Golf Escapes

Mexico's Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit provides access to the Marina Vallarta Golf Club and the Vista Vallarta Golf Club, both 18-hole championship courses. But it is also located in a region of Mexico known for its good weather, making it ideal for sun-worshippers. In addition to the property's two courses, golfers can choose among six others within a 30-minute drive. Those back on-site can take advantage of a tiered infinity pool, as well as private plunge pools. It's also an ideal destination for families, as kids are entertained with myriad activities, including treasure hunts and piñata-making workshops.

With seven holes along the Sea of Cortez, the Jack Nicklaus-designed course at Secrets Marquis Los Cabos, on Mexico's Pacific Coast, has been called the finest golf course in Latin America. And the resort certainly competes for the raves: it boasts an impressive collection of Latin American art, gorgeous beaches and two acclaimed restaurants where fresh seafood and authentic Mexican cuisine are served up. There's no better place for recapping the days' best birdies.

Tortuga Bay, in the Dominican Republic's Punta Cana, celebrates nature and style. Set on five miles of private beaches and within a 1,500-acre ecological reserve, the resort counts among its fans such style makers Oscar de la Renta. Golfers, too, are in heaven here. The property features three golf courses amongst rock cliffs and the Caribbean Sea and the award-winning Pete Dye-designed course, La Cana has even been compared to Pebble Beach.

Casa de Campo, on the Southern side of the island, is home to yet another outstanding Caribbean course. But with 7,000 acres making up the resort, golf is merely one of the dozens of available activities. With four supervised kids programs, a teen club and 24-hour nanny services, Casa de Campo also makes a great family vacation destination.

Another renowned golfer's option in the Caribbean is Sandy Lane on Barbados, the ideal point from which to explore the island that has been called "Little England." The stately hotel offers suites and rooms with views of the perfectly manicured gardens or the turquoise water of the Caribbean. After a day in the sun, whether on one of the resort's three courses or on the white-sand beaches, guests can savor an evening of wining and dining under the stars in one of the island's award-winning restaurants. (Barbados is the only island in the Caribbean that has its own Zagat guide).

Greg Norman called the course at the Hotel Guarda Golf, "by far the most spectacular tournament site in the world". It is home to a 9-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus and adjacent to an 18-hole course planned by Severiano Ballesteros. Additionally, the resort features an indoor golf practice area, for when the weather isn't yet sunny. The courses offer the use of golf carts (which are not always available on European courses), and can also provide excellent private lessons.

Chalet RoyAlp Hôtel & Spa, built in 1922, is home to one of the most respected courses in the region, and, thanks to its perch in the Alps, arguably the most stunning. The neighboring Villars Golf Club sits at an altitude of 1,600 meters and faces Mont Blanc. The chalet-style rooms and apartments are exceedingly comfortable and offer the perfect relaxation after a day of golfing, mountain biking or hiking.

Called "the golf paradise of the Alps," some say the Kulm Hotel St. Moritz is home to the oldest golf course on the European continent. Guests of the hotel are guaranteed tee times during prime hours and can also book private or group lessons with the golf professional. Located in the high alpine meadow of the Engadine Mountains, near the glitzy resort town of St. Mortiz, the course also offers practice areas, including a putting green, a driving range and a golf academy.