Troon International
FUN ACROSS THE WORLD
The courses and clubs that comprise Troon International are located in some of the world’s most diverse landscapes and culturally relevant regions. They boast acclaimed golf, to be sure, but many clubs also pride themselves on being places where communities can gather, where kids and beginners can learn the game, and where a dazzling host of activities make for memorable occasions. Below we look at three of the best Troon International destinations.
THE ELS CLUB DUBAI
More than golf
The Els Club Dubai is not just a golfer’s paradise but a place where community engagement is a top priority. Since Covid-19, the club has maximized its outdoor spaces and hosted a range of outdoor events to bring people together. From the popular “Bike and Breakfast” event where bikers ride around the back nine for 4.3 kilometers and end with a buffet breakfast, to the lively “Africans Music Concert perform by Die Huewels Fantasties” at The Els Club Driving Range attracting over 500 people, the club is a thriving hub of activity.
Additionally, the club found success in running an Open Day event every quarter on the lawn area which involved kids activities in the form of bouncing castles and kids art stations as well as having more than 18 community market vendors, all combined with in-house food and beverage station. This was marketed via geo targeting on social platforms and saw 2,000 people show up during the day.
Similarly, the “Dads and Lads” event which was an opportunity for fathers and sons to bond over outdoor footgolf on the driving range over nine holes saw 150 pairs join the event.
The club’s all-day dining restaurant “261 Restaurant and Bar” has also become a popular spot for families with children and dogs, thanks to its child- and pet-friendly policies. It’s a great spot to enjoy a meal while watching sports on the two big outdoor screens.
General Manager Tom Rourke of The Els Club Dubai believes that community engagement is a crucial part of the club’s ethos. He says, “Our events and activities are designed to bring people together, and we are proud to have created a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We will continue to host events that celebrate our community and provide a safe and enjoyable space for everyone.”
In conclusion, these community engagement events have also helped change the prescription that the club is not only for members. The Els Club Dubai has gone beyond in maximizing its outdoor spaces and creating engaging events for the community. With a focus on inclusivity and family-friendly policies, a club that truly has something for everyone.
THE GROVE
Unique outdoor dining, experiential events, and a three-year refurbishment
The Grove is a luxury hotel with an award-winning spa and a championship golf course, just 18 miles from London. Set on 300 acres of Hertfordshire countryside, the hotel utilized the periods of forced closure during the pandemic to undertake an extensive three-year refurbishment, with the final phase completed this past April.
The hotel has significantly upgraded its dining offerings, adding new and exciting concepts as well as extending and refurbishing existing restaurants and bars, many of which are designed to make the most of the outdoor space. The Stables terrace and courtyard, popular with golfers, features stylish new furnishings and a new courtyard bar complete with a pergola, making it the perfect space to relax in the sun after a round of golf. The Lounges offer sushi or afternoon tea on the terrace, and this summer the walled garden will be home to The Grove Grill barbecue and Verde Kitchen, using fresh produce grown in Jemima’s Kitchen Garden. Exciting new dining concept Feast on Cloud 9 will debut, allowing guests to come together al fresco, in dramatic hot air balloons in the Grove’s formal gardens.
The Grove marks its 20th anniversary in 2023 and is celebrating with a calendar of events to mark the occasion. The Everyman Secret Garden cinema will return, alongside The Grove’s vast array of outdoor activities for all ages. The Grove team strives to deliver unforgettable experiences to all guests, and since the pandemic, these outdoor dining spaces have proved essential in bringing people together.
COSTA NAVARINO
The prime sustainable destination in the Mediterranean
Located in Messinia in southwest Peloponnese, Costa Navarino is one of the last unspoiled yet easily accessible corners of the Mediterranean, currently home to four 5-star hospitality offerings: The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort ideal for a distinctive luxury holiday in its Ionian Exclusive suites and villas; The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, a perfect choice for families; the adult-friendly W Costa Navarino provides the vibrant setting for young-at-heart travelers; and as of summer 2023, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino will offer guests an ultra-premium experience with 99 earth-sheltered villas and suites designed for absolute privacy and tranquillity.
In a majestic environment of both verdant land and pristine sea, the sport options include biking, hiking, rock climbing, yachting, sailing, diving, and snorkeling. The new Watersports Hub in Navarino Waterfront will offer windsurfing, waterskiing, kayaking, and SUPs, and the latest equipment and training facilities.
Recognized as “World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination” at the 2022 World Golf Awards, the destination also features four award-winning 18-hole signature golf courses and Europe’s first Mouratoglou Tennis Center, opened in 2021 with state-of-the-art courts, including the only natural grass court in Greece.
A curated marketplace and incubator of art and culture, Navarino Agora combines shopping, dining and entertainment with cultural happenings. From high-end clothing, luxury beachwear and eyewear to eco-conscious jewelry and handcrafted accessories, an eclectic curation of retail spaces is complemented with a range of eateries, delis, and cafes, plus beauty and travel services, a VR and an open-air cinema.
