If you had to go old school, and seek directions from someone in the nearest mildly populated town (say, Fort Meade, some 15 miles away), you might never find Streamsong Resort amid the back roads of Central Florida. But, thankfully, GPS plots a course that delivers guests to one of the state’s hidden gems when it comes to recreational getaways. The golf alone is worth the trip, but Streamsong ups the ante with a variety of outdoor adventures for the avid sportsman—as well as exquisite dining that rivals some of the four- and five-star restaurants in South Florida. Here’s just some of what Streamsong has to offer.
• First impressions: Given its sweeping horizontal layout and organic contemporary design, which seamlessly rises out of the landscape, it’s hard at first to tell whether you’ve pulled into the main lakeside lodge at Streamsong or an industrial lair used by a present-day Bond villain. Once inside, the inspired design by Alberto Architects makes perfect sense with minimalist precision that incorporates sophisticated use of soothing woods, movable louvers, floor-to-ceiling glass and modern furnishings throughout the 216 rooms.
• Good to the last bite: Restaurant Fifty-Nine, inside the golf clubhouse, delivers a memorable steakhouse experience. Meat lovers can feast on a 32-day dry-aged DeBragga prime porterhouse for two, a 28-day wet-aged chimichurri skirt steak or a 6-ounce Kobe New York strip, as well as double-cut pork chops and braised lamb shank. (For seafood fans, the bouillabaisse entrée and the lump crab appetizer are not to be missed.) Elsewhere on the grounds: SottoTerra, the resort’s flagship restaurant, takes a chef-driven approach to classic Italian fare; Bone Valley Tavern gives guests a good gastropub option; P2O5 hosts a multi-station breakfast buffet that will give golfers more than enough fuel to walk one of the championship courses.
• Main courses: The three dramatic layouts at Streamsong feel like they were carved out of the land that time forgot. In truth, it’s land, once mined for phosphate, that was re-imagined by The Mosaic Co. (along with golf architects Bill Coore, Ben Crenshaw and Tom Doak). The result? Links-style courses—Red, Blue and Black—that are designed to be walked. (In fact, during certain times of the year, that’s the only option). Each one features its share of dramatic elevation changes, natural sand dunes, undulating greens and wild grasses that recall Whistling Straits in Wisconsin. The 16th holes on the Red and Blue courses are among the more challenging and picture-perfect par-3s you’ll ever see. Check out the Tour Package, which gives golfers the chance to play all three courses over three days, and includes daily breakfast and a $50 resort credit per player.
• Pure pursuits: The unique topography at Streamsong enhances more than just the golf. Guests are encouraged to explore the 16,000 acres and its natural splendor via hiking trails and outdoor activities. Target shooting enthusiasts can fire at sporting clays set amid the local flora and fauna; the bow-and-arrow crowd can visit the archery range; and anglers have access to some of the best bass fishing in the state.
• Find your bliss: AcquaPietra—with its Euro-style grotto vibe, eight indoor treatment rooms and six pool experiences—is the perfect place to decompress after a day of golf or other outdoor activities. Its spa services, which incorporate Naturopathica products, include body scrubs and seaweed wraps, remineralizing and anti-wrinkle facials, deep-tissue and aromatherapy massages, as well as treatments for the scalp, eyes and feet.
