No, a romantic golf getaway is not an oxymoron. There are a plethora of exceptional resorts that offer championship golf and necessary romance-oriented amenities such as spas, elegant restaurants, cozy hotel lobby bars, private pool cabanas, whirlpools and hot tubs, and gardens for long walks.
Before I get to my Top 10, here’s a suggestion for your next couples getaway. Play a late afternoon round of golf and follow up with a nice bottle of Shiraz, Pinot Noir or Pinot Grigio on the clubhouse veranda as the sun sets over the golf course.
Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs
The American Club, Kohler, Wisconsin
The Kohler Waters Spa has a new co-ed, glass-enclosed rooftop deck with a whirlpool, fireplace and lounge. The resort’s two golf courses have hosted major tournaments.
Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff Springs, Canada
A phenomenal spa and 27 holes of challenging, picturesque golf against the backdrop of a castle-like hotel are just a few of the many attractions at this resort nestled in the mountains.
The Boulders Resort, Carefree, Arizona
A spectacular Sonoran Desert setting, Golden Door Spa, on-site boutique shopping village and two Jay Moorish-designed golf courses are the draw.
The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Sitting under the shadow of Cheyenne Mountain, The Broadmoor has three championship golf courses, a spa, three outdoor hot tubs, boutique shopping and the 5-Diamond Penrose Room restaurant.
Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa, Maui, Hawaii
Enveloped by tropical foliage on 40 landscaped acres just steps from the beach, this resort’s spa specializes in ancient Eastern and Hawaiian philosophies.
The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera, Edwards, Colorado
A fashionable 56-room lodge with views of the Vail Valley, Cordillera’s amenities include three golf courses, a spa, and indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis.
The Lodge at Pebble Beach, Pebble Beach, California
A spa nestled in the Del Monte Forest, access to world renowned golf courses, exceptional restaurants and lounges, and the 17-Mile Drive are just a few of the enticements.
Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai, California
Fresh from a $90 million renovation, Ojai Valley, set on 220 tree-laden acres 35 miles south of Santa Barbara, is oozing with Mediterranean elegance highlighted by its white stucco buildings with red barrel tile roofs.
Skytop Lodge, Skytop, Pennsylvania
Set in the lush Pocono Mountains, Skytop has a castle-like hotel, a classic golf course that opened in 1927 and the option to surprise your significant other with pre-ordered champagne, chocolate strawberries or a bouquet of roses.
Turnberry Isle Resort & Club, Aventura, Florida
Looking like it was air-dropped in from the French Riviera, Turnberry Isle has a Willow Stream Spa, two golf courses and a new Bourbon Steak restaurant.
For more golf travel tips, check out http://www.thegolftravelguru.blogspot.com
