Mainland America has some of the best pro golf courses in the world, however, the landscapes of the other areas of the Americas offer some of the most spectacular venues to hit the green. Cliffside courses, awe-inspiring ocean vistas and tropical oases, our experts take us to some of the best turf stretching from Hawaii to Brazil as we put along the Pacific coast and hit hole-in-ones from one Caribbean Island to the next. Tee off with us at these exceptional courses.
Photo: Kapalua, Plantation Course
The Plantation Course at Kapalua – Hawaii
With such stunning scenery it’s not surprising that Hawaii has some fabulous golf courses. Our experts at Hawaii Hideaways recommend The Plantation Course at Kapalua with its lush vegetation, challenging holes and spectacular ocean views. Home to the annual Hyundai Open and frequently ranked the #1 golf course in Hawaii, it was designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, who took into the natural backdrop of the West Maui Mountains. They also planned almost every hole to face dramatic ocean views. Its design challenges the pros, but is also very accessible for the average golfer. The thrills last to the very end with an aggressive slope at the 18th fairway which allows for some of the longest drives you may ever have.
Where to Stay at Kapalua
You’ll ace your time in Kapalua by staying at the Avalon by the Sea villa by Hawaii Hideaways. It is situated within the Sea Glass estate, a one acre park lined with papaya, banana, orange, grapefruit and Plumeria trees bordering the golf course. The villa provides the perfect spot overlooking the 18th fairway to relax and watch all the action.
Other than the golf course, its hillside location offers a breathtaking views of the mountains or the ocean from every room in the home. It sleeps eight in four bedrooms with six bathrooms. The décor is contemporary with tasteful appointments and artwork. The open-flow design has three bedrooms in the north wing and the master suite in the south wing allowing for complete privacy for all guests. You can relax or enjoy a meal in the spacious grand room or the covered outdoor sitting areas.
For further information about the Avalon by the Sea villa or the other luxury designer villas in the Hawaii Hideaways repertoire, follow this link.
Pacifico Golf Course, Four Seasons Punta Mita. Photo Credit: Christian Horan
Pacifico Golf Course – Punta Mita, Mexico
The Punta Mita Peninsula, located on Mexico’s Pacific coast just above Puerto Vallarta, has two courses designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus: the Pacifico and the Bahia. Both are located at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, they feature extraordinary ocean views and world-class play.
Our experts at In Villa Veritas suggest The Pacífico which is ideal for both experienced players and beginners. It has eight holes directly facing or playing alongside the Pacific Ocean and also features the unique “Tail of the Whale”, an optional par-three hole with the largest natural island green in the whole world. The course extends over 81 hectares (200 acres) and takes full advantage of its seaside location, the area’s diverse tropical vegetation and sweeping Sierra Madre Mountains. You may even catch glimpses of whales swimming by during their seasonal migration.
Where to Stay In Punta Mita
The Casa Tres Soles villa by In Villa Veritas is a wonderful golfers’ base in Punta Mita. Located a short drive away, the villa has access to both golf courses, an outstanding staff and is absolutely gorgeous. Plus, with an average of 325 sunny days per year, Punta Mita has the perfect golf climate.
The enchanting villa is set on a oceanfront plateau overlooking the clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. It conveys the comforts and opulence of North American lifestyle while recreating the hacienda ambiance. Tres Soles is an inspiring 18,000 sq. ft. residence with more than 20,000 sq. ft. of terraces, paths and patios. The spacious property sleeps 18 in nine bedrooms with 12 bathrooms. Guests can convene in the airy family room, dine together al fresco, relax in the fitness room, sauna and massage room or have a quiet moment in one of the two secluded casitas with their fantastic views of the mountains and sea.
Learn more about this paradisiac property or the other superb villas by In Villa Veritas at this link.
Arnold Palmer Golf Course Four Seasons Papagayo Peninsula. Photo Credit: Dana Klein
Arnold Palmer Golf Course – Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica
On Costa Rica’s gorgeous Papagayo Peninsula, our experts at Papagayo Luxury love teeing off next door at the amazing Arnold Palmer Course. The 6,800-yard, par 72 course managed by the Four Seasons made the 2012 list of “Top 100 Courses Outside the US” by Golf Digest.
The stunning views over the peninsula and Pacific Ocean start right at the first hole. The route goes through a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, which includes the “Trail of Giants” and a huge range of local flora and fauna. The Club has something for all levels with their driving range, an 18-hole real grass putt putt course, a sand bunker practice area plus chipping and putting greens, complimentary weekly clinics, private instruction and a pro shop.
Where to Stay on the Papagayo Peninsula
Found right next to the course, Papagayo Luxury has several villas facing the course and all condos overlook the driving range and/or some of the holes. All of their homeowners are members of the club which thus grant access to anyone staying at Papagayo Luxury. Their spacious, classy villas are all custom designed with breathtaking ocean views, private pools and contemporary furnishings. For smaller groups, they have luxury townhomes for up to eight guests.
Guests also have access to the private Prieta Beach Club which has several pools, restaurants, fitness center, and long beach. Papagayo’s concierge team prides itself on its attention to detail expediency, and can assist guests with planning excursions and other customized itineraries.
Discover which villa is best for you by reaching out to Papagayo Luxury here.
Cuisinart Golf Club
Cuisinart Golf Club – Anguilla
The Idyllic Island of Anguilla features the heavenly Cuisinart Golf Club, an 18-Hole Greg Norman Signature Design Championship Golf Course and a favorite of our experts at Ricketts Luxury Properties. Completed in 2011, the course has quickly risen in the ranks to become one of the top courses of the Caribbean.
Built on different levels and with different slopes, the route consists of 18 challenging holes. Arriving on the course, players are met with the amazing view of St. Maarten and the Caribbean Sea. The awe-inspiring vistas continue throughout the green surrounded by lush native vegetation. In addition to its sensational setting, Cuisinart prides itself on its sustainable design which aimed to preserve and enhance the island’s natural habitats. An essential factor of the planning process was the renewal of the Merrywing Salt Pond, a landmark of the island that is showcased in the course.
Where to Stay in Anguilla
At the end of the day on the green, park your clubs at the Kishti on Meads villa by Ricketts Luxury, located only a short 5-minute drive from Cuisinart on Anguilla’s Fashionable West End. The gorgeous, mile-long Meads Bay is the current venue of choice for island foodies with its array of upscale restaurants and bars, bookended by 5-star resorts at each side of the beach – all within easy strolling distance of the new Kishti enclave.
Taylor Smyth Architect and internationally renowned Interior Designer Cecconi Simone Inc. have created the ultimate in contemporary style and design. The estate has one five bedroom and one six bedroom villas, two kitchens each, rooftop and patio gardens, home theater and home office. Above all, they have non-intrusive but supremely attentive service by a staff of 11 to ensure the full, pampering, no-effort-spared “Kishti Experience.”
To have your own “Kishti Experience” on Anguilla, or discover their wide range of fantastic properties, contact Ricketts Luxury at this link.
Canouan Golf Course
Canouan Golf Course – The Grenadines
According to our expert Sylvia Delvaille Jones of Villas and Apartments Abroad, Canouan Island, one of the 32 islands in the chain of the Grenadines, boasts one of the most beautiful and scenic golf courses in the world: The Grenadines Estate Golf Club.
“Nothing was compromised in order to create this magnificent 18-hole course,” says Sylvia. “The 13th hole is much talked about, often followed by a chuckle. I wonder why? It crowns the very top of a hill, sitting there all alone beckoning world class players to come on up by day. However, by the time you are finished playing, the butler has transformed this plateau into a venue for sipping cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to the spectacle of the most amazing sunset.
“This course, if measured by the amount of wealth in the pockets of those who have played it, would win hands down due to the multimillionaires and billionaires who happen to own villas there. One villa owner who had sold his company for 900 million pounds jokingly said he suddenly realized he was the poorest person owning a home there and among the friends he was playing with.
“What makes this so special is the breeze Canouan is known for. The island is ideally positioned to enjoy the full benefit of the north east trade winds year round. This makes playing ‘a breeze’ in the perfect temperature. The setting is also exceptional for its 360-degree view of mountains, numerous tiny islands, long stretches of beaches, the sights and sounds of the sea, sailing boats bobbing and sleek mega yachts cruising the coastline.”
Where to stay on Canouan Island
If Sylvia’s description of the course hasn’t won you over, her Il Sogno villa certainly will. Set high on a hill, it offers unparalleled privacy and phenomenal views of the Caribbean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, Mount Royal, the Southern Grenadine Islands the golf course and the entire length of Canouan Island.
This lovely 4.2 acre estate features four private bedroom cottages. Each cottage is 111 sq meters with a bedroom, bathroom, sitting room and a large verandah, making it ideal for a couple or small family. The main entertainment area includes a great room with walls that slide open to a large verandah, an infinity pool 18 meters long, sun deck, two-story Gazebo and a fully equipped outdoor bar and grill – perfect for taking in the view, hosting a cocktail party or soaking up the Caribbean sun. The bucolic grounds spread out over graceful gardens, designed to bloom in every season, and are dotted with banana, plantain, lime, orange, grapefruit, mango, papaya, breadfruit, avocado and fig trees.
To book this fabulous villa or learn more about holidaying in the Grenadines with Villas and Apartments Abroad, contact Sylvia Delvaille Jones here.
Photo: Royal Westmoreland
Royal Westmoreland – Barbados
Over in Barbados our experts at Altman Villa Rentals send avid golfers straight to the Royal Westmoreland. It has recently been rated 31 in Golf Digest’s “Top 100 Golf Courses outside of the US” and is universally agreed to have some of the best par three golf anywhere.
Situated on the rolling hills of the exclusive Royal Westmoreland gated community, a former sugar plantation, this world-class 18-hole championship golf course was created by renowned course designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. Every hole of the 7,045-yard, par 72 course has breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
Where to Stay at the Royal Westmoreland
As the Royal Westmoreland is a private estate, golfing access is only available to villa owners or rental guests, our experts at Altman Villa Rentals have the perfect property located on the premises: The Westerings villa. This prestigious colonial style Caribbean holiday villa offers incredible views across the golf course and the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. The Westerings sits at an elevated position on the 13th hole of the resort’s championship golf course.
There are five superbly appointed double bedrooms in the main house, each with ensuite facilities and spacious verandas with sea views. The open plan lounge and kitchen open onto a large covered terrace – the perfect location for sunset cocktails. The guest cottage features a sixth bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette and lounge with pull out sofa bed. The villa’s layout is ideal for family gatherings and the outdoor living areas include a dining and bar area with barbeque, and an expansive terrace surrounding the luxurious infinity edge pool and jacuzzi. Guests have access to on-site tennis, golf, a fully equipped gym and an exclusive beach club at Mullins Bay.
If you’d like to tee off from this amazing villa or discover other extraordinary villas on Barbados, reach out to Altman Villa Rentals at this link.
Photo: Terravista Golf Course
Terravista Golf Course – Trancoso, Brazil
One of the best golf courses in South America is the gorgeous Brazilian Terravista Golf Course, highly recommended by our experts at Matueté Villas. Situated in Trancoso, on Brazil’s Discovery Coast in southern Bahia, Terravista is considered the most exclusive tourist and real estate development in the country. The site is also of immense historic importance to Brazil as the location where Portuguese sailors first set eyes on the Brazilian coastline over 500 years ago.
The resort’s setting couldn’t be more beautiful, sitting atop imposing cliffs and facing the Atlantic Ocean. The Terravista complex includes hotels, vibrant restaurants and other commercial and service centers as well as its private airstrip. A highlight is definitely the Terravista Golf Course. Opened in 2004, it was designed by Dan Blankenship, a Gold Tee Golf International Architect from South Dakota State University. It occupies 70 hectares and includes planted grass, lakes and native vegetation, the preservation of which was a crucial element to the course’s design. The front nine holes are routed through the area’s natural rainforest and the back nine holes work their way towards the gorgeous coastline.
Where to Stay in Trancoso
Matueté Villas has the perfect villa right inside the golf course complex, a safe gated community. The Trancoso Villa 30. Overlooking the course, the Trancoso Villa 30 combines local charm with contemporary luxury. It has well connected common spaces and terraces with a lovely swimming pool. It has five comfortable bedrooms and sleeps up to 10. The property is very pleasant and airy. It Includes two housekeepers, a cook (from 8am to 4pm) a full-time bilingual concierge, menu planning, food and beverage purchasing.
Matueté Villas has another villa in Trancoso as well as a large variety of refined villas across Brazil. Find out more about these luxury villa offered by Matueté here.
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