Elite Traveler January-February 2016

99 elite traveler JAN/FEB 2016

PEBBLE BEACH GOLF LINKS, Monterey, California, US

“If I had only one more round to play, I would choose to play it at Pebble Beach,” says pro golfer Jack Nicklaus, who considers the Pebble Beach Golf Links to be “possibly the best course in the world”. It’s true that few other courses can match Pebble Beach for either beauty or golfing history. Set alongside the rocky cliffs of the Californian coastline, with stunning views of the Pacific, it has been home to five US Opens (there’s another scheduled for 2019), with champions including Nicklaus, TomWatson and Tiger Woods. And while you’re here Close by are Spyglass Hill, rated one of the world’s most testing courses, and The Links at Spanish Bay – a taste of Scotland in California. Where to stay Casa Palmero, an intimate 24-room Mediterranean-style estate overlooking the first two holes. Guests have access to the award-winning Spa at Pebble Beach, which offers pre-golf warm up routines and post-golf therapy. A bonus is the nearby Stave Wine Cellar at Spanish Bay, which offers outstanding wines from around the world. Best room The Palmero Suite, accessed through a private garden, with a wood-burning fireplace, four-poster bed and personal courtyard. Price $2,990 per night pebblebeach.com

EAST ANDWEST COURSES, Verdura, Sicily, Italy

Sicily is not known for its golf courses, but British hotelier Sir Rocco Forte is changing that. The two championship 18-hole courses at his luxury golf and spa resort were designed by American architect Kyle Phillips. Both East and West courses offer seaside links-style golf with sweeping Mediterranean views. (See page 106 for an interview with Sir Rocco.) And while you’re here The Donnafugata Golf Resort, down the coast, offers two championship courses, one designed by Gary Player. Where to stay Verdura Resort – its main complex is surrounded by fairways and its lavish 43,000 sq ft spa is a compelling alternative for golf widows. It has four outdoor thalassotherapy pools and follows the healing and fitness philosophy of Sebastian Kneipp, a 19th century priest and naturopath. Best room The Presidential Suite, for its three spacious terraces with private pool and Jacuzzi. It also has the finest views of golf course and sea. Price From $1,820 per night roccofortehotels.com