Golfing in the Caribbean. It’s different — it’s a little more relaxing, a little more fun, and a lot more beautiful. And golf courses continue to spring up around the region, often at some of its best resorts. While it wasn’t the case a few decades ago, the Caribbean now boasts some of the best courses in the hemisphere. Of course, the best part is that, after all is said and done, you can retire to the greatest 19th hole around: the beach. These are the best golf resorts in the Caribbean — the places that combine great resorts with equally great courses and golf experiences.
Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic
For golfers who love the Caribbean, this is Mecca. The resort is home to three all-world courses, all designed by Pete Dye: The Links, Dye Fore, and what’s almost universally agreed as the Caribbean’s best golf course: The Teeth of the Dog, home to seven oceanside holes and innumerable challenging shots.
Four Seasons Resort Nevis
Few resorts anywhere manage to achieve the combination of resort and course quality that this one does. Nevis’ signature resort is home to the best course in the Eastern Caribbean, a 6,766-yard Robert Trent Jones II design that’s filled with striking vistas and, yes, green vervet monkeys.
Tortuga Bay, Dominican Republic
Yes — the Dominican Republic is the Caribbean’s top golf destination, and Tortuga Bay is for those seeking the ultimate in boutique luxury coupled with, yes, 45 hotels of championship golf. including designs by Tom Fazio and P.B. Dye.
One and Only Ocean Club, Bahamas
Resorts don’t get better than the One & Only, one of the Caribbean’s landmark properties — but the resort’s 7,100-yard course lives up to the billing. It’s a spectacular layout that’s also a favorite of His Airness, Michael Jordan, who hosts his annual celebrity tournament here. Just watch out for the wind on this course — it will play tricks on you.
Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s most luxurious resort is home to three courses all originally designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr, all with their own history. The signature, though, is the East Course, restored by Robert Trent Jones II while preserving its ocean vistas.
Sandy Lane, Barbados
Barbados’ most majestic resort property is home to Tom Fazio’s Green Monkey, a former quarry that is now an elegant, 7,343-yard tract. This is about the essence of Bajan hospitality, with a British style.
Santa Barbara Beach and Golf Resort, Curacao
Perhaps the best-kept secret in Caribbean golf, the Santa Barbara’s Old Quarry was designed in 2010 by Pete Dye and has quickly become a favorite of golfers in the know. It’s a striking setting that will at times make you forget you’re in the Caribbean — until you retire to the resort’s marvelous second-level lobby bar.
Eden Roc at Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
While this property’s known for its stunning rooms and its even better cuisine (think Relais & Chateaux), it’s within easy distance of a Jack Nicklaus signature course in the emerging golf hub of Cap Cana.
Sandals Emerald Bay, Bahamas
For an all-inclusive golf getaway, this is tops, thanks to the natural wonder of Exuma and one of the region’s top courses, Greg Norman’s Emerald Reef Golf Club.
The Tryall Club, Jamaica
While this is more of a villa collection than a resort, it won’t matter when you’re being pampered in a private villa following an afternoon at the 6,836-yard tract designed by Ralph Plummer.
CuisinArt Resort, Anguilla
When it comes to golf in Anguilla, this is it. Four years ago, the CuisinArt acquired what was Anguilla’s first course, and now it means the best of two worlds: cutting-edge gastronomy and Greg Norman golf.
Half Moon, Jamaica
Perhaps the most elegant resort in Jamaica (and among the most legendary in the Caribbean), Half Moon is home to the Half Moon Golf Course, which last year celebrated its 50th birthday. And if you’re looking for more, the White Witch and Cinnamon Hill courses, just nearby.
Amanera, Dominican Republic
The newest resort on this list is a high-design luxury hotspot with an integrated course: the revived Playa Grande golf course, originally a Robert Trent Jones Sr course reinvigorated by Rees Jones.
Grand Lucayan, Bahamas
The best resort in Grand Bahama is home to the Reef course, a Robert Trent Jones, Jr links-style design with almost 7,000 yards.
Canouan, St Vincent and the Grenadines
The Southern Caribbean’s best golf resort is home to what’s sometimes called the Saint Andrews of the Caribbean. While that’s hyperbole, this place is a beautiful private island with all the trappings you’d expect and a lovely Jim Fazio-designed course.