The Perfect Pre-Festive Season Destinations

Where to head to for a pre-Festive Season holiday

Now that the October half-term holidays are over, there’s a nice big chunk of seven weeks during which flights, hotels and green-fees are keenly-priced before the Festive High Season kicks in.   So where’s best to head to to get maximum value?

Short-break: Northern France is so easy to get and the courses are all built on sand so they stay in great condition until the New Year frosts kick in.  With three European Top 100 golf courses and a mix of charming and lively resorts, the quality and real “French flavour” is there.   It could be said that Northern France is a little pricey during the popular months but it’s very much under-priced from November to March and deserves to be at the top of your list for that extra break without breaking the bank.   

Short-flight: Before the rainy season of January and February, the Algarve has some lovely autumnal weather up to and including the Christmas period.   The hotels are offering all sorts of deals with golf hotels on low-season and sometimes offering free golf too.  For example, Dona Filipa is a bargain, Penina is a snip.   Just over an hour more in the air will take you to Marrakech which has come on leaps and bounds for quality and quantity of golf.  The hotels and food have always been good but now you’ll be wowed by some stunning golf courses.   I’ve travelled a lot in Africa and Morocco wins hands down for quality and access and value.

Long-haul: Our winter is their summer and I rate Mauritius as the best “exotic” golf holiday destination in the world.  It’s classy, romantic, unspoilt and focused on five-star experiences. Mauritius can be expensive but I know plenty of hotels and their offers and quiet times so it can also be a sensational experience at a very reasonable price.  Pictured is the Beachcomber Paradis Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort – stay in a Golf Suite and enjoy unlimited golf, buggies and Dine Around Half-Board.