Cabot Collection takes expansion global — and not done yet

The recent expansion of the Cabot Collection portfolio has turned heads in the golf travel industry, especially with the addition of some stunning locations and architectural layouts. 

In just the last 10 months alone, the luxury destination brand will have opened resorts and golf locations in St. Lucia in the Caribbean, France and Florida, landing a location in the United States for the first time since the company’s first course opened in 2012.

The addition of Cabot Bordeaux in France marks a significant milestone for Cabot as it expands its international presence. The property showcases 36 holes of golf designed by acclaimed architects Bill Coore and Rod Whitman and is set across 400 acres of verdant landscape, tucked between rolling vineyards and picturesque French countryside. Both Cabot Bordeaux courses are lauded among the best in Europe by Golf Magazine and Golf Digest.

Cabot Bordeaux :: Photo: Cabot Bordeaux

The news of the former Golf Du Medoc Resort being rebranded as Cabot Bordeaux came one month prior to golf taking center stage at the Paris Olympics. Bordeaux, one of the world’s premier wine regions, is in southwest France, a six-hour drive from Paris.

“Bordeaux holds a special place in the hearts of travelers worldwide, known not only for its rich history and stunning landscapes, but also for its remarkable culinary offerings and universally revered wine,” says Ben Cowan-Dewar, CEO and co-founder of Cabot. “We are thrilled to now have a presence in this iconic destination and look forward to offering guests unforgettable experiences that seamlessly blend exploration and cultural immersion with world-class golf.” 

Cabot Cape Breton, the company’s flagship property, opened to international acclaim 12 years ago and boasts Canada’s No. 1- and No. 2-ranked courses. The tremendous success of the property catapulted the once unknown destination of Inverness in Nova Scotia onto the world stage, and today Cabot Cape Breton is widely considered Canada’s top golf destination. 

Since then, the company has grown to include seven properties with more on the horizon. Despite the incredible trajectory of Cowan-Dewar’s golf empire, the CEO says the core of the brand remains unchanged — find truly singular pieces of land that will stand the test of time and create unforgettable experiences for visitors. 

“And we give back to the destinations through job creation, philanthropy and sustainability,” he says.    

Golfers can still take advantage of unlimited golf in September at Cabot Cape Breton. Starting at $427.50 per person through Sept. 24 based on double occupancy golfers receive the following: a one night stay, one round of golf per person on Cabot Links or Cabot Cliffs, unlimited daytime golf on The Nest par-3 course and a $25 food and beverage credit. 

Meanwhile, Cabot St. Lucia opened in December 2023 and was the first Caribbean design for one of golf’s great architect teams of Coore and Ben Crenshaw. 

Second hole of Cabot St. Lucia :: Photo: Cabot St. Lucia

“On a shoreline like this Mother Nature pretty much tells you where the holes are going to be,” Coore says of the stunning design in lush St. Lucia.  “Here you don’t just have the opportunity to play along the sea but in numerous places you play over the water – from one high point to another — and you just don’t see that too much.”

Florida will take center stage in less than a month for Cabot. 

Cabot Citrus Farms, located in the central-west region of Florida, has a landscape unlike any other in the Sunshine State, featuring sandy soil, 80-foot elevation changes and expansive natural waste bunkers. Generous rolling fairways are flanked by a unique mix of palmetto trees, towering sand pines and 100-year-old oak trees draped in enchanting Spanish moss.

Cabot Citrus Farms :: Photo: Cabot Citrus Farms

Previously known as World Woods Golf Club, the newly acquired Cabot property of 1,200 acres features two revitalized 18-hole golf courses, one nine-hole course, an 11-hole par-3 course, a new clubhouse and an unparalleled practice facility. In addition to golf, the property will offer accommodations, real estate and a Sporting Club.

The Karoo, with a slope of 142 from the back tees and designed by upstart architect Kyle Franz; The Squeeze, a nine-hole layout designed by Mike Nuzzo; and The Wedge are open for Preview Play. 

Meanwhile, The Roost will open Nov. 1 with preview play starting on or before Oct. 1. The story behind The Roost is an evolution of utilizing a multitude of different people’s talents to showcase the best from the property. Cowan-Dewar’s fascination of great collaborations, the principals of The Roost includes Nuzzo, Franz, Whitman and Ran Morrissett.