Luxury Golf Vacations in the Sunshine
June 23, 2010| Spain | Mijas| Cities
Although golf originated as a sport at St Andrews in Scotland, it is very pleasant to play a round in guaranteed sunshine with great scenery. Golf vacations are increasingly popular in Europe for singles, couples looking for a themed vacation and groups of golf-playing friends.
Spain and Portugal in particular have some of the best championship golf courses and are understandably popular in the winter and spring with their mild temperatures and dry climate. While local golf clubs in the UK are preparing for their new season, golfers can be warming up and teeing off ahead of their mates on a luxury golf vacation in Spain.
Golf lovers do not have to stay in expensive golf resorts and hotels in order to use the facilities. Most clubs welcome non-resident visitors and offer club hire, practice range, tuition and excellent clubhouse amenities for meeting new friends. "Golf widows" are also catered for as golf resorts offer far more than 18 holes of prestigious fairways. Many golf clubs have tennis courts, luxury spas, fitness facilities and swimming pools for non-golfers to enjoy their own relaxing pursuits.
One of the best golf resorts in Spain is La Manga, at the southern tip of the natural saltwater lagoon known as Mar Menor. Those staying in private villas in the Murcia area will find La Manga's three excellent championship golf courses are unsurpassed and the family can enjoy everything from the football academy and tennis courts to the luxury spa and restaurants. Further south, the Valderrama Resort lies near Cadiz and is within easy reach of Gibraltar for a great day out. This prestigious course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, was recently voted #1 golf course in Europe by Golf World magazine. The area has numerous golf courses within a 30-minute drive of the town of Sotogrande and views from the fairways overlook the stunning Mediterranean coastline and the Rock of Gibraltar.
Portugal's Algarve is another popular destination for luxury golf vacations. Le Meridien Penina Golf Resort offers an excellent 18-hole championship golf course designed by Sir Henry Cotton and two further golf courses. Le Meridian Penina is just an hour's drive from Faro Airport making a weekend of golf an easy option.
Closer to home the K Club in scenic County Kildare, Eire has two championship golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer. For those wanting the challenge of a former Ryder Cup course, the K Club offers great golfing and first class amenities.
Situated in beautiful Warwickshire, England, the Belfry is frequently the host of major golf championships. The British weather can be temperamental but there are plenty of sunny days in the summer months to enjoy a golf vacation in the Cotswolds. Along with the main golf course there is also the
