The first port of call for my four rounds of golf mixed with some local culture and gastronomy , is the Hotel Peralada Wine Spa & Golf Resort situated in the northern part of Costa Brava 170km from Barcelona airport . Set in the heart of the Empordà wine district and only a 15-minute drive from the best beaches , this oasis of five-star luxury boasts over 55 well-appointed rooms , an outdoor swimming pool with mountain views , a Wine Spa Centre ( the only one of its kind in Spain which offers facial and body treatments based on the natural benefits of wine and grape by-products ) and the resort ’ s centrepiece attraction – Club de Golf Peralada ’ s 18-hole championship course .
In recent years , Club de Golf Peralada has been a qualifying course for the PGA European and Senior Tours and also hosted the Catalonia Open . The design shows great respect for the environment and is the first to obtain the European Union ’ s EMAS Certification . Consisting of five par-3 ’ s , four par-5 ’ s and nine par-5 ’ s , the layout meanders lazily through a gently undulating Mediterranean landscape .
With a collection of interesting holes , well-conditioned greens and fairways lined with gnarled cork , fig , olive and almond trees , it ’ s an enjoyable introduction to Costa Brava golf . Be warned that the area is susceptible to tramuntana , a cold north wind that can strike at any time . In addition to the main course , other facilities include a two-level driving range , three putting greens , a 9-hole pitch and putt , and for golfers wanting tuition there ’ s a David Leadbetter Academy .
After my first round it ’ s time to sample some of the local attractions , especially ones revolving around wine . Archaeologists suggests that vines were first introduced to the region by the Phoenicians in the 5th century BC , and since then they have become ingrained in the culture of the land . Today the wine-producing Empordà comprises around 2000 hectares of vineyards , with 423 winegrowers and 45 wineries , many of them offering wine tours and tastings .
A Brooks Koepka drive away from the Hotel Peralada is the Castillo de Peralada , a medieval castle which hosts the prestigious International Music Festival , and each summer it attracts visitors and big name artists from around the world . Close by , is the Castillo Peralada vineyard and wine cellar , and the Convento del Carmen which houses a wine museum with tools that have witnessed the evolution of wine through the ages .
DestinationGolf . travel 17