The marriage of golf and spa is long overdue. In fact, pampering may not only enhance golf, but many relationships as well. There are few things as difficult as convincing a wife, husband or mate who doesn’t share the love of golf to join in a golf holiday, even if its only a short golf break. Since today’s spa experience often includes fantastic golf, most spouses would love to join in the fun, especially given the prospect of a pampered getaway.
We have put together a few ideas to help you convince the non-golfer to join you for a truly memorable “golf” getaway:
1.
The Castleknock Hotel and Country Club, Dublin 2.
Hesperia Alicante Golf & Spa The Castleknock Hotel and Country Club, Dublin
The Castleknock Hotel and Country Club in Castleknock, Ireland is a splendid example of the new golf spa experience. The resort, opened in January of 2005 just nine miles from the Dublin city center and is a fabulous example of an Irish golf getaway.
The four-star luxury hotel offers 140 guest rooms and four executive suites. Every spacious guest room is beautifully appointed with stylish decor, ample amenities and every modern convenience. The Park Restaurant located inside the hotel offers a contemporary, cosmopolitan feel, even amid the country setting of the hotel. The restaurant prides itself on exemplary service and fine dining, serving only the finest wines and certified Irish Angus beef, among other dishes. Adjacent to the hotel is The Brasserie, a relaxed alternative to the Park Restaurant. Although the atmosphere is relaxed, service and dining maintain a high level. In addition to the restaurants, the hotel offers two bars and room service.
The Castleknock Hotel is also a favorite destination for conferences, banqueting and weddings, but the pampering offered by the hotel spa gives the non-golfing spouse a truly memorable “golf” getaway.
The spa, accurately named Club Tonic, offers panoramic views of the golf course and surrounding countryside. The Leisure Centre offers numerous activities for guests, such as a heated indoor pool, jacuzzis, beauty treatments and much more. During a visit to the hotel, place yourself in the care Lavender Lane Health and Beauty Therapy. Lavender Lane therapists specialize in massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, manicures, and pedicures, all providing a spectacularly relaxing stay. When planning a “golf” getaway to Castleknock, make sure to pre-schedule any treatments prior to arrival.
The fitness center contains state-of-the-art cardio and weight training equipment. It offers a full range of fitness classes, such as Khai-bo, Pilates, body conditioning and aqua aerobics, all at no extra charge. For guests who prefer an individualized approach, fitness instructors are available to meet the needs of everyone. Whether you need strength training, injury rehabilitation or a nutrition plan, the qualified instructors will get you moving toward a healthier lifestyle.
Lastly, the golf at Castleknock Hotel is superb. The Castleknock Golf Club offers an 18-hole course that measures 6,700. There are no sharp inclines on the course, which will enhance the playability, especially for senior players. The course is also marked by large, welcoming greens, however, each par 3 hole is guarded by lakes. Don’t fear though, they all have bail-out areas for those who don’t feel up to the task. This challenging course is set amid gorgeous countryside. No matter how serious the golfer may be, he or she won’t be able to deny the majesty of this area just outside Dublin.
Hesperia Alicante Golf & Spa
After a golf holiday to this spa, your spouse will never want you to stop playing golf. Situated near the popular Playa de San Juan beach, the luxurious Hesperia Alicante is a world class golf and spa complex. All of the spa’s 156 rooms overlook the gardens and the hotel’s Ballesteros-designed golf course, which display challenging and beautiful water features and verdant fairways.
The Hesperia Alicante resort incorporates a health & beauty centre offering an amazing array of spa treatments, indoor and outdoor pools, and a wide choice of leisure activities and watersports at the beach. Mediterranean cuisine with a Spanish emphasis is served in tranquil, contemporary surroundings overlooking the hotel gardens.
The visually stunning Seve Ballesteros designed course is a “must play” option for any golfer. The palm-lined luxuriant fairways are generously proportioned and beautifully maintained. Well placed water hazards are a feature that adds to the appeal, and difficulty, of the course. It should go without saying that accuracy will be rewarded. The greens are large, but slick and well protected by strategically placed bunkers, which make you think hard about approach shots. This is the first golf course in Spain, and only the second in Europe, to have an equal number of par 3s, 4s and 5s on each leg. Such a well designed golf course with its diversity of holes provides an interesting and enjoyable challenge to golfers of all levels. Take a moment too to look at the ruins of the 2nd century roman villa by the 15th tee.
As any golfer can now see, thanks to the wonderful trend of combining golf and spa, the age old problem of a non-golfing spouse has now been remedied. Despite a mate’s aversion to the best, most difficult and addicting game ever devised, both partners can now enjoy a memorable, relaxing, rejuvenating golf vacation.