Five of the world’s most exceptional golf resorts and destinations

Synonymous with escape and space, mornings spent golfing are enjoyed beneath wide-open skies, with long afternoons in the clubhouse beckoning as the light begins to fade. Today, the finest golf hotels take that sense of retreat further, pairing championship courses with exceptional hospitality, destination dining, spa sanctuaries, and activities and entertainment that extend beyond the green — worthy of a luxury weekend away. 

From island fairways to grand country estates, these are properties where the setting is as compelling as the sport itself. Read on to discover the golfing destinations effortlessly combining lifestyle and luxury experiences, for an unforgettable sporting stay.Bürgenstock Resort, Switzerland
In the Swiss Alps, high among its striking peaks, air thins and golf balls really can travel further. But it is the combination of dramatic scenery and exceptional hospitality that makes Switzerland such an alluring golfing destination. Perched 500 metres above Lake Lucerne, the Bürgenstock Resort has long been a haven for the world’s elite. Its historic nine-hole Alpine golf course dates back to 1928, inspiring awe with its sweeping vistas and views towards the Eiger and Jungfrau’s famed peaks. Once frequented by the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren, the distinctly glamorous destination now features a revitalised course with restructured tees and sustainable design. 

Beyond the fairways, 12 restaurants and bars, a vast 10,000-square-metre Alpine Spa and plentiful hiking and biking trails beckon. With its golfing heritage, Alpine adventure, female-focused clinics, experiences and history, Bürgenstock is an alluring luxury golf escape, combining modern lifestyle with enduring legacy.Evian Resort, France
On the other side of the Alps, Evian Resort occupies enviable acreage overlooking Lake Geneva. Home to The Amundi Evian Championship, continental Europe’s only women’s Major, its technical yet scenic 18-hole course offers dramatic elevation changes and immaculate fairways. For golfers, the opportunity to play a Major venue which has tested the world’s best is reason enough to visit, yet the setting makes it all the more memorable. Beyond the fairways, Evian offers the polished pleasure of great French resorts, from the historic Hôtel Royal and its destination spa, to Michelin-starred dining. Sporting pedigree meets refined relaxation, where a few hours on the course can be followed by fine dining, sensory spa experiences and far-reaching restorative views.The Red Sea Edition, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia may be an unlikely setting for a world-class golf escape, but the recently unveiled Shura Links, at the Red Sea Global is changing that. Set on Shura Island, Saudi Arabia’s first island golf course winds through dunes and mangroves, with the turquoise Red Sea as its backdrop. Designed by Brian Curley, the championship course forms the centrepiece of Foster + Partners’ masterplan for the island. Completing the experience, a remarkable collection of new luxury resorts are unfurling — from Four Seasons Resort, SLS, and The Red Sea Edition. 

The first resort to open on Shura Island, The Red Sea Edition offers a suitably stylish base, bringing the brand’s distinctive blend of destination dining and understated glamour to the island. After a round, retreat to the Recovery Dome, settle in at JIWA Beach Club, or simply take in the dunes, mangroves, and sparkling seas. Remote and design-led, it is perfectly positioned for pioneering travellers looking for a new sporting experience.Adare Manor, Ireland
Ahead of the Ryder Cup 2027, Ireland’s grand golfing estate is preparing for its moment in the spotlight. Set across 840-acres of parkland in County Limerick, Adare Manor combines championship golf with the grandeur of a 19th-century neo-Gothic castle, creating a distinctly Irish take on a luxury golf escape. 

Masterfully redesigned by renowned architect Tom Fazio, the course follows the lush vegetation, rolling terrain and natural topography of the estate. Away from the fairways, guests can retreat to the elegant clubhouse with its restaurant, lively bar and cigar lounge, or venture into the wider estate for falconry, archery, and fishing. Back at the manor, steeped in history and surrounded by medieval ruins, walled gardens and winding woodland paths provide a romantic backdrop. Elegant interiors, destination dining, and a sumptuous spa await — the perfect refuge when the Irish weather inevitably turns.La Dolce Vita Orient Express, Italy
For golfers, there can be few more glamorous ways to see Italy than from the carriage of La Dolce Vita Orient Express. Its latest Italian itineraries pair some of the country’s most celebrated courses with the romance of slow travel, journeying from Rome through vineyard-covered hills to historic villages and Mediterranean coastlines. Northern Greens includes stops at Royal Park I Roveri, Franciacorta Golf Club and The Club at Castiglion del Bosco, while Italian Swing heads south to San Domenico Golf Club in Apulia, The Club at Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany, and Antognolla Golf in Umbria. 

Back on board, the train channels the elegance of Italy’s golden age, with rich interiors, convivial social spaces and attentive service. Itineraries extend beyond the fairways, while non-golfing guests may enjoy indulging in the understated glamour of life on board. A perfect pairing, less about the destination, and all about savouring the journey.

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