WINTER 2012I sea&iI45DOMAINE DE SPERONE, CORSICAConsidered by many to be one of Europe's finest courses and among the world's top ten interms of challenge, Corsica's Domaine de Spérone sits on a cliff near the fortress town ofBonifacio. Designed by legendary golfer and course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr, andopened in 1990, it is divided into nine inland holes and nine links holes. The front nine arelocated amid Corsican bushland and pine trees, and the back nine are set on rocky terrainand boast spectacular views over the Bonifacio Straits below. SIGNATURE HOLEThe entire course is wonderfully scenic, but the 16th offers the most picturesque views of the coastlineTERRE BLANCHE GOLF CLUB,PROVENCE, FRANCEThe Four Seasons Terre Blanche course is located in a smallcorner of Provence on the edge of the Côte d'Azur. The twocourses - 'Le Château' and 'Le Riou' - which opened in 2004,were designed by Dave Thomas who made use of theProvençal hillsides to create highly technical layouts thatmeander through pine-clad hills punctuated by a series of lakes.Le Riou sits on higher ground and features a series of doglegturns that require absolute concentration and accuracy; thatsaid, Le Château is said to be the tougher of the two courses. SIGNATURE HOLEThe 11th offers stunning views over the Provençal villages facing the resorttopfiveOther notable courses in popular cruising grounds include the Four Seasons Resort's Robert Trent Jones(Jnr) Golf Course on Nevis; Four Seasons Resort's Emerald Bay in the Bahamas; Verdura Golf & Spa Resort in Sicily; Pevero Golf Club in Sardinia; Hamilton Island Golf Club, Queensland, Australia; The Hills GolfCourse, Arrowtown, New Zealand

Booby IslandNewcastleBurnabyCottonGroundNew River WhitehallZetlandsBrown HillCharlestownNevis is charming andlaid-back but if youfancy a hit of style head to the Four Seasons.Four restaurants cover the ambit from formalplantation style settingsto stylish open-air dining.There's also a superb spa - try the 50-minuteAphrodisiac Experiencefor two, where a Swedishmassage is topped offwith a glass of bubbly.Then head to Sunshine's- a beach bar servingpotent Killer Bee cocktails.For a dose ofCaribbean air,breathtaking viewsand a challenge,book a round onthe 18-hole, par 71 Four SeasonsGolf Course. Acquaint yourselfwith the story ofthe island at theMuseum of NevisHistory, set in aGeorgian style buildingbuilt around 1680. Whilein Charlestown harbour,take in views of St Kitts on the horizon.Horse racing is big newson Nevis and everymonth the Indian CastleRace Track hosts an after-noon of it. If your chartercoincides, head here formusic, racing, barbecuesand carnival fun. You caneven hire a private box for the occasion. Among scenic additions to the island are theBotanical Gardens. Sculptures and fountains sitalongside roses, vines, cacti, fruit terraces, herbs andorchids. There is also a rainforest conservatory housingtropical plants, waterfalls, Mayan-style sculptures andcolourful parrots. Beyond, views of Nevis Peak providethe perfect scenic backdrop. In a building dating back to 1778, the beautifullyrestored Great House restaurant at the NisbetPlantation Beach Club welcomes guests with indoor dining or candlelit tables on the verandah. Specialitiesinclude lobster, Mahi Mahi, sorbets and pastries. If you're fit, weave yourway up trails throughthe rainforest to the topof Nevis Peak. Book aqualified guide to takeyou on the best routes,and along the way hemay even point out localbush remedies. Try to goon a cloud-free day tomake the most of theviews from the mountain.The Golden Rock Nature Trail at the Golden RockPlantation Inn is an easy hike through tropicalfoliage. Fruit trees, flowers and rainforest plantsline the route and you'll encounter the local AfricanGreen (Vervet) monkeys. The Golden Rock Inn onthe Golden Rock Plantation Estate is a great spotfor local island colour, and also for delicious lobstersandwiches by the pool.Beaches abound so pick which one best suits yourplans for the day. For swimming and beach bars, try Cades Bay, Pinney's Beach and Herbert's Beach; for snorkelling, head to Gallow's Bay, Long Haul Bay and Nisbet Beach; and for a picnic, Ft Ashby is perfect.46Isea&iIWINTER 2012N