Golf Resorts International » Resorts

Pebble Beach, California

GRI — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:00:19 +0000

Pebble Beach quite simply enchants guests with a magnificent, sparkling Oceanside setting. After countless awards of excellence, most recently awarded the platinum medal by Golf Magazine in 2009. The game of golf is at its worldwide best at the Pebble Beach Resorts where each course offers unique heritage, breathtaking beauty and a once in a lifetime experience. Professional Golfer Jack Nicklaus stated that, “If I had only one more round to play, I would choose to play at Pebble Beach. I’ve loved this course from the first time I saw it. It’s possibly the best in the world.” Each course offers a staff of professionals for both individual and group instruction, clinics and group tournaments.

The Lodge at Pebble Beach offers its guests 161 rooms and suites of relaxed elegance and stately architecture alongside a glorious ocean side setting. Guests in ocean view rooms enjoy panoramic views of Pebble Beach Golf Links’ famed 18th hole/fairway.

The Inn at Spanish Bay presents a luxurious enclave of 269 guest rooms and suites and is situated between the Del Monte Forest and the Pacific shore among groves of tall Monterey pines.

Enchantingly picturesque, Casa Palmero is an elegant Mediterranean-style enclave located along the first and second fairways of the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links. All 24 spacious rooms and suites set exquisite standards for guest comfort and personal service.

Over the course of 85 exciting years, Pebble Beach golf courses has proven time and again that it can define champions and champion moments. Hugging the rugged coastline, the courses provide wide-open vistas, cliff side fairways and sloping greens that supply picturesque, elevated tees. The beautiful fairways roll through sandy seaside dunes and majestic pines, all of which should be gracefully experienced by golfer seeking both beauty and challenge.

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, California

GRI — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:00:31 +0000

The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa has been recognized, for over 8 years, as of the best secrets among travelers. It is an escape unto itself and offers historic, casual elegance and features luxurious accommodations, a beautiful spa, and a storied past. Since its early beginnings, guests of the inn have acclaimed the resort for its sequestered, yet sophisticated escape appeal of which arouses a sense of being on a private country estate. The spa has its own signature mud treatment called Kuyam inspired by the Chumash people who initially inhabited the valley. Kuyam, or “a place to come together,” makes use of healing clays in a communal experience while blending the best of ancient traditions with the new.

Designed by architect George C. Thomas, the resort golf course has found a very natural home in the valley and ranks as one of America’s premier championship courses. Since 1923, the course has been sculpted from the natural terrain and remains one of the first great golf courses in California. Thomas claimed to have this in mind in the making: “… that the average golfer could enjoy his round without too great a penalty, and that a test must be afforded requiring the low-handicap man to play fine golf in order to secure pars.” In seven decades, the course has established itself with famous guests and PGA tours and continues to be a breathtaking course open to any golfer seeking an incredible playing experience.

Slieve Donard, Ireland

GRI — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:00:04 +0000

Slieve Donard resort and spa, after recent refinements, has ensured that it is now the most luxurious destination in all of Ireland. All 178 rooms are decorated in beautiful, traditional styles with modern comforts accompanied by some of the most spectacular views of the magnificent mountains and coastline. The Victorian construction is over a century old and is immensely packed with character. The resort is located next to the Royal Country Down along the Mourne Mountains and rugged coastline and has a newly completed world-class spa.

Set against the backdrop of the spellbinding Mountains of Mourne, the Championship golf course appears to be heaven sent for golf, as there are few more incredible places to enjoy the game. Designed by Old Tom Morris, the course is remains etched on the list of the most desirable courses anywhere in the world. As Open championship legend and links golf master Tom Watson once said, “It is a tremendous test of golf and the outward half, especially, is just as fine a nine.”

Four Seasons Manele Bay, Lana’i

GRI — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:00:42 +0000

One of the biggest reasons to visit the Four Seasons in Manele Bay, Lana’I is for its underdeveloped appeal, enabling its guests to experience a truly secluded and private kind of ocean-side paradise. The resort is located on a natural marine preserve, which is home to teems of colorful reef fish and protected species, including green sea turtles and spinner dolphins. It is said to appear like a majestic imperial palace rising above the sparkling sea and stunning white sands. Owned by David Murdock, who also owns about 98% of the island as well as Dole Foods, the island remains privatized to the point where visitors will cease to find a single T-shirt shop in sight. To get there, it’s recommended to simply board the 45-minute ferry ride from Maui, which drops vacationers off a few minutes from the resort property; however, direct flights are also available. The resort has an amazing pool for lounging with an unbelievable beach that dolphins come to visit every morning and welcome early swimmers.

The resort’s golf course falls on the property’s beautiful bluffs that are located high above the ocean with some spectacular views. Professional golfer Jack Nicklaus designed the course, so there should be little doubt that one will encounter a superior playing experience. When teeing off at holes #12 and #17, do not forget to take a look around, specifically at sunset, where the picturesque qualities are so refined that Bill and Linda Gates could not help but to choose it as their wedding locale.

St. Andrews, Scotland

GRI — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:00:52 +0000

Known as the Home of Golf, it is every golfer’s dream to walk on St Andrews Links. The courses offer a landscape of infinite variety and have been a playing field for the sport for over 600 years, but have been evolving into the game we know today, all the while. The seven St Andrews Links courses are open to the public so that all players may follow in the footsteps of the legends of the game. Many notable players and legends have walked these greens, including Old Tom Morris and Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.

The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. The hotel makes use of 144 spacious rooms including 35 suites and borders the 17th ‘Road Hole’ of the world famous Old Course in St Andrews. The majority of the suites have private balconies with postcard views of the Old Course as well as the town of St Andrews.

Beginning and ending in town, the Links Old Course still stands today as the oldest course in the world, yet has evolved over time and remains a true test of championship golf. Considered one of St Andrews’ best-kept secrets, the New Course is said to be a star that shines with its own degree of brilliance. The Links five other courses, including the Jubilee Course, the Eden Course, the Strathtrum Course, the Balgove Course, and the Castle Course total to 99 holes of golf, five 18 hole and one 9 hole course. Today, St Andrews in committed to the maintenance and preservation of the historic Links for future generations in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly manner – an important quality for 600-year old manicured land.

Mauna Lani, Big Island

GRI — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:44:49 +0000

If one is looking for clear water, look no further than the Mauna Lani Resort on the Big Island located off the beautiful Kohala Coast where just about every room has a luminous ocean view. The resort’s overall feel is very open and if one enjoys walking, there are some wonderful walking trails running along the ocean. Of course, both the spa and outside lava rock sauna should not be missed. Mauna Lani Spa is ranked “One of the World’s best spas,” by Travel & Leisure.

The golf course is a few miles away and is equipped with two championship 18-hole courses, Mana Lani North and South. The courses at Mauna Lani are both masterpieces of design and have received Golf Magazine’s Gold Medal Award every year since 1988. When stepping on the tee box for hole #15, one should be ready to experience one of the most striking par-3’s anywhere. Be sure to bring an extra sleeve of golf balls and be careful on the Lava Rock, it has some sharp points. For any balls that fly into the ocean, simply take a mulligan and order another Mai tai.

Princeville at Hanalei, Kauai

GRI — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:39:03 +0000

The resort claims to be one of the most magical island vacation destinations of Earth as it is simply “magnificent by nature.” Situated among lush sea cliffs towering above Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s North Shore, the resort provides its guests with a perfect tropical setting. Princeville at Hanalei is beautifully designed with exquisite ocean views inspired by its unparalleled surroundings of natural beauty. Being the first St. Regis resort in Hawaii, the resort aspires to be legendary in its serene luxury as well as one of the most remarkable resort destinations in the world.

Two world-class championship golf courses, both designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., make a total of 45 holes that enhance the natural habitat of Kauai’s North Shore and provide a delightful variety of plays for golfers of any skill level. It was the designer himself that said, “In all the world, I never expect to find a more spectacularly beautiful place to build a golf course than Princeville, overlooking Hanalei Bay.” Golfing at Princeville offers a remarkably royal experience on two truly majestic masterpieces of design.

Pinehurst, North Carolina

GRI — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:03:05 +0000

It is said that the American golf story both takes root and flourishes in Pinehurst. This destination is a three-time winner of Travel and Leisure Golf Magazine’s Best Golf Resort in America award, a three-time U.S. Open site and is home of the famed No. 2 golf course. The resort offers a step back in time to discover the elegance and world charm defining the luxurious accommodations that can be found here. From the historic Holly Inn, a warm and inviting luxury hotel that has hosted presidents, to the grand Carolina that has invited guests through its stately columns and into its gracious lobby since 1901. For those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, The Manor, a sportsman-style lodge is the ideal choice. Families and larger groups will enjoy the spaciousness and comfort of the luxury vacation villas and condominiums also available at this North Carolina resort.

Locked within its archives are thousands of moments that define generations of golf for the past 100 years. This particular golf resort has witnessed countless moments in golf history and was named by Bobby Jones as the “St. Andrews of United States Golf.” In a continued tradition and long-time commitment to championship golf, the resort features eight world-class golf courses offering an unparalleled golf vacation experience.

Las Ventanas, Cabo San Lucas

GRI — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:59:54 +0000

Just as the name implies, Las Ventanas is simply a window to Paradise. As one of the most acclaimed resorts in the word, Las Ventanas has attempted to redefine luxury and guest pampering as the resort hospitality reaches out with special touches in order to create a hallmark sense of resort ambiance. The desert resort will captivate its guests with expansive suites, a world-class spa, globally inspired cuisine and an invigorating atmosphere.

One of the most important sports in the area is the game of golf. Here, golfers are offered state-of-the-art courses that allow for a truly enjoyable and beautiful panoramic landscape of desert meets ocean, which make for a remarkably unforgettable combination. There are two courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, one course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and one Tom Weiskopf course. All courses have sparkling ocean views from each hole as they are set on 1,800 acres of development with about a mile of warm, sandy beach to play on. The desert course moves through deep canyons, jutting rock outcroppings, glassy lakes and majestic waterfalls with holes that route through changes in elevation while the ocean course supplies players with a glistening oceanfront golf experience. Las Ventanas creates the optimum environment to help relax and realize your well-being to a truly beautiful ocean and desert setting.

Four Seasons Lodge at Koele, Lana’i

GRI — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:55:36 +0000

On the very private island of Lana’i, the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele is said to appear like a gracious country manor hidden within the central highlands of the island. Guests are invited to enjoy peaceful tranquility in the midst of Hawaii’s natural beauty and wildlife. The resort offers impeccable service along with many outdoor activities, which can include jeep tours, horseback riding, croquet/bowling and sheet shooting, among many others. After a long day in the sun, however, resort guests are urged to relax and warm themselves in the Great Hall ornamented with stone fireplaces, skylights, libraries and sitting rooms.

Designed by golf legend Greg Norman, the resort also invites its guests to enjoy two world-ranked golf courses that are located on this peaceful property, as well. Beginning on a plateau of nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, this stunning, championship course offers brilliant mountain views and lush greens with the ocean sparkling in the distance. Hole number 17 is said to be the signature hole, located at a 250-foot elevated tee where the fairway is bordered by both the reflecting lake and dense greenery. It is hard to find a course that offers a more incredible combination of highland terrain, landscape architecture and range of play challenges where flowing streams and cascading waterfalls dot the entire course.