Greg Norman once said that “happiness is a long walk with a putter”, and for many a golf enthusiast that phrase drives true. Beyond the game itself, playing golf provides the opportunity for its participants to be in the great outdoors. Often set against striking natural scenery, golfers can breathe in the fresh air and embrace nature’s wonders whilst getting both exercise and sun.
Not surprisingly golf is the fastest growing and most popular sport in the world, a fact most evident in Asia, where the game has developed rapidly in the last decade. For golfing buffs, Asian courses are paradise, especially since many have been designed by stalwarts such as the “Shark” and Jack Nicklaus, are situated in the balmy and breathtaking tropics and are – by European and American standards – very easy on the pocket.
What is further complementary about choosing a golf holiday in Asia is the quality spa options available across the continent, especially in Southeast Asia where quality and cost are not mutually exclusive concepts. For golfers themselves, spa treatments such as massage can provide that perfect balance to sport with further relaxation. But more importantly, for wives and girlfriends who wish to holiday but don’t par–take in the fairways, spa pampering is a welcome alternative
To cater for golf and spa holidaymakers, many courses and golfing resorts have been built across Asia. This month, we have highlighted some of the best courses in the region, along with accommodation options, just to pique your interest!
Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort Phuket
Kirimaya Golf Resort & Spa Khao Yai
Springfield Village Golf & Spa Hua Hin / Cha-am
Then there are the ten Pool Villa Suites, massive 300 m² villas with 3.5 metre private pools, 2 bathrooms, one with twin vanities, private sundeck with 2 sunbeds and sala with 2 daybeds.
I have done a lot of traveling in recent years and have always stayed in 5 star hotels whenever I was in Bangkok. Firstly because nice hotels are probably my biggest weakness, and secondly, they are especially affordable in Bangkok. For the same price as a 35m² room at the Hyatt for example, you can get an 84m² 1 bedroom apartment with fully stocked kitchen, separate dining and lounge rooms and 2 bathrooms!
Pattaya. The hedonistic capital of Thailand where almost anything goes. While the beaches are certainly not anywhere near the best of what Thailand has to offer, few people actually go there for the water. The nightlife of Walking Street and the numerous beer bars are what bring in the crowds to Pattaya, which started off as a “Rest and Relaxation” centre for US troops during the Vietnam war, and hasn’t changed much since.
