They may be the only places in the West Indies where you intentionally avoid the sand. Indeed, the Caribbean has some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses, and golf tourism continues to grow in the region. Of course, when you plan a golf trip to the Caribbean, you’re not just thinking about the course — you’re thinking about where you’ll be staying. Thankfully, the two often go hand in hand (in fact, two of these resorts also made our 2013 Cool List). So the entries on this list have the best of both worlds — world-class golf and world-class hospitality. And so we present the top 10 Caribbean golf resorts for 2013.
Teeth of the Dog
Casa de Campo – Dominican Republic
The famed 7,000-acre Casa de Campo resort in the Dominican Republic’s La Romana boasts what is widely considered the best resort in the Caribbean – Pete Dye’s Teeth of the Dog. Dye himself said seven holes were “created by God.” You be the judge. (It also includes Dye’s “Dye Fore” course.)
Eden Roc Cap Cana – Dominican Republic
The Eden Roc, which opened in late 2012, offers guests the nearby Punta Espada golf course, designed by Jack Nicklaus. Don’t miss the 13th hole — where you’ll have to get your tee shot over the ocean.
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Puerto Rico
Another new property, Dorado Beach is located on the site of the onetime resort of Laurence Rockefeller. And it offers three courses — the East Course, Pineapple Course and Sugarcane Course. The East Course, a design of Robert Trent Jones, Sr, was recently restored by his son, Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
Four Seasons Resort Nevis
One of several Robert Trent Jones II courses on this list, the renowned Four Seasons course is superb. While the course has several oceanside holes, it’s equally spectacular up Nevis Peak — from historic sugar mills to a frequent gallery of Green Vervet monkeys.
Half Moon – Jamaica
Half Moon is one of the Caribbean’s signature resorts, and it boasts a course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr that was renovated in 2005 by Roger Rulewich.
Tortuga Bay – Dominican Republic
The boutique five-diamond property offers guests privileges at several of Punta Cana’s top courses, including the Tom Fazio-designed Corales Golf Course and PB Dye’s La Cana (above).
One & Only Ocean Club — Bahamas
One of two Bahamian resorts on the list, the resort offers access to Paradise Island’s Ocean Club Golf Course, a Tom Weiskopf-designed course that is also the home of the annual Michael Jordan invitational. (Jordan himself is a frequent player).
CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa – Anguilla
The CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa on Rendezvous Bay acquired this Greg Norman-designed course in 2011. The $50 million course has stirring vistas, including the 1st hole, which offers particularly breathtaking views of St Maarten.
Sandals Emerald Bay – Bahamas
The Sandals Emerald Bay resort, located on the Bahamian island of Great Exuma, includes the Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club, also designed by Norman. Six of the course’s holes are located on the coastline.
El Conquistador — A Waldorf Astoria Resort – Puerto Rico
The El Conquistador resort, located in Fajardo, includes the Arthur Hills Golf Course, one of the hilliest courses in the Caribbean. The views of El Yunque rainforest and the ocean may make you slice or hook on purpose. (Or at least provide a good excuse).