Best of Paradise:
The Top Golf Course Communities To Live and Play in the Tropics
Whether you're a golfer or not, it's a fact that most of us simply relax and become tranquil when we look out across the flowing green fairways, blue waters, waving palms and white-sand bunkers of a golf course in the tropics. And, there is something magical and transforming about being at your vacation home away from home and spending quality time with friends and family in a beautiful golf course community that provides adventure as well as a unique kind of carefree serenity.
As the most prosperous and - despite the global economic challenges - still the wealthiest generation in history looks to make the most of their hard earned money, they're beginning to invest, again, in the things they and their families can enjoy for generations while their investments grow. In response to this trend and the mind set today's baby-boomers, real estate developers are continuing to evolve and build world-class golf communities around the globe, particularly in the paradises of the Caribbean, Latin and Central America. By offering luxury homes and golf villas with a variety of amazing amenities such as full service spas or professional equestrian facilities is altering both the landscape in paradise and the way they enjoy the good life while on vacation.
Hard to believe? How about this: A full 50 percent of people who own homes on golf courses don't play golf. For people looking for the very best approach to living in paradise, it just makes sense: the green space, the lifestyle, the security, the amenities, the variety and the beauty of a golf course community all create an alluring combination that draws people to an elite group of golf developments in the Caribbean, Latin and Central America.
In this installment of LLI's Best of Paradise: Top Golf Course Developments, we praise the "best of the best"; the most exemplary of golf communities weighed using criteria from the golf experience to the scenery, member services to amenities and the overall real estate product offerings and quality. "As a leader in researching and writing about the luxury side of golf real estate and great golf destinations, LLI feels compelled and honored to recognize these communities, the developers and talented golf course architects that offer their residents and members the highest quality experience both on and off the fairways," says LLI publisher Mark Peterson.
Some of the "Best of Paradise" golf communities on our list were designed and crafted by legendary golfers and architects such as Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Greg Norman and Tom Fazio. All of these talented golf course architects had challenging but amazing canvases on from which to work to work their magic in destinations such as the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Costa Rica, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, even the Lesser Antilles are represented on this list. LLI presents you with our distinguished list of winners of LLI's Best of Paradise: Top Golf Course Communities in Paradise. Central to judging criteria are the overall community master plan, golf course design and quality, the overall golf experience, the amenities menu, scenery, as well as quality of real estate options available in the development.
2010 Best of Paradise: Best Golf Course Communities in Paradise
(In alphabetical order)
Abaco Club, Bahamas -
The views of the Caribbean will inspire your best play when you escape to The Abaco Club on Winding Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Managed Club, and experience the breathtaking beauty and tranquility of this lush, tropical paradise and its 7200 yard ocean course that blends magnificent scenery with truly challenging golf. Set on a secluded 534-acre oceanfront estate, this exceptional Abaco resort features a European spa and fitness center, un-motorized water sports, championship golf and distinctive dining. With superb amenities and impeccable service, this is a place you can discover the pleasures of refined island living while pursuing your passion of golf. Ritzcarlton.com
Bahia, Puerto Rico -
Tropical golf better than can be imagined lives here. Palm-tree lined fairways and distracting views of the ocean will challenge your handicap more than the ocean breezes. Be mentally "OB" as you traverse water obstacles amid St. Regis residences that are more enhancements than obstacles. Hopefully, playing at Bahia will lower your golf score to meet your blood pressure in these serene surroundings. From the Sand Dollar Beach Club to the beachfront town homes of Las Olas' ("the waves") squaring 4,400 feet, residents will find life is rich between rounds on the Troon Golf, Robert Trent Jones Jr. course, once they witness its breathtaking ocean views. bahiabeachpuertorico.com
Cabo del Sol, Mexico -
Looking for a challenging golf course with breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez? You'll find it on Cabo del Sol's Ocean Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design that the Golden Bear himself called "the best piece of golf property I've ever seen." Nicklaus's masterpiece is paired with Tom Weiskopf's stunning Desert Course, making it easy to see why Cabo del Sol and the area around it is commonly referred to as "The Pebble Beach of Baja." With great ocean and golf course views, homes and homesites in Cabo del Sol offer surreal landscape from which to enjoy the good life in Cabo. Two World-class hotels - the Fiesta Americana Grand and Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar - accentuate the first-class experience. cabodelsol.com
Cap Cana, DR -
Developers at Cap Cana shot straight for the moon, with a total of three Jack Nicklaus Signature courses planned, with Punta Espada already listed among the World's finest. Eight holes play along the sea but from any vantage point golfers are blessed with extraordinary views of the Caribbean where the sea contrasts the emerald fairways for a nearly dizzying effect. And when you're not on-course, the 750 miles of coast that delineate the DR will enchant you with its forests and beaches, springs and rivers, mangroves and waterfalls. From luxurious condominiums to resplendent villas and magnificent home sites, Cap Cana offers a chance to live at an impressive marina in the Caribbean, along spectacular white sand beaches and next to a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. Capcana.com
Casa de Campo, DR -
You've heard and perhaps dreamt of playing or even living here and sending postcards to your stateside friends in January. But, at Casa de Campo, it's more than the climate. Sometimes the people who live and play there say it best: "Playing golf at Casa de Campo is like playing on three different planets," said Gilles Gagnon, Director of Golf at Casa de Campo for 23 years, who has played the game on the best courses around the World. "Each course, Teeth of the Dog, The Links, and Dye Fore are entirely different, breathtakingly beautiful - and each singularly, redefines the word challenge." The Dyes became so thoroughly enchanted by the Dominican Republic and the easy to reach town of La Romana, that they live there nearly year-round. There is nothing new about either La Romana or Casa de Campo. But, if you haven't experienced Pete Dye's unique blend of tortuous euphoria, his "home" courses might be the treat you're after. casadecampo.com.do
El Dorado, Cabo, Mexico -
Pebble Beach is nice...but would you really trade a round there for a round at El Dorado? We would, once we compared climates. At the tip of Baja on the beautiful Sea of Cortez, get in touch with your inner Hemingway and the unique sensation that comes from standing where the continent dives into the ocean leaving nothing but horizon. And, bring your clubs. Jack Nicklaus mused here long enough to craft the ultimate golf experience in Baja, widely regarded as the best golf in the World's best place to play golf. Beachside swimming, a World-class spa and an amazing clubhouse above a white sand beach and beach club; a masterpiece of design ambience, will top off your experience here. Luxury homes here make life about as good as it gets. And don't forget the "comfort stations" strategically placed around the course with their complimentary tequila, beer and homemade ice cream sandwiches. eldoradogolfandbeachclub.com
The Ocean Club, Paradise Island, Bahamas -
Resting on a slice of land only five miles long and a mile wide, this is the Bahamas as you always hoped it would be. The One & Only Ocean Club is truly Bahamian luxury. It is so luxurious in fact, there is poolside Evian water misting to keep you cool, under the sensual Bahamian sun and between sorbet treats. Escape by seaplane to your own private island-for-a-day, free of any other souls, a fantasy uniquely exclusive to the Bahamas. Back at the Ocean Club, the white sands of the bunkers on the seaside, palm-tree-lined Tom Weiskopf course will leave pleasant bright spots in your vision. oneandonlyresorts.com
Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica -
The marina opened in 2008, and residences make this already top-notch resort experience complete, and, perhaps, the "ultimate" in all of Central America. It's hard to believe a place could achieve this kind of reputation in just a few years. Play golf on Palmer and Nicklaus- designed courses with inescapably spectacular ocean views. Blue water stretches west forever above 31 white sand beaches on both sides of the resort development which fully capitalizes on its positioning along a slender section of a peninsula with 15 total miles of secluded shorelines. From custom homes and homesites to fractional villas, each offering golf course or ocean views, Peninsula Papagayo is truly a special part of the Costa Rica experience. fourseasons.com
Punta Cana, DR -
It doesn't get much better than challenging an oceanfront course in the Caribbean with sweeping views of turquoise water and Polynesian-palms jutting over the sprawling white sand beaches. Unless, of course, you're also staying at a top-notch luxury villa designed by Oscar de la Renta at World-renown Punta Cana. Be challenged by two of P.B. Dye's pot-bunker-peppered courses and then decipher the scorecard in one of those beachfront villas at the resort's boutique 5+ star resort within a resort, Tortuga Bay. There are many real estate offerings here from oceanfront home and homesites to luxury villas and condos. Owners can also enjoy one of the most exclusive courses they'll ever encounter, Corales, a new Tom Fazio ocean course. Corales is currently the private stomping ground, of Oscar de La Renta, Julio Iglesis and it's rumored that President Clinton is getting ready to tee-it-up at yet another enclave-within-an-enclave. Punta Cana offers its own international airport (serving the eastern shoreline of the Dominican Republic) with private services for owners at Punta Cana. You will also find a town center, a Six Senses spa, 5-star restaurants and many other extraordinary amenities. puntacana.com
Punta Mita, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico -
Take the water, the waves, the beaches and all the charm of Puerto Vallarta. Then, remove the entire city and in its place leave one perfect hotel and a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. Put it this way: Punta Mita is 26 miles from Puerto Vallarta, but it might as well be on another, spectacular planet. No luck on the greens? Snorkel, windsurf, scuba dive, play tennis or fish the ocean blue. Bet you can't do all that at your home club. fourseasons.com
Puerto Los Cabos, Mexico -
Two of the greatest courses in Baja, built by two of the greatest legends in the game; Nicklaus and Norman. Seaside and ocean-view desert, all with a full-service, 40,000 square foot clubhouse are within easy reach of a private marina. The Nicklaus Signature Course is among the most highly regarded in the region complimenting this larger-than-life place to live and play. Tournament Yellowfin tuna average 100 pounds, and the billfish action is attributed with putting Cabo on the map. The 400 slip marina is a mecca for big game fishing, sailing, whale watching, and in eras past, treasure seekers. Custom home sites in distinct neighborhoods offer buyers unique charm and authentic Mexican flair. puertoloscabos.com
Sandy Lane, Barbados -
Five lakes, immaculate fairways spectacular Caribbean views...and that is just the country club course. Sandy Lane totals 45 holes, from the Old Nine to the ultra-exclusive Green Monkey, a World-renowned par 72 course stretching 7,343-yards. Established in 1961, this is a long-sought destination for celebrities and dignitaries, comprised of coral stone buildings along the shimmering Caribbean. Spectacular sunsets are routinely enjoyed from the 55,000 square foot clubhouse, which overlooks both the Tom Fazio course and the Green Monkey course...and the Caribbean...of course. Stay at the 7,300 square-foot ultimate luxury villa and enjoy the private courtyard to get a feel for what Sandy Lane offers. After a round of World class ocean-front golf enjoy 5 star spa services and food on-par with any fine restaurant in the World and service to match. Sandylane.com
Tucker's Point, Bermuda -
Distinctly Bermudian in style and character, with an uncompromising emphasis on privacy and luxury, Tucker's Point Club exhibits what you'd expect from the finest of resort communities. Set on 200 acres of rolling hillsides in Tucker's Town, overlooking a glorious turquoise sea, the Club offers a unique brand of comfort and sophistication for those who appreciate the special charm and lifestyle of Bermuda. Beautifully sited along Castle Harbour and Harrington Sound, the golf course has been much lauded since it opened in 2005, making it into the 2005 World's Best Golf Resorts issue, Travel + Leisure Golf's readers placed the club in the top three in the categories of Best Golf Resort and Best Restaurants in the Caribbean. Tuckerspoint.com
Rose Hall, Jamaica -
The famous White Witch golf course winds across the 4,000-acre Rose Hall Plantation overlooking the Caribbean, a course you will want to play again and again. Five restaurants and a lounge offer sublime spots to reconcile how the beautiful siren the course was named for cast a hex on your game. River rafting, canopy tours, Jeep safaris, sailing and submarine trips round-out adventure, but save time to chase the speed species offshore: wahoo, mako shark, billfish and yellowfin tuna. Then, after a day of exhilaration, return home to your luxury villa overlooking it all in one of four unique and very distinctive communities from which owners-to-be may choose. ritzcarlton.com
Four Seasons, Nevis -
Like St. Lucia, the island of Nevis is simply one of the top five most perfect places in the entire Caribbean, from silken-sandy shores to the soft trade winds and stunning seascapes of the Leeward Islands. Nevis is intimate and quiet, the golf on the seaside course of the Four Seasons resort is an experience of unsurpassed scenic beauty. Sister island St. Kitts doesn't disappoint either, with a beautiful Royal St. Kitts course that also plays along the sea. We have unofficially declared St. Kitts the absolute most romantic place on earth...but you'll have to go there to see why. On clear days from viewpoints of the Robert Trent Jones II course on Nevis you can see all 5 nearby islands, a view shared with many of the more than 40 private residences. Homes range from duplex-style villas with wraparound verandas and lush gardens, just steps from Pinney's Beach, to elegant homes on private grounds, perched on the slopes of Mount Nevis. fourseasons.com/nevis
Raffles Resort, Canouan Island -
An amphitheatre-style setting wrapping around a sheltered bay that borders an enormous coral reef, this Raffles location in the Grenadines will definitely make most other places self-conscious. La Piazza is an artsy, stylish Tuscan restaurant with a three-story wine cellar and terrific bay views. Hop on the Raffles private jet for your round at the Trump International Golf Club, 110 miles west of Barbados, and leave no doubt you are leading the good life. canouan.raffles.com
Ultimate golf courses aside, it is the slow and relaxed pace and the surreal atmosphere of life in the tropics, particularly these special places, that remain the real draw of enjoying these World-class golf experiences. In each case the amenities, alongside the spectacular fairways, weave a nearly ethereal experience for anyone that enjoys great golf. The recipients of LLI's Best of Paradise: The Top Golf Course Communities to Live and Play in the Tropics award provide a dazzling mix of experiences, great ocean courses, one-of-a-kind spas, 5 star restaurants and lists of features found in only a select few special communities in the World. These innovations will keep drawing buyers to enjoy these golf communities and to spend more time with each visit and ultimately, perhaps, to want to stay for good.
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