Resorts that go the extra mile for ladies getaways, Part II

Pebble Beach Golf Links

The ladies golf getaway is a marketplace that is continuing to grow, especially over the last few years as we have seen a golf travel boom here in the United States.

While the industry tends to be dominated by buddy trips, most resorts have done a great job at creating itineraries and activities that appeal to all, especially the fairer sex. 

There are plenty of great options out there for a ladies golf getaway, but we’ve decided to highlight a few resorts that are doing an exceptional job at catering to women looking for a great golf trip that you won’t soon forget.

Sea Island, St. Simons Island, Georgia

When it comes to embodying class, service, and luxury all under one roof, then look no further than the iconic Sea Island Resort in St. Simons Island, Georgia.  This coastal beauty features three fantastic 18-hole layouts including the Seaside and Plantation Courses that host the RSM Classic on the PGA Tour, as well as the Retreat Course which is a more playable option for your group during your stay here.

The lodging choices available at Sea Island are as exceptional as they are unique, starting with The Cloister where you can enjoy rooms in the Main Building, the Beach Club, or the Ocean Residences.  A longstanding Forbes Five Star resort, The Cloister is located on a 50-acre private island that is surrounded by the river, salt marshes, and the sea.  Ladies groups tend to rave about the world-class Spa and Fitness Center that focuses on restoring your mind, body, and soul all under one roof.  In addition to the incredible pampering and golf available here, you can enjoy a multitude of activities such as shopping, exceptional dining, enjoying the beach club, horseback riding, bicycle rides around the island, and so much more.

If your group is looking for a more secluded, boutique hotel experience, then a stay at The Lodge could be just what the doctor ordered. With only 43 rooms, The Lodge stands out as exceptional service is the standard here as your stay includes a 24-hour personal butler service that can include a rose-petal bath if you so desire. Conveniently located next to the main golfing hub that includes the Seaside and Plantation Courses as well as the Golf Performance Center and practice facilities, this is a great option for your group to consider.  

No matter where you stay during your visit to Sea Island, you’ll quickly discover why this is a destination that families and friends come back to year after year as it stands out as a must-visit for anybody who loves this great game.

Sea Island

Pebble Beach Resorts, Pebble Beach, California

From the second you hit 17-Mile Drive and first lay your eyes on the epic beauty that is Pebble Beach, you know that you have simply arrived.  As one of the most iconic golf destinations in all the world, Pebble Beach stands out in the golfing world as one of the greatest championship golf facilities in the history of the game.  As it was recently named one of the anchor hosts sites for the U.S. Open over the next few decades, Pebble Beach also has a rich history of welcoming the best ladies in the game including the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship and U.S. Women’s Open.

It all starts with the golf here as the combination of Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course create an experience that your ladies group will never forget.  In addition to these absolute legends, you also can enjoy The Links at Spanish Bay and the Del Monte Golf Course if you are looking for additional 18-hole experiences, as well as enjoying The Hay, the recently added 9-hole short course that offers exceptional views and tons of fun.

Almost as iconic as the golf at Pebble Beach is The Spa at Pebble Beach which is one of only 126 Forbes Five-Star Award winning spas in the world.  With a ride assortment of treatments and services to choose from, The Spa at Pebble Beach integrates the properties of local Monterey Peninsula plants, herbs, and minerals to utilize their healing properties to incorporate them into your services.

The peaceful vibe of the incredible views of the Pacific Ocean will drive many of your activities outdoors on a stay here.  We recommend you check out the Pebble Beach Trail system that includes over 27 miles of marked trails to enjoy, or to enjoy The Beach & Tennis Club or The Spanish Bay Club which are two private clubs for guests of the resort to enjoy.  There are 6 incredible beaches that circle 17-mile drive, and for those looking to explore the wonders of the sea you can enjoy some whale watching or deep-sea fishing that is available at nearby Fisherman’s Wharf.

There is plenty of shopping available on site including the famous Shops at the Lodge, and be sure to enjoy several of the 17 dining locations onsite during your visit here.  It’s a trip your group will never forget as memories are destined to be made on a girls getaway to Pebble Beach.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, Hawaii

There are few places in the world that every lady in your group can get onboard with more than Maui, Hawaii.  The incredible island of Maui is home to some incredible golf and resorts, and one of those unforgettable locations resides on the northwestern tip of Maui known as The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua.  The Hawaiian spirit runs deeply through this resort as your greeted by a property that not only exudes elegance, but it does so with a mana (the Hawaiian word for “energy and life”) that encapsulates your spirit and puts you into an almost euphoric state from the moment you arrive here.

The rooms and suites at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua have been recently redesigned and integrate the vibes of the Maui landscape into your room all in the lap of Hawaiian luxury.

This property is one of only six Ritz-Carlton properties in the world that has partnered with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Oceans Futures Society that welcomes guests to enjoy the splendor of Maui through guided excursions creating a unique experience your group will not want to miss.

Your group will want to enjoy your time basking in the sun at this resort, as you’ll surely want to enjoy some time around the 20,000-square-foot deck that encapsulates the resort’s three-tiered pool that looks down to the nearby ocean creating an incredible ambiance to enjoy with a Hawaiian-themed cocktail in your hand.  Speaking of the ocean, there are six bays and beaches all within a 10-minute drive of the resort that are perfect to enjoy some beachside sunbathing as well as unforgettable snorkeling adventures.  All these features plus an incredible spa, world-class Hawaiian inspired dining, and a myriad of other activities available here will create the perfect setting for your girls’ golf trip.

Speaking of golf, we could not talk about this property without mentioning the main reason for your trip: a bucket list golf experience.  Highlighted by the Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw masterpiece known as The Plantation Course, which serves as the annual home to The Sentry on the PGA TOUR, this one-of-a-kind golf experience will have your jaw on the ground throughout your round as the spectacular vistas down to the Pacific Ocean are undeniably some of the greatest you’ll find on any course in the world.  You better believe wind will be a factor during your round here, so be sure to control your ball flight and your scorecard will reflect your skills if you can do so.  The resort also features the nearby Bay Course, a more player-friendly option designed by Arnold Palmer and Frances Duane, but we think you’ll find this experience is fit for a Queen as the spectacular 3-hole finish features the par-3 17th hole which is the only hole in Maui that features a shot over the ocean.

In case it isn’t abundantly clear, we think The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is one of those special experiences that you’ll want to come back and visit again the second you leave the property.  It’s that good.

The Plantation Course at Kapalua

Inn at Bay Harbor, Autograph Collection, Bay Harbor, Michigan

Along the shore of Lake Michigan’s little Traverse Bay, you’ll quickly realize that this lakeside destination certainly feels like you’ve found the ocean in the middle of the United States as you enjoy the incredible views available at the legendary Inn at Bay Harbor, Autograph Collection.  This amazing resort creates a vibe of elegant class while harnessing the spirit of lakeside leisure that creates a warm and welcoming experience that any ladies group is sure to enjoy.

From a golf perspective, prepare for an embarrassment of riches here as BOYNE Golf boasts 10 (soon to be 11 with the addition of the Doon Brae Short Course) courses to choose from during your visit here.  The best part is, you cannot go wrong with any of the options but during a stay at the Inn at Bay Harbor your group must play at least two of the 3 nine-hole courses at the Bay Harbor Golf Club.  With three routing options available amongst the Links, Quarry, and Preserve courses, these lakeside gems designed by Arthur Hills feature a mixture of perfectly manicured holes that are both beautiful and playable for all.  Golf groups staying here will also often enjoy the nearby Crooked Tree Golf Club that features perfectly striped fairways and stunning vistas down to nearby Lake Michigan.

BOYNE Golf has two additional golfing hubs with The Highlands and Boyne Mountain Resort which are both located about 25 minutes away from the Inn at Bay Harbor.  The Highlands features 4 fantastic designs with the Donald Ross Memorial, Arthur Hills, The Heather, and The Moor courses.  We love all four of these layouts so you cannot go wrong with any course that you would select from this grouping.  

BOYNE Mountain Resort features The Alpine and The Monument courses, and as you can imagine with a resort that features the word “mountain” in its description, you’ll find some beautiful and dramatic elevation changes in your rounds here creating a distinct experience from the other courses available for you during a stay here.

After your rounds, you’ll want to enjoy the clear waters of Little Traverse Bay either from the beach or from the pool or hot tub that overlooks Lake Michigan.  You can enjoy the area via bicycle, play lawn games, set sail on the lake via a yacht, enjoy a bonfire with s’mores, spend some time at the spa or fitness center, and enjoy one of the wonderful dining experiences such as a traditional Afternoon Tea all under one roof.  

This resort is truly special, and the golf here is some of the best value-priced golf that we have found anywhere in the country.

BOYNE’s Bay Harbor Golf Club

Packing for any condition at these incredible resorts

Now that you’ve got the itinerary for your next adventure locked in, now it’s time to make sure you are geared up and ready to play your best at these amazing courses.  The team at FootJoy has you covered, and through a well-designed system of layering you can be ready for any temperature and condition with some of these timeless designs (click on any image to place an order on your favorite product!).

StaSof Women

The StaSof glove has been the gold standard in golf gloves for decades, and having multiple gloves on hand during a golf trip is crucial for peak performance.  Designed to provide optimum feel and grip while also being able to battle the elements through exceptional moisture management, this glove is a must add to any golfer’s bag.  Pro Tip: be sure to pick a size that fits snug to your hand for ultimate performance.

Premiere Series, Bel-Air Women

One of the things we’ve loved that FootJoy has brought back over the last few years is the reinvigoration of classic designs that integrate modern technology to create a shoe that is not only timeless, but that performs and is extremely comfortable.  All those elements can be found in the Bel Air line up, as this shoe delivers across the board.  It features a VersaTrax+ traction technology, custom OrthoLite EcoPlush FitBed, and a two-year waterproof warranty in the U.S. that creates a perfect shoe to bring on your travels as it is ready for all of the elements.

Hybrid Jacket Women

If there’s one thing we have learned over our years on the road, being prepared for changing conditions is essential if you want to maximize your enjoyment on a golf trip.  With that in mind, FootJoy has you covered as they are always thinking in terms of layering options for golfers making it as easy as possible to create a seamless transition when the elements change during your visit.  The Hybrid Jacket is perfect for golf trips as it can easily be taken on or off, and the easy-care fabric creates minimal wrinkling during storage.  Available in five different colors, it’s a great addition to your wardrobe and perfect for any golf getaway.

Base Layer Women

The FootJoy Women’s Base Layer provides golfers with that non-restricting, close-to-the-skin shirt that helps regulate your body temperature throughout your round. And, no worries, it works seamlessly with your golf swing, too. A cool design aspect: there are thumb holes on the cuffs to provide hand comfort.

Tempo Series Pullover Sun Protection Hoodie

We all need some solid sun protection during our run, even when it is a bit on the cooler side. Enter the FootJoy TempoSeries Pullover Sun Protection Hoodie, where you can settle up with Mother Nature in a multitude of ways. The fabric does wrinkle or shrink, while there are also some sweet thumb holes for hand comfort.