Saturday, July 4, 2009

Practice Your Swing and Relax at a Luxury Hotel

After two miserable summers, the latest predictions from meteorologists for this year are good - it's going to be a hot one with temperatures above average and rainfall low. Which is excellent news if you are one of the many golf enthusiasts out there, keen to get away for a golf weekend with friends at one of the UK's many luxurious hotels.

If there is one sport where good weather is essential it is golf, and there is nothing more enjoyable than strolling around a plush golf course in the sunshine. At many deluxe hotels, golf courses are built not only to be challenging but also aesthetically pleasing with beautiful, landscaped, surrounding gardens. It is also an excellent way to combine a weekend break of indulgence with some exercise as you work off your delicious breakfast and regain an appetite for your evening meal served in the hotel restaurant.

Most of the luxury hotels in the UK offer boutique breaks;'play and stay' offers to entice golfers into combining a round or two with a relaxing weekend including dinner. Even if you plan on staying for only one night, there is often the option to play a second time before a late check out in order to get some further practice in.

With the gorgeous summer ahead strongly predicted, availability at the most impressive and grand hotels will be limited so it may be advisable to book early to avoid disappointment. If you have bespoke requirements, it is always worth contacting the hotel you have in mind - as a luxury hotel, service and flexibility will be of paramount importance.

Of course, even with the long, warm, summer months predicted, we still have to go to work to fund such enjoyable weekend breaks away. However, if you have a corporate event planned why not choose a golfing weekend and take advantage of the great British outdoors? If anyone is worried their game is not quite up to scratch, tuition of a professional standard can be provided at various luxury hotels.

There surely is no better way for corporate groups to bond than over eighteen holes where the competitive spirit can kick in - followed by some time relaxing at the nineteenth hole!

With so many luxury hotels offering excellent golf weekends packages, the choice can be overwhelming. It's worth doing some research to ensure that the golf course and hotel is the right place for your relaxing weekend away.

Golf Lessons Holiday

If you're anything like me when it come's to golf and you struggle to break that elusive 100, the idea of taking lessons is something that appeals to you but you've never bothered with. On the rare occasion that the sun's out and you have an afternoon of spare time, the last thing you want to do is have your swing pulled apart by an instructor - of course, you want to get straight down to the course with your mates and let the whoever looses buy the round afterward.

In the car home you'll promise yourself, just like last time, that you'll sign up for those lessons as soon as you get back. But it never happens. Besides, even if you did take those lessons, by the time you next played, your swing would have reverted back to it's old habit of hitting 50 yard T-shot's and shooting the ball in any direction other than where you want it to go. Right?

Well, how about booking a couple of days off work and heading down to the Dordogne region of France for a weekend holiday of unlimited golf and plenty of tuition to nurse your game back to full health. An hour or two of lessons in the morning followed by a relaxing round straight after to practice everything you've learned. Add to that that the sun will more than likely be shining AND at the majority of courses you can rent accommodation right next to the fairways and I think we're on to a winner!

At the end of a long day on the course what could be better than to take a refreshing dip in the pool before heading out to take advantage of the many restaurants. From French haute-cuisine to a traditional crêpe, you'll be spoilt for choice. For the best eateries, try to avoid the major hotspots and join the locals - the clue will be that the menu is only in French.

Once you've mastered your game and are thinking about giving Tiger a run for his money, the Dordogne has plenty to offer beyond the 18th green should you wish to take a break. There's plenty of picturesque towns and villages to explore including:

St Céré
A classic sleepy French town overlooked by castle ruins and surrounded by forest. There's also a local market on Saturday mornings.

Souillac
Recognized as the gateway to the Dordogne, it's kept its historic atmosphere with its crumbling abbey and narrow streets. As a hub for the Dordogne and Lot regions there's always plenty going on.

Bergerac
On the Dordogne river, Bergerac is one of the larger towns of the region.

And of course, don't forget to visit the vineyards that produce the wine that the region is world famous for!

Las Vegas - An Emerging Golf Destination

Las Vegas is counted amongst the most favorite tourist destinations of the world. It is considered to be the main hub of all round entertainment for visitors coming here from all over the world. Known for its glamorous and fast lifestyle, Las Vegas is opening new opportunities for sports lovers too especially for golfers. In contrast to the glamour and glitz that this city is known for, a golf vacation offers you a tranquil and quiet ambiance to practice and enjoy this game.

Offering every golf enthusiast a variety of golf courses to select from, each player will surely be at ease to play their natural game. Keeping in mind the various skill levels, golf courses are prepared in such a manner so that it meet the requirements of all types of players both pro and starter. So you will be able to find your chosen course easily. This is another reason why a golf expert too wants to come and play golf in this vibrant city.

Today, golf vacation in Las Vegas accounts a major share in the total earning that comes from the city's tourism sector. Built by sport experts, Las Vegas includes some of the most beautifully designed golf courses used both for private as well as for public enjoyment. Moreover, you will be able to find golf courses that suit your own budget too.

When you are busy playing golf, your family members can enjoy a lot of other activities too that are included in a golf vacation package of Las Vegas. For your closed ones, there are family shops and facility for visiting some local attractions. So they do not get bored while you are busy playing golf. In fact a whole lot of other activities too come packed with the golf package and these include mostly what has made this place famous like gambling, casinos, fine dining and of course great shows.

If you are looking for an ultimate golf holiday destination, consider Las Vegas in the very first place. A golf vacation in Las Vegas offers you a wonderful option to explore this city, which has become a favorite site for golfers. With ample of well arranged golf courses you will be able to enjoy a great vacation in Las Vegas. There are a number of airlines and hotels that offer you grand packages to get into the city and enjoy golfing. Today, reduced rates on golf fees, hotels and flights are also easily available with the tour operators. To sum up, Las Vegas Golfing is all about golfing packed together with quality entertainment.

I am a content writer by profession engaged in this field for two years. After completing my Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism from Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan, I joined one of the well known IT companies of India and started creating web content. As a web content writer, I like to write on various topics of interest whether it is business related content on lifestyle or article on different diseases. I wanted to join ezine as it offers a platform for those who want to put on their views through their words.

The Blue Canyon Country Club - A World Class Venue For Golf

The Blue Canyon Country Club in Phuket is renowned as one of the most prestigious, exclusive and thriving golfing establishments in the area. Positioned in a calm and peaceful valley, Blue Canyon directly overlooks the beautiful and famous hills of Phuket. It has been the hosting venue for several international golfing championships.

For instance, it has hosted the Johnnie Walker Classics in 1994 / 1998 and the Honda Invitational in 1996. Blue Canyon is home to two world class 18-hole championship golf courses, which are Canyon Course and Lakes Course. Canyon Course was designed by the famous Yoshikazo Kato in 1991. This beautiful 72 par course was featured in the Johnnie Walker Classic championships. Created with minimum harm to the natural landscape, Canyon Course features its natural canyons and rubber plantations. Each hole at this golf course is created with its own unique features. Following the achievements of the initial Canyon Course, the Lakes Course opened a few years later in 1999. 17 out of this challenging 18-hole golf course features water hazards.

This too was the brainchild of Yoshikazo Kato. The Blue Canyon Country Club is not merely renowned for its world class golf courses. The Golfer's Lodge Clubhouse offers an extensive array of Japanese, Thai and delectable international cuisine. There are further facilities such as a spa, sauna and massage facilities. This all inclusive golf club includes a golf School, tennis courts and swimming pools. The Blue Canyon Country Club boasts many international laurels under its belt.

Among its numerous awards are Best Golf Course in Asia by FinanceAsia in 2008, 2006 and 2003, Best Golf and Spa Destination by SpaAsia in 2005, Most Popular Course in Asia by Golf Vacations in 2004, Asian and Pacific Golf Resort of the Year by Hertz International Golf Travel Awards in 2000, Top 500 Best Holes in the World by Golf Magazine and much more. Several golfing idols have displayed their skills at the Blue Canyon Country Club including Tiger Woods.

Both leisure travellers and golf enthusiasts can visit this fascinating golf course by staying at a conveniently located Phuket Hotel or a lavish Phuket Resort.

Marrakech Golf Holidays

Marrakech is a very popular destination for golfers from all over the world. There are several excellent world-class golf courses in the city that offer exceptional rounds. Moreover, the climate in Marrakech is ideal for golfing and for holidays and the natural environment is absolutely outstanding, with exotic vegetation and the incomparable setting of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in the background.

There are three main golf courses in Marrakech: the Royal Golf de Marrakech, the Palmeraie Golf Palace and the Golf d'Amelkis, each with different characteristics, histories and services.

The Royal Golf de Marrakech is the oldest and most renowned golf course in Marrakech and one of the best in the whole continent. It is located on the Old Road to Ouarzazate and consists of 27 holes, with a 72 par, and a total of 6.086 meters.

This golf course was built in the 1920s by the Pasha of Marrakech and is one of the oldest in the country. It has welcomed many celebrities, such as Winston Churchill, David Lloyd Weber or Ike Eisenhower. Its beauty is absolutely astounding, with a perfect view of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and abounding in cypress trees, eucalyptus, palm, olive, orange and apricot trees.

The Royal Golf de Marrakech offers three rounds: the Ménara, 3.072 meters long and with a 36 par, was inaugurated in May 2008 and is worthy of the greatest golf courses in the world; the Koutoubia has 3.014 meters, and the Agdal, 2.939 meters. The course also offers a club-house and a snack-bar.

The Palmeraie Golf Palace, located within the Palmeraie Gardens, consists of 18 holes, with a 72 par and a total length of 6.214 meters. This course is a true work of art designed by the internationally renowned architect Robert Trent Jones on an airy valley, planted with thousands of palm trees and brightened up with seven lakes.

The course offers numerous exciting and challenging sand obstacles that liven up its 18 holes. There is a beautiful palace that holds the club-house in the middle of the course, decorated with traditional green tiles and ochre walls. In the club-house there is a restaurant, several terraces and suites facing the Atlas Mountains.

The Golf d'Amelkis is the third most important golf course in Marrakech, and is located on km. 12 on the Route de Ouarzazate. The course comprises 27 holes, with a 72 par and a total length of 6.657 meters. It was created by the landscape architect Cabell B. Robinson and is quite probably the most visually striking course in the city.

The round is rather technique, possibly the most technique among the three golf courses in Marrakech, and enjoys numerous bunkers and artificial lakes. There are very few trees along the course, just a few palm trees here and there, but it has a nice atmosphere that seduces and challenges golfers of all levels.

The course is stimulatingly challenging, quite hilly, dented, with multiple blind starts, pitfalls to be avoided at every hole and 7 lakes judiciously laid out, as well as picturesque bunkers made of crushed red bricks. There are three rounds with a total of 27 holes, although there is a project for an extension of 9 holes, which will result in a total of 36 holes. The Blue round is 3.156 meters long, the Red round 3.141 meters, and the Green round, 3.170 meters.

Your holidays in Marrakech will be even more exciting and pleasant if you experience the chance to ski that the city offers. Most hotels in Marrakech will help you plan your golfing to the last detail.

You can also stay in a wonderful Marrakech riad or Marrakech villa right next to one of the three golf courses and thus make the most of your holidays in the Ochre City.

David Gonzalez-Company (BA Degree in Philosophy, Universitat de València (Spain); MA (Hons) Degree in Mental Philosophy, University of Edinburgh (UK); MA Degree in Comparative Literature, University of Washington (USA)) is a writer, journalist, educator and translator who has travelled extensively and has lived in several European, North American and African countries. He now lives in Marrakech, Morocco.

Golf Courses in Pattaya

Some of the best golf courses in Thailand lie in Pattaya region. Golfers from all parts of the world visit Pattaya to enjoy their games of golf. Apart from making merry with water sports at the beaches and the clubs, they get to flaunt their golfing skills. Some Pattaya golf resorts have organized golf tournaments of global standard.

Great Lake Golf Club
Great Lake Golf & Country Club, situated near Dok Krai reservoir, is a fine place to enjoy golf. The golf course incorporates 120 bunkers into its design - eleven of which are present along the par-four 18th, the most famous hole in the course. Lush landscape makes golfing in the club a pleasing experience. Facilities in the club include a restaurant with Thai and European cuisine, sauna, driving range, tennis court, swimming pool, and golf carts.

Siam Country Club
Siam Country Club has hosted a range of international tournaments, something which whispers about its class. The natural landscape has been utilized well. Playing here is delightful, yet challenging. The club has arranged facilities like accommodation, swimming, golf carts, driving range, and a restaurant known for preparing mouthwatering dishes.

Bangphra International Golf Club
This is an 18-hole top class golf course visited by golf lovers arriving from different countries. One can avail good accommodation facilities as well as a well-run club house with mouthwatering food in the club.

Natural Park Hill
Verdant landscape and mango plantation make Natural Park delightful. One can have some challenging golf amidst the picturesque environment. Facilities like driving range, sauna, and multi-cuisine restaurant are available.

Natural Park Resort
Reputed as a fine golf resort, is for the golfers who are looking for a more relaxed round of golf. Having three sets of nine holes, it has the infrastructure to provide some good games. Facilities available here are golf carts, driving range, sauna, jacuzzis, swimming pool, tennis, Restaurant with European, Thai and Japanese food.

Phoenix Golf Course
Wooded, wavy terrain and easy access to Pattaya make Phoenix Golf Course a favorite of the visitors. The course is comprised of three nines -"Ocean", "Lake" and "Mountain". It has facilities like golf carts, driving range, swimming, tennis, and a restaurant serving variety cuisine.

Khao Kheow Country Club
Strong breezes make this 27-hole golf course distinct, prompting the golfers to play their shots carefully. Scenic beauty makes the experience of golfing here even more delightful. The club has a restaurant with European, Thai, and Japanese cuisine.

Laem Chabang Golf Course
One of the best golf courses in Thailand, natural hillside surroundings make the perfect backdrop to the beautifully landscaped fairways of the place. Facilities in the club include Golf Carts, Driving Range, Swimming Pool and sauna, Restaurant with Chinese, European, Japanese and Thai food.

Noble Place
This is another name in the array of golf courses in Pattaya. The course offers some challenging games, thanks to its design. The players have to carefully anticipate each shot for the ball could go to any of the uncountable pot bunkers. Facilities one can avail include golf carts, driving range, restaurant with Thai food and accommodation.

Sriracha Golf Course
Developed on the rolling hills of Sriracha, the golf course has made very good use of natural landscape. The course has plenty of par-fours as well as some water hazards. And with a slew of facilities like golf carts, driving range, swimming, sauna, massage, and multi-cuisine restaurant, golfing here is quite pleasant.

Buy Discount Tee Times and Event Tickets Online Today

If you are going to be heading to Las Vegas for a vacation, you might as well do it right. Between the spectacular golf courses and the countless shows, you are bound to have the trip of a lifetime. Look for a web site that makes things easy on you by giving you the opportunity to purchase discount tee times and discount event tickets online at the same web site.

Instead of having to scramble through several different web sites to plan everything out, there are sites that help eliminate the extra work. It literally is the one-stop shop for all of your needs. Not only can you take care of tee times and event tickets online, but you will also be able to book your flight and hotel as well.

When you first get to the web site you should see different features and tabs that allow you to find golf options and shows. You will find 19 golf courses with discounted tee times available. Also available at a discount, every show Vegas has to offer.

As you click through the various golf courses, each page should bring up a detailed description of the course. You will be able to find information like what the tee time policy is, what the different prices are, and what the dress code is like. You will also find a review of the golf course so you know what to expect.

As soon as you are finished booking your tee times, you can move on to purchasing event tickets. Without even having to click back, there should be links that you can click on to be redirected to the shows.

Upon clicking on the right button, you will be able to search through the various event tickets online. Some of the top shows in Vegas today include the Blue Man Group, Le Reve and Terry Fator. If you are looking for a specific kind of show, you can search through the different categories including production shows, magic shows and comedy shows.

If you are going to take a vacation to Las Vegas, you might as well book it the right way. Look for a web site that has everything you need to make things easy on you. From booking discount tee times to shows, there is no better way to get taken care of online.