For any keen golfer considering luxury golf holidays, Spain’s Villa Padierna Palace should be at the top of the list. Located on the Costa del Sol, this stunning hotel has been designed and built with incredible attention to detail. From the striking exterior to the lavishly furnished interior, the opulent design stands in complete harmony with the comfortable and tranquil ambiance that envelops you when you enter. Thanks to its chic decorations, which resemble those of a Tuscan palazzo, it is little wonder that the aesthetics of this place attract people from all over the world.
With no fewer than three golf courses on its doorstep, a spa, gym, indoor and outdoor pools and much more, this spot is a haven for anyone who prioritises indulgence on their golf holidays. Spain is waiting for you!
Villa Padierna
Rooms at this gorgeous hotel are worthy of the grand pillared façade and breathtaking entrance hall, and all are unique, with each one boasting a palatial feel that is emphasised by the bespoke pieces of art and interesting antiques that furnish them. All of the artwork comes from the owner’s collection – The Arvi Foundation. Large windows bring in lots of light and French doors open out to stone balconies.
Spain’s Mediterranean climate lends itself perfectly to flavoursome fresh food, made from local and seasonal ingredients. The Villa Padierna Hotel certainly makes the most of this. Offering guests the choice of seven different restaurants, you can eat in a different one each night. From Spanish to Japanese cuisine, the choice is yours!
There is nothing quite like a relaxing spa or an invigorating massage after a day of perfecting your putt on the golf course, and Villa Padierna’s Medical Wellness Spa does not disappoint. Offering a wide range of treatments, a dynamic treatment swimming pool, steam rooms and saunas, this spa has everything you need when you just want to relax, regroup and wind down. For any partners who might prefer to stay away from the golf course when on holiday, this spot is a real treat.
The Courses
Flamingos
Beautiful scenery is on tap as you make your way around this pretty course. With a par 71, the 18-hole course was designed by Antonio Garcia Garrido and is kept to the highest of standards. Honoured to have hosted The Daily Telegraph European Seniors’ Match Play Championship for the past three years, Flamingos Golf Club has world-renowned status.
Playing on this course is a pleasure from start to finish, and although the fairways are narrow on the front nine, the greens are generously sized. Bunkers feature marmolina sand, while the fairways are either Bermuda or grass. Pencross has been used for the greens and tees.
This friendly and inviting course is a definite must when you are staying at Villa Padierna. The excellent service provided at the hotel extends to the golf club as well, and you can expect that every care is taken to ensure that your experience is a great one.
Alferini Golf Club
For anyone who’s confident in his or her golfing skills, Alferini offers a good challenge. Located right next to Flamingos, this course has a par 73, which is quite unusual for this region. Some fairways are deemed particularly tough and require incredible precision in order to be conquered. Water features heavily on this course, and the four large lakes make their presence felt at several holes. Great news for less competent players is that each tee offers five different levels, so if your technique needs a little honing, you can still enjoy what this course has to offer.
When it comes to golf holidays, Spain has lots to choose from, but none are quite as lavish and unforgettable as Villa Padierna.
Steve Frewin is the Managing Director of A Golfing Experience, a company with more than 29 years experience organising bespoke golf holidays and escapes throughout Europe for individuals, societies and groups. If you're looking for truly great golf holidays, Spain is one of our top destinations. We also operate in all the other major European golf destinations and, if you'd like to explore options further afield, we can arrange holidays to the world's greatest golf courses in The Caribbean, Mauritius, Bermuda and USA.
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