The stunning coastal landscapes of the Caribbean and Latin America make for some of the most visually striking golf courses in the world. Picture playing a round set against a backdrop of powdery white sand beaches, dramatic rock outcroppings, rolling volcanic slopes, or even tropical rainforests. Pair all that with a stay at a luxe resort with plenty to offer in the way of culinary experiences, spas, natural beauty, and relaxation off the course, and you’ve got a memory-making golf escape.
These beach and golf resorts in the Caribbean and Latin America, which rank among the finest on the planet, all feature full 18-hole courses by world-renowned architects. At many courses, Marriott Bonvoy members can get extra discounts on golf and lodging packages, as well as non-prime tee times, all while enjoying seamless booking and earning additional points. Filtering by “Golf” on the Marriott Bonvoy App makes finding golf resorts and planning a cinch.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Costa Rica
The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa
Set on Costa Rica’s dramatic North Pacific Riviera, the resort’s 18-hole, par 71 course designed by world-renowned Robert Trent Jones Jr. wraps around lakes and natural ravines while showcasing ocean views. The course rolls across hilly waterfront terrain with frequent elevation changes through dense tropical forests teeming with wildlife. Manicured Bermuda-grass greens are pristinely maintained with play limited to residents and guests of the 2,400-acre Reserva Conchal community.
The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa is a rare all-inclusive golf resort, with perfect facilities for a tropical golf destination, including a state-of-the-art fitness studio, spa, tennis courts, lagoon-style pool, and a dozen bars and restaurants spanning global cuisines. While the grown-ups hit the greens, smaller travelers can spend the day at the Kids Club or even take lessons to work on their own swings.
Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort
Costa Rica’s coastal rainforest makes for a jaw-dropping setting in which to tee off. Set overlooking the shoreline, La Iguana is a Ted Robinson–designed championship golf course flanked by banana trees, flowering orchids, and lush foliage. More than 150 species of fauna, including the massive multicolored scarlet macaw, call this place home. La Iguana is fun and playable thanks to the shorter tees but also offers a stiff challenge to better players, with a 145 slope rating.
For a real treat, book one of the swim-up rooms opening directly onto an adults-only pool at Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort. The tropical-themed spa offers treatments along with yoga classes, there is a top-notch fitness center, and the resort has several food and beverage outlets, including upscale steakhouse 18 & Greene and a unique Latin American food truck featuring the flavors of Mexico, Costa Rica, and Argentina.
Puerto Rico
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
The intimate Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve resides on the sprawling 50-acre grounds of a former Rockefeller private estate. The entire resort embraces its spectacular natural setting, complete with tropical gardens, pristine landscaping, and an 11-mile nature trail. Spa Botánico provides a truly elevated wellness experience, featuring outdoor treatments surrounded by tropical greenery. With a family-friendly water park, luxurious private pool cabanas, a full complement of water sports, and five delectable bars and restaurants, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Even with all of these world-class amenities, two bucket-list-worthy 18-hole courses really set this resort apart. Players are treated to one sweeping Caribbean vista after another on the legendary 7,200-yard East Course, a classic by Robert Trent Jones Sr. redone by his son Robert Trent Jones Jr. Each hole is framed by tropical trees, bunkers are filled with native beach sand, and the greens are impeccable. The newer West Course, opened in 2024, is a mostly inland parkland layout that still offers breathtaking ocean views with lakes and tree-lined fairways, where holes frequently shift direction to make the wind important to strategy.
Dominican Republic
The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort
When it comes to Caribbean golf vacations, the Dominican Republic is a top destination for good reason. The Punta Espada golf course, located just steps from the lobby of The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort, is considered by many pros to be the nation’s best. The Jack Nicklaus gem stretches almost 7,400-yards with ultradramatic peninsula holes jutting into the azure sea, plus vast waste areas of sand and palm trees and long coastal bunkers flanking greens and fairways.
In addition to superb golf, The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort offers guests everything from a lavish spa to four unique pools. There’s also a kids club, a fully equipped fitness center, and a private sandy beach. To make matters even more indulgent, guests are treated to the exceptional service of the St. Regis butlers. After a few rounds of golf, unwind with a signature St. Regis riff on the classic bloody mary cocktail or by checking out the daily complimentary Champagne sabering at sunset.
Tee off among tropical greenery and emerald fairways at Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort Panama, Autograph Collection. (Photos: Marriott International)
Panama
The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort Panama, Autograph Collection
Located on the Riviera Pacifica on Panama’s western coast, The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort Panama, Autograph Collection has a prime location near some of the nation’s finest beaches. Guests enjoy six pool complexes, a ropes course, a fitness center, tennis courts, a spa, a beach club, and a sports club, plus easy access to hiking trails. It doesn’t hurt that every room has a private balcony for enjoying Panama’s wonderful equatorial climate. A curated cocktail program showcases fine Panamanian fine rums throughout the property, including at the swim-up pool bar.
The 18-hole golf course is a top-notch Jack Nicklaus number that has hosted numerous tournaments. Local flowers and trees are integrated into the landscaping, which is dotted with sandy waste areas and powdery bunkers. Rolling, mounded fairways and multiple water hazards ensure that every hole is a unique experience. Bonus: Panama lies outside the Atlantic hurricane zone, meaning it has reliably good weather, making it bookable year-round.
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