Spain is a go-to destination for avid golfers. From the Canary Islands in the Atlantic to the Balearics in the Mediterranean, the country is home to some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in Europe.
With social distancing now the norm across the world, golf has experienced a resurgence in popularity. The promise of sunshine and exercise in a wide-open space makes golf the perfect sport in the era of Covid-19.
Whether you have decided to dust off the clubs or take it up for the very first time, the best luxury golf resorts in Spain will ensure you have a safe and relaxing vacation and help you lower your handicap. Here, we round up our favorite locations.
Finca Cortesin
This exclusive resort (pictured above) is situated in one of the most sought-after enclaves of the Andalusian coast between Marbella and Sotogrande. The property is easily accessible from several major transport hubs but still has the feel of a true luxury bolthole. It is surrounded by undisturbed nature and offers sweeping views of the Casares Mountains and the Mediterranean coastline.
Its acclaimed golf course regularly hosts major tournaments. The Cabell Robinson-designed course is one of Europe’s longest at over 7,600 yards and offers a significant challenge to even the most seasoned golfers. The resort also has world-class practice facilities, including a Jack Nicklaus Academy that uses state-of-the-art equipment to analyse and improve your game. With an amazing spa and a Michelin star restaurant located back at the hotel, Finca Cortesin offers the most luxurious all-round golfing experience in Spain.
Guests can tailor their stays to their specifications, but the Play & Dine package will meet the needs of most weekenders. The package includes green fees for the golf course, dinner for two at Restaurant El Jardin de Lutz and access to the spa facilities.
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Hotel Camiral at PGA Catalunya Resort
This five-star resort offers access to not one, but two world-class golf courses including the six-time winner of the Best Golf Course in Spain. Hotel Camiral was recently reimagined by star architect Lázaro Rosa-Violan and the result is an ultra-modern luxury hotel that could just as easily sell itself as a wellness retreat. The large infinity pool adds to the effect, but it falls slightly short with a comparatively small spa. Nevertheless, the vast majority of people come to this luxury hotel comes for one thing and one thing only: the golf.
PGA Catalunya has two courses with the Stadium Course the one that draws in golfers from all over the world. Almost a decade in the planning, the Stadium Course was envisioned as Europe’s answer to the US’s TPC Sawgrass. It has proved a challenge even for the pros, hosting the Spanish Open among other professional tournaments in the past. It was even a shortlisted candidate for the 2022 Ryder Cup. Although this is the must-play course of the region, the other course, the Tour, is also considered to be among the best in the country.
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Westin La Quinta Golf and Spa
Set among the beautiful hills of Sierra Blanca, Westin La Quinta offers an escape for anyone fatigued by city life. This resort looks like a lost haven, enclosed by mountains and obscured by lavishes of dark green. Sitting between mountains and the sea, it is located in a surprisingly cool microclimate that makes for perfect fairways and greens.
The resort has three nine-hole courses that can be divided up in any way you see fit. Some of the fitter guests will even take on all three in a singleround. Designed by the three-time world champion and Ryder Cup winner Manuel Piñero, La Quinta Golf is one of the most attractive golf clubs in the area and suitable for all levels of play. The courses (A, B and C) get progressively harder. With wide open fairways and forgiving greens, Course A has led many into a false sense of security before the challenging Course C pulls them back down to earth.
There is still plenty on offer for non-golfers, including complimentary shopping trips to the nearby town of Puerto Banus. There is also a large spa featuring an authentic Moorish style décor and a tranquil atmosphere.
Marbella Club Hotel Golf Resort And Spa
Once the Mediterranean hideaway for the aristocratic von Hohenlohe family, Marbella Club is a throwback to the golden age when just a select few were able to enjoy the beauty of this stretch of coastline. Today, Marbella welcomes millions of tourists every year although this old-school hideaway continues to cut out its own corner of paradise.
Located a stone’s throw from the old town and offering an array of activities and services, Marbella Club attracts far more than just golfers. Guests can do everything from horse riding to jet-skiing, yoga classes to pottery classes. But while the resort tries to provide five-star service for all, the golf is where it truly succeeds. Every guest enjoys unlimited access to the world-class 18-hole course. Set within Mediterranean woodland, players are treated to lush greens, panoramic views across the Mediterranean Sea that stretch all the way to the African coastline on a clear day.
The Ritz-Carlton, Abama
Set back from the beach on the south side of Tenerife, this striking pink palace is visible for miles around. With a tennis academy, seven swimming pools, an extensive spa and two Michelin-starred restaurants, The Ritz-Carlton Abama is a luxury resort that would not look out of place in Dubai.
There are so many reasons to stay here, but the 18-hole championship golf course is certainly its main selling point. Set against the backdrop of the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, this par 72 course was designed by the renowned Dave Thomas. The varied terrain and sometimes fierce trade winds can make for a formidable challenge. Although on calm days it is perfectly suited for players of all abilities. The hotel also has its own clubhouse, and offers lessons for players of all levels from their four in-house pros.
Anantara Marbella Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis Marbella Resort
Lush landscapes abound at Anantara, Marbella, and these palatial grounds will make you feel like royalty. The ultimate leisure destination offers a Roman amphitheater, direct lake access, tennis, squash, badminton, croquet, ocean exploration and cultural immersion, all in one place. The hotel also has more than 1,200 works of art, and it is no stranger to notable figures; the Obama Villa is named after former first lady, Michelle Obama.
As well as a stunning destination resort in its own right, it also has truly world-class golf facilities, including access to three stunning courses. Together they make up the most comprehensive golf experience in the Costa del Sol. Guests can wake up to the sun rising across luscious greens before teeing off before the heat of the day sets in.
The Flamingos course is the pick of the three, offering stunning views out over the strait of Gibraltar and the African coast. The Alferini is the most challenging and is one of the only par 73 courses in the Costa del Sol. Finally, the Tramores is perfect for practicing your short game. At under 3,800 yards, this fast course rewards iron accuracy and offers a quick round for those who don’t want to miss breakfast.
