These are the best golf and gourmet spots in the world
From South Africa to Mauritius: (golfers') dreams come true in these hotels! Plus: Culinary delights to melt away...
8 July 2021
The ideal tee shot is only the beginning of a successful golf game. You don't necessarily have to play a round under par to chalk up a day on the course as perfect - the right culinary experience is also decisive. golf courses with an outstanding gourmet offer or a suitable hotel concept play in the Masters League.
Here is a selection of the best golf and gourmet spots in the world!
1. Ile Aux Cerfs Golfs, Mauritius
Ile aux Cerfs, Trou d'Eau Douce, Mauritius
Tel: +230 402 7720
ileauxcerfsgolfclub.com
Packages via Hotel "Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita", fourseasons.com
Nestled in one of the most picturesque landscapes in the world, this 18-hole course is an oasis for golfers of all abilities. Designed by German golf legend Bernhard Langer, it can only be reached by helicopter or private boat, placing it among the most exclusive courses in the world. After the game is over, there are many options for refreshments, but no place is like the "Clubhouse Langer's Bar & Grill", at the highest point of the island: here you can enjoy the best view and dine on Mauritian or international dishes. If you want it even more exclusive, it is recommended to pair the golf game with a stay at the "Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita". This five-star hotel is located in the opposite bay and has its own golf course as well as the golf club "Ile aux Cerfs" in its portfolio, for which tailor-made packages are offered.
2. els Club Teluk Datai, Malaysia
Jln Teluk Datai, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Tel: +60 4 9592700
elsclubmalaysia.com
Packages via Hotel "The Datai Langkawi", thedatai.com
Lush jungle and crystal clear blue bays: You can confidently call this course on the island of Langkawi paradise. It was created by none other than Ernie Els, who did away with bunkers altogether - instead, you work your way along the tree line, play five holes by the sea and further along a naturally meandering stream. The 18-hole, par-72 course may be relatively new, but it's already one of the most decorated and popular in the world. The course offers panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and later Datai Bay. There is also the hotel of the same name, "The Datai Langkawi", which is in no way inferior to the golf course in terms of extravagance. Of course, after a successful game, you can also enjoy a meal in the clubhouse at "Ernie's Lounge Bar".
3. Cypress Point Club, California
3150 17 Mile Dr, Pebble Beach, CA 93953, USA
Tel: +1 831 6242223
cypresspointcc.com
Golf package on request
Cypress Point Club on California's Central Coast is one of the top five in the world. Opened on the Monterey Peninsula in 1928, it quickly became famous (or infamous) for its dramatic holes along the Pacific Ocean - most notably hole 16, which requires a 230-yard (or 210-meter) tee shot along the sea over water and cliffs to a medium-sized green, guarded by strategically placed bunkers. This makies it one of the most difficult par 3s in the world. However, you don't have to play here to enjoy the splendor of the course. The Bench restaurant is located on the 18th hole and offers a spectacular view of the course, excellent cuisine and special service.
4th Steenberg Golf Club, South Africa
11111 Tokai Rd, Tokai, Cape Town, 7945, South Africa.
Tel: +27 21 7150227
steenberggolfclub.co.za
Packages via Hotel "Ellerman House", ellerman.co.za
The Ellerman House Hotel in Cape Town is located in the heart of the exclusive suburb of Bantry Bay, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Moreover, with a manageable size of 13 rooms, the house strives to provide the best service to its guests. This includes tailor-made itineraries that include safaris, visits to wineries and fees at courses such as Steenberg Golf Club. Situated in the beautiful Constantia Valley, with Table Mountain in the background and nestled into the rolling vineyards, this 18-hole course offers not only a breathtaking panorama, but also playful challenges. Gourmets, however, are drawn to Cape Town, because back at the "Ellerman House" you can end the evening in the fine dining restaurant.
5. The Green Monkey, Barbados
Sandy Lane, St. James, BB24024, Barbados
Tel: +1 246 4442000
Packages via Sandy Lane Hotel, sandylane.com.
To play this course, you have to be a guest of the five-star hotel "Sandy Lane". This is already an exceptional phenomenon per se - and can confidently call itself the best in Barbados, possibly even the best in the entire Caribbean, with a long list of legendary guests such as Jacqueline Kennedy, Aristotle Onassis or Michael Jordan. They also liked to come and play golf, the latter even with golf legend Tiger Woods. On the course, the centre of social life is the clubhouse, which is enthroned on a hill in a picturesque location. From there, you can gaze out over "The Country Club" and "The Green Monkey" courses, all the way down to the ocean while enjoying a cocktail in the sunset or trying a "Shepard's Pie" for an informal lunch.
6th Nine Bridges Club, South Korea
34-156 Gwangpyeong-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Tel: +82 64 793 9999
ninebridges.co.kr
Golf package on request
Situated on Jeju Island, at the foot of the volcano Mount Halla, every hole has postcard quality. There is also a clubhouse that has won an award for its unique architecture. Designed by Shigeru Ban, the "clubhouse" actually consists of a 20,000-square-metre complex with three buildings: the main atrium clubhouse for regular members, a VIP members' area and accommodation for VIP members. Here, a special highlight is the atrium, which was built entirely of wood and is supported by 21 wooden columns. Here you will also find the members' lounge, where golfers can relax after or before a round. The cuisine and service, by the way, are in no way inferior to the excellence of this golf course.
7. country hotel Voshövel, Germany
Am Voshövel 1, 46514 Schermbeck, Germany
Tel: +49 2856 9140
landhotel.de
The hosts of the family-run hotel promise: "We are idealists - we work on the ideal feel-good climate". This succeeds, among other things with an extremely appealing interior and excellent cuisine, created by the team around chef Christian Penzhorn. One can't forget the spa area of the chic wellness hotel. On about 2500 square meters you will find everything the wellness heart desires. All friends of golf will be happy in this hotel. In the immediate vicinity is the Golfklub Weselerwald, an 18-hole tournament facility. The range of golf courses is huge: 13 more are in the immediate vicinity.
8. dolomite golf suites, austria
Am Golfplatz 2, 9906 Lavant, Austria
Tel: +43 4852 61122500
dolomitengolf-suites.com
With the majestic skyline of Lienz in sight and in direct vicinity to the largest golf course in Tyrol, the 36-hole championship course Dolomitengolf, is the five-star resort "Dolomitengolf Resort Suites". Ex-ÖGV trainer Daniel Lamprecht professionally coaches golfers on Tyrol's largest championship course. The popular "Dolomitengolf Resort Suites" in Lavant not only inspires golfers, but also hikers, bikers, gourmets and spa lovers and has been expanded with an elegant new building. The spa area includes a pool and a panoramic bathhouse with a natural pond. The cuisine has been awarded two toques and offers a mix of alpine-classic cuisine and modern interpretation. There is also a patisserie, a restaurant with an Italian wine cabinet and a piano bar with a lounge atmosphere and live music.
9th Romantik Spa Hotel Seefischer, Austria
Fischerweg 1, 9873 Döbriach, Austria
Tel: +43 4246 771
seefischer.at
"At the most beautiful time in the most beautiful place" is the credo of the "Romantik Spa Hotel Seefischer" on Lake Millstatt, situated in an idyllic bay. The heart of the hotel is the wellness area, including a magnificent view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. New is the "Seefischer Sonnendeck" - the open-air relaxation area above the outdoor pool. The lakeside sauna is positioned on stilts in Lake Millstätter. Hereby one can jump into the cool water after enjoying a sauna session. Luxury and pure relaxation are guaranteed in all 43 rooms and suites. There is a marina on the hotel's own beach. Sailing, swimming, rowing, water skiing, hiking, cycling and golfing are all possible in the immediate vicinity. The hotel's own gourmet restaurant serves regional specialties from the Alps-Adriatic region, while the well-stocked wine cellar offers the perfect accompaniment.
10th Mörwald Relais & Châteaux Hotel am Wagram, Austria
Kleine Zeile 13-17, 3483 Feuersbrunn am Wagram, Austria
Tel: +43 2738 2298 0
moerwald.at
The "Mörwald Relais & Châteaux Hotel am Wagram" is a place where it is wonderful to golf and simply enjoy. After the "Villa Katharina" and the "Hotel Schloss Grafenegg", the "Mörwald Relais & Châteaux Hotel am Wagram" has been Grand Chef Toni Mörwald's third luxury hotel since May 2016. Therefore, it is not surprising that the world of Mörwald offers the highest pleasure; in more ways than one. On the course with three of the most beautiful golf courses: the Fontana Golf Club, the golf course at Schönborn Castle and the Diamond Golf Club, which will be a familiar name to every golfer as the only Austrian European Tour destination. At the table, enjoyment is clearly defined: with over 3000 wines, the best wine list in Austria is offered here. The restaurant "Toni M.", in the parent house in Feuersbrunn am Wagram, in the heart of the wine-growing region of the same name, has been awarded four toques.
And a special longing place with fabulous golf offer....
Hotel Castel
Keschtngasse 18, 39019 Dorf Tirol, South Tyrol/Trentino, Italy
Tel: +39 0473 923693
hotel-castel.com
The large new building makes the Castel - awarded by Falstaff as Gourmet Hotel of the Year 2021 - finally a place of longing. Advertorial
From the very beginning, the focus of the hosts and their 50 passionate employees has been to create a Mediterranean holiday home in the private ambience of only 25 rooms and 20 suites for discerning people who appreciate personal service, casual luxury and a lot of generosity. Absolute tranquillity, privacy with a dream view and the best hotel cuisine make the Castel unique and enable a pleasurable break from everyday life. With the major renovation, the hosts not only complete their lifelong dream, but also further expand the strengths of the hotel. The focus was on the two restaurants: thanks to the large, completely opening facades, the dream view is omnipresent while eating. The opening roof and the facades ensure maximum enjoyment in the fresh air - for breakfast under a blue sky and for dinner under the stars. Gerhard Wieser continues to be responsible for the culinary arts in both restaurants. The two-star chef, who has been head chef for almost 30 years, is one of the best in the Alpine region.
In the Castel ÀlaCarte restaurant, it offers probably the best and most varied hotel cuisine - a variety of dishes that change daily and as part of half board. The new gourmet restaurant Castel finedining (formerly Trenkerstube) offers the most exclusive view in South Tyrol and thus the perfect setting for a special culinary experience - focused on the essentials without showmanship, yet unagitatedly exciting. The new Meranoeat fine spa convinces with plenty of space for every guest, timeless modern design, a wide range of baths and saunas and a treatment concept especially for couples. From the relaxation room you have a direct view of the surrounding mountain peaks and in front of the new panorama sauna you have Merano at your feet. Casual active days are to alternate with relaxing days of rest. The Merano region offers a multitude of possibilities to diversify your precious holiday days.
Credits: Adrian Bradley, Getty Images, Jakub Kapusnak/unsplash, Landhotel Voshöve, Martin Lugger, Hannes Niederkofler, Gert Perauer, Lukas Maier, Michael Reidinger, Mörwald, Provided
This article appeared in the Falstaff TRAVEL issue Summer 2021.