The telltale “thwack” of clubs connecting with balls punctures the air, soon joined by the celebratory pop of champagne corks – just another afternoon at Terre Blanche Golf Resort. This ultra-luxe playground sprawled across 750 acres of fragrant Provençal countryside is a five-star sanctuary.
What was once owned by Sean Connery was later bought by German billionaire Dietmar Hopp. The golf and art enthusiast, transformed it into one of the world’s most sustainability-focused luxury golf resorts. A place where you can swing away on courses devilish enough to challenge the pros, then toast your conquering efforts over world-class gastronomy and chilled rosés by the spectacular infinity pool.
An Enviable Location
What sets the resort apart is its perfect location in the area of Tourrettes. This puts it 45 minutes from Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport, 35 minutes from Cannes, 90 minutes from Marseille, and 80 minutes from St-Tropez. Even closer to home there are pretty hill-top villages that surround the resort like a warm hug, their charming narrow streets and sun-drenched plazas beckoning you to linger over a pastis when you need a respite from the fairways.
Laid-back Luxury
But it will be hard to leave the sanctuary of Terre Blanche. The resort’s aesthetic is quintessential Provence – elegant yet understated. Don’t be fooled by the stately entranceway and manicured landscaping – there’s a laid-back, playful personality flowing through Terre Blanche. Golf carts glide along the winding paths, ferrying sun-kissed guests between heavenly pursuits – world-class golfing, sumptuous dining and back from vineyard touring.
At 750 acres, Terre Blanche is an area of land bigger than Monaco. The resort’s impressive size makes it easy to get lost amidst the winding paths, but friendly staff are always on hand to point you in the right direction. The all-suite resort offers 115 spacious villas ranging from 60 to 300 square metres. Though modest in appearance, the terracotta flooring and earthy tones give the villas a rustic charm. The bright, airy suites seamlessly blend Provençal style with all the mod cons you’d expect from a five star resort.
The large marble bathrooms will feel familiar to Four Seasons’ enthusiasts, who previously managed the hotel. All suites come with large private terraces and sun lounges; perfect for looking out on the hilltop villages in the distance with a good book in the afternoon sun; a setting that screams “unwind” in a laid-back whisper. The villas are scattered around the hotel; far enough apart to afford a sense of utmost privacy.
A Golfing Utopia
Terre Blanche is proof that they don’t just hand out the “European Tour Destination” and “Best Golf Hotel of the Year” labels to any old golf resort.
Two immaculate 18-hole championship courses unfold through towering cypress trees. In contrast to courses you might find in Dubai, where towering skyscrapers dominate the skyline, the naturalistic design at Terre Blanche seamlessly obscures any surrounding buildings or people.. It’ll feel like it’s just you and the game.
The ‘Le Riou’ course is 6616 metres / 7235 yards long and stands out for its spectacular water features; ravines; vast, rapid greens; and great bunkers of white sand. The second course, ‘Le Riou’, is private for hotel guests and club members only. With steep fairways and elaborate greens.
If golf is your religion, the Albatros Golf Performance Centre is your mecca. From cutting-edge video analysis to personalised tuition to study all aspects of the game. Even novices can live out their Tiger Woods fantasies. And if all this whets your appetite for the ultimate golf lifestyle, you can actually live at Terre Blanche permanently. Prospective residents can purchase a plot within the illustrious grounds to build their dream villa, gaining coveted access to the world-class golf club.
Sustainable Luxury
Both courses were awarded GEO certification in 2016, a distinction which recognises the resort’s eco friendly approach and represents the highest standard of credibility for golf environments worldwide. Terre Blanche’s commitment to sustainability feels genuine. Forget wooden toothbrushes, the team have got donkeys clearing the undergrowth so as not to disturb local wildlife.
The grass on both courses are converging to Dwarf Bermuda Riviera; an eco-friendly grass that reduces the consumption of water, an important and contentious issue for golf courses around the world. You can indulge in world-class golfing without an ounce of eco-guilt.
Michelin-Starred Temptations
After working up an appetite navigating the fairways, guests can satisfy their cravings at one of the resort’s four outstanding restaurants. Under the expert helm of Chef Christophe Schmitt, you’ll be treated to an opulent array of gourmet dishes The jewel is Le Faventia, a Michelin-starred temple of gastronomic artistry where contemporary French cuisine takes centre stage. Expect colourful and inventive plates.
Meanwhile, the resort’s bakery produces 17 varieties of freshly baked bread daily, elevating the sumptuous breakfast buffet to an art form. But the pièce de résistance comes in the form of a pain au chocolat, so good that it will become the standard against which you measure all future croissants.
Across all four restaurants, the rotating array of decadent desserts are a highlight, which makes it no surprise the hotel’s pastry chef has been nominated for multiple nationwide awards. The more informal restaurant, Le Gaudina is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed lunch or dinner by the bar, or out on the terrace overlooking the valleys below. It has an array of grilled fish and pasta, where mains start at around €40.
An Oasis of Rejuvenation
When the only job on your agenda is pure indulgence, the spa at Terre Blanche answers the call. This serene sanctuary offers a sublime escape with its therapeutic pools and steam rooms. If you’re travelling avec your Better Half, book the couple’s suite for a romantic his-and-hers indulgence.
Skilled therapists administer blissful treatments using organic products that’ll have you smelling like the flora and fauna that surround the spa itself.
A hive of activity
Beyond golf and spa pampering, Terre Blanche provides a plethora of pursuits for all ages. The Kids’ Club immerses younger guests in nature-based activities, while the new Teens’ Club (July-August) offers laser games, paddle sports, and tree-top adventures for 9-15 year olds.
For adults, cultural excursions also include e-bike tours to Château des Selves for cheese and wine. Or you can take a tour of Château d’Esclans, the home of world-conquering rosé brand Whispering Angel. At this idyllic domain of golfing greatness and Provençal indulgence, Terre Blanche has truly scored a Trou en un (a hole-in-one).
3100 Route de Bagnols-en-Forêt
83440 Tourrettes, Var, Provence Côte d’Azur
+33 (0)4 94 39 90 00
[email protected]
