When the leaves start to fall and the cold wind starts to blow, our Travel Managers are often told “get me out of here!” At Simplexity, we love to give people a dose of winter sunshine, and where better to enjoy the warmth of another country than on its finest golf courses?
So to remind you that you do not have to suffer through the cold until spring, here are four excellent golf destinations where the temperature will be a little warmer.
Spain
The south of Spain remains warm and dry even through the winter. With an average daily high of 18°C in February, the beautiful Andalusian city of Seville is an excellent place to shelter from the winds of Northern Europe until spring comes around.
Club Zaudin was designed by Gary Player. A kindly course, it is forgiving on those looking to improve, and a place where the more fine-tuned golfer can turn in with a scorecard to brag about. Water features populate the whole course, but are mainly aesthetic – apart from on the final two holes, where the ambitious may make the wrong kind of splash.
After your round, retreat to a room inspired by Seville’s Moorish past. The Reales Alcazares Suite in the Alfonso XIII Hotel is named after the nearby Alcázar palace, the oldest royal palace in use in Europe. The decadent furniture and design in this suite are certainly fit for a royal couple.
Abu Dhabi
Along the coast from Dubai is Yas Island. A manmade leisure and entertainment centre, Yas Island is one of Abu Dhabi’s leading development projects with luxury accommodation, F1 track and, of course, a sublime golf course.
A unique island links, Yas Links was the first to open in the Middle East. It makes excellent use of the desert sands and gulf waters. Surrounded by the desert of the Arabian Peninsula, our Travel Managers are certain that a winter trip here will feel like a summer getaway. By December, the scorching temperatures will have dropped to the mid-20s.
When in your suite at the Viceroy Yas Abu Dhabi, the weather outside might slip out of mind as you are pampered by 5 Star service and views of the beautiful beaches below. The Viceroy is the only 5 Star hotel on a F1 track, so sit back and watch the racers. Or have a go yourself! Just ask us to arrange your time on the track.
Portugal
Penha Longa is a resort inside Portugal’s Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais – a 145km2 park on the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula. It is a mere 25 minute drive from the fabulous city of Lisbon, where the average January high is a lovely 15 degrees.
Owned by Ritz Carlton, this resort upholds all the values of luxury and services that can be found in all this institutions embodiments. There are two courses here, but we recommend the Atlantico for a sublime eighteen holes in this huge national park, replete with lakes, streams and even picturesque rustic ruins.
This is a very challenging course – almost impossibly so when windy – but the views and ingenious working of the course into the landscape make it ultimately rewarding. The resort itself is the height of luxury with spa, quality restaurants and meticulous hospitality that will meet even the highest of standards.
Barbados
If you want your winter break to be truly hot, not merely warm, the Caribbean could be the place for you. Ask your Simplexity Travel Manager to organise your trip to Barbados to enjoy up to 30°C heat even in the depths of European winter.
And how better to spend the days of your tropical retreat than going around Apes Hill Club‘s famous island golf course. The club is notoriously exclusive, but you can count on Simplexity’s dedicated Travel Managers to secure a tee time.
Booking into one of the club’s villas is a fine way to receive an invitation onto the course. There are dozens to choose from among this prime Barbadian real estate, able to cater for parties of all sizes with up to 12 rooms.
Most villas have a view of the sea and the splendid course. Apes Hill’s 72-par eighteen holes marries the sand of the beach with the thrill of the jungle for an incredible day’s golf.
So as winter draws in, why not speak to us today on 0203 535 9290 or email enquiries to info@simplexitytravel.com to book your yearly escape to warmth, sun and golf.