For UK golfers who feel like they have fully explored Spain and Portugal and are seeking a new frontier in luxury travel, Mission Hills Haikou on Hainan Island offers something genuinely breathtaking. This is not just a golf resort — it is a ten-course megacomplex built over ancient lava fields, paired with one of the largest natural mineral springs and spa complexes in the world. Fully tailored luxury itineraries pull this together into seamless experiences where private transfers, guaranteed tee times, and post-golf downtime are all meticulously curated.
Why Mission Hills Haikou Works So Well for UK Golfers
Mission Hills Haikou is widely regarded as the showpiece of Chinese golf, featuring 10 international-standard layouts, each with its own distinct personality and architectural theme. For UK golfers, this destination hits a perfect sweet spot for a long-haul escape:
- A true resort bubble — Once you arrive, everything from world-class golf to diverse dining and extensive spa facilities is on site, eliminating logistical stress.
- Ideal Winter Escape — While the UK is in the grip of frost and rain, Hainan enjoys warm, tropical weather, making it a superb destination for a winter golf holiday.
- Unmatched Variety — The sheer number of courses means every day’s play feels entirely different, easily sustaining a 7–10 night dedicated golf trip without repetition.
Spotlight on the Key Volcanic Courses
While all ten courses offer high standards, three layouts stand out as essential plays for visiting groups.
The Blackstone Course — The Tournament Powerhouse
Blackstone is the headline act at Mission Hills Haikou. Stretching over a vast tract of ancient lava rock, it was designed from the outset to host top-tier professional tournaments, including the World Cup of Golf. Expect bold bunkering, dramatic elevation changes, and striking contrasts between emerald fairways, black rock, and white sand. It provides a visual theatre that UK golfers rarely, if ever, encounter at home.
Lava Fields — Drama on the Rocks
Lava Fields doubles down on the volcanic theme. This layout routes holes through rugged rock formations and sprawling sandy waste areas. Strategy is dictated by where you choose to carry or skirt the jagged lava. It is a visually intimidating but exhilarating test that suits confident ball-strikers who enjoy risk-reward golf.
Sandbelt Trails — Inspired by Australia
Sandbelt Trails channels the classic Melbourne sandbelt feel, characterised by wide driving corridors, intricate green complexes, and steep-faced bunkering that demands strategic thought rather than brute force. It is an excellent course for mixed-ability groups, giving higher handicappers room off the tee while still rewarding precise approach play and short-game creativity.
Navigating the Practicalities
Travel & Visas for UK Citizens
Planning a trip to China can seem daunting, but Hainan Island has specific policies designed to encourage international tourism.
Hainan Visa-Free Access for UK Travellers
Crucially for British citizens, Hainan Island offers visa-free access for tourists from 59 countries, including the UK, for stays of up to 30 days. To utilise this, your trip must be booked through a registered travel agency, which handles the necessary submission. This removes the main administrative hurdle usually associated with travelling to mainland China.
Flights and Transfers
While there are few direct flights from the UK to Haikou, excellent connection options exist. Most luxury travellers choose to fly overnight from major UK airports to hubs like Hong Kong, Singapore, or Bangkok, followed by a short connecting flight to Haikou (HAK). From the airport, private, air-conditioned transfers take you directly to the resort.
The Caddie Experience in China
A significant difference between golfing in the UK and Hainan is the presence of caddies. At Mission Hills Haikou, caddies are mandatory. They are typically young women who provide a fantastic service, managing your clubs, driving the cart, raking bunkers, and offering invaluable advice on green reading — essential on these complex championship surfaces. While caddie fees are often included in luxury packages, a standard tip of around 100–150 RMB per round is expected and highly appreciated for their hard work.
Hot Springs, Spa & Non-Golf Activities
Mission Hills Haikou is famous not only for golf, but also for its extensive mineral hot springs and spa facilities, which are indispensable for restoring weary muscles after 18 holes. The Volcanic Mineral Springs area features dozens of themed pools based on different global regions, surrounded by lush landscaping.
For non-golfers or partners in the group, days can be spent moving between hot pools, enjoying specialised massages, or joining cultural excursions into Haikou’s volcanic cluster global geopark and coastal areas.
Who These Packages Are Best For
Mission Hills Haikou golf packages are ideal for:
- UK golf societies seeking a single-base, high-volume golf trip with minimal travel between rounds.
- Luxury couples where one partner is a serious golfer and the other prefers extensive spa, pool, and fine dining options.
- Winter sun seekers looking for a premium alternative to traditional Caribbean or Indian Ocean destinations.
For those wanting to experience more of Hainan, it is easy to combine Haikou with a few nights at oceanside courses on Hainan’s Shenzhou Peninsula, creating a broader China golf holiday with both volcanic and coastal links experiences.
