It is a truth universally acknowledged that sometimes our partners have very different ideas of fun and relaxation. Particularly when our partners enjoy golfing and we like something a little non-sportier, shall we say.Going on golfing holidays is amazing but being able to score a spa break during once is a much-desired treat.Here is how to achieve it.
There are thousands of modern and classic golf resorts around the world which cater to your golf and spa needs, most of being modern resorts. And as some of the members-only clubs don’t allow a guest to golf unless they book an overnight stay, you can make a mini-break of it.
So, if you want to know how to score a spa break along his golfing holidays, you have come to the right place – we’ve thought it all through on your behalf.
South Africa
The rainbow nation of South Africa is one of the most naturally beautiful on Earth; diverse not only in its peoples and history, but its wildlife and, of course, potential for the spa-golf break of your dreams. It’s best to head therein the summer months of November all through to March if you want to both optimize tanning time and to truly experience the fantastic landscape of the country.
Our top spot for spa and golfing holidays in South Africa is the Simola Hotel Country Club and Spa. Set on 325 hectares of land, the Simola is located in one of the most stunning towns of the country, Knysna.
The resort is situated lower than the ridges surrounding it, meaning there are breath-taking vistas and there is no interruption of wind when the partner is playing golf, just in case you wanted to reassure him.
You can also reassure him by reminding him that the golf course at Simola is a signature 18-hole Jack Nicklaus one, making it one of only 200 in the world.
Now, the spa at Simola is where you’ll find yourself. It’s private and intimate with luxury in every single area. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide views for days of the rolling hills, deep valleys and the Knysna lagoon.
The spa also offers specialized body therapies, such as the 90-minute Simola signature massage, and the curved, glass enclosed heated pool is the centerpiece of your relaxation holiday.
California and Florida
The United States offers some of the most relaxing corners of the globe to stay in when trying to score a spa break along his golfing holidays.
Starting with the Golden Coast of California, there is so much to love: the air of ambition and the dedication to well being that lingers on every street make Cali a great place to golf and spa, trust us. We’ve hand-picked the Hilton Hotel Golf Resort in Palm Springs as the best place to head off to due to the first-class Hilton service and the location of Palm Springs.
The spa at the Hilton has three massage rooms, two facial rooms and a couple’s room for when he does join you after golf. The two stand-out treatments at the spa are definitely the deep tissue massage, reflexology and a bamboo massage which are certain to make you feel as relaxed as humanly possible.
The golf course at the Hilton is modern and is clearly aimed at the golfer who wishes to relax but also thoroughly immerse themselves in the game. There are three courses, The Vistas, Lagos and Cielo, the first being the most relaxed and the latter a nine-hole course requiring skill and strategy to overcome difficult water hazards which are also present at the Lagos course.
If the Golden Coast doesn’t do it for you, the Sunshine State of Florida just might. It’s another to-die-for location in the US of A and is truly awe-inspiring, whether you’re at Disney or a spa and golf resort. Florida’s Naples Grande Beach Resort is our top pick with 23 acres of pure bliss, set on the waterfront with its own private beach, it’s difficult not to fall in love straight away. Plus, you can easily reach it from the local airport or any other part of Florida by booking Naples limo service.
The spa at the Naples Grande is home to twelve spacious treatment rooms and has its own soaking tub, whirlpool bath and sundeck where you can catch up on those natural rays for as long as you like.
There’s a hair and nail spa too, as well as a meditation lounge, fresh fruit infusions and an outdoor waterfall where you can relax to the sound of real running water, and not sounds playing from your relaxation app.
The Rees Jones designed golf course is perfect for him too, providing plenty of challenge and a newly-built $8 million clubhouse. Have you booked it yet?
Australia and New Zealand for golfing holidays
Australia and New Zealand are two of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the world – and only seem to be increasingly more so.
After all, both are beauty-rich and have much to offer, including the glorious sunshine when the other side of the world is freezing in the winter snow, so their popularity is warranted.
In Australia, we’ve selected the Mercure Kooindah Waters Central Coast as the spa and golf resort of your dreams. It’s in the center of wetlands with an intimate feel and provides subtle yet stunning views from the terraced restaurant.
The 18-hole golf course is perfect for him, with crystal-clear fairways and water hazards panning out as the game goes on. For you, the spa is brilliant: there’s a couple’s treatment room, private treatment rooms and the offer of and Endota’s yoghurt cocoon treatment and a Billiabong footbath with honey exfoliates. Truly calming.
New Zealand is home to its very own gem: the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs Golf and Spa Resort. The golfing is again taken care of here, with a world top-100 course providing ocean views from every hole.
The spa, however, is a spectacle you can appreciate. Located on the edge of the Totara forest and overlooking a meandering stream, there’s a couple’s room and private rooms, all of which have floor-to-ceiling views of the Kauri landscape. Hydrotherapy is offered there, alongside a huge variety of massage styles to suit every ache and knot in your body.
Spain and Portugal for golfing holidays
The European treasures of Span and Portugal provide a very different kind of break to the USA, South Africa, and not to mention Australia and New Zealand. You can have a break here without breaking the bank, which is really fantastic for what you get in return.
Spain’s Bahia del Duque Resort in Adeje, Tenerife is our top pick and is home to luxury and extravagance in size and treatment alike. While the golf course isn’t the most spectacular in the world, it has a level of professionalism about it as one can only play if they are in possession of a Golf Handicap Certificate, so that should reassure him of the worthiness of the course.
Of course the spa compensates for the golf course and the ‘Wellness Retreat’ as it’s called, is located in the most natural part of the resort and is near-isolation in its situation.
You can relax by the sea with an open-air thalassotherapy circuit with a two meter waterfall at Bahia del Duque. It’s truthfully tranquil as can be and there are a multitude of saunas and showers and treatments to ensure you leave feeling like you’ve been pampered by the gods.
Spain may not be the one for you and so you may want to look at the wonderful Pestana Viking resort in Portugal we’ve selected as the best place to golf and spa in the country.
Golfing holidays needs are attended to with the course atop the ocean cliffs and your spa needs are attended to with an outdoor saltwater swimming pool, a Turkish bath and plenty of unique massage treatments to loosen up the tension of a busy life. It’s just perfection, isn’t it?
