IMAGES: GETTY; ALAMY
H O L I D AY T Y P E S
FAROE ISLANDS
◉ Flung into the Atlantic Ocean halfway between Norway and Iceland, the Faroe Islands are famous for their dramatic coastal landscapes. Hardened golfers can also bring their spikes and clubs for a round or two.
On course: The Faroes aren’t the place for a languid golfing holiday. There’s only one 9-hole track across the 18 rugged islands, situated on the outskirts of Tórshavn, the capital. It’s a jagged layout, with rudimentary greens and artificial mats for tee boxes. Manicured fairways? Well, rather just enjoy the views. The dress code is somewhat relaxed too, with thick denims and wellington boots acceptable attire for the oſten challenging weather (green fee: £6;
golf.fo).
Off course: The Faroe Islands offer an enigmatic landscape of weather-beaten coastlines and towering peaks. The wilderness offers superb hiking, while twitchers are drawn to the heathland, moors and cliffs. Across the islands there are charming villages, churches and museums to discover, and the rich waters offshore offer challenging diving and deep-sea fishing.
42 ABTA Golf 2017 SEYCHELLES
◉ This archipelago of 115 islands is the very picture of tropical paradise, drawing sun-seekers and luxury-lovers with its unbeatable blend of turquoise waters and waving palms — and a rather remarkable 18-hole golf course.
On course: The island of Praslin is the second largest in the Seychelles. Hidden away on the southwestern tip is Constance Lemuria, a five-star resort that’s home to the only 18-hole course in this island nation. Although the track stretches to just 5,341m at
par-70, it’s a course to be reckoned with. Tight fairways, long carries over water and challenging topography make this a focussed day out. The first dozen holes meander between the mangrove forests on the flat fringes of the island, creating a tropical palm-lined version of a parkland course. On the last six holes, things get interesting as the
fairways climb and dive over the forest-clad peaks. The steep fairway of the 13th is the first challenge, followed by a long carry to a terraced 14th. The 15th hole is the signature, as players tee off into fresh air
for a 50m vertical drop to the green below. Then it’s back through the forests and narrow fairways to the 18th (green fee: £120. No green fees for resort guests;
constancehotels.com). The other course in the Seychelles is a 9-holer at Anse
aux Pins on Mahe. Home to the Seychelles Golf Club, it’s an affordable local-friendly track carved out of an old coconut plantation (green fee: £18;
seychelles.org).
Off course: Besides soaking up the sun, sea and sand, there are catamaran excursions around the islands, snorkelling trips to pristine coral reefs, scuba diving and offshore big-game fishing. A visit to the laid-back island of La Digue is a must, as is a hike through the forests of the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing 6,000 rare Coco de Mer palms.
From left: puffin on Mykines island; teeing off on the 15th at Constance Lemuria, Praslin
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