As preparations are under way for the first major championship of the year at Augusta in the US, the season in Europe is emerging from its winter hiatus. Time spent outdoors with loved ones, or in a profoundly green space, can be soul balm. Golf fanatic and mother of two, Juliet Taylor Foster, explores some luxury resorts where, luckily for those with family in tow, there is a lot more on offer than just the golf…
THE GROVE HOTEL, RESORT & SPA – CHANDLER’S CROSS, ENGLAND
Feel like you are cheating the system, being able to enjoy such stunning countryside in Hertfordshire, just 18 miles from central London. This sprawling mansion was Queen Victoria’s weekend getaway and is still a celebrity hub today. The multi-award-winning course has implemented agronomic practices that are more sustainable and mean the soil drains well in the cooler months, so the course can still be played after a bout of April showers. Players won’t be able to resist the urge to attempt an eagle on the 9th hole, like Tiger Woods did three times in a row when he won the World Golf Championships in 2006.
The Grove approaches hospitality with sheer abundance: from the flora and fauna that lace the premises, to the spectrum of food offerings, to the evolving list of activities that include archery, axe throwing and woodland hawking. There is a kids club for children under nine and the hotel adapts itself to being more child-friendly during the school holidays, transforming its banqueting rooms into a cinema, an interactive play area and gaming room.
There is plenty for them to do while you are out on the course or hiding away in the acclaimed adult-only Sequoia Spa – it has such a casual charm that you can sip Champagne in your robe without feeling like a fraud. The Stables restaurant turns the disappointment of golf club food on its head, serving high-quality gastro pub food alongside a sophisticated cocktail menu; a welcome and fresh interpretation of the 19th hole.[MT1]
More information and bookings, HERE.
CAMIRAL GOLF & WELLNESS – GIRONA, SPAIN
A contemporary resort with a complete spa offering, set within 500-acres of Catalan forest at the foothills of the Pyrenees. There are two 18-hole courses on offer: the Tour Course is a gentler challenge with forgivingly wide fairways – an ideal place for the novice golfer to build confidence. Or up the ante on The Stadium Course, which has hosted multiple events on the European Tour, including the Spanish Open. There are plenty of water hazards to throw you; the tees tend to be elevated and very few fairways are uphill, granting the best possible vantage points to admire the course. Its PGA academy boasts the only PGA-backed Junior Golf Academy in Spain and has programmes for children from three years.
The spa at Camiral has a strong focus on resilience building and features sports-recovery therapeutics, including Pressotherapy – a gentle air pressure treatment to boost the lymphatic system, Cryotherapy – a -110°C chamber for reducing muscular pain – and an oxygen chamber to stimulate neural pathways and calm the mind, perfect after an 18-hole challenge or a fierce game of paddle.
Just half an hour away on the south coast, captivate your inner Bear Grylls at the Cala di Moli – the only coastal via ferrata (a protected climbing route) in Europe – navigating half a kilometre of sheer vertical rock face, while breathing in the salty zephyr of the Mediterranean. Bikes are also an ideal way to explore along the Costa Brava, or take a tour to the thermal baths nearby. Expect to eat like a Catalan king or queen on a food tour in Girona while romancing the medieval architecture.
More information and bookings, HERE.
SOTOGRANDE – CÁDIZ, SPAIN
Here, golf addicts and epicureans alike can bathe in the warmth of the Costa del Sol in a playground for all ages. The resort has a firmly established reputation for being one of the golf hubs of Europe, with a pedigree of star-studded courses that feature on the Ladies and Men’s European and LIV Tours.
Align your stay with a tournament and find yourself so comfortably close to best players in the world that you may as well be inside the ropes. While the attractive Real Club Sotogrande will not disappoint those with a thirst for a challenge, treat yourself to a round at the legendary Real Club Valderramafor the elite experience. Host of the 1997 Ryder Cup, you might hear the victorious cheers of Seve Ballesteros whispering in the breeze.
Expect a lengthy course with shifting elevation and lightning-quick greens at La Reserva, alongside a beach club that is visually integrated to perfection. The long billowing grasses frame the cabana-lined beaches, blending into a turquoise lagoon where guests can partake in an array of watersports – some that look like they were a concept on Back to the Future.
Sotogrande also has its own racket club – supporting tennis and paddle – and polo club. Saunter down to the marina on market day for an opportune moment to trawl through the one-off boutiques, followed by a refreshing glass of cava at lunch, as you while away the hours gazing at some impressive vessels. For sundowners, head to the Trocadero Sotogrande on the beachfront.
More information and bookings, HERE.
COSTA NAVARINO – MESSINIA, GREECE
Greece has not been an obvious European golf destination – until now. For those craving something a little different, there are four championship-worthy courses to experience in this sustainably driven resort in Messinia, on the southwest of the Peloponnese. The contrasting locations of The Dunes, The Bay and both of the José María Olazábal-designed courses in the Navarino Hills all have different perspectives of the Ionian Sea and provide an enticing challenge, while upholding the integrity of the natural landscape. The Dunes was the first course in the area – designed by Bernhard Langer – which meanders its way around The Westin and The Romanos resorts, incorporating some links-style elements in areas closest to the sea.
The Westin blends Messinia’s heritage with a contemporary touch. Children will love the recently revamped aquapark after a day at one of the many camps on offer, which include those from NBA Basketball and FC Bayern Munich. There are more than 40 different restaurants to gorge on salty Greek food, predominantly showcasing Messinia’s authentic culinary traditions, yet maintaining their promise to sustainability.
Unlike most golf resorts, at Costa Navarino you do not need to choose between the game and a cultural experience: visitors are very much encouraged to engage with the Messinian traditions, whether that is an authentic cooking class in a nearby home, wandering through the vibrant Navarino Agora at night, joining a tour on ancient Greek philosophy or an astronomy soirée. For those happy with a view, the colours of the dramatic coastline will never fail to astonish.
More information and bookings, HERE.
I-M Inquisitive Minds would like to thank Ross Marshall (www.yourgolftravel.com) for his assistance with this feature.
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