Wanderlust Travel has teamed up with Golf Resort Architecture Specialist, Agustín Pizá, to provide a guide of the best golf courses, luxury resorts and suggested activities in four regions of Mexico.
Vacation is a time when you want to relax and pursue your passions. But, when travelling with family and/or friends more often than not everyone has a different idea of what their ideal vacation looks like.
Avid golfers want to experience championship courses with beautiful views, a range of dining options and luxury accommodations.
Those traveling with an avid golfer know that there will be a fair amount of time set aside for the links and they want to make sure the destination has activities to stay entertained.
To inspire travel for golfers and their companions we are highlighting four regions of Mexico: Baja California Sur, Punta Mita, Quintana Roo and Merida. Each area offers a range of luxury accommodations, unique cultural immersion experiences, and let’s not forget great golf. We also uncover opportunities for less experienced golfers or younger family members to take part in golf activities.
Agustín Pizá, Golf Resort Architecture Specialist and owner of the award winning Pizá Golf, graciously provided his tips and local knowledge of these golf destinations . For more than two decades Pizá has collaborated with legends of the game and world class golf developments. His designs are known for delivering quality, aesthetic and strategic golf courses. Involved in more than 60 projects in 3 continents, Agustín is a writer, tv commentator and director of The First Tee program in Mexico.
Agustín has been seeing a trend in golf courses that are providing amenities to include and attract family members to enjoy additional offerings at their courses. In our interview Agustín explained, “It took me 19 years to understand we should be designing for the non-golfer and create a more inclusive, family-oriented facility that welcomes and offers something for all. I hope you enjoy the list of golf courses I think offer a bit of change and originality and, hope you and your family will enjoy these facilities and fall in love with golf and the warm hospitality of Mexico.”
Wanderlust Travel Boutique has broken down our recommendations by region, course, hotel and local experiences. This guide provides a well-rounded luxury travel experience.
Baja California Sur Region:
Located on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos is composed of two cities: San Jose del Cabo, a 200-year-old town that allows visitors to discover traditional Mexico, and the modern Cabo San Lucas that bustles with activity day and night. The two districts are connected by a resort area known as The Corridor, where some of Baja’s most beautiful beaches are located. Popular excursions in the region include whale watching, deep-sea fishing and sunset cruises with breathtaking views.
Snorkeling, swimming with the dolphins, ATV or camel rides in the dessert, and visits to organic farms can also be arranged. Los Cabos boasts an abundance of championship golf courses with stunning vistas along the Pacific Ocean. With 16 courses open and more in the works, you can enjoy great golf and ideal weather year-round.
Baja California Sur Courses:
Twin Dolphin Golf Club
Opened in 2018, Fred Couples’ first signature course in Mexico is exclusive for club members and guests of Montage Los Cabos. With views of the Sea of Cortez, each hole is intentionally designed to blend seamlessly with the land around it while incorporating sustainability practices. The course was designed to be enjoyed by people of all levels
of playing ability, from beginners to extremely advanced players, offering an unparalleled member experience for the avid golfer and their entire family. The arrival to the clubhouse is an experience in and of itself. The beautifully set clubhouse has a 180-degree view of the Sea of Cortez, featuring an event lawn equipped with a football throwing machine and soccer field. At the driving range players can enjoy a beverage from the juice and smoothie bar or a sandwich from the grill in one of the four cabanas where you can relax and take in the breathtaking views.
Augustín Pizá tells us, “It was an absolute privilege to have been involved with this development team on what could be the best overall experience in Cabo. Here you will enjoy three very unique experiences: the driving range designed as a painting, the short par 3 hole 19 waiting for you just after you play the perfectly shaped and maintained championship golf course, or grab a margarita at the fabulous evening lit 18 hole putting course at the villas whilst enjoying the surround sound of the ocean.”
Hotel Match: Montage Los Cabos
Quivira Golf Club
Quivira Golf Club is a Jack Nicklaus Signature design that begins at sea level and sprawls across rolling hills until it reaches its highest point more than 350 feet above sea level. To play Quivira you must be a resident or guest at one of the Pueblo Bonito Resorts in Los Cabos. Non golfers might enjoy tagging along just for the breathtaking coastal views and opportunities for amazing photos.
There are many Instagrammable moments from an old lighthouse in the cliffs to views of the beach where scenes from the movie Troy were filmed to the chance of seeing whales passing by below. The course’s spectacular layout offers more oceanfront exposure than any other course in Los Cabos. During your round, players can refresh at four comfort stations interspersed throughout the all-inclusive facility. The Oasis, a halfway house near the 8th green, serves ceviche, drinks from the deluxe tequila bar, barbecued shrimp and inventive takes on classic Baja cuisine.
“I have had the honor to collaborate on four Jack Nicklaus projects in Mexico and I consider him one of my mentors,” said Augustín. “Even though I wasn’t involved in this one, Quivira takes the “wow-factor” award by far. Make sure you spend time at the cliff on holes 5 and 6 and don’t worry who’s behind you. Take it all in because you may never see anything like this in your golf lifetime, especially during whale season. On the back 9 enjoy hole 12 and play more than one shot on 17.”
Hotel Match: Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort
The Costa Palmas Golf Club
Robert Trent Jones, Jr. described his new course as an emerald symphony composed of three movements and three transitions accentuated by shades of blue. The Costa Palmas Golf Club 18-hole championship golf course open exclusively to members and Four Seasons hotel guests is a masterpiece that sets the golf experience in Baja
a world apart and is both inspired by and enhances the East Cape’s natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a competitive game with friends or an instructional session with family, the walkable links-style course, which is a change of pace from many courses in the Cabo region, has firm and fast terrain designed so players of all ages and skill levels can enjoy it. If you want to spend just a little time on the fairway, try the specially designed (and shorter) 6-hole loop. You can also hone your skills at the 30,000-square-foot putting course, or arrange a lesson with the onsite pros.
“Costa Palmas is a great golf resort designed by my dear friend Bobby who I consider one of the best golf architects in the world, a dedicated student of the game and a poet,” adds Augustín. “A true artist as you can notice from his description of the course. The best thing to happen to Cabo since 1990 (when golf started) is the expansion of resorts towards the East Cape. Now you can enjoy world class golf at one of the most beautiful pieces of ocean property.”
Hotel Match: Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
El Cortes Gary Player Signature Golf Club
A few hours north of Cabo on the inside of the Sea of Cortez you’ll find the only Gary Player Signature course in Mexico. The par 72 course has 18 holes, with 17 of them having panoramic views of the sea.
Sustainability is at top of mind, so players get to immerse in the dramatic landscape that contrasts the green of the grass with the desert, vegetation, and sea. The efficient irrigation and fertilization systems use recycled water and have an impact minimum on the environment. Grass is regenerated in situ, and endemic plants are integrated into landscaping. While the course is challenging there are some great perks for family enjoyment at the redesigned multi-purpose driving range and 10-hole pitch and put designed by Pizá Golf for entire family.
“I can’t say enough about Gary Player and what he brought to the table at El Cortes,” Augustín said. “Working with him on this hidden gem and witnessing how he carved 18 holes on a mountain with an elevation difference of 400 ft between some holes, was a real experience. Most of the holes are breathtaking but, I recommend two things: my favorite secret spot lies just before green number 5, the highest point on the golf course lets you enjoy a 360-degree view, and take a break on 14 tee’s new comfort station and enjoy some champagne and think about the carry of your next drive onto the coolest par 5 in La Paz.”
Hotel Match: Costa Baja Resort & Spa
Baja California Sur Hotels:
Montage Los Cabos
In a legendary setting, facing Santa Maria Bay, one of the only year-round-swimmable beaches in the area, Montage Los Cabos offers many one-of-a-kind amenities in the area. The resort has 122 expansive guestrooms and suites, 52 resort-style Montage Residences, three pools,
an immersive children’s program, tennis, signature spa treatments, fitness programs and multiple dining options with a focus on local ingredients, spirits and seafood. The 39-acre property on the white sand beach offers spectacular views of the azure waters of Santa Maria Bay, and immediate, walk-in access to the finest swimming, diving and snorkeling in the region.
Exclusive Golf Access: Twin Dolphin Golf Club
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort
Nestled on a secluded beach within the exclusive residential development of Quivira Los Cabos, Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort is widely considered to be the world’s most romantic resort. This luxury, all-inclusive property caters exclusively to adults seeking a tranquil oceanfront hideaway just steps from the sand and minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas.
Modern yet elegant, its design and architecture create a romantic setting for a memorable vacation. A self-contained resort destination, this 201-room boutique retreat features superb dining, the wellness-inspired Armonia Spa, and private beach privileges.
Exclusive Golf Access: Quivira Golf Club
Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
Forty-five minutes east of Los Cabos International Airport and away from the development of the tourist hub you will see how Cabo used to be within the 1,000-acre resort community that has untouched, white-sand beaches where the desert slopes into the sea. The all-new ultra-luxury resort has 118 guest rooms and 23 suites.
When golfers aren’t on the greens, they can enjoy the resort’s expansive pools, sports and activity center, Kids for All Seasons program, spa treatments, and five restaurants with dazzling dishes.
Exclusive Golf Access: The Costa Palmas Golf Club
Costa Baja Resort & Spa
126 miles north of Cabo San Lucas, La Paz is an authentic, charming and easygoing city on the tranquil Sea of Cortez. Jacques Cousteau has called this sea “the last natural living aquarium in the world”. Ten minutes from the city, Costa Baja Resort & Spa, La Paz’s first and only luxury resort, offers access to some of the best marine life in the world.
Boat trips which are easily accessible from the resort’s adjoining 250-slip marina, are a must in this region to get up close with the whales, dolphins, sea lions, mobula rays and other marine life. Hotel guests have access to the beach club, five restaurants, three pools and spa.
Exclusive Golf Access: El Cortes Gary Player Signature Golf Club
Baja California Sur Local Experiences:
San Jose del Cabo Art Walk
Each season from late October through June this popular weekly event is held Thursday evenings from 5-9 p.m. The Art Walk allows tourists and locals alike to explore the color-filled streets of San José del Cabo. During this time, the main street of Obregon is a pedestrian-only zone, so visitors can enjoy an evening stroll through the area and visit various art galleries, sip on wine and dine at local restaurants. Special gallery offerings such as “artist in attendance” or openings of new exhibitions will often be held during the Art Walk.
Los Tamarindos Organic Farm & Restaurant
If you are a foodie or love to cook Los Tamarindos organic farm is a great experience while in Cabo. We can arrange cooking classes, lunch or dinner reservations and/or private events. The 17-acre organic farm is led by owner and executive chef, Enrique Silva, who develops for the delight of his guests the most unique culinary experiences. The restaurant resides on top of a hill with a beautiful brick farmhouse built in 1888, which offers a delightful view of the crops from where the team harvests the freshest ingredients for an authentic farm-to-table experience.
Todos Santos
Either a great day trip or stop on the way to La Paz, an hour from Cabo San Lucas is the village of Todos Santos. Considered a “pueblo magico’’ (a magic town), the village has wonderful colonial buildings, Mexican art and crafts, and delicious typical regional food. Its uncrowded beaches are a perfect place to relax, spend the day and surf. Whether you believe that the local Hotel California is the inspiration for the Eagles song or not, it’s a fun spot to see during your visit. A memorable dining experience will be had at the farm-to-table restaurant, Jazamango, by celebrated Mexican chef Javier Plascencia.
Isla del Espiritu Santo
When visiting La Paz, take a boat trip 18 miles north to the uninhabited Isla Espiritu Santo, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. With no roads, bridges, or permanent residents, you can get away from it all. This is a great area to snorkel, paddle board, kayak, bird watch and hike through the cactuses and red volcanic boulders above the bay.
Punta Mita Region:
With 5-star resorts, million-dollar homes, private beach clubs and unbeatable views it’s no wonder Punta Mita is a destination for luxury travelers to get away and have the safety and privacy to enjoy a much-needed peaceful retreat just 28-miles from the Puerto Vallarta airport. Its seductive natural beauty, laid-back vibe and world-class amenities have converged to turn Punta Mita into Mexico’s most coveted hideaway. The ultra-luxurious,1,500-acre resort lies on a private spear-shaped peninsula surrounded on three sides by white sand beaches, Pacific Ocean waters and lush tropical flora.
Punta Mita Courses:
The Punta Mita Golf Club not only has the two Jack Nicklaus signature courses, Pacifico and Bahia, but also a brand-new Golf Academy that is the only complete game facility of this kind and caliber in Mexico. The Academy is a full-service instructional center with indoor/outdoor climate-controlled areas and features programs including weeklong and short game clinics, Golf 101, junior camps, multi-day ntensive instruction, and
high-tech lessons for players of all experience levels. Whether you want to play multiple rounds, improve your game at the academy, or just enjoy casual play there is no better destination than Punta Mita for your next golf vacation. Both courses have tee times reserved exclusively for members, residents and guests of Punta Mita’s resorts.
“Enjoy one my favorite and best resorts in the world and, the only one with a St. Regis and Four Seasons on the same property,” said Augustín. “Punta Mita is a beautiful peninsula on the north part of one of the biggest bays in the world. 37 holes await with two distinct Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses: Bahia Course is a challenging track, whilst Pacifico course is a ‘feel good’ beautiful experience. Both have ocean holes on the Pacific and the bay.“
Pacifico Course
Dubbed the “Tail of the Whale” Pacifico’s optional, par-three 19th hole measuring 194 yards, is the only natural island green in the world – an unforgettable hole to play! This all-level, course offers views across the Sierra Madre Mountains, Bahía de Banderas and the Pacific.
Hotel Matches: The St. Regis Punta Mita or Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Bahia Course
The newer of Punta Mita’s golf offerings, this course opened in late 2008 and is as stunning as it is challenging. Featuring six ocean holes, this championship course is set in more undulating terrain and will offer stark contrast and putting challenges for those wishing to play more than one round.
HOTEL MATCHES: THE ST. REGIS PUNTA MITA OR FOUR SEASONS RESORT PUNTA MITA
Punta Mita Hotels/Villas:
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
The St. Regis promises an experience that transcends ordinary travel, immersing guests in unsurpassed luxury. The resort features discerning service, exquisite accommodations, thoughtful amenities, and spectacular grounds. It energizes, rejuvenates, and refreshes the mind, body and spirit with golf, tennis, three infinity pools, a Remède Spa, and superior international cuisine among its seemingly endless offerings including the beloved Mita Mary Boat Bar & Bistro on the beach.
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
Exclusive Golf Access: Bahia & Pacifico Courses
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
With its modern amenities and chic design, the rooms and suites are located in Mexican style tile-roofed casitas, complete with beachfront or ocean views and furnished outdoor spaces. All suites have a private plunge pool. The hotel features a wide range of facilities including three swimming
pools, fitness center and Apuane Spa. Activities include tennis, volleyball, basketball, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand- up paddle. Children ages 5-12 can take part in the supervised Kids for All Seasons program, while teens age 13-18 can take part in the Teen program with activities such as kayaking, movie nights and beach volleyball.
Exclusive Golf Access: Bahia & Pacifico Courses
Private Villas
There is a range of private villas available to rent in the Punta Mita community. Villas allow guests the best of both worlds with the ultimate privacy as well as services such as on-site spa treatments, personal trainers and round-the-clock chef’s, while allowing guests access to resort beach clubs, golf and tennis.
Casa Koko is a 9-bedroom villa that can accommodate up to 18 adults and 4 children.
Casa Koko
You can reserve anywhere from 3 to 9 of the rooms exclusively for your stay. All from the comfort of your private infinity pool you can look out to the Pacific and see the humpback whales, watch surfers, check in on golfers playing one of the ocean holes and enjoy a cocktail while celebrating the sunset each evening.
Exclusive Golf Access: Bahia & Pacifico Courses
One&Only Mandarina
One&Only Mandarina
In case you want to extend your stay in Mexico, we recommend venturing 45 minutes north of Punta Mita to finish off your vacation with a stay at One&Only Mandarina. Opening November 1, 2020 and nestled within an intimate new community set upon a rare undeveloped coastline along the Riviera Nayarit, One&Only Mandarina will blend chic resort living, tropical relaxation and authentic outdoor adventure.
Its striking stand-alone villas, each with a private pool, are designed to frame incredible views over the ocean and mountains. The celebrity chef restaurant, Carau, offers creative cuisine with panoramic views and unforgettable sunsets. A polo club, beach club, spa and dining options all offer unique experiences for discerning travelers.
No golf, but guests have access to The Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club
Punta Mita Local Experiences:
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a friendly city rich in history and culture. Here art is not a luxury, it’s a necessity that comes in all different styles and forms. Guests staying in Punta Mita can either arrange a private boat ride or car service to visit Puerto Vallarta (about 30 minutes away). If you would like to golf in Puerto Vallarta a few courses to highlight include El Tigre Golf & Country Club, Vista Vallarta Club de Golf and The Nicklaus Design Course at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta. In town, stroll the Malecon, stop in shops and galleries and make reservations at one of the top restaurants in this foodie city.
As a local, Augustín has great insight to this city he calls home. “You cannot visit Punta Mita without a day in Puerto Vallarta which is known to be the friendliest city in Mexico. I like to describe it as a San Miguel de Allende with an ocean. El Tigre is my home course and probably the best test of golf south of the border. Vallarta is also known for its art streets and culinary experiences. Give yourself time to experience “La Leche”, “El Trio” and “Café de Artists” for a dress up night. Enjoy “8 Tostadas”, “Barracuda”, “La Tia” for a pueblo and street food experience.”
Sayulita
20 minutes from Punta Mita you will find a completely different vibe in the boho/surfer chic village of Sayulita. Here you will enjoy affordable and delicious local bites, art galleries and stylish boutiques. We can even arrange a private shopping experience where you are sure to bring home unique finds.
Land Adventures
Ride horseback or ATV’s through the lush, unspoiled Sierra Madre forest, or explore Punta Mita’s diverse landscape along one of the community’s recreational trails.
Aquatic Adventures
Bandaras Bay is a water lover’s dream. The variety of activities available throughout the year includes sport fishing, sea kayaking, whale watching, surfing, paddle boarding, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins and more.
Quintana Roo Region:
When Americans talk about travel to Mexico the majority automatically think of Cancún. Cancún is a city within Mexico’s easternmost state of Quintana Roo, but it is just one region of the state that is over 17,000 sq miles and includes unique cities, towns and islands such as Isla Mujeres, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Akumal and Tulum.
With a plethora of direct flights into Cancún International Airport (CUN), many tourists have only scratched the surface of resorts and activities all within an easy driving distance of this accessible airport. Those such as our Wanderlust team, who travel to the region multiple times each year find new areas to fall in love with as we explore different towns and hotels within the state.
Quintana Roo Courses:
Bahia Principe Riviera Maya Golf Club – Championship Course
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the Championship Course is a spectacular synergy integrating the golf course within the Mayan jungle, natural lakes and cenotes. In addition to the championship layout, there is also a 9-hole par 3 Executive Course that is one of the best 9-hole golf courses in Rivera Maya. Both courses unique beauty offers players of all levels amazing
views as well as the challenge of playing among natural lakes and cenotes. If you are lucky you might get to see foxes, coatis and other local fauna during your round. Those looking for instruction have great options through the Academy, which offers individual and group golf lessons for all ages and levels.
Augustín tells us, “This course is another beauty designed by my dear friend Bobby Jones II. This time in Tulum, in fact, the only golf course in this natural Mayan preserve. Tulum is a top trendy hipster place everyone has to visit. Playing golf at Riviera Maya is arriving to the only licensed PGA of America golf complex south of the border. This guarantees a great experience and top tournament conditions on the golf course.”
Hotel Match: Hotel Esencia
El Camaleón Golf Course
El Camaleón is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, 30 miles south of Cancún International Airport and 5 miles north of the cosmopolitan town, Playa del Carmen. It lies inside the Mayakoba Resort Complex along with four luxurious hotels and residential homes fronting the Caribbean Sea and second largest coral reef in the world.
Designed by Greg Norman, the course is home of the Mayakoba Golf Classic, the first PGA TOUR event to be contested outside the US and Canada. Created with the goal of producing a tournament-quality golf course while maintaining an enjoyable sense of playability for players of all skill levels, this course was designed to enhance the most desirable natural features of its tropical forest and seaside settings. El Camaleón is certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Sanctuary for its commitment to the environment and eco-friendly practices and receives high accolades for their mangrove protection program. The practice facility features a driving range, a short game area and a large putting green, all of which can be accessed with unlimited usage of range balls with an All-Day Pass. The club is home to the only Jim McLean Golf School in Latin America, offering a variety of programs for players of all levels as well as group clinics.
“The best experience you can have at El Camaleón is enjoying the ins and outs of the complex,” Augustín says. “Once you play the course and enjoy the views of the rivers that connect the four-hotel complex of Mayakoba, please take the time for a boat ride through these canals with an expert in ecology. If there’s one thing I love about Mayakoba, it’s the mangrove world class program they have been committed to have sustained since its grand opening. It’s believed to be the best preservation of mangroves in Mexico and a great example around the world.”
Hotel Match: Rosewood Mayakoba
Quintana Roo Hotels:
Hotel Esencia
Simplicity, elegance and beauty is what you will find at Hotel Esencia. This boutique hotel with just over 40 rooms sits on a 50-acre estate between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, just 50 minutes south of Cancún and 30 minutes north of Tulum by car. Whether you prefer a beach suite, jungle suite or private villa, the rooms have a traditional Mayan feel with pops of color that make you think of the Greek Islands.
Guests will enjoy relaxing on the powdery white sand of this quiet cove and can step right into the Caribbean Sea where there is a reef sanctuary for sea turtles and exotic fish. A variety of non-motorized water sport equipment is at your disposal to enjoy your time in the sea. The farm to table dining on property is simple, yet sophisticated and will cater to any palate. And if by chance guests want to venture out for an evening you have easy access to both Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
Nearby Golf: Bahia Principe Riviera Maya Golf Club – Championship Course
Rosewood Mayakoba
On a mile of white Caribbean sand, you’ll find the ecologically minded Rosewood Mayakoba. This AAA Five Diamond resort is uniquely situated on 25 acres of tranquil lagoons and stunning beach. Natural elements and local materials are masterfully combined to create a contemporary Mexican design.
Each of the spacious 129 suites and collection of multi-bedroom private residences offer a private heated plunge pool with stunning views. Upon arrival, guests are transported to their suite by boat through the lagoons where their personal butler awaits. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway (in one of the adult-only overwater villas) or a family vacation (rooms with ample space for families and an excellent kids club) Rosewood Mayakoba offers a true luxury vacation in the exclusive Mayakoba community.
Exclusive Golf Access: El Camaleón Golf Course
Quintana Roo Local Experiences:
Tulum
Tulum beach is a fun and funky avenue of boutique hotels, beach clubs, outdoor dining, coffee shops, boutique stores and galleries. Ride a bike or stroll on foot to enjoy this very special town that is rich in natural beauty and culture. Tulum is a Mexican beach town that hippies, bohos and wellness wanderers have been flocking to for years and modern travelers want to experience for themselves.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
This UNESCO World Heritage Site covers 1.3 million acres of tropical forests, mangroves and marshes, as well as a large marine section intersected by a barrier reef. It provides a habitat for a remarkably rich selection of flora and fauna. Tours options include nature encounters, snorkeling, fly fishing, bird watching and more.
Rio Secreto
Many people consider this underwater river to be a wonder of the world. Take an unbelievable underground river tour as you hike and swim through a route of about one kilometer full of beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.
Merida Region:
Merida, the only land locked destination on our list, is the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán and a 3-hour drive from Quintana Roo. The colonial city has a strong Mayan cultural presence and is sometimes called the “White City,” because of its buildings made of white stone and also noting the city’s cleanliness. With a distinct feel from other colonial cities in Mexico, Merida is full of contrast amidst its colonial houses and Mayan ruins. There are cultural events almost every day of the week, and on Sundays, they close off the
streets to traffic allowing the city plazas come to life with locals enjoying cultural events, folkloric dancing and tented markets. The gastronomy is also a big draw for tourists. Local markets, like the bustling Mercado Lucas De Galvéz and Mercado Santiago, are bursting with exotic fruits, vegetables and local fare. This is a great city to explore on foot or on bike to take in the architecture, museums, art and food scene.
Merida Course:
Chablé Yucatán Wellness Golf
This course is unlike any other on this list, or pretty much anywhere else in the world. Located within the Chablé Yucatán resort, it is surrounded by a Mayan forest. Designed to be played in 90 minutes so you can enjoy a range of activities and relaxation at Chablé, guests will enjoy a laid-back style of optional barefoot golf that allows you to begin and end a round at any point. The course features nine tee boxes spanning up to 200 yards in distance, four unique greens with two or three pins and multiple hazards. Distinct shot angles and values, in tandem with the serene environment, will create a challenging, yet relaxing experience for all to enjoy. Wellness Golf at Chablé encourages guests to expand beyond the mental and physical aspects and connect to the game on a spiritual, emotional and environmental level.
The idea is to re-learn golf not by following the rules of the sport, but by following the rules of nature and involve all the senses in order to be in the moment.
Augustín excitedly can’t say enough about Chablé Yucatán. “It’s where our Wellness Golf concept started. Enjoy one of the most unique golf experiences in the world, take your shoes off and connect with nature while enjoying the 360-degree experience. This award-winning concept by Piza Golf was showcased by the USGA (United States Golf Association) in their 2019 innovative symposium as an example of ‘redefining golf facilities’. It is a ‘rule-less’ golf experience designed to the highest standards.”
Merida Hotel:
Chablé Yucatán
Modern aesthetics and ancient mysticism come together at Chablé Yucatán. Hidden within the Mayan rainforest, yet just half an hour from the city of Merida, the 750-acre resort repurposed the original 19th-century hacienda walls in its 38 casitas and villas, each minimally adorned and featuring an individual plunge pool. Chef Jorge Vallejo, whose restaurant, Quintonil, is regarded as one of the world’s best, creates the menus
sourced from the on-site gardens and pairs the dishes with the world’s largest private tequila collection. Native healing is found through authentic rituals in the spa, set within a natural cenote. Besides golf, this hotel offers a range of wellness activities. Guests can take classes, workshops and private sessions focusing on yoga, Pilates, meditation, tennis, cycling, and running.
Merida Local Experiences:
Historic Merida City
Wander the city on your own or we can arrange a private tour based on your interests. Learn about Merida’s history and contemporary importance with a guided tour of the Zócalo, the cathedral, and the Monument of the Homeland before heading down El Paseo de Montejo with its grand, colonial buildings. Foodies might enjoy a cooking class with a local chef, and art lovers would relish in a guided tour of art museums and galleries.
Uxmal
Journey into the ancient Maya world with a guided tour of Uxmal, home to the stunning and grand Pyramid of the Magician. Built around 700AD, Uxmal had around 25,000 inhabitants at its height and is now one of the most important ancient Maya sites in the Yucatan. This UNESCO site is celebrated for its precise construction and ornate stone carvings.
The towering Pyramid of the Magician is in remarkably good condition, as are the surrounding structures, which can be enjoyed with much less crowds than other ruins such as Chichén Itzá.
Celestún Biosphere Reserve
Home to 2,000 or more pink flamingos, Celestún Biosphere Reserve, is a great place for nature lovers. Take a boat ride through a salt-water lagoon to see the variety of flora and fauna that thrives there and enjoy a swim in the refreshing waters.
Cenote San Ignacio
San Ignacio or “Tuunich Ha”, which means “water on stone” in Mayan, is one of mother nature’s wonderful masterpieces. Descend on a stairwell 20 feet underground to its fresh waters and swim in this young cenote, admiring the large vault and the light that falls into its turquoise crystal waters.
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Golf was invented in Scotland and perfected in North America. Mexico is flourishing with courses for travelers to enjoy the game. With luxury accommodations and unique local experiences Wanderlust Travel can arrange a memorable vacation for golfers and their fellow travelers.
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Contact Us:
Jamie Jackson: (336) 263-1977 or [email protected]
Luxury Travel Advisor and Virtuoso Wellness Travel community member at Wanderlust Travel Boutique
At Wanderlust Travel Boutique, we will create a truly personalized, hassle-free vacation with a comprehensive itinerary, so you can enjoy an unforgettable experience.
If not now, when?
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/jamiejackson
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