Varadero Golf Club
Cuba's premier 18-hole golf course, set within the historic Mansion Xanadú, offering coastal challenges and rich heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and wind
Varadero Golf Club
Best Time
Beat the heat and wind
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cuba's premier 18-hole golf course, set within the historic Mansion Xanadú, offering coastal challenges and rich heritage.
"A beautiful course, technically done, with stunning views and a historical clubhouse."
Book Tee Times Early
Emailing ahead is best, as responses can be slow. Don't rely solely on walk-ins!
Prepare for Wind
The coastal location means wind is a factor. It can make shot-making tricky but adds to the challenge. :windblowingface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Signature 18th Hole
Hole 18
Tee off with stunning coastal views on this iconic signature hole, a true test of skill against the Caribbean Sea.
Mansion Xanadú
Clubhouse
Explore the elegant 1927 mansion, once owned by Irénée du Pont, now serving as the clubhouse and a historical gem.
Challenging Coastal Layout
Entire Course
Navigate an 18-hole course known for its technical design, challenging winds, and beautiful ocean vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tee Time in Advance
Understand Course Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tee Times Early
Emailing ahead is best, as responses can be slow. Don't rely solely on walk-ins!
Prepare for Wind
The coastal location means wind is a factor. It can make shot-making tricky but adds to the challenge. :windblowingface:
Consider a Lesson
Guillermo offers fantastic introductory lessons, even on Sundays. Highly recommended! :golf:
Cart Rental Costs
Carts are an additional cost, around US$44 per person per day. Check for inclusions. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tee Times Early
Emailing ahead is best, as responses can be slow. Don't rely solely on walk-ins!
Prepare for Wind
The coastal location means wind is a factor. It can make shot-making tricky but adds to the challenge. :windblowingface:
Consider a Lesson
Guillermo offers fantastic introductory lessons, even on Sundays. Highly recommended! :golf:
Cart Rental Costs
Carts are an additional cost, around US$44 per person per day. Check for inclusions. :moneywithwings:
Hydration is Key
Free water for buggies isn't always provided, so bring your own or be prepared to purchase. :water_wave:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Varadero Golf Club offers a unique golfing experience with its challenging coastal layout and the historic Mansion Xanadú clubhouse. While the course conditions can be inconsistent, particularly fairways and tee boxes, the greens are generally well-maintained. Visitors praise the helpful staff and the memorable experience, though some note issues with cart availability and course upkeep.
"Great golf course wiz signatute hole no18 along coastline. Bunkers have many stone, green not impressive. 2nd holes rather challenge. No OB pole. Tee box not well maintained"
Ph Vu Dinh
"the place is beautiful, with beautiful scenes. Course well technical done. we played in April, the fairways were dry in places, but that is part of this season. I see the shortcomings in the uneven tees, in not providing transfers from nearby hotels, and they didn't give free water to buggies to the game, as is customary everywhere in the world. helpful and friendly staff. great communication when booking with manager Idania. A bit of a problem with the flow of the game some days, Marshall was missing to supervise the slow groups. but the overall impression of the course is fantastic."
Robert Kostolány
"We came here for a lesson. We tried to book by emailing, but had no reply, so we chanced a taxi ride over for 9am. Fortunately, Guillermo was available to give us a fantastic introductory lesson, even though it was a Sunday as well. We were extremely appreciative of him giving his time to us and loved meeting him. Definitely recommend for anyone considering a lesson!"
Harry Brown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Varadero Golf Club is located in Varadero, Cuba. Many visitors staying at nearby resorts, such as Melia Las Americas or Sol Palmeras, can arrange transport via taxi or resort shuttle. If you're coming from further afield, a taxi from Varadero town is the most common method. Some reviews mention a lack of provided transfers from nearby hotels, so confirm arrangements beforehand.
Taxis are readily available in Varadero and can take you to the golf club. If you're staying at a resort, inquire about their transportation services. Some visitors have also mentioned using vintage American cars for a unique arrival experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Booking in advance is highly recommended. While some can book upon arrival, emailing the club or contacting them through your resort is the most reliable method, as email responses can be slow.
Green fees can vary, and it's best to confirm current pricing when booking. Cart rentals are an additional cost, noted to be around US$44 per person per day in recent reviews.
While specific package deals aren't frequently mentioned, inquire with your resort or the golf club directly about any potential promotions or multi-round discounts, especially if you plan to play multiple days.
The club is generally open for play in the mornings, with early tee times recommended to avoid the heat and wind. Some reviews mention playing as the sun was coming up.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
Course conditions can vary seasonally. While greens are typically well-kept, fairways might be dry in places, and sand traps may require maintenance. The course is known for its technical design and challenging winds.
Yes, club rentals are available. However, some reviews mention the condition of rental equipment, so it's worth inspecting them upon arrival.
Yes, golf lessons are offered. Guillermo is specifically recommended for fantastic introductory lessons, even on Sundays.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, standard golf attire is generally expected. This typically includes collared shirts and appropriate golf shorts or trousers.
The clubhouse and restaurant, located in the historic Mansion Xanadú, likely have a smart casual dress code. It's advisable to dress respectfully, especially when dining.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The club features an elegant bar and restaurant within the historic Mansion Xanadú. They offer cocktails and dining experiences, with some events featuring local bartenders.
While not always guaranteed, some events and services may provide refreshments on the course. It's advisable to bring your own water or confirm availability beforehand.
Varadero offers a range of dining options outside the golf club. Some visitors have enjoyed delicious lobster dinners at local establishments for reasonable prices.
📸 📸 Photography
The 18th hole with its coastal views is a prime spot. The historic Mansion Xanadú also offers beautiful architectural shots. The overall scenic beauty of the course provides many picturesque moments. 
Yes, vintage American cars are sometimes used for transport to the course, offering a unique photographic opportunity that blends Cuban history with the golf experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨🏌️ Golf Enthusiasts
Be prepared for additional costs for cart rentals (around US$44 per person/day) and ensure you have booked your tee time in advance, as communication can be slow. Despite potential course condition variations, the unique setting and the challenge make it a worthwhile experience for golf aficionados seeking a different kind of golfing adventure.
✈️ History & Culture Buffs
+1 Exploring its rooms and enjoying the panoramic views provides a fascinating cultural experience. The presence of vintage cars often used for transport further enhances the nostalgic atmosphere. This blend of sport and history makes the club appealing even to those who aren't avid golfers. It's an opportunity to step back in time, appreciate unique architecture, and understand a part of Cuba's heritage, all within a beautiful coastal setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Mansion Xanadú
+1Visiting the mansion is an experience in itself, offering a glimpse into the opulent past of Varadero. The architecture and ambiance provide a unique backdrop, making it a popular spot for both golfers and visitors seeking a taste of history and refined Caribbean charm.
Playing the Course: Tips and Conditions
While the greens are generally well-maintained, reviews indicate that fairway conditions can be inconsistent, particularly during drier seasons, with some areas showing crabgrass. Sand traps and tee boxes may also require attention. Despite these potential shortcomings, the course is consistently described as fun to play, with helpful and friendly staff eager to please.
For those looking to improve their game, lessons are available and highly recommended. Guillermo is specifically praised for his introductory lessons, offering valuable insights for golfers of all levels.
Golfing in Cuba: A Unique Experience
Visitors often arrive in style, sometimes being transported to the course in vintage American cars, adding a nostalgic flair to the outing.
The atmosphere is generally welcoming, with staff described as helpful and friendly. While the course conditions might not always match international standards, the overall experience is often highlighted as memorable and enjoyable, especially for those seeking something beyond a typical golf vacation. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit