Naples is often endearingly called a “drinking town with a Golfing problem”, on what seems like every corner you’ll most likely find a Country Club ,a Bank and a Bar. Golf is an important part of Naples and its History. There's a story that goes a little something like this… Shortly after the Naples Beach Hotel Course was built, a small single engine plane would often land on one of the fairways. The pilot would disembark and play a round( which was 9 holes at that time), climb back in his plane and depart. All was well, that is until a new Course manager came on board. As soon as he saw this, he immediately chased the pilot off the fairways. Mr. Lindbergh never landed on the course again but Golfers have been flocking ever since. If you're from Naples you surely have at least one Golfer in the family. Summer is right around the corner which means less time sitting in student pick up lines and more time to relax with the ones you love. I, like most of you with young children, search for destinations that for one ,aren't too far from home( I don't want to spend an entire day in the air or stuck in a car) and most importantly I search for some place that has a little bit of fun for everyone. A short 2hr 45min drive North, Tucked away in Clearwater is Innisbrook Golf Resort , Innisbrook is that "some place".
Think about it, How many resorts have a 24 hour guarded gate? When you're given a map to find your way to the front desk you know you're in for a treat! Innisbrook is an adventure! 900 acres of pure luxury without limits. Beautiful, sprawling, meticulously manicured, lush grounds. Literally Everywhere you look is wildlife and awe inspiring nature. Adorable stone bridges that belong in a fairy tale bend over creeks which marry into ponds and lakes sprinkled among live Oak, Pine, Palm and Willow trees which would make the perfect back drop for your next photoshoot or a pretty epic Wedding venue. We arrived a little ahead of schedule and not by mistake, super excited! You would assume that when staying at such a large property, although gaining some pretty awesome amenities you may be loosing certain perks like bell men to assist with luggage...Right? Wrong! One of the first things I was asked was if I needed someone to assist me with our bags. Fortunately I had brought my own big strong man for assistance.
They even have a tram that will pick you up and drive you anywhere you'd like to go on property, simply dial Zero from your room or call a number and they are there to take you to the Spa with 12 treatment rooms, in and outdoor wellness space and a 4,000 sf fitness center you may never want to leave! Or perhaps a Tennis or racquetball match on one of their 11, yes, 11 clay courts. 7 of which are illuminated for night play. While we waited for our suite to become available, my family took advantage of the Loch Ness Pool and what a Monster of a pool it is, it's just One of the resorts Six splash zones but by far the best! Two waterslides perched among shady oaks, will keep your littles busy, One of the slides even sends you zooming through a waterfall! The Zero entry pool was the perfect place for the baby to splash the water features and a sand area kept her entertained , you almost feel like you're at the beach with that sand area there... it’s wonderful, best of both worlds. All of the trees create some great shady spots, if you have a baby and seem to seek the shade these days. They also have built in seating in the pool which makes adulting a breeze, perfect spot to watch the kids while you sip some"Mommy juice" a full bar and grill is just a few steps away as well, Just in case someone's Chicken tender levels get low. We played water volleyball ( I showed off my one handed serve as I held my One year old with the other) Dad still won. Pool staff are awesome serving up Smoothies, Ice Cream and Snow cones and even keeping the kids occupied with fun games like Alphabet hunt and sand Volcano building championships, we spent hours at that pool over the weekend and never did I ever hear "Mommy, I'm bored". If you're a people watcher, the driving range is also in view.
Speaking of driving range, Innisbrook has 4 amazing Golf courses, including the prestigious Copperhead course which plays host to the world’s greatest golfers during the PGA TOUR’s annual visit to the resort for the Valspar Championship. If you're new to the game or have a little aspiring Golf pro in the family, Innisbrook has you covered with camps, clinics and even private instruction for both Golf and Tennis. Our room became available and by this time a nap was in everyone's forecast . The suites are sweet!! Like home away from home, Full kitchens , dining area, living room with pull out bed full patio Two bathrooms with luxury toiletries and even robes, the bedding is plush, flat screen TVs in each of the Three rooms, and a large outdoor patio to enjoy Bird or bogey watching while you sip morning Tea or Coffee. We saw a Hawk swoop down and catch a large Snake and fly off right before sunset! If you have a large family or are traveling with extended family this is the way to go! Everyone will be comfortable and all of this space might keep meltdowns at bay! Lots of room for everyone to have some personal space, plenty of doors to close.
My family and I are foodies so the need for a meal outweighed the need for a nap. We headed out to grab dinner and Innisbrook exceeded our expectations. You definitely wont go hungry! They have it all, from sit down steak houses to pool side grub the resorts 5 Dining options have got even your pickiest of eaters covered. We enjoyed Dinner at the Market Salamander Grille & Bar my petite fillet was perfectly cooked served with fresh veggie's and herb roasted potatoes and for dessert you MUST order the bread pudding, some of the best I've ever had. The outdoor deck has two fire pits and views for days! The next morning we ate breakfast and enjoyed a round of Golf with the kids on the properties North Course followed by more pool time and the dreaded check out.
All of the staff we encountered from the restaurant to the pro shop and everywhere in between were super friendly and accommodating, in my opinion, that is the difference when staying at a boutique property, its not the size of the resort, its the size of the hospitality and at Innisbrook it’s luxury without limits! You want a picnic lunch prepared for your day out and about? Done! Need something for the room? No need to jump in the car and head off property, Go to the onsite Market and shop for provisions. This resort has something for everyone, you can relax! There is really no need to leave once you've arrived! Holidays at Innisbrook are extra special Memorial Day, Mothers Day Brunch, Forth of July celebration, Summer Camps and more! Spend less time fighting traffic and crowds and more time making memories! Stay here this Summer, you'll be so glad you did and take a peek at their special offers, packages and Florida resident rates here! Till next time, Peace, Love & Macaroni!
