A WORLD TOUR OF TEE-TIME PARADISE: THE BEST LUXURY GOLF RESORTS OF THE YEAR

Longevity Ind
Jul 9
6 min read

Golfers with bags walk on a grassy course by a serene lake. Misty mountains and evergreen forests form the scenic background. Overcast sky.

In every corner of the globe, these luxury golf resorts redefine what it means to travel for the love of the game. But what unites them isn’t just the immaculate fairways or the five-star service. It’s their ability to elevate golf into an all-encompassing lifestyle experience—where nature, design, culture, and hospitality converge.

There’s a certain magic that happens when the pristine green of a championship fairway meets the glittering edge of five-star luxury. The game of golf has always carried an air of prestige—but today’s top golf resorts elevate the experience to an art form. It’s no longer just about the perfect swing or the par-five conquest. It’s about panoramic ocean views from the 18th hole, fine dining under the stars, spa treatments after a long day on the course, and waking up in a suite where elegance and comfort are a given.

This is the new face of golf travel: luxury golf resorts that deliver unforgettable play in extraordinary places, wrapped in the highest standards of service, sustainability, and sophistication. These are destinations where elite golf design meets exquisite hospitality—where each hole tells a story and every amenity is a step into indulgence.

Around the globe, from the windswept links of Scotland to the tropical shores of Mauritius and the lush jungles of Vietnam, the best luxury golf resorts are redefining both the sport and the stay. Here’s a look at this year’s international standouts—seven resorts that aren’t just at the top of their game; they’re changing how the game is played.

Golfer swinging on a lush green course with palm trees, water hazards, and a clear sky in the background, creating a serene mood.

Global: Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort, Mauritius

There are golf courses, and then there’s Heritage Golf Club—a tropical Eden nestled in the southern wilderness of Mauritius, part of the elegant Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort. Framed by mountains and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, this is more than a destination—it’s a dream.

The 18-hole championship course, designed by Peter Matkovich, is consistently ranked among the finest in the Indian Ocean. Challenging yet scenic, it sweeps through rivers, palm groves, and coastal landscapes. But what sets Le Telfair apart is how it fuses elite golf with total rejuvenation. After a round, players retreat to colonial-style suites, enjoy bespoke spa therapies at the Seven Colours Spa, and dine in gourmet restaurants that celebrate Mauritian culture with contemporary flair.

It’s not just the golf that’s world-class—it’s the immersive sense of escape. The resort’s commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and holistic wellness elevates every visit into a meaningful, luxurious journey.

Sunlit golf course with a red flag on the green, surrounded by sand dunes and lush grass. Overcast sky in the background, serene atmosphere.

Asia-Pacific: Hoiana Resort & Golf, Vietnam

Vietnam may not be the first country that comes to mind for golf lovers—until they arrive at Hoiana Resort & Golf, just south of the UNESCO heritage town of Hoi An. Here, in a tranquil stretch of Vietnam’s central coast, Greg Norman has sculpted a golf course that is as dramatic as it is playable.

With sweeping ocean views, native dunes, and natural water hazards, the 18-hole Hoiana Shores Golf Club has quickly gained recognition as one of Asia’s best. But Hoiana isn’t just a golf course—it’s a full resort ecosystem. Multiple luxury hotels, a casino, a world-class beach club, and Michelin-star dining ensure that every visitor, golfer or not, is immersed in high-end leisure.

There’s also something quietly powerful about Vietnam’s emergence as a luxury destination. Hoiana captures that moment perfectly—a blend of international polish and local character, of Eastern charm and Western refinement.

Large hotel with green roofs surrounded by lush trees and gardens. A swimming pool is visible. Red-roofed houses dot the distant landscape.

Africa: Michlifen Resort & Golf, Morocco

Set in the Ifrane National Park in Morocco’s Middle Atlas Mountains, Michlifen Resort & Golf feels more like a Swiss alpine lodge than a North African retreat—until you step onto the course and are reminded of Morocco’s diverse beauty.

Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the course here is Morocco’s first signature Nicklaus course and one of the highest-altitude golf courses in North Africa. The setting is serene: rolling hills, pine forests, cool mountain air, and sweeping vistas that change with every hole. The course is a masterclass in blending golf architecture with natural grandeur.

Back at the resort, luxury takes on a warm, Moroccan elegance. Interiors fuse European sophistication with artisanal Moroccan detailing—carved woods, colorful tilework, and opulent spa facilities. Whether sipping mint tea by the fireplace or soaking in a hammam, Michlifen is an experience that surprises and enchants in equal measure.

Golf course by the sea under a cloudy sky, with vibrant green grass and sandy bunkers. The ocean is calm in the distance.

Europe: Trump Turnberry, Scotland, UK

Scotland is the birthplace of golf, and Trump Turnberry is one of its crown jewels. Set on the rugged Ayrshire coast, with the iconic Ailsa Craig looming offshore and castle ruins dotting the cliffs, Turnberry is nothing short of legendary.

The Ailsa course—host to four Open Championships—is a classic links course reimagined for the modern era. Redesigned by Martin Ebert, it now features dramatic cliff-edge holes, enhanced views of the sea, and a greater emphasis on strategic play. It’s not just a challenge—it’s a pilgrimage for serious golfers.

The grandeur continues off the green. The resort’s Edwardian-era hotel has been lavishly restored, with chandeliers, marble staircases, and sumptuous suites that blend old-world elegance with contemporary luxury. Afternoon tea, fine Scotch, and exceptional service complete the package. At Turnberry, the tradition of golf is both honored and elevated.

Golf course by a lake, surrounded by tall pine trees. Green fairways contrast with white sand bunkers. A boat is seen on the calm blue water.

North America: The Coeur d'Alene Resort, Idaho, USA

In Idaho’s rugged panhandle, The Coeur d’Alene Resort proves that the best golf experiences don’t always need to be on the coasts. Set along the crystal-clear Lake Coeur d’Alene, this resort offers a golf experience unlike any other—with the world’s only floating green as its crown jewel.

The 14th hole is a marvel of engineering and imagination: a par-3 with a movable, island green that floats on the lake. Players must take a boat—appropriately named “The Putter”—to reach it. But the course isn’t just gimmickry; it’s immaculately maintained and celebrated for its scenic beauty and playability.

The resort itself is equally impressive. From lakeview spa suites to gourmet lakeside dining, it combines nature and luxury in perfect balance. Outdoor adventure blends seamlessly with relaxation, making this a truly all-American luxury retreat that’s off the beaten path—but well worth the journey.

Aerial view of a beach with turquoise water, white sand, resort buildings, palm trees, and a lush green golf course near a river.

Latin America: Mayakoba Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Nestled in the lush jungles of the Riviera Maya, where mangroves meet white sand beaches, Mayakoba is a model of sustainable luxury and home to one of Latin America’s most acclaimed courses: El Camaleón.

Designed by Greg Norman, the course lives up to its name—shifting dramatically through rainforest, canals, and beachfront. It’s also the first PGA Tour course in Mexico, hosting the annual World Wide Technology Championship. But what makes Mayakoba stand out is its broader vision: four luxury hotels (including Banyan Tree and Rosewood), each offering its own interpretation of Mayan-inspired luxury, linked by a network of serene waterways navigable by boat.

Here, golf isn’t just a sport—it’s a thread that ties together a lush, immersive experience. Sustainability, indigenous culture, fine dining, and serene wellness are not add-ons—they’re integral parts of the Mayakoba story.

Aerial view of a lush golf course by a river, with sand bunkers and palm trees. A unique white building stands out near the water's edge.

Middle East: Park Hyatt Dubai, UAE

Amid the gleaming skyline of Dubai, Park Hyatt Dubai delivers an unexpected oasis—a tranquil, Mediterranean-inspired escape overlooking Dubai Creek. Attached to the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, the resort offers championship golf with skyline views and the kind of year-round sun golfers dream of.

The course itself is a beauty—lush fairways, strategically placed water hazards, and palm-lined greens that test your accuracy and reward your skill. But it’s the resort’s blend of intimacy and indulgence that sets it apart. From its award-winning spa and lagoon-style pool to its waterfront dining options (some of the best in Dubai), every detail is finely curated.

Park Hyatt Dubai offers luxury in contrast—serene, understated, and enveloped in natural beauty, yet just minutes from one of the world’s most dynamic cities. For golfers who crave both the quiet of the course and the vibrancy of urban luxury, this is the perfect balance.

Conclusion: Where Luxury Meets Legacy

In every corner of the globe, these luxury golf resorts redefine what it means to travel for the love of the game. But what unites them isn’t just the immaculate fairways or the five-star service. It’s their ability to elevate golf into an all-encompassing lifestyle experience—where nature, design, culture, and hospitality converge.

These destinations don’t simply cater to golfers. They celebrate the spirit of golf—its pace, its precision, its reflection of place. Whether it’s the windswept coast of Scotland or the misty highlands of Morocco, the sport becomes a vehicle for immersion and connection. Each resort, in its own way, builds on the game’s legacy while shaping its future.

More than trophies or rankings, these are places that leave a mark—on your game, your memories, and your sense of what travel can be. For the discerning traveler with a passion for golf, there has never been a more exciting time to tee off across the world.

Note: The information provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or health regimen.