by Gordon Dalgleish on October 30, 2011
While we do not offer domestic golf trips, a recent business meeting at the Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Beach was a very positive experience. The two Tom Fazio designed courses are almost 20 years old but the accommodation component only opened in 2008 and is spectacular.
I had previously attended a meeting at the resort and stayed overnight in it’s sister property but was impressed at that time with the physical plant. On this occasion I stayed at Pelican Hill for three nights and played both the North & South Courses.
by Gordon Dalgleish on October 7, 2011
The recent opening of two additional golf courses in the heart of Tuscany create additional opportunities for travelers to combine golf and a visit to one of the most iconic lifestyle destinations in the world.
Villa La Massa in Florence
Less than 15km’s from the medevil city of Siena is Borgo La Bagnaia, a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design which is the central feature of this new development. The course undulates through the Tuscan countryside with an attractive, playable feel. It only opened in September, 2011 and is moving quickly through the maturation phase. This five star resort also offers and extensive spa and multiple dining options, including a Pizzeria which is noted as one of the finest in the area, on the night we were there it was very busy with locals….always a good indication!. The nearby city of Siena, famous for it horse race through the city’s main Piazza, the Palio happens twice annually in July and August.
About 50 minutes to the south of Siena and in a more remote location is the Tom Wieskopf designed layout at
Castiglion del Bosco. Part of a 4,500 acre development in the finest Tuscan tradition, CdB offers travelers the option of staying in one of the 9 luxuriously appointed villas dotted around the estate or in one of the 23 suites in the Borgo which sits atop a hill and is the centre of activity with a spa, swimming pool and dining options. The accommodations at CdB are very possibly the finest, with an attention to detail of construction and design I recall seeing anywhere in the world. I should also mention that in terms of food quality and wine, CdB delivers a fabulous experience, it was consistently outstanding. A visit and tour of the onsite vineyard is a must for any visitor. The golf course opened in July 2011 and access is limited to members and guests of the estate.
While it does not have an onsite golf course, the sister property of Villa D’Este on Lake Como, is the more intimate
Villa La Massa on the outskirts of
Florence, one of the most beautiful cities in the world….Villa La Massa is only 10 minutes from Ugolino and a similar distance from the Chianati region famous for it’s wines. Villa La Massa is perched on the edge of the Arno River which runs through Florence and deliver impeccable service in a comfortable setting.
All in all, Tuscany can deliver a golf travel experience which touches so many of the senses, it is a destination worthy of serious consideration for your next trip.
by PerryGolf Staff on September 12, 2011
Cape Grace Hotel in South Africa is a popular choice while in Cape Town; it was recently voted “Best Hotel in Africa and the Middle East” by Travel & Leisure Magazine 2011. Click here for details of the great awards the hotel has received.
by Gordon Dalgleish on August 4, 2011
Given all of the tough breaks that Christchurch, on the east coast of the South Island has endured in recent times, it is heartening to see a new golf development proceeding according to this recent article. New Zealand is truly a magnificent country with wonderful scenery, great golf, outstanding accommodations, superb wine and most importantly populated by charming, friendly people.
I have no doubt that the recent turmoil in New Zealand has affected their tourism industry. We can only hope that more good news like this in the pipeline. The recent GOLF Magazine Top 100 poll recognized Cape Kidnappers as #33 in the World as ultimately it is the cumulative effect of small pieces of information that generally help shape travelers destination of choice.
by Gordon Dalgleish on July 24, 2011
A Day in the Life: 36 more and a Warrior down
Hal PhillipsTheAPosition
An eventful day here in northwest Ireland. A whole lotta day. The day-to-day existence of The Golf Road Warrior might sound, well, sorta cushy if viewed from a distance. But the pace is unrelentingly, if purposely, grueling. Let me give you the blow by blow of our Saturday here in County Donegal, using the 24-hour clock that pervades here
1:15, Saturday, 23 July — To bed …
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by PerryGolf Staff on July 20, 2011
Congratulations to The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs on being voted No.1 Lodge/Resort in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific by readers of Travel & Leisure. This is the 16th year the awards have been held and the rankings are based on rooms/facilities, location, service and restaurant food and value. Kauri Cliffs came in 11th place in the World’s Best Awards. You can see further details on the awards by clicking here.
Kauri Cliffs is owned by New Yorkers Julian & Josie Robertson who also run the fantastic Cape Kidnappers resort near Napier on the South Island which has one of the world’s best courses. In addition to this, they have recently opened the new Matakauri Lodge near Queenstown.
