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Forbes
30-06-2025
- Forbes
5 Things We Love About Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
This Big Island resort is the perfect summer destination. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Summer is here, and if you haven't planned your vacation, Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Four Seasons Resort Hualalai beckons. On the Western shore of the Big Island of Hawaii in Kailua-Kona, the resort offers something for everyone, from couples seeking a romantic retreat to families looking for outdoor adventures. Many of the rooms boast oceanfront views, the sandy beach is ideal for snorkeling and the massive yet walkable property is filled with lush plants, palm trees swaying in the wind and other local flora and fauna. There's much to love about this tropical escape, but here are the five things beyond the inviting contemporary Hawaiian accommodations that make a stay at the Four Seasons Hualalai so memorable. Tee it up on Jack Nicklaus-designed greens. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai There are two gorgeous layouts on the property: one is a Jack Nicklaus-designed signature course for hotel guests and another is for members of the local homeowners association. Both are dotted with stunning black lava rock formations and have excellent views of the Pacific glittering in the near distance. After a morning round, an afternoon at Hualalai Golf Hale is essential. The Hale is a clubhouse featuring an indoor Topgolf Swing Suite, complimentary snacks and drinks, an extensive outdoor driving range and a putting green. The hitting bay features Trackman monitors, allowing you to track the distance and speed of your ball. The friendly staff also gives lessons and hosts the Mitsubishi Electric Championship, a PGA Tour golf tournament that takes place every January. Everything about the course is state-of-the-art, including the golf carts, which are outfitted with personal sound systems and detailed digital maps of each hole. But be warned: the advanced carts will automatically stop if you attempt to drive in restricted areas. NOIO is the resort's new sushi lounge. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Four Seasons Resort Hualalai provides six unique culinary options, in addition to poolside offerings and room service. The Hualalai Trading Company is a coffee and snack shack with breakfast burritos and smoothies adjacent to the fitness center. The Resident's Beach House is an oceanside watering hole with exceptional seafood enchiladas, inventive salads (see: the grilled lobster wedge) and crispy fish tacos. Beach Tree is the property's coastal Italian restaurant and a see-and-be-seen spot during sunset. It's also a sensational lunch destination with stellar hummus and crudité, a housemade hot dog served Chicago-style and scrumptious ceviche. Miller & Lux Hualalai is celebrity chef Tyler Florence's upscale American steakhouse. With gorgeous decor, an impeccable setting overlooking the 18th hole and elevated classic dishes (truffle deviled eggs, Caesar salad prepared tableside and tomahawk steaks), it's an excellent place for a festive meal to kick-start a vacation. 'ULU, the Big Island resort's signature eatery, recently underwent a remodel and menu update. The fresh look pairs wonderfully with chef Richard Polhemus and chef de cuisine Chris Damskey's elevated Hawaiian and pan-Asian-inspired fare. Oysters, which are grown and harvested at an on-property farm, can be ordered with 'ULU's signature caviar. The menu also serves crispy gochujang-glazed chicken, miso butter-broiled king crab legs and a decadent ahi tuna Wellington with local mushrooms and foie gras kabayaki. There's also the new NOIO, a sushi lounge on 'ULU's second floor. Chef Nuri Piccio is behind the wildly fresh omakase experience, where diners embark on a journey that begins with delectable bites, including oysters with salmon roe and chawanmushi (a Japanese egg custard with uni and blue crab). A seemingly endless array of nigiri and sashimi made with locally caught, sustainable seafood follows. Rejuvenate at the Four-Star Hualalai Spa. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai The Sports Club and Wellness Center Fitness is not overlooked at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. In fact, it's an integral part of the hotel experience. The massive gym curates a packed roster of Pilates, yoga and cardio-barre fusion classes. There are rows of bikes and treadmills, weight training equipment, a lap pool, seven tennis courts and three pickleball courts. Saunas, steam rooms, hot whirlpools and cold plunges are also a part of the wellness journey. At the Four-Star Hualalai Spa, those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation can find it in treatments such as aloe-leaf cocoon, acupuncture, reiki, oxygen-infusion facials and hot stone massages. If water sports interest you more, try aquatic adventures like fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and private night snorkeling where you swim alongside manta rays. There's a pool scene for every type of traveler to dive into here. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai The Pools Choose from eight distinct pools at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. The glamorous Palm Grove Pool is an adults-only oasis in the heart of a picturesque palm grove. The King's Pond is a saltwater snorkeling area with tropical fish, allowing guests the chance to see the sea without actually going into the ocean. Sitting above the pond is the infinity-edge pool King's Pool. Carved out of lava rock and a natural breakwater, the Ocean Pool is the resort's ocean swim area. A treasure chest with toys and a white sandy bottom is found at the Keiki Children's Pool, while the Sea Shell Pool is a saltwater jewel designed for families. If you want to get in some exercise, an Olympic-style lap pool is at the sports club and spa. Beach Tree Pool is a quiet area where cell phone calls and loud voices are not allowed. All pools have hospitable staff members who surprise guests with thoughtful amenities like frosé, popsicles or sunglasses cleaner. Each pool also comes with its own culinary and cocktail offerings, so if you're in the mood for a margarita and guacamole, order away. Miller & Lux has imaginative drinks on its menu. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai The Mai Tais The mai tai is the unofficial cocktail of the Hawaiian Islands. Upon arrival, hotel guests receive a traditional ceramic glass filled with rum punch. The first sip sets the mood for an exciting trip to come. Traditionally made with rum, lime juice and orgeat (an almond-flavored syrup), mai tais are on every restaurant and pool's drinks menu at the luxury resort. Each dining destination has its variation, and the bartenders take pride in creating these original concoctions. For example, at 'ULU, the mai tai is mixed with Aperol and mint, while at NOIO, it features pistachio paste along with dry Curacao. Miller & Lux's version comes flaming with two types of rum and passion fruit puree. Pineapple juice, lemon, macadamia nuts and guava nectar are other ingredients added to the mai tais around the resort. Our favorite option is at the Palm Grove Pool. This superb take on the classic Trader Vic's mai tai recipe uses three types of rum, housemade orgeat and a dark rum float. Grab one before you head to the airport. It'll help ease the disappointment of having to check out of paradise. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Forbes Travel Guide's Best Hotel Bars For 2025 By Jennifer Kester Forbes 6 Breathtaking New York City Rooftop Bars By Spencer Whaley Forbes 18 Undiscovered Beach Getaways By Forbes Travel Guide Forbes 7 Remarkable Resorts With 9-Hole Golf Courses By Katie Sweeney
Tom's Guide
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Tom's Guide
I was one of the first in the US to try this new golf simulator — and it's as good as it gets
The commercial golf simulator space is incredibly competitive, with companies like Trackman, Golfzon and X Golf attracting both dedicated golfers and casual players looking for a night out. A new player has entered the space in the U.S. named Golf VX (it's been popular in Korea for some time), and I was one of the first in the U.S. to try it and write about my experience. And what an experience it was. With its beautiful graphics, moving floor, and various hitting surfaces, Golf VX delivers an experience closer to real golf than any other simulator I've tried. Right now, locations are few and far between. I went to the North Dartmouth, MA, location to sample the experience, and there's also a flagship location in Arlington Heights, IL (near Chicago). There's a third location coming to Clawson, MI, though I haven't heard exactly when that'll open. However, based on how good this technolgy is, I expect it to find its way to cities around the U.S. soon. If you're near either of those locations, the Golf VX website is where you'll need to go to book your tee time. To oversimplify, a golf simulator consists of three main components: the launch monitor (which detects ball and club data), the software, and the enclosure. There are different components within each of these (for example, the mat in the enclosure), but at the core, these are what make a simulator function. The relative quality of these parts determines the overall quality of the experience. The way everything comes together to create a fast, cohesive experience will make or break a golf simulator. Thankfully, since I drove more than two hours to try it, Golf VX delivers top-tier experiences on all fronts. The pricey launch monitor technology felt incredibly accurate. That is to say, all of my clubs traveled the distance I expected them to, and shots were directionally where they looked they'd be on an actual course based on feel and look of the shot as it slammed into the impact screen. And that's where the software comes into play — the shots left the club face in the real world and quickly showed on the screen with gorgeous graphics. The wealth of settings and tweaks you can make to customize the experience is unmatched in any other simulator I've tried (including the great and beloved Trackman). But what takes it a step further is the hitting area. Rather than just a mat with some rubber tees, you get a moving floor that simulates lies with the ball above or below your feet. You also get a sand and rough area to drop your ball when hitting out of those areas on the screen, creating a more authentic experience. And most importantly, hitting out of the rough and sand feels like it should in real life, or at least close enough to the real thing to not feel off. Perhaps my favorite thing about Golf VX's simulator is that putting is actually enjoyable (and accurate). The biggest thing I can say about the experience of playing and practicing with Golf VX is that it's fun and intuitive. Every detail feels thoughtfully crafted, from selecting courses and adjusting the settings on the touchscreen to swinging and hitting shots. Outside of the golf, the particular location I visited in North Dartmouth, MA, felt upscale, with beautiful wood accents, a high-end bar, and all the other amenities you expect from a high-end golf simulator lounge. I'm eager for Golf VX to expand its presence in the U.S., as it would be my go-to simulator spot if one were closer. With the technology being as good as it is, it definitely puts all of the other golf simulator companies on notice.
Hamilton Spectator
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
ICYMI: Squamish business beat: Always a nice day for golf—new indoor simulation venue opens
An alternate golf facility has opened on Discovery Way this week, boasting simulation technology and Scottish heritage. See video- The Squamish Valley Golf Club is a local favourite, but what do you do when the infamous Squamish rain just won't let up or when you want some privacy to brush up on your putting skills before hitting the local course?' Well, the new Swings Indoor Golf, located on Discovery Way, has you covered. Swings is the brainchild of native Scotsman turned long-time Squamish resident, Fraser Robertson, who first thought of the business venture last summer, before starting the venue's construction in February. Robertson grew up in Fife, Scotland, in the U.K. where he played outdoor golf with his family for years before moving to B.C., and he has continued to play since, observing how the unpredictable Squamish weather can limit many outdoor hobbies and activities for some people. 'I've seen golf get busier and busier in Squamish,' Robertson said. 'I felt there was room for another practice facility in town to make [golf] more accommodating and accessible.' Robertson explained how some people have reached out to him, describing how golf intimidates them, especially when they're first starting to play. 'You may not want to play in front of a line-up of people, so this is the perfect place to come on your own,' he said. The venue uses a simulation program called Trackman to enable you to step into the world of virtual reality (VR), and choose any type of scenery you wish; furthermore, you may choose the weather and time of day, which syncs to the pace of your game. Kids also get a mini putt simulation, alongside other programs such as bowling. The Squamish Chief engaged in a taster of the simulation at the front part of the venue known as The Croft, where there is a green space for hybrid practice. The Croft, meaning a small agricultural space in Scotland, has a platform with real golf balls and clubs (bring your own or rent them), also a sloped putting green with flags and holes—or cups, if we're being technical. The screen backdrop is for the graphics, and where the simulation also displays your score and the distance of your strokes, calculating, of course, your individual aim and power. That's just one part of the venue; the back of the facility consists of more social and historical elements. The Bothy, named after rustic huts used for community events and refuge by Scottish Highland farmers, is a social lounge area with live televised golf games, and a simulation platform identical to the adjacent The Croft, also a bar for soft drinks and snacks. The Bothy is also home to Robertson's merchandise display of apparel and stickers; he has also gathered a collection of books about Scottish golfing history and personal places of interest, as well as some golfing relics. Robertson showed The Squamish Chief his antique mashie niblicks , dating from the early 20 century, found, of all places, in Fort Langley, and on Cleveland Avenue. Robertson said they were hand-forged only a few miles or hours from where he grew up in Fife, something he said is rather cathartic for him. 'I kind of wanted to go for timeless, old-school Scottish golf club vibes,' Robertson said, unmistakably referring in part to the textured, green tartan wallpaper in the bathroom. As for what makes golf such an engaging sport, he said that the game isn't about perfection, but rather self-competition, whilst balancing out players' abilities. The venue's name—Swings—Robertson said, was inspired by the now closed down Garibaldi Springs golf course, which is now becoming a housing development. Garibaldi Swings evolved to just Swings, Robertson explained, whilst gesturing to the defunct course's carved wooden relic in his collection, which he said bears the Indigenous logo for Garibaldi Springs. 'This place will be a sanctuary, available to everyone [with] coaching clinics as a huge part of the goal of this place,' he said, before elaborating on opportunities also for event-based games, and recalling recently hosting Howe Sound High School's golf team for an end-of-year celebration. Your time at Swings can be booked on the venue's website or scanned onsite via a QR code, for 30-minute to three-hour time-slots, with four people maximum per set. Players receive a confirmation email with a unique access code for the front door, and for unlocking their session; monthly members will receive their first hour for free. Swings Indoor Golf is located in unit 125 at 39455 Discovery Way, and is available for bookings 24/7. Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief's Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) Reporter. This reporting was produced through the LJI, which supports original civic journalism across Canada. The Squamish Business Beat was developed in response to local demand for more business-focused news. To be considered, please reach out to news@ . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
The Herald Scotland
06-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland's first indoor golf facility still going strong
Stuart Little is a director of The Golf Bar, whose history in Glasgow's West George Street dates back to 2007. The venue caters to thousands of avid and casual golfers every year. What's the background of the business? The venue first opened around 17 years ago as The Golf Lounge and was Scotland's first indoor golf facility. We acquired the business 18 months ago, seeing an opportunity to modernise and expand, and in turn The Golf Bar was born. Since then, we've fully refurbished the space and installed six state-of-the-art Trackman simulators. We also have a partnership with TaylorMade. What are the numbers on your employees and visitors? We have a full-time core team of eight, supported by additional staff for weekends and corporate events. Around 23,400 golfers use our simulators annually. If you include footfall through our in-house restaurant and bar, One Under Bar, and our private pool and karaoke suite, we welcome a total of approximately 50,000 visitors each year. Our clientele is a mix of traditional golfers using the technology to sharpen their game and casual guests seeking a fun, alternative night out. The Golf Bar has six Trackman simulators (Image: The Golf Bar) Are they all middle-aged men? Our core demographic is male, though we're seeing increased interest from women, particularly with ladies' golf events. We cater to a broad age range, from young adults to seasoned players. What about the technology driving your simulators? We use Trackman which is renowned for its precision and immersive experience. It offers access to over 430 world-class courses and a variety of interactive games - from virtual crazy golf to laser shooting simulations, making it versatile enough for families, groups, and serious players alike. Trackman delivers accurate swing and ball data with instant feedback, and its course simulations allow golfers to practice and play year-round indoors. Are there any special offers available? We offer everything from individual sessions to full venue hire, with catering options too. Packages start from £30 up to £1,200. Our in-house golf pro also provides professional coaching options. We cater to corporate groups, private functions, stag and hen parties, and charity events. (Image: The Golf Bar) Indoor golf has seen huge growth in the US - is the same happening in Scotland? What's driving demand? While we don't have exact UK figures, it's clear that Trackman's global growth is fuelling interest. They're currently producing around 150 units a week, which reflects the surging popularity of indoor golf worldwide. Is the market becoming more competitive, or is there room for growth? It's a growing market with increasing competition, but there's plenty of room for venues offering a comprehensive experience - from serious practice and coaching to social events and entertainment. Do you play yourself? What do you love most about the game? Yes, I play most weekends and play off 18. I love the challenge - it's never the same game twice, especially with the Scottish weather conditions! It's a great way to spend time with mates, and being involved with The Golf Bar means I can keep my swing ticking over even when I'm off the course.
Daily Record
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Refurbished Trump Turnberry to reopen one month late after vandalism
The Ailsa course at Trump Turnberry had been due to open again earlier this month but that was postponed following the vandalism in March. US President Donald Trump 's Turnberry golf course is set to reopen this weekend, one month later than planned following a vandalism attack. A refurbished Ailsa course will reopen for members, local residents and pre-booked rounds from Sunday, June 1 before new bookings can be made online from Tuesday, July 1. Renovations were underway on Turnberry 's Ailsa course when parts of the course were ripped up and red paint was sprayed on the clubhouse in March. The course's seventh and eighth holes formed the main part of the refurbishment with the seventh green relocated 50 yards inland and the tee boxes on the eighth hole have been realigned. A number of enhancements have also been made to the 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 17th holes. Turnberry has been closed since October 2024 when architect Martin Ebert began leading a £1 million revamp of the course - nine years after he first got involved at Turnberry. Originally the course was due to reopen in May 2025 but this was postponed following the vandalism. Martin said: 'On the new seventh hole, we wanted to make the most of Turnberry's stunning location by moving the green right to the coastal edge. There aren't many links courses where you have greens right on the cliff edge - so that is very special in its own right. 'For hole eight, it made a lot of sense to move the tees over to the right and produce a much better hole. The tee shot will be far improved with the new alignment, making the hole visually stunning from your first shot to your last.' Nic Oldham, general manager at Trump Turnberry, added: 'We, together with the owner, are always looking for ways to elevate the entire offering at Trump Turnberry. This includes the Ailsa and there is nobody better than Martin Ebert when it comes to taking this course to a new level. 'We look forward to welcoming guests back to experience the best ever iteration of this historic course, including the seventh hole – which now boasts one of the most picturesque and thrilling greens in the UK – and a much-improved new alignment for the eighth.' The Golf Academy at Trump Turnberry opened this month after undergoing its own renovations which include a state-of-the-art Trackman 11-bay range and cutting edge Trackman Simulator alongside a new Academy Café. Seven people have been arrested and charged in connection with the vandalism which took place at Trump Turnberry in the early hours of Saturday, March 8.
