Stay at Golf Legend Arnold Palmer’s Winter Home

By: Lucie Hys

It’s not only the golf fans with the desire for luxury that will find their dream vacation at this elegant golf resort. With impeccable service, homey elegance, and ideal location, Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge is the perfect home away from home for the whole family.  Spend the day playing golf, getting pampered at a spa or taking in all the vibrant attractions of Orlando – and then you’ll enjoy returning to the luxurious hospitality of the Bay Hill Lodge, guaranteed.

Of course, Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge is best known for being the site of The Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament (formerly known as the Bay Hill Invitational), an official PGA Tour stop. Tiger Woods won four Bay Hill championships and the other champions included Phil Mickelson, Vijah Singh, Ernie Els and this year’s winner, Martin Laird. You can certainly spot some famous faces here all year round, which is no wonder given the private and upscale atmosphere of the resort and the golf course.

The whole place reflects the spirit of the “King of Golf”, so the emphasis is put on the tradition, graciousness, and warmth. Honestly, in the theme park city like Orlando, you may have to search long and hard before you find a spot with these qualities. Surprisingly enough, the theme parks are all within few minutes drive, but if I haven’t told you, you’d never know. The resort is so peaceful and quiet that you may feel like the civilization is world away.

If you want to totally forget about the world, make five steps and you are at the Spa at Bay Hill Club & Lodge. No ultimate vacation is truly ultimate without it. The staff here is super friendly and very accommodating.  The therapist will ask you which areas to focus on and about your preference when it comes to pressure, which allows for a truly customized experience. As you are relaxing and listening to the sounds of the waterfall in the background, you may be very close to falling asleep. I know that I was, which simply means that the massage treatment was good. By the way, before you use this excuse at home, please notice I said “close to”. Before you head out, make sure you check out the cozy sauna – most likely you will have it all for yourself, so it is a perfect spot to clear your head.

All rejuvenated, you will be ready to explore Orlando or hit the road back home. If you are to wander around the city a bit longer and already scratched Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Seaworld off your list, visit more off-the-beaten path attractions like Orlando Museum of Art or Orange County Regional History Center.

(Photos provided courtesy of Bay Hill)