Many meeting groups are looking for more relaxing and scenic venues than the traditional boardroom environment, and golf resorts may be the perfect solution. Whether attendees are casual or avid players, the golf range provides a lush green backdrop to the event, and there are always other on-site amenities to enjoy, such as fine dining and swimming.
To find a fresh setting for your next corporate retreat or board meeting, consider taking your group to one of these revitalizing golf retreats.
Inn at Bay Harbor
Bay Harbor, Michigan
With waterfront views to rival any coastal destination, the Inn at Bay Harbor makes it easy to understand why the Great Lakes region is sometimes known as America’s third coast. Featuring 128 guest rooms and 6,600 square feet of meeting space, the resort provides an intimate and picturesque setting for meetings and events, drawing many wedding groups each year.
“We pride ourselves on very personal and warm service,” said Matt Alagna, director of group sales.
Golfers will appreciate the distinct qualities of the resort’s three golf courses. The Preserve winds through a lush, wooded area. The Links overlooks the magnificent shoreline of Lake Michigan, making players feel like they are standing right on the oceanfront. Looming 40-foot stone cliffs line the course of the Quarry, which resides on a former rock quarry.
For breakfast, groups will want to stop by the Sagamore Room for a taste of crab eggs Benedict or blueberry streusel pancakes. Later in the day, the Vintage Chophouse and Wine Bar features rich cuisine like truffle frites, planked Scottish salmon and juicy rib-eye steak.
In addition to its picturesque scenery, the Bay Harbor’s temperate weather makes it an excellent summer retreat.
“From May through October, there’s no better place to be in the country, especially if you’re down in the South experiencing hot, hot summers,” said Alagna.
According to Alagna, the nearby town of Petoskey is “one of the most charming towns you’ve ever seen in your life.” Groups can spend the evening strolling through Magnus Park along the water or visit the City Park Grill, once frequented by literary legend Ernest Hemingway.
Tubac Golf Resort and Spa
Tubac, Arizona
At the base of the Tumacàcori Mountains amid old-growth cottonwood and willow trees, Tubac Golf Resort and Spa sets the tone for a serene weekend getaway. With the Tucson International Airport just 35 miles away and Tubac Village directly adjacent, the resort offers the perfect balance of beautiful, high-desert landscape and easy access to nearby urban areas.
“We’re 45 minutes from Tucson, so people wanting to get away from the city are really able to relax and take a breath and just be with their coworkers,” said Patti Todd, marketing and public relations director.
The 500-acre property was originally used as a cattle ranch by Spanish settlers; then, in 1959, it was bought and developed into a golf course by Bing Crosby. Over the years, the Tubac Golf Resort has hosted distinguished guests such as John Wayne, President Gerald Ford and Mexican President Luis Echeverria.
Today, the resort’s amenities include a 27-hole golf course, tennis courts, a brand-new lap pool and a luxurious full-service spa.
Many remnants of the land’s ranching history are still apparent throughout the property. Golf players can expect to see cattle grazing along the Santa Cruz River near the course, and portions of the Stable Ranch Grille and Stables Bar once belonged to the original ranch stable.
Meeting planners can take advantage of the 2,700-square-foot Conference Center, which connects to several covered outdoor patios and offers a spectacular view of the lake.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Destin, Florida
Visitors will find no shortage of entertainment at the 2,400-acre Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida, which spans more than seven miles of sandy coastline. The enormous property comprises four championship golf courses, 19 swimming pools, 15 tennis courts, a fitness center, a spa and the Village of Baytowne Wharf.
With over 65,000 square feet of available meeting space, the resort can accommodate groups of 10 to 1,600. After hours, planners can entertain attendees with activities such as beach bonfires, beach Olympics, sunset cruises and cocktail parties on the golf range. Groups may also enjoy team-building exercises such as paddleboarding on Choctawhatchee Bay and braving the ropes course at Baytown Adventure Zone.
Just a short walk from the Grand Sandestin, visitors can explore the 26-acre pedestrian Village of Baytowne Wharf, which features award-winning local eateries, specialty shops and the largest ice-skating rink in northeast Florida. The resort offers more than 20 dining venues, with local favorites like the Marlin Grill, the Sunset Bay Café, the Rum Runners dueling piano bar, and Moo La-La Ice Cream and Desserts.
Active guests can rent a bike to enjoy the surrounding bike trails; others might prefer a quiet stroll around the lush salt marsh of Jolee Island, a five-acre nature park adjacent to the resort.
