Its temperate weather, beautiful coastline and high-end resorts make Florida a no-brainer option when planning a golf vacation for clients who can’t wait to “shoot a birdie.”
The Property: Situated within the lush surroundings of Aventura, a tony enclave in North Miami Beach, The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club—which completed a $150 million renovation in late 2007—is a 300-acre, Mediterranean-style golf resort that features world-class courses that golf aficionados will be going gaga over, as well as plenty of opportunities for beachside—or poolside—relaxation. The resort’s 392 spacious guestrooms and suites feature wood-floor entries, carpeted bedrooms, and two flat-screen TVs. French doors open onto private terraces showing off views of the resort’s golf courses, gardens and pools.
The Greens: On Conde Nast Traveler’s “100 Top Golf Resorts,” The Fairmont Turnberry Isle boasts two Raymond Floyd-redesigned championship, 18-hole golf courses—both of which have gone through more than $45 million in refurbishments. The par 71, 7,047-yard Soffer Course (south course) debuted in December 2006, while the Miller Course (north course) opened in December 2007. Both courses offer tropical grounds accented with a variety of elevation changes, contoured fairways and strategically placed water features. Indeed, the Soffer Course’s 18th hole features a 64-ft. waterfall—talk about a great reception at the “finish line.”
Golfers will also appreciate the colorful indigenous flora and tropical trees surrounding each hole as they serve as a natural privacy barrier so every foursome feels like they’re the only players on the course.
Tell clients to take advantage of Fairmont Turnberry Isle’s partnership with the ESPN Golf Schools, which provides guests with world-class instructional programs and private instruction.
The Amenities: When your clients are ready to take a break from the greens, they can head over to the 25,000-sq.-ft. Willow Stream Spa, offering three floors, 23 treatment rooms and a fitness center complete with aerobics and Pilates studio. There’s also a scenic jogging trail that circles the resort and golf courses, and a tennis center where daily clinics and private lessons are available. Little ones can enjoy Kids’ Connection, jam-packed with activities such as arts & crafts, sports and games. Adults and kids alike can enjoy the resort’s 7,500-sq. ft. Laguna Pool, featuring a 180-ft.-long water slide, as well as an 800-linear-ft. lazy river. Private cabanas that feature a 32-inch LCD TV, refrigerator, locker and changing room are available for daily rental. Cabanas start at $100 per day and include an underwater camera, non-alcoholic drinks and a gourmet fruit display. There are also several onsite restaurants and lounges, including the resort’s signature Cascata Grille, serving local seafood as well as Latin- and Caribbean-influenced dishes.
The Scene: Although it offers an intimate and secluded environment, The Fairmont Turnberry Isle is within walking distance (or complimentary shuttle ride) to Aventura Mall, with shops that include Bloomingdales, Macy’s and Nordstrom. Complimentary shuttle service is also available to the resort’s private Ocean Club on the Atlantic, with a pristine beach, pool and cabanas for guest use.
Rates: Book your discerning clients at The Fairmont Turnberry Isle this summer and they can enjoy the property’s Golf for Free offer, which includes one round of golf pp, per room, per night (excludes cart fees). Rates start at $159 per room dbl from May 21-Sept. 30.
st. augustine The Property: Located within Northeast Florida’s 6,300-acre World Golf Village, The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village in St. Augustine is just the place to enjoy challenging greens and the sights of America’s oldest city. The resort, which recently completed a $10 million renovation, features 301 completely remodeled guestrooms and suites, a new and improved lobby atrium and entry area, a refurbished billiard room and corridors, and new lighting throughout the public areas.
The Greens: Guests can experience two world-class golf courses at the World Golf Village, including the King & Bear Course—the only course ever co-designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nickalus—and the Slammer & Squire Course—designed with input from “Slammin’” Sammy Snead and Gene “The Squire” Sarazen. Guests can also enjoy amenities like chilled apples, available on the first 10 holes, complimentary range balls and GPS in every cart. Also not to be missed is The World Golf Hall of Fame’s 18-hole championship putting course and the Challenge Hole, a 132-yard, par-three island replica of the famous 17th hole of the Stadium Course at the TPC at Sawgrass.
