Tee Up the Perfect Golf Holiday from Ireland to South Africa

Teeing off somewhere new is always a thrill, but teeing off on a world-class golf course, knowing that sumptuous accommodation and memorable culinary experiences await after the 18th hole is truly exciting - and what the best golf breaks are made of. These ten hotels and resorts offer enticing golf-focused escapes, set in scenic landscapes ranging from moody moorland to lush lagoon.

Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club

Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club (Photo: Marriott International)

Surrounded by 200 acres of landscaped grounds yet within easy reach of London, Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club offers golfers a delightful 18-hole, 7,052-yard parkland course, with views back to the Jacobean manor house. Designed by Jack Nicklaus II, it features lush, rolling fairways and plenty of challenging water. There’s also a driving range, putting green and indoor golf simulator with 15 different course layouts. The best of the spacious bedrooms offer golf course views, while afternoon tea is served in the gorgeous wood-panelled Oak Hall.

Delta Hotels Breadsall Priory Country Club

Delta Hotels Breadsall Priory Country Club (Photo: Marriott International)

Delta Hotels Breadsall Priory Country Club has not one but two superb golf courses. The Championship Priory Course is a 6,054-yard parkland-style course that offers challenges such as a short par four 9^th with a harsh right dogleg and the signature 17^th with its formidable green guarded by bunkers to the front and falling into a ditch at the rear. The newer Moorland Course calls for a focus on accuracy with its greenside bunkers and firm, fast fairways lined with lofty trees. The hotel dates back to 1266, making it the oldest Marriott property in the world and giving its rooms unique historic character.

Powerscourt Hotel, Autograph Collection

Powerscourt Hotel, Autograph Collection (Photo: Marriott International)

Just 30 minutes outside Dublin, the Powerscourt Hotel, Autograph Collection offers a retreat from the city with its grand Palladian-style architecture, luxurious ESPA spa and duo of picturesque golf courses. The East Course is enjoyable but challenging, featuring numerous two-tier greens and regular water hazards plus a carry over water on the 17^th that will make even long hitters think twice. The West Course has larger greens but plenty of deep bunkers and a long drop downhill from tee to green on the memorable par three 17^th. Stay a while to enjoy both courses, as well as views of the Wicklow mountains from your suite.

Renaissance Paris Hippodrome de St. Cloud Hotel

The Renaissance Paris Hippodrome de St. Cloud Hotel stands just 15 minutes outside Paris and offers easy access to one of the best nine-hole golf courses in France, in the shape of the par 35 Golf de Paris. Plentiful water hazards test golfers here, while the 200-place driving range offers the chance to practise your swing. Rooms at the hotel are subtly chic, with colourful furnishings in shades of coffee and cobalt, while the heated outdoor pool is the perfect place for a post-golf swim

Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort, Autograph Collection

Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort, Autograph Collection (Photo: Marriott International)

Italy's only PGA National Golf Course stands beside the Orbetello Lagoon in Tuscany, weaving between cork-oak woods and ancient olive groves and surrounding the stylish Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort, Autograph Collection. Sweeping fairways overlook the bay and there are bunkers and water hazards throughout, plus an abundance of thick vegetation alongside the fairways to add to the challenge. The airy rooms and suites offer private terraces, many with glorious golf course views, and the Espace Wellness Centre soothes tired muscles with thalassotherapy and a range of massage treatments.

Penha Longa Hotel & Golf Resort

Penha Longa Hotel & Golf Resort (Photo: Marriott International)

Famed golf course designer Robert Trent Jones, Jr is the man behind both the courses at Penha Longa Hotel & Golf Resort, located in the beautiful hills of Sintra just outside Lisbon. The 18-hole Atlantic Championship course uses the natural contours of the land to great effect, while the often windy conditions add an extra obstacle to the likes of the 155-metre carry over water on the par three 15^th. The pleasant 9-hole Monastery course is less undulating but features narrow fairways and fast greens to keep things interesting. The bedrooms have stylish contemporary furnishings, with the very best enjoying panoramic views out over the lush greenery of the golf course.

The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa

The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa (Photo: Marriott International)

Located in the Golf Valley of Marbella, The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa’s 27 holes are divided up into three sets of nine, lending golfers increased flexibility and making the resort suitable for all abilities. San Pedro is characterised by wide fairways that make higher handicappers feel more at ease, while Ronda is the opposite with narrow fairways and Guadaiza is the most technical – running over 3,167 yards, it requires more advanced players to use a wide range of shots. The hotel’s beautiful junior suites feature expansive private terraces overlooking the rolling fairways of the golf course.

Hacienda Son Antem Golf Resort, Autograph Collection

Hacienda Son Antem Golf Resort, Autograph Collection (Photo: Marriott International)

Situated on the Balearic island of Mallorca, the Hacienda Son Antem Golf Resort, Autograph Collection offers the chance to play two different 18-hole golf courses at Son Antem. The East Course is best for high handicappers, with its broad fairways and flat greens, while the West Course is more demanding, its three large lakes and copious bunkers testing even the most advanced golfers, particularly on the back nine. Head to the hotel’s wellness area after your round to restore energy levels in the plunge pool, sauna and steam room, then refuel with local, seasonal produce on the terrace of Es Camp restaurant.

JW Marriott Hotel Cairo Mirage City Golf Club

JW Marriott Hotel Cairo Mirage City Golf Club (Photo: Marriott International)

With water hazards on almost every hole, even the best golfers will find the 18-hole championship course at the JW Marriott Hotel Cairo Mirage City Golf Club a challenge. The par five 8^th is the standout hole here, with water running along the entire right side of the fairway, while on the 12^th a rock wall surrounds the back of the hole. A further 9-hole course and floodlit driving range keep golfers occupied throughout their stay, while the extensive outdoor pool with soft-sand beach offers the perfect place to recharge.

Protea Hotel Polokwane Ranch Resort

Protea Hotel Polokwane Ranch Resort (Photo: Marriott International)

Expansive views of the surrounding wildlife-rich countryside make a round of golf at the Protea Hotel Polokwane Ranch Resort in South Africa’s Limpopo province even more enticing. The 12-hole par three course is ideal for golfers of all levels, while the in-house professional can offer coaching to improve your game. You’ll spot a wide variety of fauna from the hotel too, including lions, giraffes, zebra and some 25 species of antelope.

Published: November 13, 2024

Last Updated: February 07, 2025