The most beautiful golf course in the world? Probably: It’s hard to imagine a course with a more dramatic setting—on the cliffs near the ocean, in the middle of untouched nature. The resort cleverly plays up the advantages of its remote location by offering puritanical luxury with a raw and more rustic architectural style and restrained exteriors—this elegant hotel in Hawke’s Bay initially comes across more like a secluded farm. U.S. golf course architect Tom Doak has created his masterpiece here, 459 feet above sea level: The golf course is already making history. Deep bunkers, undulating greens, and a constant wind provide for a challenging round of golf— but why worry about the score when you can relish the incredible views of waves crashing at the foot of the cliffs? Named Pirate’s Plank, hole 15 is magnificent: a long par 5 that calls for incredible accuracy—otherwise the ball will be swallowed up by the ocean forever.
