Dave M., Product Manager

A golfer's dream vacation spot! Only 20 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport, PGA National Resort & Spa is one of three elite self-contained resort destinations in the country with five owned and operated golf courses, spa and fitness facilities, and a variety of dining, accommodations and conference facility options. My wife and I knew we were in for a relaxing vacation when we drove through the entrance and saw the beautiful, peaceful surroundings. During our 3-day stay, we found the resort staff to be friendly and professional in all areas, from the concierge to the spa to the restaurants. We were very pleased with our room, which was well decorated, extremely spacious and comfortable with all the amenities needed. The balcony from our room had a great view of the resort's private lake, the Mediterranean-style pool and several holes of the signature Champion golf course.
In fact, PGA National Resort & Spa has recently completed renovation of each of its 339 guest rooms, lobby area, golf and logo retail shops, enhancements to the golf courses, as well as bringing the famous Don Shula's Steak House (one of America's Top Ten Steak Houses) right onto the resort. We were able to enjoy 6 of the 8 restaurants at the resort, including Arezzo's Italian restaurant.

The golf courses were in fantastic shape. I played both "The Champion" and "The Squire" (a par 72 course designed by Tom and George Fazio). The Champion, redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in 1990, was my favorite. 107 sand bunkers and water hazards on nearly every hole made this a difficult challenge. The resort is also home to the Academy of Golf , one of the nation's most comprehensive golf schools. Daily clinics three times a day which focus on particular aspects of the game are available as well as private individual lessons, three-day golf programs and ladies-only golf school programs.

The first morning of our stay I had an 8:00 a.m tee time and my wife enjoyed a leisurely morning dining at the Citrus Tree restaurant downstairs by the pool. She then took advantage of the health and racquet club which is a huge facility offering all the exercise equipment imaginable as well as aerobic classes, a 5-lane lap pool and 19 tennis courts (12 lighted for evening play). PGA National Resort & Spa also has a world-class croquet facility. When I finished my golf round I found my wife back at the pool sunning. She had a 1:00 appointment at the resort's world-class European Spa so we walked a few feet over in our bathing suits to the cabana-style poolside Oasis Bar & Grille for a quick lunch.

You will not have experienced the full luxury of the resort without The Spa, which offers over 100 services. I enjoyed the PGA Swedish massage while my wife loved the Salt Glow body treatment followed by a 50 minute Deep Cleansing Facial. An hour prior to our treatments, we soaked in the Spa's "Waters of the World", a unique collection of rejuvenating mineral pools including pools with salts from the Dead Sea and French Pyrenees. The Spa also has a full salon. Spa services are available separately or as half or full-day programs.

This was our first trip to West Palm Beach so we decided to spend one day exploring the area. We found that the resort was only minutes away from the ocean beaches, deep-sea fishing, greyhound racing and shopping. My wife especially enjoyed the window-shopping on Worth Ave., which has lots of exquisite boutiques and great lunch spots. We also soaked in the nightlife on Clematis St. with their sidewalk pubs, restaurants and shops.

We thoroughly enjoyed getting away from it all at this beautiful resort. Currently PGA National Resort & Spa is offering affordable summer packages for both spa and golf lovers and Florida residents. Interested parties may call the resort at 800-633-9150.

Photography by Dave M.