Where to Tee Off: Top 10 European Golf Courses

Along with high-end fashion boutiques, beautiful beaches, fascinating museums and monuments, and other tourist attractions, Continental Europe is home to some pretty amazing golf courses. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned golf pro, you may wish to incorporate the pastime into your next holiday.  Here are the top ten courses on which to improve your game:

Golf de Chantilly – Vineuil-Saint-Firmin, France

One of the oldest golf courses in all of France, the Golf de Chantilly is known for two things: its peaceful, picturesque scenery and its challenging terrain.  The two attributes conflict, but in the best of ways.  Tackle the three tough par 5’s and four intimidating par 3’s (three of which are over 190m long!) while admiring the spectacular landscape.

the Golf de Chantilly's clubhouse

Club zur Vahr – Bremen, Germany

Host of the German Open in 1975 and 1985, the Club zur Vahr has certainly earned its nationwide reputation.  The impressive course was specially designed to integrate abundant natural hazards, and there is a surprising abundance of flourishing trees.  Many of the holes are doglegged, creating a challenging course on which to test your golf skills.

Corfu Golf and Country Club – Corfu, Greece

This Donald Harradine-designed golf course on the island of Corfu is just as difficult as it is beautiful.  The Corfu Golf and Country Club boasts numerous water hazards amid lovely stands of high cypress; the result is truly unique, and perhaps one of the best kept golfing secrets in Europe.

El Saler Golf Club – Valencia, Spain

Undoubtedly one of the best golf courses on the continent, the El Saler Golf Club has won several awards and spots on reputable lists.  Visit once, and you will see why.  Situated in the National Park El Saler, the Javier Arana-designed course incorporates varied elements of a diverse landscape.  Highlights include pretty groves of umbrella pines and unique holes built right into seaside sand dunes.

Golf seaside at El Saler!

Falsterbo Golfklubb – Falsterbo, Sweden

As the only true links course in the entire country, the Falsterbo Golfklubb draws a great number of golfers each year.  It also draws crowds of avid bird-watchers, due to its location in a spectacular nature reserve.  The Falsterbo Golfklubb is well known for its dramatic terrain: The course sprawls across the peninsula that divides the Baltic Sea and the waters of the Oresund.

Kennemer – Zandvoort, The Netherlands

Amid fragrant stands of pine trees and massive sand dunes, you will find the oldest golf course in The Netherlands.  Kennemer is widely considered one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world—and for good reason.  It comprises 3 series of 9 holes, each with its own unique challenges and aesthetics.

Kennemer

Penina – Algarve, Portugal

Frequent host to the Portuguese Open and other famous events, Penina is known around the world for its original sequence of holes: The last nine holes begin and end with a Par 5, and there is a large number of unique water hazards.  The course covers 6,439 meters of flatlands and man-made pools (including one that transforms green 13 into an island.)

Pevero – Costa Smeralda, Sardinia (Italy)

When the Aga Khan commissioned Robert Trent Jones to build one of the most beautiful golf courses that Europe had ever seen, he got what he paid for.  Pevero is situated between Pevero Bay and Cala di Volpe, on a dramatic stretch of pristine Sardinian coastline.  Don’t let the striking views of the sea distract you, however.  These challenging holes require immense concentration.

Golf di Roma Acquasanta – Rome, Italy

Kill two birds with one stone at the Golf di Roma Acquasanta, a spectacular golf course amid centuries-old Roman relics.  The resort lies at the foothills of the Adirondacks, whose soaring peaks provide an incredible backdrop.  The ruins and diverse challenges prove entertaining and fun; whatever your skill level, you are sure to have a great time here.

Ruins in the Distance at the Golf di Roma Acquasanta

Valderrama – Cadiz, Spain

Often compared to the Augusta course in the U.S., Valderrama is one of the most celebrated golf resorts in the world.  It was designed by famous architect Robert Trent Jones Senior, and was rated number one on the continent by “Golf World” magazine.  The 6,356-metre-long and par 71 course caters to players of all levels, and the scenery is strategically incorporated.  The climate can change drastically throughout the year, so call ahead if you are particular.

And whichever course you choose, you can easily find world-class European hotels nearby!

Beat the Summer Heat at Europe’s Coolest Ice Bars

Sun, sand, sea—these are things that people typically associate with summer getaways. However, even the most devout sun worshiper can sometimes feel the need to escape the heat. If you are looking for a chic way to cool down this summer, head to one of these ice-cold European ice bars.

Ice Kube Bar by Grey Goose – Paris

Although the idea of an ice bar is no longer new, this is still the only such venue in the City of Lights. Paris’ stylish Ice Kube Bar can be found in the Kube Rooms, a design-conscious hotel that draws a hip and urban crowd. Eye-catching details of hot pink and faux fur accent a bar made of glowing glass cubes. A cover charge of 38£ per half-hour buys you entry, a pair of gloves and winter parka, and up to 4 vodka-based cocktails by the exclusive Grey Goose brand. Recommended hotels in Paris include the Hôtel Bedford and the Adagio Paris Tour Eiffel.

Inside the Ice Kube, Paris

ABSOLUT ICEBAR – Stockholm

The Absolut Icebar was the first permanent ice bar in the world. It is located within Stockholm’s elegant Nordic Sea Hotel, and it maintains a chilly climate of -5ºC all year-round. The entire bar is made of 100% pure ice harvested from the Swedish Lapland’s Torne River. Prices and hours vary depending upon the season but your entry fee always includes a warm cape, gloves and a cocktail served in a glass made of ice. Many great Stockholm hotels, like the Scandic Sergel Plaza and the Radisson Blu Royal Viking Hotel, can be found in the area.

ABSOLUT ICEBAR – London

Another branch of the same chain found in Stockholm, London’s ABSOLUT ICEBAR is the only permanent ice bar in the UK. Its stunning design is made even more so by the location—within the former wine vaults beneath the belowzero restaurant & lounge on Heddon Street. Once a gathering place for the British monarchy, the address now attracts a hip and young clientele. The theme of the bar changes periodically; right now, it pays homage to the magical depths of the sea. Many great hotels in London (including the Westbury Mayfair and the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge) are nearby.

London's ABSOLUT ICEBAR

XtraCold IceBar – Amsterdam

The XtraCold IceBar brings the ice-cold phenomenon to Amsterdam—and even takes the innovative concept a step further! The popular venue offers unique features like 3D movies in a contemporary bar kept at a cool -10ºC. Great for groups of travelers looking for something new, the hip and trendy ice bar was the first in the Netherlands. Since 2006, it has remained one of the city’s most exciting tourist attractions. For the full experience, book a room at one of the many nearby Amsterdam hotels. The Hotel Casa 400 Amsterdam and the Hotel Estheréa are great choices.

Ice Club Roma – Rome

Kept at an optimal -5ºC, the Ice Club Roma offers welcome respite from the heat in Rome. As the only ice bar in the city, the nightclub-like venue is a unique tourist attraction. Unlike similar bars sponsored by specific brands, the Ice Club Roma offers a wide range of cocktails. Of course, the drink of choice is still vodka—and it is still served in a freezing glass made of ice. After an unforgettable evening here, retire to one of many nearby hotels in Rome. The Starhotels Metropole and the Hotel Serena are popular.

A Cocktail at the Ice Club Roma

Movie Monday: Rome, Italy

Italian Gelato Soothes the Soul

Bold. Thick. Creamy. KaPOW!

Ok, maybe the last word sounded like an episode of Batman, but one taste of this frozen treat and you’ll be begging for more.

Gelato.

If you have a sweet tooth and need to answer its calling, forgo ordinary ice cream and treat your tastebuds to much more intense flavors of gelato.

Unfortunately, what you pick up in the store pales in comparison to some of the best gelaterias in Italy.

Here’s a short list of some of our favorite gelaterias in Italy:

• San Crispino, Rome
• Gelateria Giolitti, Rome
• Vivoli, Florence
• RivaReno, Milan
• Gelateria di Piazza, San Gimignano

While we may not be able to tell you where the best gelato in Italy is located (who can, really?), we can point you in the right direction for planning a trip in Rome, Florence, Milan and San Gimignano. Book a hotel, spend some time in Italy and then YOU can be the judge on the best gelato in Italy!