Italy

Why Italy for Your Golf & Spa Holiday

Italy is not the obvious choice for a golf and spa holiday, and that's precisely why it's worth considering. The courses here are exceptional and far less crowded than Spain or Portugal. The spas draw on something deeper than a standard hotel treatment menu — Borgo Egnazia's Vair Spa uses Puglian botanicals and regional mud therapies; Verdura's clifftop spa looks out over the Mediterranean and treats the surrounding landscape as part of the experience. These are places where the spa has a genuine sense of place, not just a list of imported treatments.

And then there's the food. Italy's culinary tradition means that dinner at these resorts is as much of a highlight as the golf or the spa. Borgo Egnazia's Due Camini is Michelin-starred. Verdura's kitchen draws on Sicily's extraordinary larder of seafood, citrus and olive oil. A golf and spa trip to Italy is one where every part of the day has something worth looking forward to.

Where to Go in Italy

Puglia — Borgo Egnazia is the headline act: a luxury resort built around a recreated Puglian village, with the TrullGolf course running through ancient olive groves and the Vair Spa offering treatments rooted in the region's botanical and thermal traditions. The food — Michelin-starred Due Camini alongside more relaxed dining options — is among the best of any resort in Europe. Warm from April to October, quieter and more characterful than Tuscany.

Sicily — Verdura Resort sits on the southern coast with two championship Nick Faldo-designed courses and a spa perched on the cliffs above the Mediterranean. Thalassotherapy pools, open-air treatments and a setting that makes the spa feel like an extension of the landscape rather than a hotel facility. Sicily itself — Greek temples, Baroque towns, Etna, extraordinary street food — rewards exploration on rest days.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time for a golf and spa holiday in Italy?

April to June and September to October are the premium months — warm sun, quieter courses and resorts in their best condition. July and August are hot across most of the country, though early morning rounds are still enjoyable and it's the ideal time to make the most of the spa and pool facilities during the day. Sicily and Puglia work well from May through October.

Which regions of Italy are best for golf and spa?

Puglia leads for the complete golf and spa experience — Borgo Egnazia has the Vair Spa, one of the finest hotel spas in Italy, alongside the San Domenico Golf course and Michelin-starred dining. Sicily's Verdura Resort offers two Nick Faldo-designed courses and a clifftop spa overlooking the Mediterranean. Tuscany suits those who want golf woven into a broader Italian cultural trip.

Is Borgo Egnazia worth it?

Yes — it's one of the genuinely special golf and spa resorts in the world. The Vair Spa draws on Puglian traditions — local botanicals, mud treatments, and therapies rooted in the region's history. The TrullGolf course runs through ancient olive groves and dry-stone walls. The food, driven by the San Domenico kitchen group, is exceptional. It's expensive, but it delivers at every level.

Can non-golfers enjoy an Italian golf and spa holiday?

Italy might be the best destination in our portfolio for non-golfers. The food, wine, art and culture mean a non-golfer at Borgo Egnazia or a Sicilian resort has a full holiday without ever going near the course. The spas are exceptional in their own right. We regularly arrange itineraries where only one guest plays golf.

How long does it take to fly to Italy from the UK?

Approximately 2–2.5 hours to Rome or Milan; 2.5–3 hours to Bari (for Puglia) or Palermo (Sicily). Direct flights operate from most UK airports, making Italy one of the most accessible destinations in our portfolio for a long weekend or short break.