Other onsite golf-centric offerings include the property’s PGA Tour Golf Academy, which offers private lessons. The World Golf Hall of Fame, meanwhile, showcses golf’s greatest players. Recommend your clients try out the onsite professional golf simulator, allowing them the choice to play on the simulated greens of 22 top-ranked courses.
The Amenities: Guests have access to an onsite 24-hour health club and sauna, pool, hot tub, tennis courts, a billiard room, and an IMAX theater. Additionally, guests can get a complimentary ride to the 11-treatment room PGA Tour Spa Laterra. A must is a treatment in one of the floating cabanas set in the koi pond in the spa’s garden sanctuary.
The Scene: While visiting the resort, guests can explore the historic city of St. Augustine. Founded in 1565, this town is brimming with Spanish architecture, cobblestone streets and historical sites like the Castillo de San Marco fort and The Fountain of Youth. Sightseeing trolley tours are available.
Rates: Through June 1, The Renaissance Resort is offering a Stay & Play package that includes deluxe accommodations, a round of golf, range balls and daily breakfast at the resort’s new restaurant, 500 South. Nightly rates for two golfers start at $289, while rates for one golfer and one non-golfer start at $189 per night.
“For two people to play on these very popular courses, and to stay in a newly remodeled room in our just-renovated resort, at this rate—it’s quite a deal,” says Mark Schwantner, general manager.
orlando The Property: Set to open in October, the uber-luxurious Waldorf Astoria Orlando is not only an ideal spot for golfers, but perfect for your client’s next family getaway, as it’s just minutes away from the city’s most popular attractions and in close proximity to Orlando International Airport. Here, guests will find 497 guestrooms, 169 of which are suites—the 1-bedroom Deluxe suites; the 2-bedroom Luxury suites; the 2-bedroom Waldorf=Astoria suites with a walk-out balcony; and the 2-bedroom Presidential suites (there are two) with a walk-out balcony, fully furnished kitchen, grand foyer and butler service. All rooms feature marble bathrooms, Egyptian cotton linens, Guerlain amenities, a 42-inch TV and wireless Internet access.
The Greens: The resort’s par 72, Rees Jones-designed championship golf course winds through a large wetland preserve and features personalized service including clubhouse-to-cart Club Care—transporting woods and irons directly to the course and back. The course measures 7,113 yards with a slope of 130 and a rating of 73.0 and golfers will love how the bunkers are carved to be reminiscent of the hazards designed a century ago. Guests can also check out the pro shop stocked with designer apparel, gifts and the latest in golf equipment. In addition, the staff can assist in scheduling PGA-certified instruction and in coordinating tee times for your clients.
The Amenities: The onsite pool is surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and features private cabanas (available for day rentals) and poolside butlers. Guests will also find tennis courts, a basketball and volleyball court, a jogging path and four restaurants. Then there’s the 24,000-sq.-ft. Waldorf=Astoria Spa by Guerlain, with 23 indoor treatment rooms and six outdoor treatment areas. While mom and dad are enjoying a post-tee time masage, kids can partake in the Young Explorers children’s program.
The Scene: With so many kid-friendly attractions in Orlando, this resort is perfect for families. Onsite “Fun Counselors” are available to escort children (individually or in small groups) throughout Orlando’s multiple attractions. Concierges, meanwhile, can secure tickets for the opera, ballet and philharmonic orchestra, and arrange transportation to restaurants, galleries, museums, and shopping malls.
Rates: Nightly room rates start at $549 per night. Reservations are already being accepted.
