12 TRIPS THAT WILL MAKE BOTH HUSBAND AND WIFE HAPPY
“We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next to find ourselves. We travel to open our hearts and eyes and learn more about the world than our newspapers will accommodate. And we travel, in essence, to become young fools again- to slow time down and get taken in, and fall in love once more.” ~Pico Iyer
The couple that travels together stays together. If traveling in a group, I will make every effort to plan golf pairings for guests, which can ignite friendship among them. Non-golfing spouses are also perfectly catered to with several excursions available. Let us not forget that most resorts also include spa facilities and yoga! I will ensure you are able to take advantage of the provided facilities. These destinations will leave you wanting more!
Why book travel yourself when Virtuoso travel advisors can elevate every trip? We know the best value for money and can secure special benefits that you can’t get on your own.
What follows are 12 trips -- plus a bonus idea -- that will make couples do a happy dance!
Oitavos Dunes, Portugal
This is THE place for active travelers and food lovers alike. Experience one of the finest golf courses in the world, designed by Arthur Hills in 2001. The location is outstanding; no wonder it is the number one course in Portugal! Nearby, the InterContinental Cascais – Estoril is an open window to the Atlantic Ocean and to modern luxury experiences. Located on the site of the former “Atlântico Hotel”, the essence of this charming place remains. Be seduced by the natural setting surrounding our hotel restaurant. Indulge in the spa! You and your spouse can enjoy a round or two AND enjoy the culture and cuisine of the region together.
The St. Regis Bali Resort
This magnificent resort is in the heart of a pristine beach. It has exceptional suites, bars, a spacious spa, fitness centers, and a children's learning center. It is a highly recommended destination for couples who want to enjoy their vacation in style and luxury as visitors have access to private signature St. Regis Butler Service. All of this is adjacent to the magnificent Bali Golf & Country Club.
Verdura Resort, Italy
This resort offers a golf experience like no other with a relaxing atmosphere. It is structured to challenge all levels of golfers, with three link-style courses. The surface to play golf is one to behold with the first-rate grasses and features olive and orange groves. Generous in size, all rooms and suites showcase spectacular Mediterranean views. Several restaurants, a culinary school with mixology and wine tasting, and a spacious spa are on-site.
Costa Navarino, Greece
This Mediterranean destination holds the country’s first golf courses and has a diverse topography with riverine views, and a golden beach. The view here is alluring with some romantic undertones which makes it perfect for couples. Embark on cross-cultural epicurean journeys at select venues, with fine menus curated by acclaimed chefs based on authentic flavors and recipes, rejuvenate at the spa with signature therapies and unique treatments, and discover the natural beauty and heritage of a region with over 4,500 years of fascinating history.
Fancourt, South Africa
Situated on the extraordinary Garden Route, with a combination of leisure and golf. All three of the Gary Player-designed golf courses are among the top 20 in the country, per Golf Digest. It has a proud legacy. Fancourt is South Africa’s premier lifestyle estate with mountains, indigenous forests, and the warm Indian Ocean in close proximity. With luxury rooms and suites, a Spa, and a variety of restaurants. Glorious swimming beaches. Sightseeing excursions are also available. Fancourt’s reputation is internationally esteemed.
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Grand Cayman
An oasis, the Cayman's only five-star accommodations offer outdoor activities including a Greg Norman-designed golf course and tennis courts. A unique golf experience, embracing the natural elements. Located on world-famous Seven Mile Beach, the resort offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Guests can enjoy a la prairie spa, five restaurants, an interactive culinary studio, and other adventures unique to this sought-after destination.
Kauri Cliffs, New Zealand
The elegant lodge has amazing views of the Pacific. Active travelers who enjoy the finer things in life are right at home at Kauri Cliffs, set on 6,000 acres near Matauri Bay. The resort boasts jaw-dropping views of Cape Brett and the Cavalli Islands. Settle into your lavish suite with a golf course and ocean views, private porch, and open fireplace, then explore your surroundings. Golfers will want to check out the course, designed by David Harman. The championship course challenges every skill level. Don't forget the spa, where treatments are customized to your needs! Surfing, fishing, and gastronomy are a few of the experiences available.
Trump Turnberry, Scotland
Trump Turnberry is surrounded by acres of breathtaking land and seascape on the Ayrshire coastline. Tee off on the world-renowned Championship Ailsa course. (It is the home of four Open Championships.) Some of the most iconic names in golf have been hosted by Ailsa, the top golf course in Ireland and the UK. Relax in opulent suites featuring indulgent freestanding bathtubs with spectacular views across the Irish Sea. Toast to a wonderful stay with champagne. A number of restaurants are available. Indulge at The Spa. Discover Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, with a visit to the Burns Museum or explore the grounds of the majestic Culzean Castle, before a dram at The Whisky Experience.
Terme di Saturnia Spa and Golf, Italy
Set amidst rolling hills, Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort is a stunning thermal retreat in Tuscan Maremma. The resort combines its ancient mineral-rich thermal springs — from which body-temperature-warm sulfurous water flows out at more than 200 gallons per second — with stylish accommodations, exclusive treatments in an award-winning spa, and an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Ronald Fream, and is the ideal place to play golf year-round. Inimitable charm, a passion for the finest cuisine, and innovative Spa programs put the finishing touches to this retreat, which is just a two-hour drive from Rome and Florence.
Terre-Blanche, France
Emanating the delicious scents of thyme and lavender, Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort is a heavenly hideaway nestled in the hills of Eastern Provence. You're close enough to the glitz of the Côte d'Azur, yet seemingly worlds away as you partake of two golf courses. The resorts’ golf facilities and distinguished courses are considered to be Terre Blanche’s pièce de résistance by many. Luxuriate in one of the continent's most beautiful spas. and your lavish accommodations. Each of the spacious suites and villas is immersed in lush nature and boasts a separate living room and bedroom, private terrace, and high-speed Internet. Faventia, the Michelin-star fine-dining restaurant, offers refined Mediterranean cuisine and a compelling wine list.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, set on the picturesque Kona-Kohala coast of Hawai'i Island, is a magnificent work of destination art. Built into its natural surroundings, the resort combines history, culture, pure pampering, and true aloha to all who come its way. The resort features magnificent rooms and suites, world-class spa and fitness, tennis, on-site ocean activities, retail boutiques, seven pools, cultural experiences, and award-winning dining. Experience incomparable golf experiences at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. All the while, the contrast of ancient black lava rock with towering coconut palms, white-sand beaches, and azure seas creates opportunities for lasting memories.
Adare Manor, Ireland
Maintaining the estate's neo-Gothic architectural heritage and stonework was but a small portion of the fantastic overhaul at 840-acre Adare Manor. The five-star resort reopened its doors in November 2017 following an 18-month renovation project that resulted in the addition of a bedroom wing, besides offering a beguiling ballroom, a state-of-the-art La Mer spa, a swimming pool with a relaxation area, and a cinema. World-famous golf architect Tom Fazio oversaw the redesign of the incredible "new" golf course, which is primed to become one of the continent's finest courses. Proud to host The Ryder Cup in 2026!
BONUS! River and Ocean Cruising - Play the World!
And... You are not limited to resort-only stays! Did you know you can combine the luxury of cruising, either river or ocean, with the opportunity to indulge in your passion for golf? There are packages that allow you to do just that, with rounds of golf at some of the leading championship courses while experiencing some of the world's most memorable destinations! You can also add many of the above-mentioned resorts either pre- or post-cruise for an even more spectacular getaway.
With so many options, which will you choose?! Contact me today for help planning a trip both you and your spouse will enjoy!
IS A GOLF COURSE AN EXCELLENT TRAVEL DESTINATION?
Are you planning a vacation with your buddies? Don’t break a sweat worrying about where to go. Vacation should be fun! Have you thought of going on a golf-themed cruise? You have the opportunity to choose the course that best fits your experience. Some courses are challenging to play on. If your group are professionals; then, that’s no problem. But if you have novices in your group, it’s best to pick something smaller that everyone can play on. Do you want to go on a golf trip? Let’s talk.