The PGA National Resort & Spa Ranks No. 47 in Golfweek’s 2011 “Best Resort Courses”

published on November 30th, 2010 in Florida Golf, Florida Golf & Resort, Florida Resorts tagged , , ,

“The survey, which included hundreds of U.S. courses, examined overall strength of routing, feature shaping, natural settings, greens, variety and the overall aura of holes, conditioning-maintenance, landscape management as well as other criteria.  Located in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, the PGA National Resort & Spa is home to the PGA TOUR Honda Classic, and as of November 4, 2010 was announced as the 47th best overall course by Golfweek’s 2011 “Best Resort Courses” national rankings, moving drastically up the list from the No. 96 position in 2010.  The Champion features the “Bear Trap,” one of the most demanding, three-hole stretches on the PGA Tour.  

Recently, the resort completed $65 million worth of comprehensive revitalization projects, which include; a new front entrance, outdoor pool and pavilion, new Ironwood Grille and iBAR, enhanced public areas, golf courses and landscaping.  A national premier golf vacation and meeting destination, the legendary 379-room Florida resort also features a 40,000 square-foot European Spa with 32 treatment areas, a world-class 33,000 square-foot health-and-racquet club with 19 Har-Tru tennis courts, 40,000 square feet of self-contained conference space and nine on-site restaurants and lounges. A collection of outdoor mineral pools called “Waters of the World” are a compiling of healing waters from the Earth’s most treasured locations. Centrally located to the hotel is the resort’s zero-entry pool; a refreshing, tropical retreat surrounded by lush palm trees.

The Resorts Golf History

In addition to the Honda Classic, The Champion’s traditional history includes hosting of the 1983 Ryder Cup, 1987 PGA Championship, and nearly two decades of the Senior PGA Championship. Additionally, guests can enjoy golf play on The Palmer, The Squire, The Haig and The Estates courses. The PGA National Resort & Spa has the unique distinction of being home to both the David Leadbetter Golf Academy and Dave Pelz Scoring Game School, as well as a strong offering of tour-level fitting experiences at the PGA National Club Fitting Lab.  The PGA National’s Vice President and Managing Director, Joel Paige was quoted as saying, “Our rise up Golfweek’s ratings further validates that PGA National offers an extraordinary resort experience…with The Champion course, our four other outstanding layouts, renowned golf academies, world-class spa, fine dining and plentiful array of amenities, we provide our guests a stay they’ll never forget.”

40th Birthday celebrated at the Notorious Innisbrook Resort, FL

published on November 30th, 2010 in Florida Golf, Florida Golf & Resort, Florida Resorts tagged ,

In early 2010 Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, FL was voted as a new Silver Medalist in Golf.com’s 2010 Premier Resorts awards.  The property is owned by Salamander Resorts, whose founder, Sheila Johnson, has invested millions of dollars in an effort to spawn new life into the property, and according to Golf.com the results are obvious in the improved rooms, restaurants and golf course conditions.

Innisbrook pioneered the concept of using condominiums as a resort’s lodging component.  The Innisbrook Golf and Resort is great for vacationers because the condominium-style resort is flexible for friends and family, and the low-rise lodges nestled in the wooded landscape provide a very relaxed and casual atmosphere; on-premise accommodations are 28 lodges, consisting of 620 rooms and suites.  Each lodge and suite feature living areas and kitchens ready for stay-in cooking.  If you are in the mood for dining, local dishes include Packard’s Steak House.  Among the ,and available to guests are a; spa, tennis courts, lake fishing and four swimming pools.

What about the Golf?!…the four courses lucky guests have to choose from are; Copperhead, Island, North and South.  The Copperhead is defined by thick-rough, massive pines, awkward and altering slopes and huge bunkers; designed by Larry Packard, this gem has been hosting the PGA Tour since 2000.  The Island course hosted the 1990 NCAA Men’s Championship, which was won by Phil Mickelson; this course is more flat than Copperhead with less dramatic bunkering, and hides the many water dangers well.    The North and South courses carry less skill requirements, but provide for relaxing leisure rounds, or an opportunity to consciously work on technique. 

Innisbrook is a Salamander Golf & Spa Resort and is located in Palm Harbor, FL.

Triple-A Four Diamond Awarded to Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa

published on November 28th, 2010 in Florida Resorts, Florida vacations, Hyatt Regency Clearwater Florida, Hyatt Resort and Spa tagged , , ,

Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa is pleased to announce that in its first year, it has earned AAA’s prestigious four diamond ranking. The Clearwater Beach resort opened February 1, 2010, and received this important recognition for its exemplary service, thoughtful amenities and fine attention to detail.  Less than four percent of more than 31,000 properties achieve this elite standing, and Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach is one of only two properties in the destination to hold this prestigious title.

“We are honored to be recognized with the AAA Four Diamond Award, particularly within our first year of operation,” said Brian Kramer, general manager of the Clearwater, Florida hotel and resort.  Triple-A’s diamond ranking is certainly one of the more prestigious awards, but in addition the Clearwater Beach resort has earned numerous awards and accolades within its first year of operation, including the 2010 Metro’s Best Award for Hot Spots to Shop, Dine, Play & Escape by Tampa Bay Metro Magazine. The resort’s signature SHOR American Seafood Grill has received the 2010 People’s Choice Best Taste Award at A Taste of Clearwater and the 2010 Best of Tampa Bay Award by Tampa Bay Magazine.

Resort accommodations consist of deluxe, one- and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens featuring granite countertops and stainless steel appliances; giving guests the flexibility to prepare their own meals in a spacious atmosphere. All suites feature private balconies and views of the Gulf of Mexico.   The 250-all-suite Hyatt Resort is centrally located within walking distance to premier spots such as Pier 60 and the Clearwater Marina as well as an abundance of on-site activities, the centerpiece of the destination’s new Beach Walk – a $30 million revitalization project along a half-mile active pathway of world-class shopping. 

The resort’s luxurious eighth-floor pool deck offers panoramic Gulf views and spectacular sunsets. Guests can enjoy the ultimate in comfort and luxury by reserving one of 20 climate-controlled, private cabanas that surround the deck or hit Clearwater’s pristine, white-sand beach for some fun-in-the-sun action. For a day of pampering and relaxation, the eco-friendly Sandava Spa offers a full spectrum of treatments reflective of Clearwater Beach and its natural surroundings.

A Gulf Gem, Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa

published on July 24th, 2010 in Florida Resorts, Florida vacations tagged , , ,

Opened in February 2010,the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa is a promenade more known for couples and occasional joggers, than the throngs one may associate with similar stretches of Daytona. Hyatt has characteristically demonstrated a true touch of sleek and style…from poolside cabana rooms one may rent half a day, to the inviting terrace and rooms of the elegant SHOR restaurant.  As of May, some 15 marriage proposals have taken place here; if you see wedding ceremonies or honeymooners during your escape to the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa, you will understand why. This property positions Clearwater Beach as a getaway that’s pampered, not stuffy. The staff is accommodating, the design touches tropically tasteful, and the location ideal.

The Hyatt Regency is a perfect base for sport fishing rentals, a Dolphin Encounter excursion that guarantees sightings, or prime beach time for snowbirds and Euro’s. Suite styles vary, yet all evoke the color and amenities that lend calm. Full kitchens with granite countertops welcome families and couples.  Private residences of two, three and four bedroom plans are offered for sale, should you fall in love with this white sand stretch of Gulf Coast.

For breakfast, lunch or other casual eating times, the Cabanas are quant and relaxing; or take it all in from the 16th floor Sky Terrace, also a great spot to catch the signature sunset during an evening dinner fare. The beauty and serenity of a sunset may find you while dining on the fresh fare at SHOR. Renowned Chef Brad Gillespie will create the taste that fits your current mood. The view from the waiting area of Sandava Spa is postcard and a treatment is equally worth while…

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