Best Winter Golf LET’S PLAY MOROCCO
By Suzanne Kauz et Soledad de Gervais
With over 40 gorgeous golf courses and 300 sunshine days, Morocco has become the perfect winter golf destination.
If you don’t want to lose your fined-tuned swing and touch during winter, if you refuse to let your golf game go into hibernation, just go to Morocco, one of the hottest destinations in the world for golf holidays. The “kingdom of golf” has no “off-season”. The weather during the winter season hesitates between “sunny” and “fantastic”, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees. Morocco has invested millions, resulting in over 40 gorgeous golf course created by famous international golf designers such as Gary Player, Kyle Phillips, Arnaud Massy, Niall Cameron, Colin Montgomerie, Muela et Courbin, Collins Bell… to name just a few. Facilities and infrastructure are world class, too including amazing golf resorts, top instructors. Great caddies, dedicated services and equipment. The Best Hotels Golf Team has selected for you three resorts which will make golfing stay one to remember, whatever your score, whatever handicap you play.
FAIRMONT ROYAL PALM MARRAKECH - FAR BEYOND EXPECTATIONS
At only 12 km from the vibrant center of Marrakech, the Fairmont Royal Palm hides in a magnificent natural environment of 231 hectares in the heart of a century old olive grove. Here, it’s all about Space, Happiness and Refinement: from the 2,000 m2 swimming pool to the 3,500 m2 Clarins Spa, from the exquisite restaurants to the beautiful gardens. The Kids Club promises the little ones a world of discovery, and the Sports Center keeps you fit away from home. The 135 sumptuous suites and villas subtly mix Moroccan traditional elements with contemporary design. They offer spectacular views on the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains and the magnificent 18-hole golf course. The golf course is a wonderful challenge for all levels. Designed by Cabell. B. Robinson to suit both amateurs and professional golfers, it combines fairways, water obstacles, greens and wild bunkers. It covers 75 hectares and offers a true communion with nature. In tune with the Fairmont Royal Palm's commitment to sustainability, Robinson has created an eco-friendly course that covers 75 hectares and offers a true communion with nature, lined with bougainvillea and oleanders, combining bodies of water and large bunkers. Thus, Golfers can play a variety of shots, putting to good use each club in their bag. The most challenging? Don't be distracted by the breathtaking Atlas views and the magical staging. Specifications of the Golf course « Domaine Royal Palm »: Designed by Cabell B Robinson. 18 holes. Par 72. Black Tees: 6608 m - Yellow Tees: 5620 m. Club House. Carts. Caddies. 2 Putting Greens. 1 Chipping Green. Driving Range - 300m x 80 m. Golf Academy. Digital Coaching. During your stay at the Fairmont Royal Palm, you will enjoy privileged access and priority to the course golf.
THE SOFITEL ESSAOUIRA MOGADOR GOLF & SPA - GREEN IS THE NEW CHIC
A paradise for golfers and lovers of nature and space, the Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa is hidden in the heart of a wild and lush nature, overlooking the ocean, only 15 minutes from the airport and less than 10 minutes from Essaouira, its historic ramparts and its 18th century medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The modern and elegant interior decoration of this amazing resort reflects the beautiful natural environment, the spacious lobby with its large bay window offering spectacular views of the hotel's large outdoor pool and the eye-catching golf course. The 28 villas with private pool stand for a unique hospitality experience in Morocco. Young guests will joyfully play at the “Villa des Enfants”, while parents will appreciate the spectacular setting of the Mogador Golf, the after golf treatments at the SoSPA or walk along the beautiful natural beach, only a few steps from there. Ranked as one of the 20 most exciting new courses in the world by Golf World Magazine in 2009, the Golf de Mogador covers an area of 580 hectares in the heart of the dunes and the forest facing the Atlantic Ocean. The two courses designed by Gary Player unfold their fairways according to the changes of landscapes and atmospheres, the different tree species and moods of the ocean, the sand dunes replace the bunkers. The traditional links-style of the courses offers a rare experience with a variety and technicality very appreciated by players of all levels from amateurs to professionals. Each hole has six tee positions which provides a golf course adapted for everyone no matter what their handicap. The very mild climate together with the close proximity to the capitals of Europe make the Mogador Golf Club and ideal winter training ground which has already been adopted by a number of international teams and European Tour professionals. The quality of the course, the excellent Sofitel resort in the immediate vicinity and the particularly mild climate of Essaouira, position the Golf Mogador as a top winter training centre, already adopted by several national teams and professional players of the European Tour. So, just follow them! Specifications of the “Golf de Mogador”: The 18-hole North Course features fast greens and wide fairways, with well-distributed bunkers that appeal to a wide variety of golfers. Par 72 - Black tees: 6608m Yellow tees: 6068m Handicap required: 36 The South Course, in phase of finalization, is sheltered by a pine forest and consists of narrow fairways where the attacks of green are more technical. Club House. Restaurant with terrace. Pro Shop. Carts and caddies. 1 Putting green. 1 Chipping Green. Driving range - 400m. Mogador Golf Academy. During your stay at the Sofitel Mogador Golf & Spa, you will enjoy privileged access and priority to the course golf.
THE PULLMAN MAZAGAN ROYAL GOLF & SPA - A BREATH-TAKING PANORAMA Admittedly, El Jadida, superb fortified Portuguese city of the 16th century less than 100km from Casablanca, is less known than Marrakech in terms of golfing destination, but there is a well-known address for exceptional golf, both in winter and summer: the Pullman Mazagan Royal Golf & Spa and its sensational 18-hole course designed by Cabell B Robinson. This par 72, counts among the most beautiful golf courses of the Kingdom. It offers incredible views of the Bay of El Jadida and welcomes every year prestigious international events. Integrated in the hotel Pullman Mazagan Royal Golf and Spa, perfectly set in the Bay of El Jadida, the Royal Golf course “plays" with impressive natural elements: the forest, the space and the ocean. On 120 hectares, it marries the coastline offering breathtaking views for the last three holes that open onto the ocean. The fairways run through a protected and flamboyant nature, each hole offers an intense quality of play, lavishing genuine sensations of freedom and escape. And after a royal golf day, you're just steps away from a wonderful massage at the Pullman Mazagan's Spa Lounge, its beautiful pool, culinary wonders and an ultra-comfortable bed. Unless you prefer to just enjoy at the wonderful landscape in front of you, comfortably seated on your balcony. What's better than that? Specifications of the Golf course “Royal Golf d’El-Jadida”: Designed by Cabell B Robinson. 18 holes. Par 72. Black tees: 6861m - Yellow tees: 6 110mm. Carts. Caddies. Golf Academy. Coaching. A driving range a putting green of 1 500 meters complete the equipment. During your stay at the Pullman Mazagan Royal Golf & Spa, you will enjoy privileged access and priority to the course golf.
FAIRMONT ROYAL PALM MARRAKECH - FAR BEYOND EXPECTATIONS
At only 12 km from the vibrant center of Marrakech, the Fairmont Royal Palm hides in a magnificent natural environment of 231 hectares in the heart of a century old olive grove. Here, it’s all about Space, Happiness and Refinement: from the 2,000 m2 swimming pool to the 3,500 m2 Clarins Spa, from the exquisite restaurants to the beautiful gardens. The Kids Club promises the little ones a world of discovery, and the Sports Center keeps you fit away from home. The 135 sumptuous suites and villas subtly mix Moroccan traditional elements with contemporary design. They offer spectacular views on the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains and the magnificent 18-hole golf course. The golf course is a wonderful challenge for all levels. Designed by Cabell. B. Robinson to suit both amateurs and professional golfers, it combines fairways, water obstacles, greens and wild bunkers. It covers 75 hectares and offers a true communion with nature. In tune with the Fairmont Royal Palm's commitment to sustainability, Robinson has created an eco-friendly course that covers 75 hectares and offers a true communion with nature, lined with bougainvillea and oleanders, combining bodies of water and large bunkers. Thus, Golfers can play a variety of shots, putting to good use each club in their bag. The most challenging? Don't be distracted by the breathtaking Atlas views and the magical staging. Specifications of the Golf course « Domaine Royal Palm »: Designed by Cabell B Robinson. 18 holes. Par 72. Black Tees: 6608 m - Yellow Tees: 5620 m. Club House. Carts. Caddies. 2 Putting Greens. 1 Chipping Green. Driving Range - 300m x 80 m. Golf Academy. Digital Coaching. During your stay at the Fairmont Royal Palm, you will enjoy privileged access and priority to the course golf.
THE SOFITEL ESSAOUIRA MOGADOR GOLF & SPA - GREEN IS THE NEW CHIC
A paradise for golfers and lovers of nature and space, the Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa is hidden in the heart of a wild and lush nature, overlooking the ocean, only 15 minutes from the airport and less than 10 minutes from Essaouira, its historic ramparts and its 18th century medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The modern and elegant interior decoration of this amazing resort reflects the beautiful natural environment, the spacious lobby with its large bay window offering spectacular views of the hotel's large outdoor pool and the eye-catching golf course. The 28 villas with private pool stand for a unique hospitality experience in Morocco. Young guests will joyfully play at the “Villa des Enfants”, while parents will appreciate the spectacular setting of the Mogador Golf, the after golf treatments at the SoSPA or walk along the beautiful natural beach, only a few steps from there. Ranked as one of the 20 most exciting new courses in the world by Golf World Magazine in 2009, the Golf de Mogador covers an area of 580 hectares in the heart of the dunes and the forest facing the Atlantic Ocean. The two courses designed by Gary Player unfold their fairways according to the changes of landscapes and atmospheres, the different tree species and moods of the ocean, the sand dunes replace the bunkers. The traditional links-style of the courses offers a rare experience with a variety and technicality very appreciated by players of all levels from amateurs to professionals. Each hole has six tee positions which provides a golf course adapted for everyone no matter what their handicap. The very mild climate together with the close proximity to the capitals of Europe make the Mogador Golf Club and ideal winter training ground which has already been adopted by a number of international teams and European Tour professionals. The quality of the course, the excellent Sofitel resort in the immediate vicinity and the particularly mild climate of Essaouira, position the Golf Mogador as a top winter training centre, already adopted by several national teams and professional players of the European Tour. So, just follow them! Specifications of the “Golf de Mogador”: The 18-hole North Course features fast greens and wide fairways, with well-distributed bunkers that appeal to a wide variety of golfers. Par 72 - Black tees: 6608m Yellow tees: 6068m Handicap required: 36 The South Course, in phase of finalization, is sheltered by a pine forest and consists of narrow fairways where the attacks of green are more technical. Club House. Restaurant with terrace. Pro Shop. Carts and caddies. 1 Putting green. 1 Chipping Green. Driving range - 400m. Mogador Golf Academy. During your stay at the Sofitel Mogador Golf & Spa, you will enjoy privileged access and priority to the course golf.
THE PULLMAN MAZAGAN ROYAL GOLF & SPA - A BREATH-TAKING PANORAMA Admittedly, El Jadida, superb fortified Portuguese city of the 16th century less than 100km from Casablanca, is less known than Marrakech in terms of golfing destination, but there is a well-known address for exceptional golf, both in winter and summer: the Pullman Mazagan Royal Golf & Spa and its sensational 18-hole course designed by Cabell B Robinson. This par 72, counts among the most beautiful golf courses of the Kingdom. It offers incredible views of the Bay of El Jadida and welcomes every year prestigious international events. Integrated in the hotel Pullman Mazagan Royal Golf and Spa, perfectly set in the Bay of El Jadida, the Royal Golf course “plays" with impressive natural elements: the forest, the space and the ocean. On 120 hectares, it marries the coastline offering breathtaking views for the last three holes that open onto the ocean. The fairways run through a protected and flamboyant nature, each hole offers an intense quality of play, lavishing genuine sensations of freedom and escape. And after a royal golf day, you're just steps away from a wonderful massage at the Pullman Mazagan's Spa Lounge, its beautiful pool, culinary wonders and an ultra-comfortable bed. Unless you prefer to just enjoy at the wonderful landscape in front of you, comfortably seated on your balcony. What's better than that? Specifications of the Golf course “Royal Golf d’El-Jadida”: Designed by Cabell B Robinson. 18 holes. Par 72. Black tees: 6861m - Yellow tees: 6 110mm. Carts. Caddies. Golf Academy. Coaching. A driving range a putting green of 1 500 meters complete the equipment. During your stay at the Pullman Mazagan Royal Golf & Spa, you will enjoy privileged access and priority to the course golf.