Top Five “Boutique” Golf Resorts (Part Two)
The last post identified The Lodge at Arcadia Bluffs and CordeValle as two of America’s great golf resorts. My top three “boutique” resorts where you can atone for your golfing indiscretions, are also locations where you can get yourself into even deeper hot water by playing 36 holes a day. Keep it to one round and there are enough other activities to satisfy the aggrieved non-golfer. Three days and two nights at these resorts should keep the divorce attorneys away and are excellent Anniversary or Birthday gifts, from which you may benefit.
3) The Lodge at Primland (Meadows of Dan, Virginia) is situated within a 12,000 acre resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Lodge offers 26 unique guestrooms and suites with highly upgraded appointments. The facility is highlighted by a private observatory. Additional amenities include a spa, wine room, fitness center and intimate dining room. Local activities (other than golf) are plentiful, with Mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, sport shooting and horseback riding to name just a few. Of course there is the wonderful Highland golf course that meanders through the mountains with numerous breathtaking photo ops. The location is secluded, so access requires a bit more commitment. The Stay and Play package is excellent, and includes the golf, accommodations, breakfast and dinner. The latter is important as there is little commercial development in the area. Thus, dining on-site is nearly imperative. Swing season rates are very attractive, although I ended up playing in snow flurries. (http://primland.com/)
2) The Eseeola Lodge (Linville, North Carolina) is the most unique resort experience associated with the top 100 golf courses you can play. Entering their 122nd year the operators have got it figured out. This quant lodge contains 29 guest rooms situated in the Appalachian Mountains. The facility is associated with Linville Golf Course, a classic Donald Ross design that does not disappoint. The resort includes a fitness center and full service spa. Fly fishing trips are available as are walking and hiking trails and canoeing. If shooting is your thing, sporting clays are available. The 19th hole at the golf course provides a terrific finish to a great round. Stay and Play packages are the way to go, and include golf, lodging, breakfasts and dinner. The dining is first rate, as they prepare to order. This meal was one of the best on my journey. Note: Eseeola Lodge has a very limited season; only open from the middle of May to the middle of October, with no golf packages between July 1 and August 24. Packages are only available Sunday to Wednesday nights. (http://www.eseeola.com/)
1) The Inn at Palmetto Bluff (Bluffton, South Carolina) offers 50 cottages, suites and homes situated in a vast expanse that formerly housed 21 plantations. Relics of the old buildings are still located on site. The rooms are exceptional, with the “small” cottage being 1,140 square feet and includes a screened in patio from which you can watch the lightening over May River (not so good for golfers). You might even see a bottlenose dolphin. Golf carts and bicycles provide the main form of transportation throughout the grounds. There are plenty of activities for the non-golfer including various nature and historic walks, kayak and horseback tours, fishing and tennis. A spa is also available to work out the kinks from all the physical activity. Low Country cooking is featured at several on-site restaurants. The coolest city in America (Savannah) is located approximately 30 miles away. The Nicklaus May River golf course is a terrific layout within the grounds. In addition, and you may have to tread softly, but Hilton Head and the Harbour Town golf course can be included in a Stay and Play package, with the latter accessed by watercraft. Traditional Stay and Play packages include fantastic accommodations, golf, breakfasts and a dinner.
This is my wife’s favorite resort so by definition it is also mine.
By Paul Laubach
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Paul Laubach is completely unqualified to provide expertise with respect to golf course rankings and design, however, he is a highly opinionated golf addict who believes everyone should be entitled to his thoughts. He is in the process of completing the story of his journey to play America’s top 100 courses. Please visit this website regularly for more useless information.
