For once we have not selected the toughest or most renowned golf courses of a country, but those golf courses that are coupled to a luxury resort offering a wide variety of activities and high-standard services to the accompanying partner (who is not necessarily a golfer).
Peralada Golf & Spa Resort
Peralada, Catalonia, Spain
A magnificent, fairly flat par-71 round of 18 holes over 5,990 m2 with areas of lakes, water-banks and trees and four tee-offs for each hole, making it suitable for all types of player.
Flamingos Golf Club
A well groomed 6,982 yard course lined with orange, lemon, nisper and jacaranda trees, as well as olives, chestnuts and pomegranate trees, giving each of the 18 holes a unique identity. Designed as the garden of a Tuscan Villa, which is the style of the clubhouse "Hotel Villa Padiema", the fairways and borders of the course host Roman columns, classic style statues and marble bridges. The "Arroyo Del Taraje" stream forms a natural border at the end of tees, 1 and 10. There are also two artificial lakes, on the 15th and the right-hand side of the 16th and 17th. The Flamingos Golf Club is home to the Annual European Seniors Tour Match-Play Championships.
The club actually counts two courses: the 18-hole 'Flamingos Golf' (a Par 72) and the 9-hole 'The Executive Course' (a Par 64). The 18-hole Gran Flamingo (a Par 72) will open in 2006 and the 18-hole Flamingos Norte (a Par 72) in 2007.
Real de Faula Golf
Alicante
The two 18-hole golf courses (par 72 and 62) were designed by Jack Nicklaus and will provide hours of relaxation and fun. In addition, a number of outdoor pools, paddle and tennis courts are available. Also includes a state-of-the-art spa - based on the seven pillars of orientation - feature a heated pool with water treatments, multifunctional treatment suites, external pool, lifestyle showers, sauna, Turkish bath, and gym.
La Manga Golf Club
Murcia
A 1,400 acre sporting paradise beautifully situated between the Costa Blanca and Costa Almeria, east of Costa del Sol. The landscaped resort offers three of the finest golf courses in Europe, if not the world.
Through 30 years of constant innovation, La Manga Club is considered one of Europe's finest golfing destinations and has hosted to many international tournaments including five Spanish Opens as well as numerous national and charity golfing events. The resort has also recently been chosen as the official winter training base of the German PGA.
The La Manga resort also has a 18 hole Par 47 course complete with lakes, "barrancas" - deep ravines filled with rough and rocks and scores of palm trees. The 8th and 9th hole are a firm challenge to golfing ability, especially when the wind blows.
These products, with red grape extract, micronised vines, yeasts, grape seed oil, are rich in polyphenols and stimulate the production of collagen, prevent the premature aging of the skin, improve blood circulation, stimulate the immune system and help relieve stress and fatigue.
Desert Springs The Lodge
Cuevas de Almanzora, Almeria, Spain
Desert Springs is Europe's first Arizona-style desert, designed by Peter McEvoy. The area is known for having the dryist and warmest winters of Europe, which explains the choice of a desert golf course.
Golf Los Olivos and Los Lagos
Hotel Byblos Andaluz, Marbella, Spain
Both these 18-holes courses were designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones and are considered the best ones of the Costa de Sol. Start times can be booked either with hotel reservations or after arrival. Packages include the Golf Special, which comprises accommodation in a deluxe room, buffet breakfast, daily green fees in Los Lagos or Los Olivos plus complimentary shoe cleaning and golf club hire.
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