Explore the Unmatched Charm of Saint Malo Golf Resort
Nestled within a hundred hectares of Breton countryside, where the ancient Mesnil forest meets the serene Mirloup lake, lies the Saint Malo Golf Resort. It is more than a destination; it is an experience, a tranquil sanctuary that captures the unique spirit of Brittany's Emerald Coast. The air here seems different, tinged with the scent of pine and the quiet dignity of history. The resort's "unmatched charm" is not a singular feature but a rare and deliberate fusion of three powerful elements: the architectural soul of a historic priory, the strategic genius of a world-class golf course, and a profound connection to the rich cultural tapestry of its surroundings.
The property is definitively a 4-star establishment, a rating that reflects its quality of service, accommodation, and amenities. While some third-party booking sites may occasionally list it as a 3-star hotel, the resort's official classification and the guest experience align with the higher standard. It is crucial to distinguish this exceptional French resort from the similarly named St. Marlo Country Club in Duluth, Georgia, with which it shares no affiliation. The Saint-Malo Golf Resort in Le Tronchet, France, offers an authentically European experience rooted in the heritage of Brittany.
The soul of the Saint-Malo Golf Resort resides in its 27 holes of golf, a layout that bears the prestigious signature of architect Hubert Chesneau. His fame, cemented by his work on Le Golf National, brings with it an expectation of quality and challenge, which is fully realized in the Breton landscape. Chesneau’s vision was to create a course that was not only a formidable "sporting challenge" but also a "feast for the eyes," a philosophy he executed by masterfully weaving the fairways through the estate's abundant natural features. The course is a living part of its 100-hectare domain, a design that respects and enhances the richness of the site: the shimmering Mirloup lake, the ancient oaks of the Mesnil forest, and the stoic granite boulders that are emblematic of Brittany.
The resort's premier course, the "Surcouf," is a testament to Chesneau's architectural prowess. It is a formidable Par 72 layout measuring 6,101 meters from the back tees, with a slope rating of 140 for men that signals a significant challenge for even skilled golfers. The course character is defined by its relationship with the Mirloup lake; water is a constant and beautiful threat, coming into play on numerous holes as the fairways wind around and across its various inlets. The landscape is a dynamic blend of woodland and water, with resurgent granite massifs serving as unique, regional hazards that demand strategic course management. While some have noted an "American feel" to the design, with wide fairways that can lull a player into a "false sense of security," the course's true defense lies in its well-placed bunkers and ever-present water hazards.
The quality of the "Surcouf" is validated by its professional pedigree. Since 2016, it has been the proud host of the Saint Malo Golf Open, a professional tournament on the Alps Tour, underscoring its championship-level conditioning and design. The course record, an impressive 65 shot by Italian professional Stefano Pitoni in 2016, serves as a benchmark for the low scores possible for those at the top of their game. This professional standard is upheld by a meticulous maintenance regimen: greens are mowed daily and fairways three times per week, ensuring pristine playing surfaces that are consistently praised in guest reviews.
The soul of the hotel originates from a priory founded on the Domaine de Saint-Yvieux in the early 18th century. This religious site later became an Abbey and, in a twist of fate that adds a layer of romantic history, was used as a hunting retreat by Robert Surcouf, the legendary privateer—or
corsair—from the nearby port of Saint-Malo. This historical connection provides an authentic narrative anchor that elevates the resort far beyond a standard modern hotel. The core of the current building is this 19th-century priory, which has been thoughtfully renovated and extended to become the 4-star hotel it is today. The architectural style throughout is that of a traditional Breton "manor," defined by its robust stone walls and handsome exposed wooden beams, preserving a rustic yet elegant atmosphere that feels both authentic and welcoming.
This historic structure was sensitively transformed into a modern hotel, inaugurated in 2003 and last renovated in 2019, ensuring that 21st-century comforts are seamlessly integrated within the historic shell. The result is a masterful blend of old-world character and contemporary 4-star service and amenities, a place where history is not just observed but experienced.
Accommodation
The hotel comprises 29 to 30 well-appointed guest rooms, ensuring an intimate and uncrowded atmosphere. The accommodation is designed to cater to a range of guests, from couples to families.
Room Categories: The primary room types include Double or Twin Rooms, which are a spacious 27m², and the larger Superior and Duplex Family Rooms, which measure 33m².
Views and Features: A signature feature of the hotel is that every room boasts a private balcony or terrace, offering serene views of the golf course, the Mirloup lake, or the verdant gardens. Rooms on the ground floor open onto terraces, providing direct access to the grounds, while first-floor rooms feature balconies. The popular Duplex rooms offer a unique split-level layout with a mezzanine, ideal for families.
Amenities: All rooms are fully air-conditioned and equipped with modern conveniences, including complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions with digital channels, personal safes, minibars, and sleek, modern bathrooms with bathrobes. The rooms are also soundproofed, a crucial detail that reinforces the resort's promise of a peaceful and restorative stay. For families, the hotel provides complimentary cribs upon request.
Saint Malo Golf Resort
Guests can retreat to the quietude of the resort in the evening after a day spent exploring world-famous destinations, all within a short and pleasant drive.
Saint-Malo (The Corsair City): The legendary walled port city of Saint-Malo is just a 20 to 30-minute drive (approximately 20-25 km) from the resort. Visitors can walk the ancient ramparts, explore the narrow cobblestone streets, visit the tomb of the writer Chateaubriand on the tidal island of Grand Bé, and discover attractions like the Cité d'Aleth and the charming Micro Zoo.
Mont Saint-Michel: The breathtaking silhouette of the UNESCO World Heritage abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is one of the world's most recognizable landmarks. From the resort, it is an easy and highly recommended day trip, located just 30 to 35 minutes away by car.
Dinan: Considered one of France's most beautiful medieval towns, Dinan boasts a stunningly preserved historic center with half-timbered houses, a picturesque port on the River Rance, and impressive ramparts. It is conveniently located only 20 minutes from the resort.
Dinard: Across the Rance estuary from Saint-Malo lies the elegant seaside resort of Dinard. Known for its Belle Époque villas, sandy beaches, and famous coastal promenade, it is a 25-minute drive away.
Cancale: For seafood lovers, the charming fishing village of Cancale is a must-visit. Famed for its delicious oysters, which can be enjoyed fresh from the market overlooking the bay, it is located 25 minutes from the resort.
