Confession: I’m a terrible golfer. To be quite frank, the last time I found myself smack in the middle of a golf course was my wedding day. Now, while I may not have the best swing in the game, I’ve always had a love and fascination for the peace and luxury that is married to one of the most beloved sports in the world.

When Nitin and I were searching for luxury resorts in Nova Scotia, it came as no surprise that the vast majority were situated in and around some of the country’s most beautiful golf courses. Being Canada’s first and only authentic links golf resort, the reoccurring presence of Cabot Links in our online search made it impossible to overlook. We were fortunate to spend a couple days at this stunning resort, enjoying an unparalleled golf experience, soaking in the beautiful panoramic views and devouring some amazing maritime seafood! I’m excited to share not only my Cabot Links experience, but interviews with some amazing people from the Cabot team.

Located along the coast of Cape Breton in Inverness, Cabot Links Lodge is truly a feast for the eyes. Upon arrival, Nitin and I were escorted to a beautifully modern room overlooking the golf course and ocean. Designed by award-winning Nova Scotia architect Susan Fitzgerald, I love how you can look out the floor-to-ceiling windows to see golfers in action ..there is no bad view in the place.

After we settled in and freshened up, we made our way to the Cabot Bar where we sat outside, enjoyed a drink and watched as golfers finished their rounds before sundown. I wore my striped Design Lab romper (now on sale) and my Louis Vuitton Speedy handbag. I kept my accessories simple, wearing my newTiffany & Co Paloma Picasso Knot Double Braid Wrap Bracelet (a special gift from Nitin earlier in the day) and my Effy earrings.

We had reservations at Panorama Restaurant, which as the name suggests, offers picturesque, panoramic views of Cabot Links. The sunset at Cabot Links is breathtaking, so naturally I was that person, sneaking out the restaurant door between courses to snap some pics. The food at Panorama is absolutely divine, and I hands-down recommend the lobster (I suggest making a reservation in advance, and requesting a table by the window). After a great meal and one too many glasses of wine, Nitin and I found our way back to our room for some much-needed rest.

The following morning we were greeted by Golf Pro Emeritus, Joe Robinson. Joe took us on a quick drive over to Cabot’s newest course, Cabot Cliffs, where he was kind enough to provide us with a private tour. With the main hub of the resort being situated around Cabot Links (the rooms and restaurants are all less than a 1 minute walk from each other), I didn’t think it could get any better than that. I was wrong.

Upon pulling up to Cabot Cliffs I was blown away by the scenery. Nestled above ocean bluffs, it’s no surprise why this this postcard-worthy course was named by Golf Digest as the best new course in North America after only a few short months of being open. You are greeted by an overwhelming sense of calmness, as Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the dramatic cliffs and rolling sand dunes make Cabot Cliffs a world class destination that invites golfers on a journey unlike any other.

POWER Q&A WITH JOE ROBINSON

What is the most difficult hole?

The 7^th and 16^th. The 16^th is a par 3 over the cliff.

How many par 3 holes do you have?

At Cabot Cliffs we have an equal number of par 3, par 4 and par 5, for no other reason than that is what made sense when it was being designed.

Are there any plans in the future to build a spa on the resort?

We would love to do that but we need more rooms first. That is our first priority, then the clubhouse, and eventually a spa.

How far in advance do you recommend booking?

We are currently at a 98% occupancy. We book as far as one year in advance, so I recommend booking as soon as possible.

I also had the chance to chat with Beth MacLellan from the Cabot Marketing team to learn more behind two of the world’s top golf courses.

With Cabot Links rated one of the top golf courses in the world to play, what was the reason behind creating Cabot Cliffs?

As Mike Keiser, who is the co-founder and co-owner of the courses puts it; One golf course is a curiosity but two makes it a destination. Cabot Cliffs was a part of the equation from the start and since opening the course for preview play last year, we have certainly found Mr. Keiser’s philosophy to be true.

What are some of the main differences between Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs?

In Managing Partner Ben Cowan Dewar’s words; The sites are really different. Links is lower and closer to the water, while Cliffs is elevated. I think the thing that excited us all about Cliffs from the beginning was the diversity of the site – from the Cliffs that yield the name at the north end to the sand dunes at the south end.

Why are Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs walking only golf courses?

Links courses are designed to be walking only. It’s how the game was played hundreds of years ago in the sport’s humble beginnings in Scotland and it’s the best way to get the true links golf experience. Feeling the turf under your feet as you walk towards your ball, thinking about your next shot and taking in the coastal vistas is an experience that cannot be matched in a power cart. Its golf the way it’s meant to be played.

If you require a cart for medical reasons, we do have a few on hand – just be sure to book the cart well in advance.  A medical certificate is required and a caddie must drive the cart.

Do you ever host weddings on-site?

While it’s something we are thinking about for the future, we don’t yet have a suitable venue for weddings and prefer to keep our focus on the golf for the time being… although we have had quite a few on-course proposals

Other things to do in Inverness:

• If you’re staying at Cabot Links I recommend checking out Inverness Beach. Walk the boardwalk, stroll along the beach, or take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean (in August the water temperature can reach 25°C)
• The Downstreet Coffee Company is a quaint place in town to grab a latte or bite to eat

Happy golfing!

xo, Kiki

A special thank you to the Cabot Links team Marie-Helene, Beth & Joe from the Cabot Links team!