Fox Harb’r Resort

FoxHarb’r Hole #16

Fox Harb’r is a luxurious, self-contained seaside sports complex on the Northumberland Coast of Nova Scotia. There is nothing sly about it, rather a straightforward beauty. The sweet suites have patios facing fairways and ocean with heated tile flooring in the bathroom and fireplace in the living room. In the morning, heat up a pot of Tim Horton’s coffee – why not? Owner Ron Joyce co-founded the restaurant chain. He originally created Fox Harb’r for jetsetter golfers to fly in on the runway, golf and go. It has evolved over the years, grown organically by Ron, his son Stephen Joyce and team into a multifaceted destination for vacations and permanent homes.  

Fly in to Halifax or land on the resort’s private airstrip; learn to fly fish or shoot flying clay pigeons at the lodge, then fly your shots around the seaside golf course at Fox Harb’r Resort. The Graham Cooke designed championship golf course is parkland style on the front with spectacular ocean views on every back nine hole. The runway passes through with a sign warning golfers to watch for aircraft. 

An executive nine along the shore is as picturesque as it is fun bonus golf. Expansion plans are in the works for another nine (calling all interested architects) near the Sports Lodge where members and guests can hone their fishing and gun skills as pheasants call out from the grassland. Trout are baited on two ponds for fly fishing and release. An exception is made for Chef Shane Robilliard who places a few on the menu, though his main catch is lobster. Every meal offers a lobster concoction – on the eggs benedict for breakfast or on a roll for lunch. A special lobster boil with a sunset view of the lighthouse after a pontoon cruise with Captain Peter is the ultimate seaside, seafood treat at the impressive Marina Lodge. 

Chef Shane is passionate about sustainable seafood and is in fact the first chef in Canada to be Ocean Wise Certified. Also a sommelier along with Avery, they are proud of their cellars and now proud of their own vines, partnering with their neighbor Jost Vineyards and Jonathan Rodwell, Jost’s award winning Director of Winemaking and Viticulture. From the dry and delish Rose to the Lacadie with green notes of Sauvignon Blanc, nothing is lacking in the Jost varietals, thanks to the sea breeze that keeps the vines dry. Carl and Donna Sparkes bought Jost and love to host and toast with Fox Harb’r friends and visitors from around the world. Their “Ceilidh” (a Gaelic kitchen party dance) has a wild taste while “Selkie” is sweet and sparkly.

Fox Harb’r has 1150 acres and 5 kilometers of seawall paths on the Northumberland Coast. Location, location, location was the prime consideration for Mr. Joyce’s purchase the same day he first looked at it. The mighty cliff rocks along the shoreline linked together from the southern point to the clubhouse appear like a spinal column. A person could sit on the rocks for hours and watch the seals and occasional ships go by perhaps en route to Prince Edward Island, seen in the distance. At night bioluminescence might sparkle in the water while the skies are twinkling with zillions of stars. 

Fox Harb’r is one of those rare spots on earth that feels a bit off the grid but with heavenly luxury in a striking natural setting – a most refreshing escape from the Arizona heat blast. Grab a bike or jog the trails. Explore the shore by Kayak or horseback. Hit the gym, lounge at the pool, indulge in a spa treatment or simply sit on the shore and take in the view. Fox Harb’r will draw you back time and time again. President Kevin Toth makes sure of it. Fly in and see. 

For more information, visit www.foxharbr.com. 

Alice and Danny Scott are known as America’s Golfing Couple and travel the world writing for many publications. Visit their website at www.americasgolfingcouple.com.