Amazing island golf destinations
Escape to the islands and spend a little time at the most beautiful golfing destinations on the planet!
Escape to the islands and spend a little time at the most beautiful golfing destinations on the planet!
Whether you’re looking to explore some of the more remote parts of the planet, or simply enjoy the tranquil bliss offered by island-based breaks, we’ve got a destination to suit every group.
These stunning getaways can allow you to truly discover somewhere new, whilst also taking in some incredible golfing layouts. So why not take a trip away from the mainland on your next golf holiday and check out some of our favourite island golf destinations below.
Arguably the pinnacle of island golf getaways, Mauritius has risen in popularity over recent years as an increasing number of people make the trip to the island; sharing their incredible images and videos with friends back home. Known for its world-class all-inclusive resorts, the island simply oozes luxury, with everything you could ever wish for from a golf holiday. There are five-star spas, white sandy beaches, unbelievable cuisine, crystal clear waters – oh, and more than half-a-dozen brilliant golf courses.
In terms of the golf, Ile aux Cerfs, Anahita Golf & Spa Resort, and Heritage Golf Club are some of our favourites, with the layouts capable of hosting professional events, as well as providing the experience of a lifetime for resort guests. However, the likes of Tamarina, Le Paradis, and the two courses at Belle Mare Plage are all equally impressive, meaning that wherever you choose to stay on the island, you’re only ever a stone’s throw from one of the most enjoyable rounds of golf you’re ever likely to have!
The island’s subtropical location in the Indian Ocean makes the UK winter a fabulous time to visit, escaping the rain and snow for something altogether more enjoyable. There are regular and direct flights which makes travel to Mauritius easier than you may think – although be sure to get these booked in early to maximise potential savings.
The Canary Islands are fast becoming one of our customers’ most sought-after destinations. Just 4 hours from the UK, and with a consistently warm climate throughout the year, it’s the perfect alternative to mainland Spain or Portugal for golfers looking to explore somewhere new on their next trip.
Two of our most popular golf holiday options are the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, with the pair boasting a plethora of five-star offerings and first-rate golf courses. In Tenerife, the Ritz-Carlton Abama is a particular highlight, just 25-minutes from Tenerife South Airport. Both the clifftop hotel and Abama Golf Course present fabulous views of the Atlantic Ocean, with the course also the highest-ranked on the island. Be sure to also check out the two Michelin-starred restaurants within the hotel too!
Not to be outdone, Gran Canaria is also home to some of the most loved hotels in our portfolio, with the five-star Salobre Resort and Serenity a particular highlight. The place has a grown-up feel, and even features an adults-only rooftop pool and bar area for quiet relaxation coupled with spectacular views. The resort has two golf courses on-site, The Old and The New, however, we’d also advise hopping in a car and adding Anfi Tauri to your schedule of your itinerary allows.
The island’s capital, Palma, is a stunning city, packed with incredible architecture and great shopping to boot! A base here also allows easy access to the likes of T Golf Palma and Son Gual Golf Club, however, many of our customers opt for Arabella Golf – with the 63-hole facility the largest golfing destination on the island, with everything you need for a great week’s golf on-site.
Palma itself has plenty to keep golfers busy away from the course in the evenings, however, those that really want to experience some of Europe’s best nightlife might want to scope out accommodation options at Melia Calvia Beach. The hotel itself is just 20-minutes from a handful of courses, but more importantly, is situated on the stunning seafront overlooking Magaluf Bay… a town with plenty to offer well into the early morning!
Feel like really treating yourself? Why not book your next golf holiday to the Caribbean?! Golf in Barbados and the Dominican Republic is magical, with the bright blue oceans contrasting delightfully with the greenness of the courses. As you’d expect, the weather is spectacular here, although we’d advise going earlier in the year to avoid the rainier season throughout the summer.
Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic is widely thought of as one of the world’s leading golf resorts, with five-star hospitality perfect for a Caribbean all-inclusive getaway. Visitors simply must play the iconic ‘Teeth of The Dog’ layout, often included within global Top 100 lists, and offering mesmerising views throughout. There’s a wide array of activities away from the course, as well as 15 restaurants and bars on-site, meaning there’s always somewhere new to explore, even for those on longer holidays!
Royal Westmoreland, Barbados
You’ll get a similarly delightful experience if you plump for Barbados too, with the Turtle Beach Hotel, Sandy Lane, and Royal Westmoreland our three most popular options. There are six golf courses in total on the island, with Royal Westmoreland the most highly rated. However, wherever you choose to play on your break, you’ll be met with fabulous quality and the warmest of welcomes from the Bajan locals.
One final consideration if you’re thinking about the Caribbean is Bermuda. We currently offer two hotels on the island – Grotto Bay Beach Resort and Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, with the island growing in popularity over recent years for golfers thanks to the increased awareness of the Charles Blair Macdonald & Seth Raynor-designed Mid Ocean Club.
If a mix of top-quality food and wine, alongside world-class golfing resorts sounds up your street, then you simply must consider a golf trip to the Italian Islands. Sicily is home to the brilliant Verdura golf & Spa Resort, a European Tour property with 45-holes of golf, incredible practice facilities, four stunning restaurants, an excellent spa, and a hotel which was voted the best in Italy in 2015.
Nearby, you’ll discover a raft of activities available, from culinary experiences through to guided treks and helicopter rides around Mount Etna! There are a couple of other fabulous golfing options too on the island, notably at Monasteri Golf Resort and Il Picciolo Etna Golf & Resort, for those looking to take in all the on-course options Sicily has to offer.
A touch further north, Sardinia also boasts two wonderful golf resorts at Il Arenas and Il Molas. These courses have garnered much praise from our guests over recent years, with a slight feel of some of Surrey’s parkland offerings as you wind through the trees on certain stretches, albeit with a glorious Mediterranean climate! However, like Sicily, a trip here is as much about the off-course experience with unbeatable seafood and some of the best wines on the planet to experience once the golf is done.
Last but certainly not least on our list of island getaways is Madeira. Just a 3.5 hour flight from London, and with loads to do on the island itself, its perfect for those looking for a shorter break in the subtropical sunshine. There are three courses on the Portuguese province; Palheiro, Porto Santo, and Clube de Golf Santo da Serra, and we’d encourage our golfers to take in all of them if possible on their golf holiday.
Like all the other islands listed, golf is only half the reason for heading to Madeira! You’ll find incredible views from across the island, and dozens of breath-taking treks through the rocky landscape to provide you with the very best vantage points. The food here is to die for, with the freshest seafood and local wines to enjoy.
Its southerly location within Europe blesses the island with warmer weather throughout the year, so those looking to extend their season with a late-Autumn break should give Madeira some strong consideration for their next overseas golfing adventure.
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"I love to travel and have been lucky enough to play across four different continents"
As the Official Golf Tourism Operator of the PGA TOUR and with over 25 years’ experience, Golfbreaks is one of the world’s longest established and most trusted golf travel companies. We organise golf breaks, holidays and tournament experiences for more than 200,000 golfers annually at over 2,000 resorts and golf courses in the UK, Europe, and further afield.