A discussion of top notch golf courses is a lot different than a discussion of favorite golf courses. Although each golfer might have his own favorite, there are a few that have always stood out.
Anyone with a serious interest in golf will have heard of St. Andrews in Scotland. This is not only a Mecca for serious golfers, but is also where the game originated. St. Andrews is really a whole series of different world class courses that surround the town and run along the rugged Scottish coast near the town of St. Andrews. Although some of the courses are over 100 years old, there are some new and modern courses mixed in for variety. Despite year round play, these courses are among the best maintained in the World. It appears that the Scotch have the experience to do this job correctly. They are known for hosting the British Open.
The courses at St. Andrews are across an ocean which poses a slight disadvantage for the American golfer and many who make this journey are a bit shocked by the higher costs and green fees here. Most people are too blown away by the awesome scenery and the sense of golfing history to notice and the thrill of playing St. Andrews is rarely a disappointment.
The Augusta National Golf Club is another top notch course. It was designed and built in 1933 by golf legend Bobby Jones and has hosted the Masters Golf Tournament since 1934. It is a private club golf course that has been in the news recently for more than just the Master’s Tournament. There are only about 300 members. The membership fees range fro $250,000 to $500,000 a year and in its entire history no female has ever been a member. Although women are allowed to play the course as guests of members, they are restricted from membership. This caused a bit of a stink recently as the National Organization for Women put pressure on the club to change its policy.
Pebble Beach in California is like St. Andrews in Scotland. It is not just one golf course, but rather a series of top notch golf courses all in one location. Pebble Beach could be better called a golf destination than a course. There are seven public or private courses located at Pebble Beach. The Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of the public courses and is possibly the most top notch course in America. It is the one of only two courses in America to make the top of the “best courses” list in Golf Digest.
St. Andrews, Augusta, and Pebble Beach might be the most top notch golf courses in the World, although another writer might pick another for this list. In the end, the choice might be personal. The most top notch course in the world, to an individual, might be where they shot their first par or even where they first learned to play and love the game.
About the Author
Aazdak Alisimio writes about golf courses for GolfClubCourse.com.
Whether you’re in Arizona for a vacation or for a wedding, you will be pleasantly surprised to discover Sedona.
Sedona is a spiritual and sought-after desert resort destination which features top class accommodations, spas, resorts and lodgings. In fact, Sedona has several highest end AAA Four Diamond resorts that are well-known around the world.
Take for example,
1. L’Auberge de Sedona is a heaven of casual elegance. This grande resort is on Conde Nast’s Gold List as one of the top places to stay in the world. The spa at the L’Auberge de Sedona is world famous. Visitors can experience a relaxing treatment in one of four spa rooms, in the luxurious comfort of their own guest room, or, as the resort lies alongside Oak Creek, guests may enjoy their treatment in a secluded, open, creek-side canaba. Imported treats can be included to enhance the spa experience. The resort L’Auberge de Sedona also boasts an exclusive wine cellar, and offers spectacular & luxurious weddings.
Adobe Grand Villas is a second luxurious AAA Four Diamond resort. The Adobe Grand Villas are well-known for its grand scale accommodation of large open villas, each uniquely decorated with its own desert theme. The villas feature a living room, one or two bedrooms and a bathroom. The villa accommodations have private balconies. There is a pool, a spa, and of course fantastic views all around. Luxury amenities include fireplace, waterfall showers, large whirlpool tubs, and electric bread makers plus supplies of complimentary breakfast, appetizers, and pastry. This Sedona resort is known for supplying grande weddings. This 4 diamond resort is located at walking distance from downtown Sedona for shopping and dining. However, personal chefs are on site for hire.
Last, but not least, is the prestigious Amara Resort and Spa. Its spa facilities are extensive and laid out on 4000 sq foot of loveliness. Its spa services of massage, facial, hair, nails, wraps are classic, while they come with Indonesian infusion. The resort features 100 luxurious guest rooms. Its well-known restaurant ‘The Gallery on Oak Creek’ offers a Sedona Haute Cuisine experience to its guests.
It’s hard to say which is my favorite. I guess, you’ll have to try them all.
If you are starting to think about where you would like to go for your next holiday have a serious look at visiting the Cairns Holiday region in Australia. This is one place where all the world’s best natural attractions are clustered together and complemented by top class accommodation.
Cairns lies in Australia’s far north and enjoys a superb tropical climate. Here is a place where tropical rainforests meet the Great Barrier Reef and the result is spectacular. Cairns has a wonderful and colorful history, and its wide streets today, are a product of the necessity for lots of room required to turn around a bullock dray. Earlier last century the city was put on the map by famous American game fishing aficionado, Zane Grey, who visited the region on a regular basis chasing the giant Black Marlin that are still prevalent in the area today. Game Fishing charters are readily available.
There are so many things to do around Cairns that it is nearly impossible to experience them all. A trip to the Great Barrier Reef is essential. There are a number of experienced operators including Sunlover Cruises, Quicksilver Cruises, and Mike Balls dive adventures. Obviously there are many others to choose from including day tours and extended tours in all manner of boats and yachts. Some of these cater for the specialist dive market and some just for a family’s fun day in the sun.
The Daintree rainforest lies just to the north of Cairns and Port Douglas and there are numerous day tours and accommodation options to allow you to visit or stay as long as you like. Take a tour that visits the historical town of Cooktown and returns along the spectacular coastline past Cape Tribulation. Here you will experience some of the world’s most pristine rainforests in one of the few remaining places where they run right to the sea.
Another region that must be seen is the Atherton Tableland. Many Tours run into its rich hinterland to the many places of interest that exist here. This area can also be visited via the Ariel cable car that runs from Cairns to the town of Kuranda. You can take the Skyrail up and return on the conventional railway back which will take you on a spectacular ride past the Barron Falls and return through the rainforest.
Accommodation in Cairns and its surrounding area comes in all shapes and sizes. Here you will find everything ranging from top quality backpacker hostels right through to the most luxurious resorts that you can imagine. In Cairns itself, there is a wide range including a number of resorts and apartments clustered along the Esplanade.
These are within easy walking distance of all the cities amenities. Such places as Breakfree Royal Harbour Resort, Mantra Trilogy, Rydges Esplanade resort, The Sebel Harbour Lights, The Pacific International Hotel, and The Cairns International Hotel are some of the most sought after. Just to the north of Cairns are the resort towns of Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, Clifton Beach, Yorky’s Knob and Port Douglas.
There are some spectacular accommodation options here also including the Sea Temple Palm Cove, Mantra Amphora, The Sebel Beach Club and Sanctuary Resort. Other resorts in the area include Kewarra Beach Resort, Thala Beach resort and the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas. If you are looking more on the budget side try Bohemia resort or Nomads Serpent resort.
Cairns has an international airport and can be accessed from many overseas destinations. There are also many domestic flight options if you want to make Cairns part of a full Australian holiday including some of its other iconic destinations such as Ayers Rock and the Sydney Opera House.
About the Author
www.aunztravel.com.au has a wealth of holiday information for Australia and New Zealand including information on accommodation, attractions and transfers. Author Chris Alfreds is Marketing Manager at Australian Travel Wholesalers – The place for all your Cairns holiday and travel needs. Find high quality hotels and other Cairns accommodation – book online today. http://www.qldtravel.com.au/
When it comes to island vacations, Africa is one great destination for some of the most luxurious hideaways.
This is no surprise. Blessed with pristine white sand beaches, private islands, and rich marine life, many resorts already have the perfect setting for great tropical island getaways.
If you want to stay in one of the most luxurious tropical resorts in Africa during your island holidays, you might be interested in checking out the following hotels which offer great amenities, romantic villas and suites, and 5 star world class service fit for the perfect island vacations.
St Anne Resort, Seychelles
St Anne Resort is luxury accommodation on its own island which is surrounded by a protected marine park. It is only about 15 minutes by boat from Mahe, the capital.
This tropical resort in the Indian ocean belongs to Beachcomber hotels which is one of the leading providers for luxury accommodation in Africa.
St Anne’s Resort has 87 villas set amidst tropical surroundings. It has its own private garden that leads to the beach and its own gazebo to lounge in and spend romantic evenings and days at. It is also well known for its exceptional Spa by Clarins.
With a protected marine park around it, it is not only great for swimming and lazing by the beach but there’s also excellent underwater marine life to explore. The island itself is also host to a range of flora and fauna which you can see if you’ve had enough of the white sand beach and the clean aquamarine sea.
Fundu Lagoon Luxury Resort, on Pemba Island ( Zanzibar’s sister island )
With only sixteen bungalows, this tropical island resort is one of Africa’s most exclusive accommodation made for romantic and quiet holidays.
Set on an idyllic beach on Pemba island, 40 kilometers north of Zanzibar, it is accessible by boat or chartered flights from Zanzibar or Dar Es Salaam.
Simple yet elegant, all the bungalows have thatched roofs and have either an ocean view, or are oceanfront. There are also bungalows set in a very secluded tropical jungle setting for those who want time and space only for themselves. For even more luxurious accommodation, some of these bungalows have a private plunge pool.
Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius
If tropical resorts can be breathtaking, Le Prince Maurice accurately fits the bill. From its lush gardens to its impeccable architecture and charm, staying in this resort is an experience in itself.
Overlooking a lagoon and barrier reef, the resort is set on 60 acres of land. There are over 89 suites which are artistically set over it’s very private resort setting. Choose from the one-bedroom junior suites to the senior and princely suites which have private swimming pools.
Le Prince Maurice is undoubtedly one of Mauritius’s best 5 star luxury resorts for great island vacations, not only for its great setting and elegant accommodation, but also for the various activities which you can enjoy here.
It has very easy access to two world class golf courses and there are also many land and water sport opportunities for more active guests.
The Residence Tunisia
If you’re looking for luxury resort accommodation in Tunisia, The Residence, which is the country’s first 5 star hotel is the only place to go.
The rooms are designed in rather dramatic North African architecture and have marble floors, dome ceilings and an elegant décor.
The Residence easily fits the needs of all kinds of guests. From couples on holidays, to people who want to get away, and even for families spending a vacation together.
This is best exemplified by its wide range of facilities ranging from a relaxing massage centre and spa to a children’s playground and swimming pool.
The Bavarian influenced resort of Beaver Creek, Colorado is home to three base villages and the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. All of these villages are nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies with convenient access from both the Vail / Eagle Airport & Denver International Airport. With the Beaver Creek Village as the centerpiece, Bachelor Gulch & Arrowhead provide a unique European style, interconnected, village-to-village experience like that found in the Alps.
The moment you drive through the gates of the Beaver Creek Resort you will witness the grandeur of luxury living in Colorado’s magical mountains. Maybe its the award winning visitor services that make you feel right at home while in Beaver Creek. Or, maybe it’s the distinguished lodging sprinkled throughout Beaver Creek Village, Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead. Not only will you indulge in luxury living, your taste buds will thank you for experiencing culinary excellence at one or all of Beaver Creek’s restaurants.
Here are some tips for the ultimate Beaver Creek Luxury vacation.
1) Say Ahhhhhhhhh…In one of Beaver Creek’s Spas.
A Colorado ski vacation or a summer getaway isn’t complete without kicking back and being pampered. Beaver Creek has gained quite the reputation for its spa services. Whether you’re looking for a deep tissue massage or a facial before your Beaver Creek wedding, spending an afternoon at a Beaver Creek spa is a must.
2) Cozy Up In A Beaver Creek Luxury Vacation Rental.
There is absolutely nothing more comforting than sitting by the fire with your partner while you reminisce about the days mountain activities. Enjoy sipping on a glass of wine while you relax in the comfort of your own Beaver Creek vacation rental or condo. Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek Village and Arrowhead all contain some of Colorado’s finest luxury lodging.
3) Endless Adventures Abound in Beaver Creek, Colorado
Beaver Creek, with its grandeur and sophistication, encompasses more than just a world-class ski resort. An unrivaled list of year-round adventures keep visitors coming back time & time again to explore Beaver Creek’s endless activities. Summer, Winter, Spring & Fall all bring unique opportunities to explore Beaver Creek and the Vail Valley. Turquoise lakes filled with native Colorado Cutthroat Trout are in an abundance in the Beaver Creek Valley which are all accessible via a beautiful hiking trail.
4) Skiing and Snowboarding at Beaver Creek Ski Resort
The Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a snow lovers playground. There’s a reason why every year the Beaver Creek Resort hosts the annual FIS Men’s World Cub Downhill. Come experience the steeps of the Bird’s of Prey terrain and see first hand the thrill of making slalom turns on Colorado’s best terrain.
Dubbed as the millionaire’s playground, St. Tropez is home to some of the world’s most immaculate beaches. This medieval town remains to be well-known for its yachts that line along the harbors, and the expensive cars that cruise its streets.
As a tourist mecca for the rich and famous, St. Tropez has its share of the best and the most private luxury villas in the world. Villazzo Villa Hotels are among those who cater to the special needs of the elite. With seven St. Tropez luxury property rentals to choose from, guests are assured of an unforgettable vacation experience in this fashionable town.
Villa Hotel Katarina exudes a kind of glamour that is far more superior to what five-star hotels have. Located within a short walk of the Mediterranean Sea, this opulent property speaks of un-equalled elegance through its Versace signature furnishings and luxurious amenities. Take pleasure as Katarina provides you with the level of sophistication that only a Villazzo Villa Hotel can give.
Villazzo’s Villa Hotel La Forge drips charm and remarkable uniqueness. Set within well-maintained gardens, La Forge boasts of spectacular views from every corner. Each detail of its architecture has been meticulously-planned to ensure that guests receive the best type of accommodation in St. Tropez.
Ideally-situated at the heart of St. Tropez, the Villa Hotel Village is known as the town’s lone grand mansion. Unlike other St. Tropez luxury villa rentals, the Village is new but is designed to match the medieval atmosphere of the town. The modern interior that is specially-designed to emanate a classic appeal is part of the high standards known in all Villazzo Villa Hotels.
A Mediterranean-inspired luxury accommodation is available at the VillaHotel Eldorym in St. Tropez. With its 4 bedrooms, superb bathroom facilities, spacious living room, and inviting swimming pool, the Eldorym speaks of a mixture of both classic elegance and unique modernity.
Villa Hotel Les Pins defines superiority best. Located within the most exclusive area of St. Tropez, it is built according to a Provencal-inspired theme. The villa’s concept is not only creative and elaborate, but incalculably relaxing as well, as defined by its expansive gardens and comfortable living room furniture. An elegantly-chic haven and a casual relaxation venue, Villa Hotel Les Pins is the ultimate accommodation option in St. Tropez.
The beaches of St. Tropez are among the town’s greatest treasures. VillaHotel Dolce Vita recognizes this and offers its guests the absolute convenience of living right next to one of the world’s finest beaches. The villa boasts of an immensely attractive, yet highly unique accommodation style. As among the grandest villas in St. Tropez, the Dolce Vita radiates elegance, comfort, and enjoyment in the same proportions.
Villa Hotel Patricia is a paradise all on its own. Set in a Provencal-Mediterranean-combined theme, this villa exudes an enchanting atmosphere, emphasized by its fabulous view of the sea and the magnificent collection of white roses in its landscaped garden. Villa Hotel Patricia is definitely unlike any other luxury villa or five-star hotel in St. Tropez.
About the Author
Anabelle Balanzar, a luxury travel and leisure expert, writes for Villazzo.Com. Learn information about the different Villazzo villa hotels on different locations around the globe. For more information, visit Villazzo Villa Hotels
