, Son Quint, Son Muntaner and Son Vida.

Another great option is Cap Vermell Grand Hotel, on the island’s west coast in a beautiful tranquil valley. It’s a five-star luxury retreat that reflects the style of a traditional Spanish hilltop village. The 126 guestrooms and 16 luxurious suites have a sophisticated residential feel. There’s landscaped grounds, four pools, the Serenitas Spa and excellent dining. The resort provides free golf shuttle service to Golf Capdepera, Golf Pula, Golf Son Servera and Golf Canyamel.

Discover our packages for Mallorca’s finest courses.