Innisbrook
Address: 36750 U.S. Highway 19 North, Palm Harbor
The allure: The scenic property just north of Clearwater, nestled amid 900 wooded acres, provides one of Florida’s great golfing escapes. There are four 18-holes courses—including the rolling, pine tree-lined, and challenging Copperhead tract, home to the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship. There’s also an award-winning Golf Institute led by world-class instructor Dawn Mercer. Accommodations run large, including two-bedroom suites (1,200 square feet) and vacation rentals for longer getaways. Beyond the golf, Innisbrook features 11 clay tennis courts, six swimming pools, and four dining options led by Packard’s, overlooking the Copperhead Course, serving aged premium steaks and fresh local fish.
Isn’t that special: The resort’s Platinum Golf Package is a dream excursion for duffers and low-handicappers alike. The duration can be modified, but details include 18 holes of golf on both your arrival and departure days—and then 36 holes on all other days, rotating on all four courses but with at least one round on Copperhead. The package also includes breakfast and lunch in the clubhouse restaurants, and unlimited use of the practice facilities and fitness center—plus a daily one-hour clinic with an Innisbrook professional.
Contact: 888.794.8627; innisbrookgolfresort.com
Ocean Key Resort & Spa
Address: 0 Duval St., Key West
The allure: Perched between Key West Harbor and Mallory Square, this exclusive oceanfront resort has only 100 rooms and suites—including 1,200-square-foot two-bedroom suites overlooking the harbor or Old Town, as well as a fifth-floor penthouse with views of the waters where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic Ocean. Liquid Pool Bar & Lounge, exclusive to Ocean Key customers, and the adjacent and aptly named Sunset Pier, are the main attractions—along with the conch-fusion mix of Florida and Caribbean fare at Hot Tin Roof, the waterfront dining spot inspired by the Tennessee Williams play of a similar name. But part of the draw here also is the location, which puts clients within walking or biking distance of nearly everything that Key West has to offer.
Isn’t that special: For thrill seekers, the Backyard Adventures package (three-night minimum stay) promises a full day of reef fishing, a seaplane excursion to Dry Tortugas National Park, and a 90-minute guided jet ski tour across nearly 30 miles of ocean. The special also includes dinner for two at Hot Tin Roof, and daily waterfront breakfast for two.
Contact: 305.809.8072; oceankey.com
I played Copperhead at Innisbrook a few years ago. That course broke my spirit! But it’s a great resort!