Plan your great winter escape

For golfers who want championship courses, world-class service, and a glamorous city break in the sun.

Airport: Dubai International/Abu Dhabi International | Avg winter temp: 22–27 °C | Flight time from UK: 7 hrs | Best value: January & March

The UAE combines ultra-modern luxury with rich Arabian culture, offering dazzling skylines, extravagant malls, and pristine desert golf courses. With warm winter temperatures and world-class hospitality, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have become two of the most sought-after winter golf destinations for those seeking a blend of sport, sunshine, and sophistication. Another great option is Ras Al Khaimah, a quieter beach destination where they play a yearly DP World Tour event.

Where you should play in the UAE

• Jumeirah Golf Estates (Earth & Fire Courses, Dubai) – Home of the DP World Tour Championship, offering immaculate conditions and tournament pedigree.
• Emirates Golf Club (Majlis Course, Dubai) – The Middle East’s first all-grass course and host of the Dubai Desert Classic.
• Yas Links (Abu Dhabi) – A Kyle Phillips design ranked among the world’s top 50, set on the shores of Yas Island.
• Abu Dhabi Golf Club (National Course) – A championship course with iconic falcon-shaped clubhouse, former host of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

Where you should stay in the UAE

• Media Rotana – A modern five-star hotel in the heart of Dubai, offering spacious rooms, multiple dining options, and easy access to both Emirates Golf Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates.
• Vida Emirates Hills – A stylish, contemporary hotel overlooking Emirates Golf Club, perfect for golfers who want a chic base right next to world-class courses.
• Jumeirah Hotels – Five-star service and beachside luxury close to the city’s top courses.
• Park Hyatt Dubai – Nestled on Dubai Creek, this luxury retreat offers elegant rooms, fine dining, and proximity to Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.
• VOGO Abu Dhabi – A sleek and modern stay close to Abu Dhabi’s major golf courses, offering great value with comfort and convenience.

Why choose the UAE for winter golf?

• Average highs of 22–27 °C between November–April
• Championship courses with DP World Tour pedigree
• Five-star luxury resorts, shopping, and nightlife
• An ideal mix of culture, beaches, and modern attractions

For golfers who want to combine championship fairways with wildlife safaris, stunning coastlines, and vibrant cities.

Airport: Cape Town International / Johannesburg OR Tambo | Avg winter temp : 23–27 °C | Flight time from UK: 11 hrs | Best value: November & March

South Africa offers one of the most unique golf holiday experiences in the world, where rounds on bucket-list courses can be paired with Big Five safaris, world-class wine, and breathtaking scenery. From the beaches of the Garden Route to the winelands of Stellenbosch and the bustling energy of Cape Town, every trip can be tailored to your perfect balance of golf, culture, and adventure. Best of all, thanks to a favourable exchange rate, South Africa is surprisingly affordable for the luxury it delivers.

Where you should play in South Africa

• Fancourt (Links, Montagu & Outeniqua) – Home to three world-class courses, including the Gary Player-designed Links, ranked as South Africa’s #1.
• Arabella Golf Course – Arabella is idyllically located on the Bot River Lagoon and offers incredible views on the back stretch of the front 9.
• Gary Player Golf & Country Club – Play the stunning course which is ranked as one of the most prestigious courses in Africa and home to the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge on the DP World Tour.
• Pearl Valley – Host of the 2009 South African Open, this beautiful course designed by Jack Nicklaus combines natural beauty with strategic design.

South Africa golf tours with Golfbreaks

For those seeking a more curated adventure, our South Africa golf tours combine championship golf with culture, wildlife, and unforgettable landscapes:

• Rovos Rail Golf Collage – A luxury rail journey through South Africa, with golf at championship venues and iconic safari experiences.
• Cape Town & Winelands Golf Tour – Play premium courses while exploring Cape Town’s sights and the famous Stellenbosch wine region.
• Western Cape Golf & Safari – Combine coastal golf with safari game drives for the ultimate South African escape.
• Cape Triangle Golf Tour – Experience the highlights of Cape Town, the Winelands, and the Garden Route, all in one trip.
• Garden Route Tour – Follow South Africa’s most famous coastal road while playing courses like Fancourt, Pinnacle Point, and Pezula.

Why choose South Africa for winter golf?

• Average highs of 23–27 °C from November to March
• A rare chance to combine safari, beaches, wine, and world-class golf in one trip
• Championship courses in stunning natural settings
• Excellent value due to a favourable exchange rate
• Tailor-made golf tours for a hassle-free, unforgettable experience

Our favourites? Gran Canaria and Tenerife

For golfers who want short flights, volcanic scenery, and some of Europe’s most spectacular coastal courses.

Airport: Gran Canaria (LPA)/Tenerife South (TFS) | Avg winter temp: 19–22 °C | Flight time from UK: 4.5 hrs | Best value: November & February

Just a short flight from the UK, the Canary Islands are one of Europe’s most reliable Winter Sun escapes. With warm year-round temperatures, a mix of volcanic landscapes and Atlantic coastlines, and top-class resorts, Gran Canaria and Tenerife are standout destinations for golfers seeking both relaxation and championship golf.

Where you should play in the Canary Islands

• Anfi Tauro (Gran Canaria): A dramatic Arizona-style desert course carved into volcanic rock, offering wide fairways and stunning mountain-and-sea views.
• Maspalomas Golf (Gran Canaria): A flat, friendly course set beside the famous Maspalomas dunes, ideal for a relaxed winter round.
• Abama Golf (Tenerife): A Dave Thomas design featuring lush fairways, ocean views, and a luxury Ritz-Carlton resort on-site.
• Golf Costa Adeje (Tenerife): A modern championship course built on former banana plantations, known for its wide fairways and coastal panoramas.
• Buenavista Golf (Tenerife): A Seve Ballesteros design at the island’s northern tip, with holes running dramatically along the Atlantic coastline.

Where you should stay in the Canary Islands

• Gran Hotel Lopesan Costa Meloneras (Gran Canaria): A stylish seafront resort with easy access to Anfi Tauro and Maspalomas.
• The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama (Tenerife): A luxury five-star retreat offering direct access to Abama Golf, with a spa and Michelin-starred dining.
• Iberostar Waves Bouganville Playa (Tenerife): A beachfront resort close to Golf Las Americas, perfect for couples and families.

Why choose the Canary Islands for winter golf?

• Average highs of 19–22 °C from November–March, perfect for winter golf
• Just a 4.5-hour flight from the UK with year-round accessibility
• Championship courses with spectacular volcanic and coastal scenery
• A wide range of hotels, from luxury resorts to family-friendly options
• Ideal for combining golf with beaches, hiking, or island exploration

For golfers seeking a blend of championship golf, white sandy beaches, and five-star service in a tropical paradise.

Airport: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International | Avg winter temp: 28 °C | Flight time from UK: 12 hrs | Best value: November & March

Mauritius is the jewel of the Indian Ocean, where turquoise lagoons meet volcanic mountains, and golfers can combine championship fairways with luxury beachfront living. With 10 world-class courses and a choice of stunning all-inclusive resorts, it’s a destination that blends golf, relaxation, and natural beauty in equal measure.

Where you should play in Mauritius

• Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club – A spectacular island course designed by Bernhard Langer, accessible only by boat. Known for its breathtaking views and challenging layout.
• Heritage Golf Club (Le Château & La Réserve) – Offering both a classic championship track and a new premium design co-hosting the DP World Tour.
• Anahita Golf Club – An Ernie Els design set against lush mountains and the Indian Ocean, famous for its wide fairways and dramatic backdrops.

Where you should stay in Mauritius

• Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort – All-inclusive luxury with direct access to Heritage Golf Club, superb dining, and a beautiful beachfront setting.
• Anahita Golf & Spa Resort – A stylish resort with spacious suites and villas, perfect for golfers wanting to stay right on the course.
• Constance Belle Mare Plage – Set along a stunning stretch of beach, this five-star resort offers two championship courses (Legends & Links) within easy reach.

Why choose Mauritius for winter golf?

• Average highs of 28 °C with minimal rainfall between November–March
• Luxury all-inclusive resorts at surprisingly affordable prices
• Championship golf paired with pristine beaches and volcanic scenery
• A perfect balance of activity and relaxation for golfers and non-golfers alike

For golfers seeking palm-fringed fairways, turquoise waters, and a taste of paradise just a direct flight away.

Airport: Grantley Adams International/ Punta Cana International | Avg winter temp: 25–28 °C | Flight time from UK: 8–10 hrs | Best value: January & March

With year-round sunshine, powdery beaches, and a relaxed island vibe, the Caribbean is the ultimate tropical escape. Between November and March, golfers can enjoy warm, sunny days averaging 26 °C and world-class golf set against the backdrop of the ocean. Perfect for both golfers and non-golfers, it’s a destination that combines championship courses with laid-back luxury.

Where you should play in the Caribbean

• Teeth of the Dog – Pete Dye’s legendary design at Casa de Campo, ranked among the world’s top courses, with seven spectacular holes along the Caribbean Sea.
• Punta Espada – A Jack Nicklaus signature course featuring dramatic oceanfront holes, striking elevation changes, and unforgettable views.
• Corales Golf Club – A Tom Fazio masterpiece best known for its “Devil’s Elbow” finish, with cliffside holes and sweeping ocean vistas.
• Dye Fore Golf Club – Another Pete Dye gem at Casa de Campo, set high above the Chavón River with wide fairways, clifftop views, and a dramatic layout.

Where you should stay in the Caribbean

• The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club (Dominican Republic) – A fantastic resort withluxurious spacious rooms, spectacular sea views, and two championship golf courses.
• Casa de Campo Resort & Villas (Dominican Republic) – A vast luxury resort offering three Pete Dye courses including Teeth of the Dog.

Why choose the Caribbean for winter golf?

• Average highs of 25–28 °C and up to eight hours of sunshine daily
• Championship golf combined with world-class beaches and luxury resorts
• Ideal for golfers travelling with non-golfing partners or families
• A true paradise escape with vibrant island culture, cuisine, and nightlife

Best for short flights, great value & reliable sunshine For golfers who want to escape the UK chill without long-haul travel, Southern Europe and North Africa deliver warm climates, quality courses, and excellent value, all less than five hours from home.

• Portugal (Algarve) - Best for mild climate & championship golf

Avg winter temp: 16–18 °C | Flight time from UK: 3 hrs The Algarve remains Europe’s favourite golf destination, with over 40 courses including Dom Pedro Old Course, Monte Rei, and San Lorenzo. While it’s not beach weather, you’ll enjoy mild temperatures, sunshine, and plenty of choice for a winter escape.

• Spain (Costa del Sol) - Best for variety & lively resorts

Avg winter temp: 15–17 °C | Flight time from UK: 2.5 hrs From world-famous Valderrama to stylish La Reserva and a wide range of resort courses, the Costa del Sol offers year-round golf with great nightlife and dining. Perfect for groups looking for both golf and entertainment.

• Turkey (Belek) - Best for all-inclusive luxury & modern courses

Avg winter temp: 16–19 °C | Flight time from UK: 4 hrs Belek is renowned for its all-inclusive 5 resorts* and modern championship courses, many designed by golfing greats. With extended daylight hours and superb value packages, it’s one of Europe’s best winter golf options.

• Morocco (Marrakech & Agadir) - Best for exotic culture & desert backdrops

Avg winter temp: 18–21 °C | Flight time from UK: 3.5 hrs A vibrant alternative to Europe, Morocco offers desert-style courses such as Assoufid and PalmGolf Marrakech alongside souks, palaces, and authentic cuisine. Warm winter days and short flights make it ideal for a quick sunshine escape.

• Cyprus - Best for year-round sunshine & Mediterranean charm

Avg winter temp: 17–20 °C | Flight time from UK: 4.5 hrs With reliable weather and excellent courses like Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus combines Mediterranean scenery with a relaxed pace of life. A great option for golfers seeking both culture and climate without a long-haul journey.

Why choose short-haul Winter Sun golf?

• Flights under 5 hrs from the UK
• Consistently mild weather, perfect for golf
• Excellent value packages, especially outside peak season
• A wide choice of destinations to suit every style of trip

Where to stay

Accommodation options vary by destination:

• Luxury all-inclusive resorts (Mauritius, Belek, Caribbean) — perfect for golfers who want everything included, with courses on-site.
• City hotels & boutique stays (Cape Town, Marrakech, Dubai) — ideal for those who want nightlife, dining, and cultural experiences alongside golf.
• Golf resorts & villas (Portugal, Spain, Cyprus) — popular for groups and families, giving direct access to the fairways.

Your Golfbreaks Travel Expert can help recommend the best resorts or packages to match your trip style.

Booking tips

• Book early — For long-haul winter sun trips, secure flights and tee times at least 6–9 months ahead. For Europe and North Africa, 3–4 months is usually enough.
• Travel off-peak — November and March often offer the best value compared to Christmas or New Year periods.
• Look for package deals — All-inclusive resorts in Turkey, Morocco, and Mauritius often offer unbeatable value when combining golf, meals, and drinks.
• Consider twilight rounds — Not only do you save on green fees, but you’ll also enjoy spectacular sunsets in destinations like Dubai or Barbados.

Q: How far in advance should I book? A: For the Caribbean, UAE, and South Africa, book 6–9 months early. For Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and Morocco, 3–4 months is usually enough.

Q: Can non-golfers enjoy these trips? A: Absolutely. With beaches, spas, nightlife, and cultural attractions, these destinations are perfect for mixed groups or families.

Q: Are winter golf holidays affordable? A: Yes. Europe and North Africa offer packages from £650–£1,200 per golfer, while long-haul destinations like Mauritius or South Africa deliver excellent value for luxury.

Q: Do I need to bring my own clubs? A: You can, but most resorts offer premium rental sets. Airlines typically charge £40–£60 each way for golf bags.

Winter Sun golf holidays aren’t just about escaping the UK cold, they’re about discovering new courses, cultures, and climates while extending your season. Whether you’re after all-inclusive luxury in Mauritius, a golf and safari tour in South Africa, or a quick-value break in Portugal or Morocco, there’s a perfect destination waiting to be booked.