I’ve been enamored with Peninsula hotels ever since 2010.

I was living in Bangkok in a $200/month apartment.

To celebrate my birthday I decided to go to the Mandarin Oriental on the Chao Praya river to visit Bamboo Bar – one of the best jazz bars in the city.

I got an Aviation cocktail for $10 and couldn’t believe I was spending so much money on one drink.

I nursed it for 2 hours.

It was on that night I first learned about the Peninsula Hotel.

It was across the river from the Mandarin Oriental, and just looking out at it, it oozed luxury and class.

A few days later, I ventured back across town just go to see it for myself.

Wandering around the lobby and clearly feeling like I didn’t belong in my flip-flops and t-shirt, I vowed that one day I’d stay at a Peninsula.

A few years later I visited the flagship Peninsula in Hong Kong and had drinks at their restaurant, Felix.

Equally as impressive.

Why am I telling you this story that you probably care nothing about?

Because last week after a 3-year COVID-induced hiatus, I visited my favorite city in the world: New York City to go play the Lower Course at Baltusrol Golf Club

I only had two nights there, but I knew that especially since I hadn’t been traveling much lately, I wanted to do something special.

What’s more special than fulfilling that lifelong dream of staying at a Peninsula Hotel?

Ok, I’m sure I can think of a few more things more special than that – but honestly, it was a big deal for me. It was a reminder of how far I’ve come in my life and businesses over the last decade plus.

But I wasn’t prepared for just how special this experience would be.

Did the Peninsula Hotel NYC live up to expectations? Is it worth staying there on your next trip to the City?

Let’s find out.

Update January 2025: A Major Facelift.

Since my stay at the Peninsula NYC in the Summer of 2022, they property has undergone a complete renovation and overhaul.

When I stayed there, for as grand as it was, there were certainly elements of it that were being to show it’s age.

Fortunately, that’s all been addressed – and the results look fantastic.

I’ve updated most of the images in this article to reflect thew new look. I’m planning to return later this year and give a more first hand take of all the work that was done!

First Impressions of the Peninsula NYC

Normally when I visit New York, I stay in Chelsea or Soho. Rarely do I get up towards Midtown, but again, I wanted to do something special this trip – and many of the most interesting luxury hotels in New York are just south of Central Park.

When I think of the grandest, most regal hotels in New York (and subsequently, the country) the three that come to mind are the Peninsula, St. Regis, and the Plaza.

I’d stayed at the Park Hyatt NYC the night before (a decidedly different experience that I’ll write about soon), and was ushered to the Peninsula via their Mercedes SUV house car.

While it felt a little weird to be driven from one hotel straight to a competitor, they didn’t seem to mind in the slightest.

There’s some work being done to the outside facade of the Peninsula, but that didn’t detract from its extraordinarily stately presence.

I realized that despite visiting New York close to 20 times, I’m not sure I’d ever been on this specific block before. Odd considering, its location right on 5th Avenue is a mecca for shopping, tourism, park access, museum access – and just about anything you could want to do in the City.

Upon entering the hotel, any doubts about my decision to splurge and stay here were immediately put to bed. 

It is one of the more stately and impressive lobbies you’ll find.

Originally built as the Gotham Hotel in 1905, it still oozes turn-of-the-century class, despite changing hands and being in and out of bankruptcy a number of times over the years. 

It was bought by Peninsula Hotels in 1988, and has since become one of the most iconic and luxurious hotels in the City.

If you were to describe the hotel in a few words, the first few that came to my mind were: opulent, marble, and classic.

An Unexpected Upgrade

I knew I’d be arriving on the early side, and when I’d informed the hotel ahead of time that I may be getting there as early as 10am, they seemed more than happy to accommodate my request.

“No problem, Mr. Ogle, we’ll have your room ready for you then!”

This may not be an option on weekend nights when the hotel is fully booked out, but their willingness to accommodate my schedule was a nice surprise, and this level of service would carry on throughout the entirety of my stay. 

The bellman happily took my bags, and I walked up the grand staircase to the check-in desk.

Once again, a very friendly woman asked how my trip has been and got me checked in.

In the process she said:

“My apologies for the construction work outside. It shouldn’t affect your stay too much, but also it looks like we can upgrade you to an Executive Suite!”

Upgrades are always good, but often that can just be code for an extra 50 square feet of space.

However, this upgrade? This was not that.

This was different.

This was special.

My Executive Suite at the Peninsula was on the 19th floor, had over 700 square feet, and in what might be the most impressive feature of any New York hotel room I’ve been in, it had…

A hallway.

Yes, it was large enough to have a hallway between the living room and the bedroom.

I’m not sure a hallway has ever made me feel so fancy.

The Executive Suite at the Peninsula NYC

Whether you’re in a standard Superior room or decide to splurge on a Suite, you’re going to be treated to a very special stay.

Walking into the room, you truly feel like you’re melting into your own urban oasis.

I’d had a wonderful room at the Park Hyatt the night before, which was also quite large – but felt quite cramped in comparison.

You walk into an oversized living room/office with a beautiful view of midtown Manhattan.

Take a left and you have a hallway with a luxurious bathroom.

This may sound weird, but one of the most impressive amenities at the Peninsula are the shampoo and conditioner bottles.

They were made for Peninsula by local “fragrance curator” Mackenzie Reilly, but rather than being your typical plastic bottles, they had metal construction – which I’d never seen before in a hotel. 

I was so intrigued by this, that I asked about it, and found out they just started doing it this year as part of their sustainability initiatives.

The benefits are twofold:

1. Each Peninsula Hotel has a different set of fragrances inspired by the destination itself. So the amenities here are unique to the NYC property, which is really cool.
2. Peninsula amenities 99.9% free of single-use petroleum plastics. “This unique initiative makes The Peninsula the first hotel group to take a truly holistic, planet-conscious approach to honour the aromatic story of each of its home cities.”

It was interesting to see that what I just assumed was a minor touch, actually had a lot of thought behind it and a much better story than I was expecting. 

It’s a little touch that honestly feels weird to mention, but made the experience of staying there feel slightly elevated.

There was a bathtub with a TV, as well as TVs in the living room and bedroom.

The bed is every bit as comfortable as you’d expect from a 5-star hotel. Not quite as soft as the Ritz Carlton bed I slept on in Lake Oconee, and more in line with beds at recent stays at the Four Seasons Atlanta and Four Seasons Punta Mita.

This is a very good thing, btw. 

There isn’t much to complain about with the room, especially this particular room. But if you were to quibble, it’s starting to feel a little bit dated in comparison to other more modern hotels in the city.

Note: Reminder, this is definitely no longer the case after their recent head to toe overhaul of the property.

Despite recent renovations, some of the tech in the room, while still far above what you’d get in most hotel rooms, does have a user interface that feels like it’s from a different era.

That said I appreciated how easy it was to use, and how I could access everything I needed easily in one place.

During the 24 hours I was staying here, the weather in the City was all over the map. Periodic thunder and lightning, along with hourly downpours, left me less than thrilled about venturing out into the city.

Fortunately, the hotel was the perfect place to enjoy the day. Between shooting YouTube videos in my hotel room, a surprisingly delicious dinner in the bar, and the requisite spa time – it was a special day.

The Spa at the Peninsula New York

I’m not shy about my love of a good hotel day spa when I travel.

I rarely actually get treatments, but having a gym, pool, sauna/steam/hot tub is always something I look for when I travel.

And fortunately, there are few better places in the city to take advantage of this than the Peninsula.

It’s one of Forbes’s only 5-star spas in the city, and considering it’s located on the top floor of the hotel, you know you’re in for something special.

I ventured up about 5pm after getting a surprising amount of work done during the afternoon.

A men’s attendant was more than happy to give me a tour of the locker room, and after changing I wandered down to the sauna to destress before four hectic upcoming days hosting a golf event.

The dark motifs of the men’s relaxation lounge, immediately help calm you from the hustle of the city, and the nice sized sauna was comfortable and relaxing.

There was a eucalyptus steam room as well which is a nice compliment to the sauna.

The ice fountain is a great way to cool off in between your sauna and steam, but the most unique feature of the spa was the “experience shower.”

6 jets, a large rainfall showerhead, and a “waterfall” allowed you to mix and match your water to simulate a lush tropical rainstorm, or bathing under a tropical waterfall.

Honestly, it was just a super fancy shower, but I loved it. 

The Pool at the Peninsula NYC

I spent close to an hour going back and forth between the different spa amenities and the insane pool a floor above.

Oh, I haven’t mentioned the pool yet?

On the top floor of the hotel is a fantastic, full-featured gym, as well as a pool with some insane views of the city. At 3,300 feet it’s among the best hotel gyms I’ve used, and is on par with the gym at the St. Regis Atlanta which was quite impressive.

This is hands down one of the best pools in Manhattan. It’s inside, but it’s got solarium-like windows that give you the feel of being outside.

It’s not quite the lap swimming mecca of the Park Hyatt Tokyo, or even the Park Hyatt NYC – but you can certainly do it.

While I was there, there were a handful of families enjoying the pool and soaking in the views – so I briefly hopped in, and then went back down for another round in my “Experience Shower”

There’s also a nearby outdoor patio, but with it being a rainy day I didn’t explore it much.

There are a number of current specials and packages with their “Life Lived Best” promotion, that are worth looking into.

Dining at the Peninsula NYC

Unfortunately, Monday nights are not necessarily the best night to be hanging out in New York City.

There were two new cocktail bars I’d been wanting to check since my last visit, and both were closed on Sunday and Monday nights – the two nights I was there.

Along with that, the rooftop bar Salon de Ning at the Peninsula was also closed. 

Although it’s probably for the best with the rainy weather.

In lieu of that, I headed to the bar at the Peninsula’s Clement restaurant and enjoyed dinner.

All of the signature cocktails on the menu came in at an expensive (even by New York standards) $27.

Along with my $34 burger, it certainly wasn’t the most inexpensive meal I could have had in the city, but it was also extremely tasty.

I had a “Fall of Rum” which was essentially a rum espresso martini, which was decadent and delicious.

This is the 2nd time over the past month that I’ve been introduced to a rum espresso martini. It was recommended by a bartender at Deadshot in Portland recently, and I’m definitely a fan.

The burger was nothing over the top, but it had a huge and delicious patty that was cooked to a perfect medium rare.

Overall it was a delightful meal, at a price requisite of a 5-star hotel in New York.

There was a private event happening in Clement that evening, but it looks like it would be a very nice place to dine.

Final Impressions of the Peninsula NYC Hotel

After an albeit brief stay, it was clear from the very beginning why Peninsula has the reputation they do.

The service was phenomenal.

The location is about as good as it gets for your typical New York City tourist or business person. Only about a 10-minute walk to Times Square.

The spa and dining are among the best hotel offerings in the City.

And the hotel itself, while showing its age in a few areas, feels stately and gives a true sense of occasion while staying there.

I’m not sure when I’ll make it back to the Peninsula in New York, but I’ll be very excited when I do. Now with travel opening back up it’s time to head back to Bangkok and Hong Kong and have more experiences that would make 25-year-old me proud.

Recent Updates:

January 10th, 2025: Updated with new photos to reflect the massive overhaul the property has received since I originally published this review.

The post Peninsula NYC Review: One of New York’s Grandest Hotels appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

“Nemacolin.”

Oh, and where is that?

About an hour and a half outside Pittsburgh on the border of West Virginia.”

“And it’s supposed to be nice?

“Very.”

“Oh, ok. Have fun!”

I had some version of this conversation about half a dozen times before my recent trip to Nemacolin Resort.

It turns out, that if you’re from the West Coast? Most people simply aren’t familiar with Nemacolin…yet.

I’ve had a few reviews this past year that have been something along the lines of “the best resort you’ve never heard of.”

Sensei Porcupine Creek and Santa Lucia Preserve come to mind.

I really wanted to use that title here, because I simply wasn’t prepared for just how good Nemacolin was going to be.

Until a few months ago, I’ll be honest, I hadn’t really heard much about it.

But now that I’ve been? I’m an evangelist. It’s shocking to me that a resort of this size and caliber flies so under-the-radar outside of the region it’s in.

Today, I’m going to give you the full rundown of everything. We’re going to look at the two golf courses, the accommodations, dining, and activities – and help you decide if this is a place that you should consider visiting. 

So, if you’ve never heard of Nemacolin? You’re in for a treat. And if you’ve visited before? Then you have a good idea of exactly what’s to come.

What is Nemacolin Resort?

So if you’re like me, or any of my friends who live on the West Coast, you may be saying “What is Nemacolin?”

Nemacolin is a sprawling luxury golf resort set across 2200 acres outside of Pittsburgh on the border of Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

It opened in 1987 and was built by Joseph Hardy, the billionaire Founder of 84 Lumber.

And when I say luxury, I mean it. Rooms routinely go for upwards of $1,000 a night, the food is among the best I’ve ever had at a golf resort, and guests even get their own personal butler for the duration of their stay.

Despite the unfortunate passing of Mr. Hardy in 2023, his daughter Maggie is overseeing the resort, and her presence is felt throughout.

It’s pretty wild just how many updates they’ve done over the past 3 years, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

First Impressions: Ok, I was NOT Expecting This

Pulling into Nemacolin (pronounced nemma-cole-in), I was immediately taken aback by the grandeur of the Chateau.

Despite opening only opening in 1997 to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the resort, the Cheateau looks like it belongs in 19th century France.

It’s big, imposing, and opulent.

Walking through the front doors, you’re immediately met with an overwhelming sense of luxury that permeates all of your senses.

I focused a bit more on video for this trip, so be sure to watch the full video for more details of the property.

The first thing I noticed was the smell. As with many luxury hotels, there’s a signature scent at the Chateau, that just puts you at ease, and tells you that you’re someplace special.

I can’t imagine what the flower bill is for Nemacolin as there are beautiful bouquets everywhere.

Service was phenomenal from the moment I got on the property. 

Everyone seemed genuinely happy to help with whatever I needed, and having a butler at your beck and call is something I’ve only experienced at a handful of high-end properties in Asia.

Not something I expected in rural Pennsylvania.

You also quickly realize just how big Nemacolin is – and how much there is to do.

Fortunately, the shuttle service works just as well as at places like Bandon Dunes.

Once you’re on property, you’ll never need to touch your car, and never have to wait more than a few minutes for a shuttle to take you wherever you want to go.

But before we go too far into what the resort has to offer, let’s talk about the thing you’re likely most interested in: the golf.

Golfing at Nemacolin: Two Wildly Different Golf Experiences

Earlier in this review I mentioned Nemacolin being a “golf resort.”

But, despite the very high quality of the courses, it’s probably more apt to call it a “Resort with Golf” rather than a “Golf Resort.”

Why?

Because, to my surprise, most of the people who visit never step foot on either course.

For such a large resort, the two courses only get about 12,000 a year…combined.

Those are numbers you’d typically only see at a small exclusive private club.

But what that means for you, is that you’ll be treated to an excellent and personalized golf experience.

There are two courses at Nemacolin: Mystic Rock and Shepherds Rock.

And the two courses couldn’t be more different from one another.

Let’s first look at the more well-known of the two:

Mystic Rock: A Championship Course with PGA Pedigree

Mystic Rock is generally regarded as the “better” of the two Nemacolin golf courses. It was originally built in 1995 and designed by Pete Dye.

It’s also routinely found itself listed among the top 100 public courses in the country, and is currently #80 on the Golf Digest list.

At first glance, you might mistake the course for being an old-school Raynor design due to the rectangular bunkering you see on the newly remodeled 18th hole, and the dramatic green site on the drivable opening hole.

But as you work your way through you’ll find the course to be similar to a lot of Dye’s earlier work with massive bunkers and greens that are less over the top than some of his newer courses.

Mystic Rock was home to the 84 Lumber Invitational, a PGA Tour event from 2003-2006.

It’s a championship course with some great shot values, and it places a premium on hitting fairways and greens. 

And as with many Dye courses, there was a significant amount of blasting and “creating” the golf course to be what it is today. You’ll find reminders of this throughout ther property in the way of boulder piles and stacked stone used as a motif around the course.

Speaking of which, the course is beautiful The waterfall behind the John Daly statue on the 4th hole is particularly memorable.

The winding par 5 11th is another memorable one that forces you to be thoughtful with each shot.

This is followed up by the over-water par 3, 12th which has two different green sites.

We played 4 of the last 5 holes directly into a stout wind, which definitely amped up the difficulty of the course – but it certainly didn’t make it any less enjoyable.

Shepherds Rock: This is True Adventure Golf

Built-in 2017, Shepherd’s Rock has the distinction of being the last course Pete Dye designed before he passed away in January of 2020.

Mystic Rock is the more well-known of the two courses, in part due to the PGA pedigree and the fact it’s been around longer.

But Shepherd’s Rock provides a completely different golf experience, it’s the type of course I call “adventure golf.”

Where the routing takes you on a journey that feels like an expedition.

With Shepherd’s, you’ll find greens that are far more undulating and severe than over at Mystic – which is the primary defense of the course.

That’s not to say there aren’t tricky holes.

The par 4, 619 yard 4th hole is nicknamed “Beast” for a reason.

You’ll need to pick your spot carefully off the tee to avoid the centerline bunkers. And even a well-struck drive will then have to contend with an uphill green that has the potential to kick any balls left short 80 yards back down the hill.

For me, I think Shepherd’s is the most scenic of the two courses, and honestly, has some of the more memorable holes.

The short par 4 10th was among my favorites on the property. 

Built into a giant hillside, you can hit just about any club you want, depending on how aggressive you want to be. From the fairway, the green looks much smaller than it is, forcing you to pick your approach club well and commit.

Some of these memorable and scenic holes aren’t necessarily the most strategic, however. The 17th for instance has a fairway that’s so severely sloped that any ball hitting the left side of the fairway is destined roll to the right side – limiting your shot options.

I think objectively Mystic is the better golf course, but I found myself enamored with the fun, adventurous and at times over the top nature of Shepherd’s Rock.

I love the fact there are two distinctly different and unique courses, that will each appeal to golfers for different reasons.

The Golf Academy

Along with so many of the amenities that have received significant upgrades in the last 3 years, The Golf Academy was one of the first overhauls, receiving a $3 million renovation in 2021.

The result is pretty spectacular.

The space has four specialized Trackman bays, with two of those allowing you to hit out onto the connected driving range.

Technology is at the forefront here, as on top of the full Trackman setup, there’s also SwingCatyalyst sensors with Dual Force Plates.

No matter what level of golfer you are, there’s a way to improve your game here.

I also love this, as it keeps the golf season going through the Winter as well.

Caddy Shack Mini Golf

The 18 hole mini golf course at Nemacolin is excellent as well. It’s been recently renovated with fun holes and water features everywhere. 

I Wasn’t Prepared for Just How Unique the Nemacolin Accommodations Would Be

I suppose I should have been more prepared for it, considering the resort is spread across over 2k acres and has so much to offer.

But Nemacolin is really more like 4 resorts in one, because where you stay will significantly alter what your experience is like at Nemacolin.

There are three primary hotel options at the resort, as well as the option to stay in private houses on property. 

The Chateau at Nemacolin

For my trip, I stayed in a Chateau King Room, which just finished a massive remodel that re-opened over Memorial Day 2024.

And the result? Absolutely stunning.

I mentioned the experience of walking into the lobby for the first time, but walking into my room caught me even more off guard.

My flight was delayed, getting to the resort about 4 hours later than I’d planned. So I had my butler take my bags to the room, while I ran over to catch the tail end of dinner at The Peak and to play a little after-hours mini golf.

When I finally stepped into my room for the first time after 11pm, I was totally shocked.

This is what a luxury hotel room should look like.

First off, it was massive for a standard room at over 500 square feet.

But it had all kinds of little touches that significantly elevated it over most of the nicest hotel rooms I’ve stayed in.

The most obvious here is technology.

There are 4 touch screens that control everything from your lights, to your music, to the shades.

Technology can begin to feel dated fast. Even some of the most luxurious hotel rooms I’ve been in have started to feel a little tired.

But having just finished their remodel, this is entirely 21st century.

The Kohler Japanese-style toilet with a heated, massaging seat and touch screen was next level.

The room is also the first room I’ve ever stayed in to have an entire set of cocktail tools – which, the cocktail afficianado in me really appreciated. Even if 99% of guests will just head down to one of the excellent bars for their cocktail needs.

The espresso maker with steaming functon is also the nicest I’ve ever had in a hotel room before.

At an average rate eclipsing $1,000 a night in the peak season, you’re paying a price for this level of luxury.

That said, I’ve stayed in many similarly priced hotel rooms that did not feel worthy of the price tag. The experience of staying at the Chateau feels every bit worth the money.

The Grand Lodge: The Suite Life

The more I dig into just how much has been done to Nemacolin in the past 3 years, the more remarkable it seems.

The Grand Lodge got a huge overhaul that opened up in November 2023. The hotel now features 56 different suites, that range from a massive penthouse, to still huge King Suites.

One thing that’s kind of cool about this property is that the Chateau and Grand Lodge are connected. They seamlessly flow into one another, so when you’re inside the only giveaway that you’ve ventured from one property to the next is how the vibe and decor slowly morph from one classic motif to the next.

I can’t comment on the rooms, since I didn’t stay in one – but based on my experience in the Chateau, you won’t be disappointed.

The dining options here are also phenomenal, but we’ll get to those in a minute.

Falling Rock: An Art-Deco Adults Only Oasis

Falling Rock, not to be confused with the nearby famous Frank Lloyd Wright design Falling Water – is a bit different than the other two hotels at Nemacolin.

Falling Rock opened in 2004, and was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright protege David Merritt.

The fact they refer to it as “Nemacolin’s most sophisticated hotel” is kind of mind-boggling to me, considering I’m not sure what could feel more sophisticated than the Chateau.

It’s been rated 5 stars (or diamond) by both Forbes and AAA and it feels every part of it.

It’s located right at the golf courses, so if you’re looking for the shortest commute possible to the course – this is where you want to be.

Dining at Nemacolin: There’s Something for Everyone

Whether you’re looking for an over-the-top Michelin quality meal, a good steak, or something more casual and family-friendly – Nemcolin’s got you covered.

The food options here are fantastic, and honestly, full of surprises.

Lautrec: Fine-Dining at It’s Finest

Perhaps the biggest surprise in terms of food, comes in the way of Lautrec. 

I mean, you don’t exactly expect to find a world-class, tasting menu only, French restaurant in the middle of rural Pennsylvania.

Yet I suppose you wouldn’t expect to find any of what Nemacolin offers in rural Pennsylvania.

I didn’t eat here, but each time I walked by the restaurant and looked inside, I was taken aback by just how beautiful and ornate the space looked

Aqueous: Serious Seafood

Again, you don’t expect to find world-class seafood in a place like this – but our meal at Aqueous was one of the highlights of the trip.

Located in Falling Rock, Aqueous is the seafood restaurant at the resort, and also home to the more casual Amber Bar as well.

The raw tower was full of some of the freshest-tasting seafood I’ve ever had. The salmon and scallops I had were equally delicious, and there wasn’t a bad thing on the menu.

I ordered a Manhattan from Amber Bar, which was also very much on point.

Fawn & Fable: A Whimsical Steakhouse

Fawn & Fable has undergone a bit of a renovation recently. What was once more of a traditional steakhouse is now full of whimsy, and includes a fable about a fawn that tells the story of the food.

It’s a very large space, but it never felt overly crowded. The service was excellent, and the food was wonderful as well.

My filet was cooked to a perfect medium-rare

The Peak: Everything a Family Could Want

The very first thing I did after checking in at Nemacolin was head to The Peak to meet my group for dinner.

I wasn’t prepared for exactly what this would be, essentially, the ultimate family playground.

It had a spectacular pool with views for days. Bowling, a ropes course, paintballing, and even a ski lift for the Winters.

Not to mention spots inside, outside, poolside, and fireside to eat.

This is definitely the more casual, family-friendly spot at the resort. But it’s also an equally solid option for buddies just looking for a good burger and beer after a day of golf.

Nightcap: I Wasn’t Expecting This

Ok, I take it back. Lautrec wasn’t the biggest dining surprise at the resort: Nightcap was.

What was once a casual sports bar has been completely transformed to a jazz and cocktail club.

We’d met a few people the night before who said they had just come from Nightcap and that there was a wonderful jazz band.

They told us, “It doesn’t really get going until Thursday when they do the full show on the weekends. I can’t imagine what that would be, as the show we saw was wonderful.”

The next night we had the pleasure of experiencing the “full show,” and I legitimately still don’t believe what I saw (watch my video above to see more about this.)

It was kind of a moulin rouge-esque stage show that featured spectacular singing, a surprisingly cohesive story, and no less than a dozen costume changes from the 10 or so performers.

Creating a show like that, in a place like this, is a bold – risky move. 9 times out of 10 I’d imagine it would come across as cheesy and amateur.

This was not. It was excellent, and something I would have thoroughly enjoyed had I watched it in any cosmopolitan city. 

Throw in some delicious and unique cocktails, and I think this is a must-visit when at Nemacolin.

The Hardy Room

Off the lobby of the Chateau is a somewhat hidden room that features a wonderful cigar lounge. The humidor is huge and will please even the most discerning smoker.

Food and drinks can also be ordered here.

We showed up late one night before closing, and the staff went above and beyond by allowing us to stay. And even when all the kitchens were closed, they found some snacks and brought them to us “on the house.”

Pools and Spas at Nemacolin

There’s no shortage of places for kids to play and adults to relax while at the resort.

The Peak Pool

The Peak pool I mentioned above is the ultimate family playground with a lazy river, waterfalls, and even a swim-up bar for parents to enjoy a beverage.

This is also open and heated year-round, so if you want to take a dip after Winter activities – you can do so here.

Paradise Pool

The Paradise Pool is a slightly more intimate family pool experience that has a waterslide, food options, and available cabanas.

It’s located right next to the Woodlands Spa which is across the street from the Grand Lodge or a short walk from The Chateau.

You’ll also find a delightful adults-only pool with a separate bar here as well.

The Pool at Falling Rock

This art-deco inspired trianangle infinity pool overlooks the golf course and is available exclusively for guests of the Falling Rock property.

They’d originally talked about making this entire property adults only, but as of Summer 2024, it seems that is no longer the case.

The Spa and Spa Pool

Along with all the pools mentioned (and a few others I haven’t), there’s a 4 lane indoor pool as part of the Woodlands Spa facility.

The Spa is massive, and while I didn’t get a treatment there, I did help myself to a sauna and steam in the men’s locker room – which also features a large whirlpool.

Holistic Healing Center

Along with all of the traditional massage and spa treatments available at the Woodlands Spa, the Holistic Wellness Center is a more unique wellness experience.

Dr. Jerry Lin is their in-house Doctor of Chinese Medicine, who curates treatment plans that include acupuncture, holistic integrative therapy, and wellness recommendations to combat stress, pain, sleep disruptions, or other health concerns, based on your individual needs.

I did a 90-minute consultation and acupuncture session, which I’d never done before. He was excellent at answering all of my stupid questions

On top of this they also have a full suite of advanced recovery tools like Cryotherapy, salt-water float tanks, and NovoTHOR red light therapy beds.

I did the latter, and my 20-minute session felt like being in a tanning bed that’s actually good for you.

There is an Absolutely Ridiculous Amount of Things to Do Here.

I was at the resort for 3 days, and I didn’t even come close to scratching the surface of what you can do there.

I mean this in all seriousness, I’m not sure I’ve ever come across a resort that has more to do than at Nemacolin.

Here are a few of the specific things that I did, knowing this barely scratches the surface of what you can do.

Whitewater Rafting on the Youghiogheny River

I hadn’t been whitewater rafting in over a decade, so when I was asked if I wanted to take a float for a few hours on the Youghiogheny (Yough for short), I couldn’t pass it up.

Being in the middle of Summer, everyone was downplaying how tame the rapids would be. Which I’m sure they were when compared to the peak run in early Spring.

But it still provided a thoroughly exhilarating and enjoyable float during the 7-mile ride down the Lower Yough.

Rod and Range Club

For outdoor enthusiasts, this is one of the coolest parts of Nemacolin.

The rod and range club is set on 160 acres and boasts numerous options for fly fishing as well as one of the top sporting clays facilities in the US.

After experiencing this for the first time at Reynold Lake Oconee a couple years back, I was excited to see the facility here.

But when met with the option to go shooting or fly fishing – I opted for the latter.

Whether you’re going for steelhead on the Yough or finding smaller creeks in the area for bass and trout, there’s some excellent fly fishing in the area.

Through the resort, you even get access to fishing on a creek owned by a private fishing club, that only has about 60 members. 

This is where we went, and we were the only ones out there that afternoon.

The Casino at Nemacolin

This was another example of me showing up and having no idea, just how much there was available to do here.

I didn’t know there was a casino.

It has received a recent overhaul, and while not the size of your typical Vegas casino, was plenty big to enjoy some table games, machines, or food and drinks.

I spent about two hours playing craps, and even doubled my money – so I’m a fan.

Other Activities at Nemacolin

None of this tickle your fancy? Here’s just a sampling of some of the other activities Nemacolin offers:

• Fun Zone at Hardy Girls Gym – Fun center featuring bouldering, laser tag, ninja warrior course, lawn games, and more.
• Bowling and Axe Throwing
• Tennis and Pickleball
• Jeep Off-Roading
• Horseback riding
• Art classes
• Cooking classes
• Art museum and property art tours
• Airplane and Car Museum
• Kids Club
• Shopping
• Sand Volleyball
• Wildlife Encounter (with very unexpected wildlife)
• Bike Riding
• Ropes Course and Paintball
• Skiing, snowboarding, tubing

And that’s just a small highlight of everything.  Take a look at this list, it’s insane.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Nemacolin

Quite simply, I wasn’t prepared for Nemacolin.

The place is absolutely massive, but it’s not about the sheer size of the property or number of activities.

It’s the fact that it offers all of this, but then has such a spectacularly high level of service, accommodations, and amenities – that you can’t help but wonder how they do it.

The downside is that it’s not inexpensive. This is a luxury resort through and through and you’ll pay for the privilege and experience of visiting.

But for as much as I love oceanfront resorts like Hualalai or Punta Mita, the experience you’ll have at Nemacolin is just as elevated – yet entirely unique and different.

So whether you’re looking for a memorable family vacation, a couples retreat, or even a high-end buddies golf trip – I can’t imagine coming to Nemacolin and not having one of the most memorable vacations of your life.

I can’t wait to go back.

I was a guest of Nemacolin resort and they covered my expenses on this trip. I didn’t receive any cash payments, and all thoughts and opinions of the property are my own.

The post Indulgent Paradise: Why Nemacolin Resort is a Must-Visit appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

I’d never experienced anything like it.

After a quick 25-minute drive from Palm Springs International Airport, we drove through a non-descript neighborhood before pulling up to the gates of Sensei Porcupine Creek.

The gates opened, and as we rolled down the windows to take in the landscape, the intense smell of jasmine came flowing into the car.

The entire property smells like it, and it’s wonderful.

As we drove up the driveway we began seeing numbers in bright bold colors implanted among the impeccable landscaping.

1, 2, 3…all the way up to 9 – before ending with 0.

1 to 0.

Life becomes death.

Between the luscious smell and the thought-provoking sculptures from artist Robert Indiana, it became clear in less than 2 minutes that this wasn’t going to be your typical resort vacation.

And it most certainly, was not.

What my wife and I experienced over 3 days at Sensei Porcupine Creek was a time of activity, wellness, relaxation, and reflection unlike any I’ve experienced before.

Wildly memorable experiences were peppered in with opportunities to assess where we were at both physically and mentally.

Sensei gives you the space to think about that, but more importantly, it gives you every tool you could ever want to take action and create a plan toward your desired wellness goals.

And that’s exactly what happened for us.

Today I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about Sensei Porcupine Creek. We’re going to look into its history, its ethos, the accommodations, activities, classes, spa, and dining options. 

I’m going to share my personal experience there, and help you figure out if it’s the right place for you to visit depending on your current needs and goals.

It certainly isn’t for everyone, and I wasn’t even entirely sure it was for me.

But having experienced it? I’m excited to tell you about it.

Because a few days here might be just the catalyst you need to make legitimate changes in your life – and create some incredible memories in the process.

Ready?

Let’s go.

The History of Sensei Porcupine Creek

The 230-acre Porcupine Creek was originally developed in 2004 by billionaire Tim Blixseth as a private estate for his family.

What’s interesting is the actual “Porcupine Creek” is located in Montana. He’d hoped to develop a property near there, but it didn’t work out. So he turned his eyes South and named the estate that’s tucked in the mountain foothills of Rancho Mirage after that original property.

One of the most unique aspects of the property is the 19-hole golf course he built exclusively for private use.

More on that in a minute.

In 2011 Oracle Founder Larry Ellison purchased the property, and used it in a similar manner for a decade.

This is until he and Dr. David Agus had a mutual friend pass away.

This caused them to start thinking about health, longevity, and how they might best be able to help other people improve both.

Opening in November 2022, Sensei Porcupine Creek is the result.

First Impressions of the Property

I’m not sure if there’s such a thing as a “six-star” resort, but if there is, Sensei would be awarded the designation.

I’ve stayed at many high-end properties from Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, St. Regis, and others.

But there’s something about the understated elegance of Sensei Porcupine Creek that feels a step above.

Part of this is the boutique nature of the property and it’s “Estate House.”

There are currently only 22 accommodations and a maximum of 68 guests on the property at any given time.

Although I was told 45 people would be considered “busy.”

During our stay, there were 19 guests there, and I hardly saw a single one of them the entire time.

Part of what makes Sensei Porcupine Creek so special is that when you’re there, you feel like you’re the center of their universe.

Like you’re the only one that matters.

I’ve never quite experienced this level of care, service, and attention to detail.

When we rolled up to the Estate House (the main building of the resort) it was impossible not to be taken aback by the landscaping of the property.

It may very well be the most well-landscaped place I’ve ever been. Period.

The aforementioned smell of jasmine permeates no matter where you go. There are water features throughout the grounds that lead to the feeling of being in a desert oasis.

And the collection of world-class sculptures from artists such as Keith Haring, Robert Indiana, and Yoshitomo Nara – would be right at home among any of the best museums in the world.

But despite the beyond-pleasant surroundings, it’s what Sensei provides among them that is what makes the experience so special.

Check-in Process and Accommodations

When we arrived at the Estate House we received a warm greeting from multiple staff members. Our bags were whisked off to our room, and we were treated to a tour of the property.

The extra high touch “check-in” was great.

It immediately gives you a sense of place and helps you get your bearings.

We were offered a coconut shiso mocktail as a welcome drink that was just as good as you’d expect it to be.

The main lobby area is known as the Living Room, because well, it used to be the living room to the estate.

It still feels that way, and is where you meet any experts, therapists, or guides for your 1:1 sessions or treatments.

Just sitting in the room and admiring your surroundings never got old here.

There are currently 22 different accommodations including “hotel” rooms in the Estate House and larger casitas and villas nestled among different parts of the property.

Of those, there are 10 rooms in the Estate House. They truly do feel more like private bedrooms in someone’s home, rather than a hotel room in the traditional sense.

There are 4 casitas which are standalone rooms surrounding a beautiful courtyard and spa.

Finally, there are 8 villas that are either 2 or 4 bedrooms each. I imagine these are a big hit for spa retreats with friends, or those looking for as much privacy as possible.

Our Room in the Estate House

We stayed in a Deluxe Estate House room, and it was fantastic.

One of the great things about staying in these rooms which we learned very quickly was just how convenient everything is.

The property is the perfect size. It’s big enough to allow people to spread out so you don’t feel overwhelmed with other guests, but small enough that you can walk to anything very quickly and easily.

Our room was beautiful.

It was very generously sized, and featured the same “Japanese Minimalist” type aesthetic as the rest of the resort.

The king-size bed was very comfortable and on par with the best hotel beds I’ve ever slept on.

I appreciated that it wasn’t too soft. Some 5-star beds can feel amazing when you fall into them, but if they’re too soft, after a couple nights you can feel it.

There’s a Nespresso machine and a small honor bar that’s all well done.

You can tell everything about the room was intentional down to the smallest details.

The door was custom-designed.

All of the hangers were custom-designed to keep clutter to an absolute minimum and add a feeling of space to your closet.

Every room comes with a Japanese toilet, which is a wonderful high-end touch. Even more unique than that, every single toilet I used on property, whether at the pool or the golf course – was also Japanese.

It never gets old when it opens up to welcome you and then has a heated seat for added comfort.

Our room had a wonderful lanai with comfortable seating for 2, and a pond with waterfalls behind some greenery.

The Golf Experience is Unlike Anything Else on this Planet

Before we go too much further into the resort itself, I need to talk about the golf course, considering this is a golf website after all.

No one knows for sure who built the golf course, but the names Tom Weiskopf, Dave Stockton, and Annika Sorenstam have all been mentioned as being involved.

For years, Porcupine Creek was recognized as one of the most exclusive courses in the world. Generally, only presidents, foreign dignitaries, and celebrities would have the honor of teeing it up.

However, even though it’s now open to the public, it’s still one of the most exclusive and unique experiences in all of golf.

Why?

Well for one, it hardly gets any play.

My wife and I were the only ones golfing the day we played.

I expected the course to be cool because of its exclusive nature.  I wasn’t prepared for the fact it’s an excellent golf course in its own right.

It will easily make my list of favorite courses I’ve ever played.

I’ve covered the course and playing experience in extreme detail right here. So check that out if you want to see what it’s like to play the most private, public course I’ve ever heard of.

Not All Tennis Courts are Created Equal

Yes, the golf course is something special. But the tennis program at Sensei is just as good.

You see, Mr. Ellison also owns the nearby Indian Wells Tennis Garden, home of the BNP Paribas Tournament.

The 2 hard courts at Sensei are the exact same as the ones the pros play on during the tournament.

And there’s also a clay “Har-tru” court for those looking to perfect their game on an alternate surface.

Like the golf pavilion (clubhouse), the tennis pavilion is stunning. It’s designed to invoke the feeling of being in someone’s home – and they nail that vibe.

I took an hour-long lesson from Director of Tennis Caroline Vis, who was a former top 10 doubles player in the world.

As someone who grew up playing competitive tennis, the lesson was one of the best I ever had. She immediately helped diagnose the problem I was having with my backhand.

For as much as most of us are into golf, if tennis is your thing, you have a lot of options to customize what your experience will look like.

Wellness Packages and Offerings

One of the unique aspects of Sensei Porcupine Creek is that it’s all about wellness.

No, really!

A lot of places say they’re about it, but here they walk the walk.

What does that look like?

Well for starters, there are typically no regular “hotel guests.”

You have to stay for a minimum of two nights, and your stay has to be part of a wellness package.

There are currently 7 to choose from, including:

• Discover Sensei Experience
• Guided Wellness Experience
• Rest and Recovery Program
• Optimal Well Being Program
• Golf Optimal Well Being Program
• Tennis Optimal Well Being Program

We did a 2-night, 3-day Discover Sensei experience. 

This was perfect for allowing us to experience all that the resort has to offer, while still being able to customize and personalize the experience based on our unique goals.

For instance, I really wanted to focus on improving my flexibility and working on nutrition.

My wife was more focused on mental well ,being and mindset after a stressful period at work.

After filling out a pre-arrival form, we each received personal itineraries that allowed us to focus on the areas of ourselves that we wanted to work on most.

Every expert we met with, was just that: an expert. 

Whether it was yoga, fitness, nutrition, or massage – everyone at Sensei is among the best at what they do.

They were always happy to answer even the most basic of questions, and elaborate with feedback on how it pertains directly to us and our life and personal situation.

Because the retreat is so small, every session we were in felt like a private lesson, which was very cool.

Science and Data

At Sensei you get access to a lot of technology. But the tech that’s there is always used to enhance and inform your experience, rather than overwhelm it.

The tech is very intentional.

With some of the Optimal Well Being programs, they’ll actually send you a Whoop band ahead of your trip. This way you can start wearing it, get some baseline biomarkers, and then they’ll use that data to inform your wellness experience at the retreat.

Classes and Activities 

There’s a regular offering of different classes and activities you can choose from while you’re there.

For instance, we did a morning meditation and yoga class, a foam rolling class, a private sound bath experience, and a wall yoga class.

The last two were among the most unique.

Wall Yoga

There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of wall yoga. Well, let me enlighten you.

The setup includes a wall with 6 rows of 3 brackets. You can adjust a stabilizing bar for height among the brackets, but the primary component of wall yoga is a loop harness – that you’ll use in a wide variety of ways during the session.

We started our session by simply resting our head in the harness. By the end, we were doing full-on inversions with our feet on the wall and waist in the harness.

I’m not sure how this isn’t a more popular thing. My wife who generally doesn’t love yoga is ready to build a setup in our home.

It provides a unique way of stretching that’s fun, engaging, and relaxing all at the same time.

Sound Bath

I’d never had a sound bathing experience, so I didn’t know what to expect.

But we entered the room and there was a setup with some unique drums and instruments situated behind two mats with eye masks. 

We laid down, got comfortable, and placed the masks over our eyes.

For the next hour, we were taken on a sound journey.

There were times it felt like a meditation lulling you to sleep. 

There were other times that felt like you were in the middle of an intense storm – and both resulted in emotional responses I wasn’t quite anticipating.

The wildest part is it seems like the sound is moving all around you, and that the facilitator is moving around the room.

He stayed seated directly behind us the whole time.

I couldn’t necessarily tell you what the direct wellness benefit of this session was, but for me personally, it gave me space to think, ponder, and remove myself from the real world. Which I’ve found to be a difficult thing to do these days.

The Spa

As you might imagine for a retreat like this, a big part of it is the spa and treatment options.

There are numerous offerings with all the things you’d expect: unique massages, facials, and other bodywork offerings.

But this is another area where they leverage technology in specific and useful ways.

I received a “thermographic massage.”

This means they took photos of my entire body using an infrared camera to figure out where I had the most inflammation, asymmetries, and muscle tightness – my therapist Ming then tailored my massage to the areas in my body that needed it most.

Sensei Porcupine Creek doesn’t have a “spa” in the traditional sense.

There are numerous treatment rooms surrounding the pool, but there’s no central spa. So you won’t find a sauna, steam room, or cold plunge. 

Although I’ve been told there are plans for these amenities in the future.

The Pool

The pool at Sensei is one of the main attractions of the property.

It’s a large lagoon-like pool, with some beautiful water features surrounding the pool deck.

During our first two days there we never saw another person at the pool while we were there. We had the whole place to ourselves and it was a delight.

However, even if there are other guests, you’ll always be able to find both space and privacy.

The way they put little seating areas up and out of the way is a cool touch. It added a sense of elevation, and gave you plenty of spots to find time alone if you weren’t looking to be social.

At any time you can text the concierge and they’ll come right out to take your food or drink order from the exclusive pool menu.

And no matter what, make sure you get the frozen yuzu grapes – they’re wonderful.

Speaking of dining at Sensei, it’s Nobu. Yes, that Nobu.

There’s only one main restaurant at Sensei and it’s Sensei by Nobu.

Yes, that Nobu.

Even though it’s one main kitchen, there are different dining experiences:

• Sensei by Nobu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Sushi Bar
• Pool Menu
• In Room Dining
• Special Golf and Tennis menus

The primary menus are similar to other Nobu locations, but there are a handful of dishes that have been adjusted or added to have a more healthful focus.

And it’s just for you. There are no outside diners allowed, only Sensei guests.

For us, this led to some of the most memorable culinary experiences we’ve ever had.

What do these memorable experiences look like?

For instance, they’ll bring you food out to the golf course anytime you want.

So I had a “Nobu Breakfast Burrito”  and fresh fruit delivered to me on the 3rd hole.

I’d say it was made of “puff pastry” but that wouldn’t be doing it justice. In fact it is, Feuille de Brick dough with kurobuta sausage, scrambled eggs, shiitake mushrooms, brussels sprouts, and aji limo hot sauce

Unique, delicious, and reasonably healthy!

The Sensei by Nobu Omakase

Anytime I travel to places like this, I always want to try as many things as possible to get a complete sense of the offerings.

What better way to do that than an omakase where the chef brings you a coursed out meal of their choosing?

One of the coolest things about Sensei is that because of its small size, you see a lot of the same people throughout your stay.

For instance, Bethany was our server on both nights we were there. On top of learning a bit about her, she took the time to get to know us and our preferences. She talked to the chef and they created a plan for our meal.

Knowing we’d be back to try the Sushi Bar the next night, she made sure that the experience was super dialed and if we missed an essential dish the first night – that we’d get it on the second.

As you can probably guess the food was out of this world.

From signature Nobu yellowtail preparations to a sashimi salad with beautiful vegetables we were taken on a culinary journey that was as memorable as everything else at Sensei.

Perfectly cooked scallops and wonderfully seasoned lamb, were completed by the Banana Soy Toban – one of the best desserts I’ve ever had.

The meal was as diverse as it was delicious.

Sushi Bar

The next night we sat in the Sushi Bar which is located directly across the living room from the main restaurant and bar.

We had the whole place to ourselves. So to sit and talk to the two sushi chefs about the food, the recipes, and the property was something very special.

I wasn’t sure they’d be able to top the New Style Uni and King Crab dish, until they brought out A5 Wagyu Miyazaki on a hot stone, followed by the Blue Fin Toro.

The entire experience was decadent, memorable, and obviously, expensive.

But if you’re coming to Sensei Porcupine Creek, you’re not overly concerned about the budget.

Breakfast and Lunch

The breakfast and lunch menus are also cultivated for Sensei by Nobu and were full of healthy and delicious offerings.

I wasn’t totally sure how I felt about the recommendation of the Salmon Burger for lunch, but it ended up being not just one of the best things I ate on the trip, but one of the best things I’ve had in the past year.

It’s a must-order while you’re there.

While at the pool you can order off both the pool menu and the lunch menu, so you’re never short of food options while you’re on property.

How to Stay at Sensei Porcupine Creek

Sensei Porcupine Creek is quickly becoming a very popular retreat, especially in the Winter months, but there are still lots of opportunities for visiting.

During the peak season rooms start at $1,650/night and require a 2-night minimum stay and the selection of one of the wellness packages I mentioned above.

During the off-season which is from May 1st to July 15th, rooms come down to a starting price of $1,000 per night.

The property then closes for 2 months during the peak of Summer.

To play the golf course you’ll need to be a hotel guest, and then the rate is $950 during peak season and $650 in the off-season.

For what it’s worth, we visited in early May and everything was perfect.

We had fantastic weather which never got too hot, and because it was a slower time, there were even fewer guests there than usual.

Final Thoughts on Sensei Porcupine Creek

Obviously there’s a lot of hyperbole I can talk about here.

The decadent meals, the beautiful golf course we had all to ourselves, the luxury “6-star” nature of the entire property.

And I think I’ve sufficiently covered how memorable all of that is.

But that’s not the (main) reason to visit.

It might be the selling point that gets you in the door, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much space I’d be given for reflection.

Even visiting for “work” I was able to make the most out of my sessions from a personal standpoint.

At 39 years old, I’m starting to think about my own healthspan and longevity. I’m considering what changes I need to make to my diet, exercise, daily routines, and habits.

Sensei allowed me to do this in a way no other place has.

Maybe it’s the fact that you’re able to be so free of distractions here.

Maybe it’s the way Sensei is designed to facilitate these thoughtful conversations, reflection, and planning.

Or perhaps it was just because I was in a relaxing place away from my toddler for 3 days.

But whatever the reason, it triggered something in me that has stuck with me ever since I left a few weeks ago.

That’s the magic of Sensei Porcupine Creek.

But all of those world-class experiences that are unlike anything I’ve seen anywhere else? 

Well, they certainly don’t hurt either.

The post I Wasn’t Prepared for Just How Special Sensei Porcupine Creek Would Be. appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

When you think about Orlando, your first thought is more likely visions of theme parks, themed hotels, and general all-around chaos.

While much of Orlando is that way, conveniently located to everything near the South end of the city is a bit of an oasis: Grande Lakes.

During this year’s PGA Show, I was looking for a place to stay that was a little bit “comfier” than the typical hotels on International Drive near the Orange County Convention Center.

I stumbled across Grande Lakes resort, which is less than 10 minutes from OCCC, and less than 20 from all of the major theme parks.

Grande Lakes is a unique property in that it’s set across 500 acres right at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades.

It’s a beautiful, lush property, that feels decidedly “un-Orlando”.

Speaking of “un-Orlando” there are two resort hotel properties at Grande Lakes: the JW Marriott and the Ritz Carlton Orlando.

For my 4 night trip, I stayed at the Ritz Carlton.

In this Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes review, I’m going to cover everything you need to know about the resort and whether or not it’s worth staying there on your next trip.

Ready? Let’s do this.

First Impressions of the Ritz Carlton Orlando

Due to a series of unfortunate events that resulted in a weeklong power outage and flooding of my house – my had to be pushed out a couple days.

Instead of arriving at a reasonable time, I took a red eye that got into Orlando at 5:30 in the morning.

My first meeting was at 9.

I called the resort the day before to see if there was any way I could head there to shower in the spa or something to freshen up.

They did me one better by allowing me to check into my room at 7am.

In one act of kindness, this summed up the entirety of my experience at the Ritz Carlton Orlando. Service was excellent across the board.

More on that later though.

I pulled onto the grounds just as the sun was rising over the horizon. The place isn’t hard to miss. The JW Marriott is a 1,000-room monster of a hotel that towers far above anything else in the area.

It made for a fun backdrop while playing golf.

Grande Lakes is very well-manicured, and it’s laid out in a way that keeps things convenient to one another – without ever feeling cramped or overwhelming.

Know that if you have a car, the Ritz Carlton is valet only. And at $52/night, parking isn’t cheap. I always prefer the option for self parking when available, but despite the high price tag – the valet service was excellent. I never had to wait more than 2 minutes, and they’d always keep the car out if I were leaving again soon.

As you might expect of a five-star hotel in Florida, there were always a number of exotic cars parked around the porte-cochere, and there was at least one notable sports team staying at the hotel while I was there.

While I wouldn’t say the Ritz Carlton Orlando immediately struck me as the most unique luxury property I’ve stayed at, everything is very nice and I could tell it would be a (very) comfortable stay.

Checking in at the Ritz Carlton Orlando

The lobby at the hotel is covered in marble and there’s a large bar past the foyer that was always a hub of activity – and is a great place for meetings or meetups if there for business or a conference.

The check-in process was very smooth.

Right off the main desk, there was a “Ritz Carlton Kids” check-in alcove that I thought was a fun touch. Families looking for a luxury Disney or Universal experience are definitely a target market here. Had I been with my 3-year-old and just gotten off a cross-country flight, this is something I know she would have appreciated.

Checking in, I was offered water and given a rundown of the layout of the resort and some of the activities I could partake in.

Let’s just say there’s a lot to do at Grande Lakes.

The Rooms at the Ritz Carlton Orlando

Despite originally being built in 2003, the rooms at the Ritz Carlton Orlando got an overhaul in 2021. It shows, as they’re very nicely done, with modern amenities like 65” TVs, and easily accessible charging ports.

While the property as a whole doesn’t have as much character as say, the Ritz Carlton Lake Oconee, the updated rooms are among the nicer Ritz Carlton rooms I’ve experienced.

Most if not all of the rooms have a balcony. As I was in a Lakefront, Pool view room, I had a nice view of the golf course. The only downside was that since I was close to the corner of the building, it didn’t feel like ethe most private room.

I’ve always found the Ritz Carlton beds to be among the softest of all the 5-star chains, and this is no different here – they’re great.

But in terms of a bed I’d want to sleep on every day, I think I still give the nod to the Four Seasons bed.

I’m always happy to see rooms with a spacious desk, as I’m often editing photos or writing in the evenings. The desk here was elegant, and the live succulent was a cool feature that made the entire room feel just a little bit warmer.

The bathroom was spacious, although the shower was on the smaller side.

As to be expected the rooms came with Nespresso coffee machines, although mine wasn’t working properly which was a bit of a bummer. Especially since a cup of coffee was running about 7 bucks after tax and tip at the coffee shop in the lobby.

This is one thing I always appreciated about the St. Regis properties I’ve stayed at is that they have free coffee in the lobby, or in some cases free coffee service delivered directly to your room.

Amenities and Activities at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes

The big downside to staying here during the PGA Show is that my time spent at the resort was more limited than I would have liked.

This is especially true given how big the place is and how much there is to do.

One of the cool benefits of Grande Lakes is that you have two large properties on site, and guests of one hotel can use the amenities of the other.

For instance, the JW Marriott has a brand-new waterpark that is accessible to guests of the Ritz. And while there’s no spa at the JW, guests can use the spa at the Ritz Carlton.

One thing I was disappointed by is that there were no day spa amenities for hotel guests. No sauna or steam unless you’re getting a treatment.

This is a pet peeve of mine when hotels do this. You’re paying a lot of money for the room, and I don’t typically need any treatments. But I always enjoy trying to get a sauna session in when time permits.

With Grande Lakes being a big property, I can understand not wanting the spa to get too crowded, but it’s still disappointing.

There are lots of trails around Grande Lakes, and you can borrow complimentary bikes to go explore which I thought was a cool touch.

You can also get kayaks and canoes to go explore the lakes and waterways that are hallmarks of the property.

There’s a great pool at the Ritz Carlton, as well as a separate area for toddlers that looked fantastic.

But if you’re serious about a world-class pool experience, then taking advantage of the Grande Lakes Waterpark at the JW is likely the move. It features 6 slides, a lazy river, lagoons, firepits and more. For as much as I hoped to get over and check it out, I simply didn’t have time to make it happen.

Grande Lakes truly does feel like a bit of an oasis in the middle of what can be a chaotic place. So having opportunities to go experience a little bit of nature in the middle of a hectic Disney trip makes for a nice respite.

Ritz Carlton Golf Club at Grande Lakes

Another hallmark of the property is Ritz Carlton Golf Club.

Designed by Greg Norman and opened in 2003, it’s a fun resort course that’s most well known for hosting the PNC Championship parent/child tournament every year.

I had a chance to play the course and really enjoyed it. You can see my full Ritz Carlton Golf Club review here, and if video is more your thing, here’s the video of my experience:

Dining at the Ritz Carlton Orlando

Between the two hotels there are 12 different restaurants that cover everything from fine dining to super casual. It’s great having so many options, and it sounds cliche but there really is something for everyone.

The most popular spot at the Ritz Carlton is Highball & Harvest. It’s got a fun, casual vibe, while still feeling worthy of being at a Ritz.

I had the pork chop for dinner, which was excellent. The cocktails were solid, although probably a little overpriced for what they were. They did have some creative stuff on the menu though, so it was nice to see them put some effort into the cocktail program.

The flagship restaurant is the Michelin-starred Knife & Spoon. I almost went there instead of Highball & Harvest during my one-night dining at the resort, but after a red eye, morning meetings, and 18 holes of golf – I could barely stay awake.

I had lunch at Bleu, an outdoor spot near the main pool. My fish tacos were good, but having a beer overlooking the lake in January was definitely the highlight.

Final Thoughts on the Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes

If you’re going to Orlando specifically for a Disney World trip – there’s no denying that it’s not as convenient as many of the Disney hotels on property.

There won’t be characters running around, and you won’t have a monorail to easily whisk you to the parks.

But if you want something a little more peaceful, a little more luxurious than any Disney resort, and more convenient to Sea World or Universal – the Ritz Carlton is a wonderful choice.

And if you’re a business traveler or couple traveling? Then the Ritz Carlton is hands down one of the best hotels in Orlando. Is it as unique or refined as the very best Ritz Carlton properties in the world? Not quite, but it lived up to my expectations and is absolutely worthy of carrying the Ritz Carlton name.

The post Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes: The Best Hotel in Town? appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

Sunriver is a resort destination in Central Oregon, about 15 minutes outside of Bend.

If you don’t live in the Pacific Northwest there’s a good chance you’ve never heard of Sunriver – and I think it’s about time we change that.

I’ve been to nearly every major golf resort in Oregon. Bandon, Pronghorn, Tetherow, Silvies – the list goes on.

Hands down, there simply isn’t a place with more to do than Sunriver Resort.

If you’re a diehard golfer, then obviously nothing is going to live up to the quality of courses at Bandon.

But if you’re looking for the one resort that can do it all, and do it all well? Sunriver is the place.

Buddies trip, romantic getaway, week with the family? Sunriver has you covered. 

How do I know this? Well, recently, I kind of did it all.

It started with a 4 day trip with my best college friends. We got a house in Sunriver, and played the pinnacle of Sunriver golf, Crosswater, as well as the fantastic Woodlands course. We also got in rounds at nearby Pronghorn and Aspen Lakes.

The following weekend I was set to also be in Sunriver with my wife’s family. Kids, grandparents, everyone.

Rather than head back to Portland, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to have some time with my wife.

So we got a room for two nights at the Sunriver Lodge, and then got a house for another two nights before meeting up with family.

Buddies? Check.

Romantic getaway? Check.

Family? Check.

And frankly, it was the highlight of my year.

Ok, so clearly you can tell I like Sunriver. But why? What makes it so great? 

Let’s get into it.

Sunriver Golf: Northwest Style Golf at Its Finest

Considering this is a golf blog, it makes sense to devote a large chunk of this review to the golf.

I’m not sure there’s a more “northwest” golf resort out there than Sunriver.

Towering pine trees, meandering rivers, snow-capped mountains – these are hallmarks of all 4 courses at Sunriver Resort.

The first two courses the Meadows and Woodlands have been around since 1969 and 1982, respectively.

In 1995, however, the Resort entered the big leagues when they built Crosswater. Crosswater is a semi-private club (play is available to resort guests and members), and was one of the first courses that put Oregon on the map as a golf destination.

More recently, the resort built Caldera Links a 9 hole par 3 course that is perfect for new and experienced golfers alike.

Together, the quartet makes up one of the most enjoyable stable of courses in the State and one of my favorite places in the world to visit.

Crosswater Golf Club at Sunriver Resort

Crosswater was one of the very first courses I played when I began my quest way back when to play the top 100 public courses in the country (a quest that has evolved quite a bit since then.)

At the time, Crosswater was the single best course I’d ever played, and it still ranks among my favorites.

Designed by Bob Cupp in 1995, it has played host to a Champions Tour Major, the NCAA Championships and many more tournaments. 

From the tips it stretches out to nearly 7700 yards, and it crosses the Deschutes River over half a dozen times (hence the name).

The course is always in immaculate condition, and is truly the best representation of NW golf there is.

In my mind, there’s a holy trinity of Central Oregon golf courses in Pronghorn, Tetherow, and Crosswater. All top 100 public in the country, yet the three could not be more different from each other.

The course has a little bit of everything, and has some truly interesting greens that reward accuracy on your approach.

Meadows Golf Course at Sunriver

The Meadows Course may be the most prominent course of the bunch, as the course begins right in the heart of the resort outside the Sunriver Lodge.

You’ll immediately understand where the course gets its name, as the opening holes meander through the meadow near the River, with green forests and mountains as the backdrop.

It was the first course built at the Resort and was designed by John Fought and opened in 1969.

The Meadows Course in many ways is the perfect resort course. If you play it from the whites, the course is manageable for all skill levels, while moving back will give you a pretty significant challenge.

I played with my father-in-law and my brother-in-law, the latter of which is still a beginning golfer – and he did great getting around the course.

There are a handful of forced carries, but overall you’re able to run the ball up the fairways and onto the green in most cases.

The course is beautiful, with the first 4 holes having water and mountain views before heading into the trees, and popping out again at 9.

The greens were more interesting than I remember, and the bunkering is also very well done – giving you plenty of options for risk/reward shots throughout the course.

The short par 4 5th, was one of my favorites, as well as the par 4, 15th.

Sunriver Resort: Woodlands Golf Course

The Woodlands Course opened in 1982, and was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.

When we got to the starter, he said “You’re in for a treat. A lot of the members find this to be the most enjoyable course to play because it’s the most user-friendly.”

I told him that’s great, because after playing Crosswater and the Nicklaus at Pronghorn, I could use some “user-friendly” in my life.

I’d only played Woodlands a couple times before, and one of those was for my bachelor party, so let’s just say my memory was a bit hazy.

Within the first few holes, I was pleasantly surprised.

Next to Crosswater and some of the other more high-profile courses in the region, you don’t hear as much about Meadows and Woodlands, but it has some excellent holes.

The 2nd, a dogleg right par 4 I thought was particularly interesting as it forced you to take on the water to the right to give yourself the best position for your approach.

The 9th is also a beautiful par 4 with a lake carry, and a second lake beyond the fairway. This forces you to hit a precise shot, or bail out right for a safer tee shot, but a longer approach.

There’s also a fantastic stretch of holes in 15-18 that are scenic, strategic, and very enjoyable.

While it’s still a residential resort course with homes on most of the holes, I found that I enjoyed the course more than I expected to and that it should get more recognition than it does.

Crosswater tends to be the course that gets the national love when you think about golf in Central Oregon (next to Pronghorn and Tetherow).

Each of those courses are beautiful, challenging, and world-class in every sense.

But the Meadows and Woodlands shouldn’t be overlooked. They are both fun courses, with good views, and nice greens. These two courses feel…comfortable. Meaning they feel super relaxed and unpretentious. Sunriver is a very chill place, with tons of families and lots going on. These courses emanate that vibe in a way you don’t necessarily get at many high-end courses, and the Crosswater members who are lucky enough to be able to play all of the courses as part of their membership should consider themselves very fortunate.

If I lived in the area, for as much as I love the other courses in the region, this is the membership and area I’d choose.

Caldera Links at Sunriver

Caldera Links was built in 2007 as part of the Caldera Springs development. Located across the street from Crosswater and about a mile from the main area of Sunriver, it’s the newer more high-end area of the resort.

The short par 3 course has interesting greens, and beautiful views of Mt. Bachelor in the background, and is exactly the type of course I think every resort should have.

The one where you can bring your kids out to play without worrying about it being too intimidating or holding up other golfers.

The one where you can grab 3 clubs and some beers and knock it around after 18 (or 36).

One of the great things about the Sunriver courses are the diversity among them. Crosswater is the crown jewel with a spectacular, beautiful setting for golf.

Woodlands is the course with the most elevation and is a nice journey through the high desert forests, while Meadows opens up a bit and has more holes out in the open and along the river.

If you stay at the resort you have to play Crosswater, but you’ll find the other tracks to be worthy siblings and well worth playing in their own right.

The Rooms at Sunriver Lodge

One of the fun things about this particular trip is the fact that despite coming here dozens of times in my life, this is one of the first times I’ve stayed at the Sunriver Lodge.

Most of the rooms at Sunriver Resort are spread out around parts of the Meadows golf course.

Each room has a patio or a balcony with rocking chairs, and some of the larger units have lofts and kitchenettes.

I’ve visited a lot of golf resorts that were built in a similar time period as Sunriver between the 60s and 80s.

A lot of them can feel dated and tired. 

One of the things I appreciated most about Sunriver, is the rooms actually felt very nice and quite up-to-date all things considered.

They’ve clearly been remodeled at some point recently, and the massive 55 (65?) inch tv, king-size bed, and fireplace in a standard King Room, were welcome amenities. 

We had a second-floor room which had high lofted ceilings. I’d personally recommend this, as it made the room feel bigger and the balcony felt more private than the first-floor patios.

For bigger groups, you can rent condos or houses through the Resort, or there are a plethora of options through other rental sites – but you’ll lose some access to resort amenities like the (wonderful) Cove Pool.

Dining in Sunriver

For a small community, there are quite a few dining options at Sunriver Resort, and within the village of Sunriver.

At the Lodge there are two nice options in Twisted River Tavern and Carson’s American Kitchen.  The latter of which is the more formal of the two (which still isn’t very formal), and the food there was fantastic.

The Backyard is a great spot for outdoor dining or having a drink after your round, and for Resort guests who are looking for more fine dining you can head over to Crosswater.

If you want to get outside of the resort, there’s a brewery, pizza spot, Italian restaurant, Mexican restaurant and more in Sunriver Village. So within 5 minutes of the Resort, you have over a dozen solid options for food.

The Cove Pool at Sunriver Resort

In 2021 Sunriver Resort got a brand new, and welcome amenity in its indoor/outdoor Cove Pool.

I had high hopes for the pool, but after getting to visit for the first time recently – it exceeded my expectations.

Sunriver is always known as one of the very best Summer destinations in the country.

But during Winter, if you’re not into snowsports then you might find yourself going a little stir crazy if you’re not on the mountain – especially if you have kids.

This is your answer.

The Cove Pool is a beautiful indoor/outdoor pool facility that has just about everything you could want. There’s a (fast) water slide, a little lazy river, a hot tub, a bar – and that’s just indoors.

Outdoors, there’s a stunning infinity pool on the edge of the river, that has views of Mt. Bachelor. During high season, there’s resort service with food and drinks delivered directly to your chair.

Another cool addition is a “polar plunge” waterslide. This was designed to mimic the experience of doing the natural rock water slides at nearby lakes, and is kept cool year round to simulate the experience.

I had no idea they added this until we showed up recently, and we all had a blast on it.

So whether you’re inside or outside during the Summer, Winter or shoulder seasons – this is definitely a spot you’ll want to make time for.

What Else is There to Do In Sunriver?

As I mentioned earlier, Sunriver is the kind of place you can go with anyone. Friends, family, a romantic getaway – I did all 3 over the course of 11 days and was reminded of just how much there is to do there.

With the family we floated the Deschutes River in tubes, before heading back to BBQ on the deck.

The next day we rented jet skis and spent the day at nearby Cultus Lake.

We rode bikes all over the place, went for a hike, and spent some time at the park.

With my wife, we had a couple nice dinners, strolls through wilderness, and shared cocktails at the Cove pool.

And we didn’t even scratch the surface of all the things you can do. 

Golf, tennis, pickleball, spa, pools, stables, marina, biking, hiking – I could literally go on like this for pages of the stuff there is to do here, and that is one of the reasons I love Sunriver as a destination. It truly is a Choose Your Own Adventure type place, and whether you’re there in the summer or winter, there are plenty of options.

Final Thoughts on Sunriver

I’m not even trying to hide how much I love this place. Yes, there’s some bias as I’ve been going there for years, but there’s a reason for that: it can be whatever you want it to be.

Relaxing retreat in nature? Done.

Hectic family holiday with each day fully planned? Yep.

Golf bender with the boys? Easy.

Bachelor or Bachelorette party? That’s where I had mine.

Romantic escape? Yep did that too.

Factor in the close proximity to Bend and the Redmond airport which is less than 45 minutes away? You have a flexible, accessible, and absolutely beautiful resort destination that features world-class golf, in a casual environment.

I’m not sure what else you could want in a week away than that.

This post was updated in February 2024 to add a video of Crosswater Golf Club and updated information about the Cove Pool.

The post Sunriver Resort Golf: The Ultimate Northwest Destination appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

Beautiful views?

Tons of activities?

Fantastic golf?

Ease and accessibility?

Whatever it is you’re looking for, I can’t imagine many more perfect places in the world than Hualalai.

Well, unless you’re looking for snow-covered mountains, if that’s the case, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Recently, I had the chance to spend 4 days with my family at the Four Seasons Hualalai, and the entire experience lived up to every (high) expectation we had for it.

But I also got a chance to take a peek into the other side of Hualalai, that most Four Seasons guests may not even know exists:

The members-only club, Hualalai Resort.

Today, I’m going to share with you a little bit about what makes The Hualalai Resort so special, intriguing, and let’s be honest, expensive.

I’ll give insights into the golf courses and help you figure out if The Hualalai Resort may be a good fit for you and your family.

Ready? 

Let’s go.

What is The Hualalai Resort?

There’s a good chance you’ve heard of the Four Seasons Hualalai. It’s one of the most highly-regarded Four Seasons resorts in the world and one of the very best resorts in Hawaii.

But along with the world-class resort, there’s also a club component.

The Hualalai Resort is the private, members-only side Hualalai.

In order to be a member at Hualalai you have to own property within the Hualalai gates, and when you join, you get access to not just the amenities of the Hualalai Resort, but a whole slew of additional benefits only for Club members.

It’s this resort component that separates the experience from that of the nearby Kohanaiki Club.

So what are the benefits of being a Hualalai Club member? Let’s find out.

Ke’olu Golf Club: The Private Course at Hualalai

There are two golf courses at Hualalai.

Hualalai Golf Course, is by far the most well-known of the two.

This is simply due to the fact that it’s the one that’s both available to resort guests, and because it gets national TV coverage each January when it hosts the Mitsubishi Electric Championship.

Here’s my full Hualalai Golf review. And if you’re into video, check this out:

But tucked up away from the resort is Ke’Olu. It’s the private members-only course, which also has its own clubhouse as well.

Ke’olu was designed by Tom Weiskopf and it opened in 2002.

It provides a wonderful one-two-punch for members who golf.

Despite the fact Hualalai host the Champions Tour tournament, most will agree that it’s Ke’olu that provides a more demanding test of championship golf.

While I was there I had a chance to play the front 9 of Ke’olu, as the back 9 was in the final stages of transitioning from Bermuda to Paspalum grass.

It’s scheduled to re-open in November 2023.

The Ke’olu Front Nine

The course opens with a downhill, dogleg right par 4. 

It’s the ultimate introduction to the course. A wide fairway and spectacular ocean view lull you into thinking you might be in for an easy round.

But once you get to the green, you realize, things may not be what they seem.

While Hualalai has some of the more visually dramatic green complexes with greens that spill into sand and lava rock, Ke’olu’s greens present more of a challenge.

You see this on the opening hole. A miss right will leave you with a very tricky up and down for par.

The par 3rd is visually dramatic with lava on all 4 corners of the hole. But it’s not just beautiful.

The bunkers fronting the green and the rocks make gauging the depth of the green challenging. So trust your yardage and commit to your shot.

Your inclination might be to think that Ke’olu is inferior to Hualalai in terms of views because of its position higher up on the property.

While yes, Hualalai is the more dramatic course, it never gets old hitting your drives directly into an ocean backdrop as you do on 4 out of the first 5 holes at Ke’olu.

The 4th is a par 4 with both an undulating fairway and undulating green, putting a premium on hitting accurate shots.

The par 5, 528-yard 5th hole is a chance to get on the green in two. But with a pond down the right-hand side, be careful not to slice.

On 6, you’re introduced to the front 9’s Golf Hale. As is common at many of the high-end clubs in Hawaii, you’ll find it stocked with copious snacks and alcohol that are all included in your annual dues. 

While it may not have the comfort station views of say, Quivira, it’s always a welcome addition to a course like this.

The 6th also happens to be one of my favorite holes on the course. Depending on your tee selection it may be drivable. There’s a very clear aggressive line down the left, or you can layup and make your birdie with finesse rather than power. 

Despite the short length, be sure to avoid the bunkers, as making a par out of one of the deep fairway traps would be…impressive.

The 8th is one of the toughest holes on the course. It plays parallel to #2 on Hualalai straight uphill with a lava field to the left of the fairway.

The lava juts out on the approach making it tricky to judge your distance and a left pin position is extra dangerous. Be sure to check the pin sheet for help knowing which side of the fairway to favor on your drive.

An uphill par 4 finishes out the front 9 with the green tucked below the clubhouse.

The Ke’olu Back 9

I took a cart tour of the back 9, and it appears as though reseeding is coming along very nicely.

As you’d expect, both Ke’olu and Hualalai are in phenomenal condition, and it’s a real treat getting to play the courses.

The stand-out hole on the back 9 from my tour was the drivable par 4, 16th. 

You can hit any club in the bag and have no less than 3 different lines you can take to get home – each with its own risks and rewards.

I look forward to getting back to properly experience the rest of the course on my next visit.

Golf Benefits for Hualalai Resort Members

As a member of the Hualalai Resort, you get full unlimited access to both golf courses.

At the Ke’olu clubhouse, you’ll find a members-only driving range, as well as a stunning members-only pool.

That said, having access to the Trackman Range at Hualalai is also a pretty killer benefit to be able to use for all of your practice.

Along with the Ke’Olu clubhouse, members have access to the Golf Hale at Hualalai which has two Trackman garage bays that hit directly out onto the driving range, as well as the only Top Golf Swing Suite in Hawai’i.

Other Benefits of Being a Hualalai Club Member

Sure, there’s something to be said about building a nice cabin out in the woods and having nothing but nature around you.

But at least for me personally, I’d go crazy.

One of the most appealing parts about Hualalai to me is the sheer amount of benefits you get and the energy that surrounds the club and resort.

When you’re a member at Hualalai you get full access to all of the amenities of the Four Seasons resort. Just a few:

• Hualalai Tennis Club
• Hualalai Sports Club
• Hualalai Spa
• All pools at Hualalai
• Members’ pricing at all Hualalai Restaurants

I cover a lot of these resort amenities in my Hualalai video recap.

You also get access to the members-only Canoe Club.

This is the hub of activity for much of the membership, as there are two pools, a restaurant, and plenty of space to hang out and socialize – all while overlooking Uluweuweu Bay.

Along with this, there’s the “Resident’s Beach House” which is the closest dining option at the resort to the water. Unlike the Canoe Club, this is also open to resort guests. Although while we were dining there, it definitely felt like members far outweighed guests – which was a nice change to the other resort restaurants.

The Energy of Hualalai

Along with all of the benefits you get, what I think is going to draw a lot of people to Hualalai is the energy.

With some destination clubs, if you’re there in the off-season it can feel really quiet.

For the right person, this is wonderful. You often can feel like you have the club to yourself, you’ll get extra attention from staff, and you truly feel like you’re at your own private home away from home.

While there are certain times of year that are busier than others at Hualalai, the fact it’s one of the most sought-after resorts in the world means that there’s a consistent energy that’s there year-round.

You can head to any of the restaurants or pools whenever you want and be surrounded by excitement and activity.

If you play tennis or pickleball, there will always be a revolving door of guests and visitors excited to join you for a match.

The downside here is that the community can feel less like a true private club since there’s the resort component that goes along with it.

But if you’re someone who feeds off of variety and activity, then won’t find many places in the world than Hualalai.

Final Thoughts on The Hualalai Resort

After spending 4 days at Hualalai it’s impossible not to see the appeal. It’s impossible not to want to return year after year, and now I understand why so many people do.

The vast majority of club members and homeowners at Hualalai started out as resort guests. 

So if Hualalai seems like the kind of place you’re looking for when it comes to a second home or retirement destination, planning a visit and enjoying the resort is the first step.

The golf, the food, the pools, the spa – it’s all world-class.

Of course amenities of this caliber in a location as stunning as the Kona coastline don’t come cheap. You can expect to pay well into six figures for the initiation fee, and sizable monthly dues for such unparalleled access. Despite the cost though there’s currently a waitlist for prospective buyers. Most homes that become available sell within hours, and don’t even hit Hawai’i MLS.

If that doesn’t speak to the reputation and offerings of the Hualalai lifestyle, I’m not sure what else does.

All that to say, if the Hualalai is within your budget and you’re looking for a community that promotes an active lifestyle in a beautiful setting, then you won’t find many better spots in the world than Hualalai.

The post The Hualalai Resort and Ke’olu Golf: This Might Be Heaven on Earth appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

“Best resort in Hawaii”

“Best Four Seasons Golf Resort in the World”

“The Ultimate Luxury Family Getaway.”

I’ve been hearing it for years, and have received dozens of people asking me about it since I began Breaking Eighty.

Everything from:

How is the golf at Hualalai?

To how does Hualalai compare to Punta Mita?

I visited the Four Seasons Punta Mita a little over a year ago and was blown away. From the hospitality to the resort amenities to the fantastic golf on the Pacifico and Bahia courses – it was all world-class.

So when I finally had the chance to visit the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai this past month, with my family no less, I jumped at the opportunity.

But the question is: Did Hualalai live up to sky-high expectations?

In this Four Seasons Resort Hualalai review, I’m going to cover everything you need to know about visiting Hualalai. I’ll share my honest feedback about my experience there, and do my best to help you decide if it’s worth the (high) price tag to visit yourself.

This is going to be a fun one, so if you’re ready, let’s do this thing.

What is the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai?

Before we go any further, let’s cover the most basic question: What is the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai?

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a luxury golf resort outside Kona on the Big Island of Hawai’i that opened in 1996.

It’s generally considered to be one of the flagship Four Seasons resorts, as well as being one of the best golf resorts in Hawai’i.

It’s located less than 15 minutes from the Kona airport and has 249 rooms, 4 restaurants, 8 pools, an incredible gym, 2 golf courses (one for resort guests, and one private course for Hualalai Residents Club members), and so, so much more.

Hualalai underwent an 8-month, $100 million renovation that was completed in the Fall of 2021 and it shows. The property is stunning and as contemporary as any resort I’ve been to.

If there’s one thing I learned very quickly when planning this trip, it’s that Hualalai is the type of resort where you can truly do anything you want.

There’s the requisite lounging on the beach or pool and relaxing, but there are dozens of amenities and activities that are on offer here. This is part of what makes it such a special vacation choice for families.

But as you’ll see, Hualalai does an excellent job of catering to all types of luxury travelers whether it’s the full family, a couples golf trip, or simply a romantic getaway.

Getting to Hualalai

One of the great things about Hualalai is just how easy it is to get to.

There are flights direct to Kona from most major airports on the West Coast.

So while yes, if you’re coming from say, New York, it’ll be a trek – but so will any resort in Hawaii.

But more than flights, what’s great is that once you land it’s less than a 15-minute drive to get to the resort.

The Kailua-Kona airport is small, so deplaning and getting your bags is about as easy as it gets.

We arranged for a pickup through the hotel, and we were in the lobby about 45 minutes after our flight landed – not bad.

The leis and welcome drinks were a welcome touch after a full travel day!

A lot of Mexico resorts I’ve been to are generally pretty easy to get to as well, but often with a longer drive. It was about an hour to get to both the Four Seasons Punta Mita and Pueblo Bonito Pacifico from the airport.

So the short commute was very welcome – especially after a full travel day with a toddler.

Hualalai Golf Course: The Ultimate Resort Course

Before we go any further about the resort, we should remember that we’re a gold blog at heart – so let’s talk about the golf course first.

If golf isn’t your thing, feel free to skip this section to get the lowdown on everything else at the resort.

The golf course opened up in 1996 just ahead of the resort itself. Hualalai Golf Course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and stretches out to 7,117 yards from the tips.

Each year it hosts some of the best golfers in the world in the Champions Tour Mitsubishi Electric Championship.

The Golf Experience at Hualalai

I think the best way to describe the Hualalai golf experience would be to say it’s “the ultimate resort golf experience.”

Both in terms of the golf course itself as well as the golf experience.

The course itself slants more towards fun than difficulty.

Sure playing from over 7k yards with a strong wind, this course could eat you alive.

But the fairways are generous, the resort-style bunkers often seek to keep you out of them with the way they’re sloped, and the views are fantastic.

The black lava rock is a feature unique to Big Island golf, and it truly does enhance the experience in a big way.

As soon as you get to the 2nd hole, you start to get a feel for what makes this golf course so fun and special.

But more than the course itself, playing golf at Hualalai is a fun experience.

Is it Expensive to Golf at Hualalai?

The daily fee for golf at Hualalai is $380, or a twilight rate of $275.

And let’s be honest, that’s a lot of money to pay for golf!

But when you break it down, it’s actually a much better deal than it seems.

That price is the daily rate, meaning you can play as much as you want for one fee.

On top of that, it’s all-inclusive. So anything on the beverage cart or in the “Golf Hale” is complimentary.

36 holes of spectacular island golf with all your food and drink covered is a pretty compelling package if you ask me.

The newly built Golf Hale has two Trackman bays, as well as the only TopGolf Swing Suite in Hawai’i.

There’s also a full Trackman range that lets anyone take advantage of the technology to track their practice sessions.

The golf course exceeded my expectations, and if you want to know more about the course itself, I did a detailed write-up about it here – so definitely check that out.

If you’re looking for a luxury resort that also has a wonderful resort golf course, I have a feeling you’ll be fully satisfied here.

The Unique Design of the Four Seasons Hualalai

You can’t talk about Hualalai without first giving a little context into the unique design of the resort itself.

For decades, the trend in Hawaii was to build high-rises near the water, as you see across Honolulu and Waikiki Beach.

The initial developers had planned to do the same here. In fact, they’d built 5 stories of a much taller tower before the property was sold to the group that developed the resort we see today.

They had a unique idea to go wide, rather than tall.

This would take the shape of a unique series of coves that each offer a different experience.

The way Hualalai was designed leads to a feeling of being at a “resort within a resort” when you’re in each of these coves.

There’s a pathway that stretches the entirety of the resort along the beach. So the fact that Hualalai occupies so much beachfront is one of the best things it has going for it.

Each cove is built around a pool and in most cases there are rooms in a horseshoe shape around the area.

What I love about this is that it allows you to select your room based on the primary experience you want to have.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation, you’ll want a room by the Seashell Pool.

If you want to be near the center of it all, you’ll want a room near the Beach Tree Pool.

Looking for ocean views and a bit of a nature slant, choose Kings Pond.

Are you on a romantic getaway and would prefer not to be around a bunch of families? Get a room at the Palm Grove pool, which is their adults-only offering.

Not only do each of these provide wonderfully unique experiences, but it helps the resort feel smaller in the process.

I’ll cover more about each pool later on, but it’s this unique design that I believe forms the foundation of what makes the Four Seasons Hualalai so special.

The Pools at the Four Seasons Hualalai

Since we’re already on the topic, let’s go into more detail about each of the pools at the resort and what type of experience you can expect to find at them.

Knowing a bit about each area will also help you make a more informed decision when you’re choosing where you’d like to stay on the property.

We’ll work our way from one end of the resort to the other.

Kings Pond and Infinity Pool

On the far end of the resort is Kings Pond. This is hands down the most unique pool at Hualalai.

It’s technically an anchialine pond, that is home to over 1,000 fish, and even a Spotted Eagle Ray.

You can check out snorkel gear for free and get a close-up experience with the fish, which is a really cool experience. They even have a glass-bottomed floaty you can use if snorkeling is a little too intimidating for you.

During the recent remodel they also built an infinity pool overlooking Kings Pond and the ocean.

Even with a toddler, this was our favorite of all the pools. It was rarely crowded, had great ocean views, and you could switch between the infinity pool, Kings Pond, and the 3 hot tubs on the deck whenever you wanted.

It didn’t hurt that our room was right above Kings Pond, which made it easy to run back to the room for anything we needed.

Seashell and Keiki Pools

This is the most family-friendly pool, and definitely the one with the most action happening.

The pool itself is fantastic. It’s big, and parts of it have ledges that are only a foot and a half deep. This was great because I could hang out here with my 2.5 year old, and she could have a proper pool experience without having to be held by me.

There’s a little waterfall that’s a nice touch as well.

Behind it is the main kid’s pool for the resort, the “Keiki Pool.” It has its own little beach, complete with kid-sized Adirondack chairs.

If you’re with your family and have any concerns about disturbing anyone else, this is the place to be.

I also want to point out you can get food and cocktails served to you at any of these pools.

At $21 the cocktails are expensive by anyone’s standards, but the $8 kids chicken strips were a big hit with our daughter (and my wife).

Beach Tree Pool

The Beach Tree Pool is located in the “Heart of Hualalai.” It’s right at the base of the resort lobby, and has beautiful ocean views.

This is the “Quiet pool.” It’s not adults only, but this isn’t a pool where you’ll find loud music or kids practicing their cannon balls.

If you’re looking for the ultimate, relaxing pool escape, this is an excellent choice.

What’s notable about the Beach Tree pool is that it’s open 24 hours. So if you want to take a moonlit dip, you can do so here.

I will say that while all of the other pools have set hours, they seem to be pretty lax. As long as you’re respectful and not disturbing anyone or making a ton of noise, we saw the occasional person in pools and hot tubs late into the evening, and no one seemed to mind.

I really liked this aspect of the resort. If you finally get the kids to bed, and you want to be able to make it out to sit in the hot tub with a nice drink at 11pm – you should be able to do that.

There are also firepits near some of the pools, which make for an equally enjoyable spot to enjoy a nice whiskey later in the evening. Not that I’d know anything about that…

The Beach Tree pool is also near the Beach Tree restaurant (shocker), which serves as one of the defacto hubs of activity for Hualalai.

Ocean Pool

The Ocean Pool at Hualalai is another feature that makes the resort so unique. The Ocean pool is reminiscent of the ocean pools we found throughout our Australian road trip earlier this year. They built an enclosed breakwater around an area of beach, that effectively formed a natural pool.

This is an excellent introduction to swimming in the ocean, without having to deal with waves, changing water depth, or many of the other potentially scary things that can come with getting used to swimming in an ocean.

It’s definitely best to hit this earlier in the day, as it can get a bit choppier in the afternoon as the tide comes in.

There are also a bunch of cabanas that line the beach here. We’ll talk more about this in a minute though, as it’s one of my favorite parts about Hualalai.

Palm Grove Pool – Adults Only

Finally, this brings us to the Palm Grove pool.

This is a 21-and-over pool, and if you’re on your honeymoon, or don’t want to be surrounded by families, this is a wonderful spot to make your home base.

The pool is beautiful, and it has a great swim-up bar as well.

This pool was very chill for the duration of our stay.

But I can imagine if you get a couple of bachelor or bachelorette parties, this place can definitely see some activity during the right days,

Lap Pool at Hualalai Sports Club

This is different than all of the other pools in the sense that it’s not on the beach, but rather located at the unbelievable Hualalai Sports Club.

It’s a beautiful 25-meter pool located at the Sports Club which is right outside the spa. We’ll cover the sports club in more detail later on, but just know that if you prefer to exercise in a pool – it doesn’t get much better than this.

The Pool Experience and Cabanas at Hualalai

Because there are so many pools at Hualalai, they rarely if ever felt overcrowded during our stay.

Sometimes you go to resorts and have to fight for prime lounge chairs or cabanas. If you’ve ever been to some all-inclusives in Mexico, maybe you remember having to wake up at 7am just to claim your spot for the day.

This isn’t an issue at Hualalai. There are so many good spots across all of the pools, that we never had issues getting wonderful seats to enjoy the day.

But what’s even better is that there are dozens of cabanas that stretch out on the beach across the resorts. At most resorts, these would require an additional fee – not here.

There are a handful that are reserved for villa guests or a few larger ones you can rent, but for the most part, they’re all first come first served.

I was surprised by this, but considering how expensive this resort is, it was nice to not be nickel and dimed here.

The Rooms at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Despite Hualalai being spread across 865 acres, there are only 249 rooms at the resort. 

There are a variety of different room types, as you’d expect.

In most cases, the difference in rooms has to do with proximity to the ocean. 

Ocean Golf-View Rooms are located on the 18th fairway and are furthest from the ocean. But because they’re not surrounding a pool, they offer quite a bit more privacy than some other rooms.

The “Poolside Rooms’ are fantastic if you want to easily bounce in and out of your room to and from the pool – but can lack a little bit of privacy due to being ground level around areas with a lot of activity.

Oceanview Rooms are mostly ground-floor rooms that have varying degrees of “ocean views”. But in most cases, they do have outdoor showers which is one of the cooler features of staying here.

At first, we were slightly disappointed to not have the outdoor shower, but we got upgraded to a “Prime Ocean View” room – and well, let’s just say the view of Kings Pond and the ocean made it more than worth the tradeoff.

But I think for most people, it’s less about what type of room you have, and more about where you’re room is. I covered all of that above, but when planning your visit, really think about the type of experience you’d like to have and book your room accordingly.

Where this doesn’t apply is if you opt for one of the 53 suites instead, which are bigger and provide more space.

What are Hualalai Rooms Like?

The resort got a massive overhaul in 2020, and every single room was updated. 

The vibe feels like casual tropical luxury, exactly what you’d expect a Four Seasons in Hawai’i to feel like.

At 635 square feet, the standard rooms are spacious and provide multiple options if you’re traveling with your family.

The sofa turns into a surprisingly comfortable sleeper couch, and the terraces and balconies are also large with very comfortable furniture. 

There’s a desk with the requisite Nescafe coffee pods, and a massive 75″ TV screen that probably won’t get that much use considering how much there is to do at Hualalai.

As I’ve talked about in my Four Seasons Punta Mita and Four Seasons Atlanta reviews, their beds are absolutely incredible. I’ve recently stayed at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and had a repeat visit to the Park Hyatt NYC, and while those have comfy 5-star beds, the Four Seasons bed continues to be the best in the business in my book.

Staying with Kids at Hualalai

This was a big factor for us, so I wanted to devote a minute to talking about staying at Hualalai with a kid.

First off, similar to our experience at Punta Mita – the resort goes above and beyond when it comes to treating your kids like VIPs.

When we arrived, Elliot had her own spread in the room complete with bath toys, a stuffed animal, and an adorable mini robe.

After a long travel day, she was very excited to see this.

If you’re staying in one of the Suites at the resort, having a separate living area makes it much easier to have space with kids.

We had a toddler with us who wasn’t quite big enough for a sleeper sofa, so we had to figure out the best crib solution.

There’s a spacious walk-in closet in the rooms, which we figured would be perfect for her to sleep in.

I called ahead and was told the resort’s cribs would fit in the closet, but you wouldn’t be able to get the door shut.

Most families choose to have their crib in the bathroom.

We decided to bring a small pack-and-play and shoot for the closet route.

This would have worked well in theory, but there were two big problems.

One is that when you open the closet doors the lights automatically turn on. So when our daughter inevitably woke up at 3am, as soon as we opened the door she got blasted with light. Not exactly ideal for helping her fall back asleep.

The other issue is that there are no power outlets in the closet, so if you’re trying to plug in a baby monitor, there’s no obvious or easy way to do it.

However, this is one of many areas where we got to experience Four Seasons level service. We called the concierge to ask if they had an extension cord they could bring us for the monitor. Within 10 minutes we had one delivered to our door.

So while the closet route wasn’t perfect, it did allow us to continue to use the bathroom after our daughter went to bed at 8pm every night

Dining at the Four Seasons Hualalai

When you’re visiting tropical resorts, you’re usually not doing so for the food.

Resort food can range anywhere from serviceable, to bad, and occasionally if you’re lucky, wonderful.

Luckily, as you’d hope at a resort of this caliber, the food at Hualalai is excellent. 

There are five primary dining options at the resort: Beach Tree, ‘Ulu, Residents Beach House, Hualalai Grille, and the Hualalai Trading Company.

Each one provides a very different experience, which I love.  You never feel like you’re getting the same thing over and over, and I was surprised by just how good most of the food was.

All of the restaurants are “Resort Casual”, so you can pretty much wear whatever you want and you’ll fit right in. Shorts and sandals? Linen pants and a button-down? Evening dress? It’s all good, and regardless of what you wear, you’ll likely never feel over or under-dressed.

Beach Tree Restaurant

Beach Tree is arguably the primary restaurant for the resort. It’s located right in the center of Hualalai, spills out onto the beach, and is always a hub of activity.

As you’d expect, all of the resorts have great seafood options, but Beach Tree describes the cuisine as California Cuisine with an Italian twist.

This was the one restaurant we ate dinner at twice, and both times it was excellent.

The pork chop was one of the best I’ve had in recent memory, and the tuna tartare was so good, we got it both nights we were there. The Cacio E Pepe pasta was the only thing we ate there that was just so-so, but the Oxtail Ravioli more than made up for this during our second meal.

There’s often live music around sunset and other entertainment that takes place here. We even had a fire show one night which was great.

One thing I loved was each night a fire dancer in traditional Hawaiian dress takes a torch and runs down the beach pathway lighting all of the torches throughout the resort. It’s tradition for kids to run along with them.

The first night we came across this, there was a swarm of about 30 kids all with huge smiles on their faces running down the beach. One kid stopped right in front of us and yelled “This is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen!” before continuing on with the throng.

The restaurant is located right next to a large lawn, so there were often kids and families running around, and Elliot loved playing here with some new friends.

If you’re looking for a romantic experience, I’d just plan to book this reservation a little bit later in the evening once some of the families have moved on.

‘Ulu Ocean Grill

‘Ulu is what would be considered the “fine dining” option at Hualalai, but that’s a loose term, as it’s still a pretty casual vibe.

That said, you won’t find quite as many kids running around here as you will at Beach Tree.

This was our splurge meal. The menu looked fantastic, and we asked our server Floyd if he could just bring us out a selection of what he thought best showed off the restaurant.

We talked for a few minutes about what we liked, how hungry we were, and he helped us put together the perfect meal.

I also want to specifically point out, that while Four Seasons service is always very good, Floyd was one of the best servers I’ve ever had. 

He was attentive, had opinions (which I love), and even made us run out at sunset to grab a family photo in the perfect spot. 

The food didn’t disappoint either.

The Smoked Pork Belly Bao was flavorful and had unique flavors, and even came with a cool “smoked” presentation. The Tomato and Charred Avocado salad was equally delicious and very fresh.

But the star of the show was hands down the Miso Broiled King Crab leg with Yuzu Kosho Butter.

It was the best crab I’ve ever had, and the leg was huge – so the portion was nice as well.

From a food perspective, this was our favorite meal and I’d highly encourage anyone visiting to do at least one dinner here.

Breakfast at ‘Ulu

‘Ulu is also the primary breakfast option at Hualalai.

The outdoor tables provide wonderful ocean views, and coming here was something we looked forward to every morning.

I’m a sucker for a good buffet at a fancy hotel, and this one didn’t disappoint. There was an omelet station where you could get eggs however you wanted them, a huge assortment of breads, pastries, fruits, and other options appealing to both an American and international crowd.

And if you had the buffet, and there was something else you really wanted? They’d make you whatever you wanted. Elliot routinely opted for some blueberry pancakes.

The service is fantastic, and the food was very good as well.

Residents’ Beach House

This is the most unique restaurant offering at the resort.

As you may or may not know, there’s a residential membership component to Hualalai. Club members have their own separate clubhouse, access to an additional golf course, as well as access to all of the restaurants and amenities at the resort.

This membership is comparable to what you get at the Kohanaiki Club down the street.

The Residents’ Beach House is at the far end of Hualalai and is the restaurant that is closest to the ocean.

Despite the name, resort guests are able to dine here, and if you visit Hualalai, I definitely recommend you pay the Beach House a visit.

The vibe here is much more casual than any other the other restaurants, and it does have an element of feeling more like a private club than a resort – in part because it, well, kind of is.

Many of the people around us clearly knew each other, and in many cases, hadn’t seen each other in some time. It served as a central meeting point for the membership community and thus was a decidedly different crowd than the other resort restaurants.

On top of this, everyone was extremely friendly and loved seeing our daughter here.

The food was great as well. Think more casual tropical fare. We shared some fish tacos, delicious spare ribs, and a Yellowfin Ahi Tataki – which was our favorite.

Hualalai Grille

The other primary restaurant at the resort is Hualalai Grille. This is the only one that isn’t located near the water, and is more of a traditional steakhouse.

On our last night, we were trying to decide if we should eat at Hualalai Grille or head back to Beach Tree.

While I always love a good steak and felt like it was my duty to experience all of the restaurants here, I shunned my professionalism and we went back to Beach Tree.

Considering it was our last evening, it felt right to have a place Elliot could run around, as well as have one more sunset. It was the right decision, and we had a very special evening.

I do wish I had a chance to eat here, but you can expect high-end steakhouse fare with an island vibe.

Hualalai Trading Company

The last of the 5 eateries at the resort is Hualalai Trading Company. Located near the resort entrance and the Sports Club, this is the place you go for anything else you need.

Coffee and pastries in the morning? Check.

Ice cream or smoothies in the afternoon? Check.

Bottles of alcohol? Check.

Souvenirs or gifts? This is where you get em.

Inevitably we ended up here at least once a day for one reason or another.

Elliot loved making late afternoon ice cream trips a thing, and I usually got up first thing in the morning for some coffee and snacks before a proper breakfast.

There’s a large deck here as well, and it’s a nice place to hang out in the afternoons if you’re looking to get away from the busier areas of the resort.

Overall the dining experience at Hualalai was excellent. 

As you’d expect, it’s not cheap, and in particular glasses of wine seemed to be particularly egregious with many glasses costing $31.

But one thing we loved is that kids under 4 eat free at Ulu and Beach Tree.

It’s not like it’s a huge amount of money, but considering there was a 50/50 shot our kid would take 3 bites of pizza and be done – it was another great example of not nickel and diming at a place that is already very premium priced.

What Do You Do at Hualalai?

One of the things that makes Hualalai so special is the simple fact that there is so much to do. Whether it’s at the resort, through excursions, or through exploring the island of Hawai’i – you could be here for weeks and not do it all.

For the purposes of this post, we’re going to focus less on the regional activities/excursions and talk about some of the specific activities you can do on property.

The Hualalai Spa

The spa at Hualalai is widely regarded as one of the best in Hawaii, and in my experience, I very much understand why it gets this reputation.

I didn’t get a treatment, but I did spend time in the locker room and using the spa facilities.

Hualalai has the full quadfecta (is that a word?) of hot tub, steam room, sauna, and cold plunge.

It always surprises me how often 5-star resorts are missing one of these 4 elements.

But having them all allows for a circuit that is both revitalizing and energy-restoring.

The facilities are beautiful, and the steam and sauna both have a unique design that felt both modern and fitting for its place on an island.

Even if you don’t do a treatment, I highly recommend carving out an hour to yourself to go take advantage of this.

Hualalai Sports Club

The Hualalai Sports Club might be the most robust set of fitness facilities I’ve ever seen at a resort before. 

This is one area where resort guests really benefit from the fact there’s a residential membership club. If it weren’t for that membership, I doubt they’d have built such a comprehensive set of fitness facilities.

Fortunately, it’s there, and if you’re an active person, then I’m not sure you’ll find a better resort in the world to continue your fitness regimen. 

At the Sports Club, you’ll find:

• 8 Tennis Courts (with beautifully landscaped grounds)
• 3 Pickleball courts
• 2 Bocce ball courts
• An outdoor basketball court
• 25-meter lap pool
• No less than 6 indoor/outdoor gyms each targeting things like strength, cardio, yoga etc.

Walking through the Sports Center, I continually found myself saying “whoa, that’s cool!” “Man, I can’t believe they have that!” 

And so on.

They even have a handful of Peloton bikes, so if that’s your thing? You’re good to go.

The Cultural Center at Hualalai

This was one of the bigger surprises of the resort for me.

Tucked below the Hualalali Grille near the golf pro shop is the Hualalai Cultural Center. Here you can learn all about the history of the island, the land the resort sits on, and anything else you’d like to know about Hawaiian Culture.

The woman who runs it (I wish I could remember her name), was so enjoyable to talk to, and she was wonderful with our daughter Elliot showing her around the Center and introducing us to some of the more kid-friendly elements of it.

Every day there are free classes at the Center where you can do things like make your own leis, and it’s all free of charge. You just need to sign up ahead of time. 

We really enjoyed the time we spent here, and just wished we’d signed up for the lei making class earlier!

Kids for All Seasons

Another wonderful feature of many Four Seasons Resorts is Kids for All Seasons. Kids aged 5-12 can spend the day here where they’ll be treated to all kinds of games, experiences, and activities.

Whether it’s a nature walk to go feed the Eagle Ray at Kings Pond, a swim in the ocean pool, or any number of arts and crafts – all of the kids we saw throughout the resort doing Kids for All Seasons seemed to be having a blast.

Alas, we’re a few years out from getting to experience that one – but I look forward to when we’ll be able to.

Classes and Excursions

Most families who choose to come here will spend at least a day or two doing something more active than just sitting by the pool.

Regardless of what you’re into there are classes and excursions to explore.

Here are just a handful of activities you can participate in:

• Charter boat for snorkeling and/or sea scooters
• Stand up paddle boarding 
• Outrigger canoe excursion
• Kids marine biologist tour
• Manta ray night snorkeling
• Helicopter tour
• Waterfall hiking tour
• Zipline adventure

Not to mention a bunch of seasonal more specialized classes and experiences, among many other things.

It’s worth noting that many of these experiences are pretty pricey when you book them through the hotel, but you aren’t coming to Hualalai because you’re on a budget…

Final Thoughts on the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

I’d been wanting to take my wife here for years. So when we finally got the chance and were able to bring Elliot along with us, I couldn’t have been more excited.

And as you can probably guess, we weren’t disappointed.

This is one of the flagship Four Seasons resorts for a reason. The service, facilities, setting, and the experience were all world-class.

I will say it was a bit different than I was expecting it to be.

I was thinking it would pretty much be the Four Seasons Punta Mita with a Hawaiian flare. But the two resorts actually quite different, while both catering to a similar audience.

Hualalai felt bigger, yet more private at the same time. It was easier to have a wider variety of unique experiences each day.

Not only was the golf course excellent, but with the addition of the Golf Hale and Trackman range, the options beyond just playing 18 far exceeded what you’ll normally get at a resort like this.

So if that’s a primary reason for considering a visit to Hualalai – never fear, you’ll have all the golf you need to stay satisfied.

This is a resort that can truly cater to just about any type of traveler. Honeymooners, families, friends, retirees – you name it. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find a way to explore it and enjoy it in a spectacular setting at Hualalai.

Simply put, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is one of the finest resorts I’ve ever visited, and anything from here on out will have a tough time living up to what are now very high standards.

The post Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Review: The Best Golf Resort in Hawaii? appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

We almost stayed at the Shanghai property, but opted for the Banyan Tree instead.

Typically I’ll visit New York City a couple times a year. But between having a newborn and a pandemic, I hadn’t made it back to the Big Apple since late 2019.

But with plans to host an Eighty Club event at Oak Hill in Rochester, it only made sense to stop by the City for a few days. Not to mention the fact, I was able to get a round in on the wonderful Lower Course at Baltusrol.

Since it was my first trip back in 3 years, I knew I wanted to stay someplace special.

This materialized as one night at the Peninsula, and one night at the Park Hyatt NYC.

Whether you’re a golfer looking for a luxury hotel in NYC or just on vacation or business, either of these places will lead to a special (and very comfortable) experience.

Despite being just a few blocks apart from each other, the two hotels couldn’t have been more different.

I found the Tokyo Park Hyatt to be showing its age a little bit during my last visit. The same could be said about the (still excellent) Peninsula NYC.

So how does the Park Hyatt New York compare? Did it live up to expectations?

Let’s find out.

First Impressions of the Park Hyatt New York City

The Park Hyatt New York is located at 157 West 57th St, in the One57 Tower.

This tower is part of the area South of Central Park that makes up “Billionaires Row” due to the high concentration of luxury condominium buildings that is home to many, well, billionaires.

Due to the publicity from this particular building and the opening of the hotel itself less than a decade ago, my expectations were high.

Upon walking into the hotel, you’re greeted by a handful of doorman and a bank of elevators that you take up a level to the primary lobby.

I’m not sure how I feel about the trend in elevated lobbies. It’s always cool to have a nice views. For instance, the 23rd floor lobby of the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas is great – but having to take two elevators every time you leave gets a little tedious.

After my cross-country flight, I arrived from JFK right around 5pm, and there was a lot of activity in the lobby. The main restaurant, “The Living Room”, is located off the elevators, and after you take a couple of rights you’re led to the front desk, and nicely appointed sitting area as well.

Despite some controlled chaos with families abound from all over the world, my check-in process was a breeze. I was offered a bottle of water, and given directions to my room on the 14th of 18 floors.

The Park Hyatt resides on the lower 18 floors of the One57 tower.

My initial thought of the hotel at this point could be described as modern elegance. There was nothing over the top or gaudy. Opening in 2014, you expect the property to be as up-to-date in both style and features as any hotel in the world, and it most certainly is.

But the lobby itself was relatively unassuming. Very nice, but aside from the high ceilings, there wasn’t necessarily anything that made you say “wow.”

A King Room at the Park Hyatt NYC

Despite the hustle and bustle of the lobby, once I arrived to my room on the 14th floor I was greeted with silence. The hallways were beautiful, and as I worked my way from the elevator to my room, I had a sense of calm float over me, as you often get from a true luxury hotel.

The room itself was everything you’d expect from a modern 5-star hotel with the Park Hyatt name.

It feels like it had been a couple of decades since the last renovation of my room at the Peninsula, and despite only having a standard room at the Park Hyatt as opposed to a Suite there, everything felt wonderfully modern.

Walking in, you were greeted with no shortage of storage space and mirrors. There’s a large closet to the left, as well as an armoire directly in front of you.

Despite being very nice, my initial reaction upon walking in is that it felt a little cramped.

These rooms range in size from 500-625 square feet, which for a hotel in Manhattan feels monstrous. But upon entering, it didn’t feel quite that big.

One nice surprise of this particular room was the corner view. Having a corner truly elevates the experience and more than makes up for the slightly cramped entry.

The more time I spent in the room, the more I enjoyed it and noticed the little details.

There was a branded Park Hyatt Covid kit with a mask and hand sanitizer. 

There are automatic curtains and blinds.

A Nespresso coffee maker, which is one of those little indulgences that is truly one of my favorite aspects of staying in a luxury hotel.

The Bathroom in a King Room at the Park Hyatt NYC

Along with the corner views, the bathroom is one of the absolute highlights of staying at the Park Hyatt New York.

The term “spa-like” gets thrown around a lot, but in the case of this hotel? There’s no better way to describe the bathrooms. 

From the wonderful lighting, and beautiful freestanding tub, to the robe prominently positioned on a hook on a wall – it’s a bathroom that just begs you to take a few extra minutes to enjoy some time to yourself.

But my absolute favorite feature of it?

The Le Labo amenities.

A few years ago I stayed at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, and they had Le Labo shampoo and conditioner.

I knew nothing about the brand, but there was something about the fragrance and those amenities that has stuck with me ever since. 

So when I saw the Park Hyatt also featured them, I was excited to see if they lived up to my memory.

And sure enough? They exceeded it.

The Bergamote 22 shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are phenomenal.

They have a very unique earthy/woodsy scent that has similarities to the Rose 31 scent at the Fairmont – yet is still unique.

It’s also thick. 

I feel like you need half as much shampoo or conditioner to get a thick lather when compared to any other products.

Ok, I didn’t intend to make this a Le Labo review, but honestly, they’re my all-time favorite bathroom amenities from a luxury hotel – and it’s not even close.

Other Thoughts on the King Room at the Park Hyatt NYC

The more time I spent in the room, the more I enjoyed it.

Yes, the entry feels a little bit cramped, but at the same time it provided ample storage for my large suitcase, camera bag, and golf clubs. To the point, I didn’t have to see any of them while living in the room.

The bed is everything you’d expect from a Park Hyatt, and feels similar to the Four Seasons beds I’ve raved about time and again.

When you’re spending upwards of $1k a night on a hotel room, you expect everything to be just right.

You expect a wildly comfortable bed, luxurious shower and bathroom, and basic amenities like bottles of water and coffee…

Fortunately, the Park Hyatt nailed everything about this.

While staying at the Park Hyatt Tokyo was a bit of a bucket list item, my time there definitely had some highs and lows.

My time at the Park Hyatt New York? While unfortunately brief, what I was able to experience lived up to all of my admittedly high expectations for what is widely considered one of the best hotels in New York City.

Park Hyatt NYC 1 Bedroom City View Suite

Ok, this is where our review takes a turn.

I originally stayed at the Park Hyatt NYC in July of 2022 in a King Room.

Well, I loved it.

So I came back.

My wife and I took a (very) quick trip to New York in December of 2022 for our first vacation away from our 2-year-old.

I wanted to make it special, so decided to head back to the Park Hyatt.

And even better? We got upgraded to a 1 Bedroom City View Suite.

It was a truly special experience (especially around Christmas time), but since I now have firsthand experience with two different rooms, I wanted to properly cover this as well. If you’re wondering if it’s worth an upgrade or if you’re a Hyatt Globalist and want to know what to expect if you get upgraded to this room – keep reading.

First Impressions of a Park Hyatt NYC Suite

We were on the 16th floor, and upon opening the door to the room, it immediately had a grander sense of space than the standard room.

When you walk into a standard room, the entry can feel a little cramped with the closets and the armoire for the minibar and coffee maker.

In a 1 bedroom suite, you’re greeted by a very long hallway that leads to the living room, and the entrance to the bedroom on the right.

As I noted in my Peninsula NYC review, having a hallway in your NYC hotel feels like the ultimate status symbol. In a city notorious for small and cramped hotel rooms, to have a room big enough to have a proper hallway is a luxury.

And with this suite coming in at massive 1,000 square feet – you really do feel like you’re someplace special when staying in this room.

There’s a closet in the hallway, as well as more closet space in the bedroom. So in the Suite, you certainly aren’t lacking for storage space for clothes, luggage, and whatever else you felt like bringing on your trip.

Like the standard King Room, everything in the Park Hyatt Suite feels modern and high-end.

And as someone who often wakes up early to get some work done, I really appreciated the desk in the living room which was a significant distance from the bedroom. My wife could sleep in, and I could make my Nespresso and answer emails without fear of waking her up.

The wall of automatic curtains is a nice touch that makes the room feel worthy of its address on Billionaire’s Row.

There’s a half bath off the hallway in these suites, so if you’re planning to host friends before a show or night out, you can easily divide social and private spaces.

The Bedroom and Bathroom in a Park Hyatt NYC Suite

The bedroom itself is very similar to what you get in a standard room. The bed is best in class and unbelievably comfortable.

So much so that every time you stay in a hotel of this caliber, you can’t help but ask “What bed is this? What sheets are these? Where can I buy this exact setup?”

We slept incredibly well all trip. And honestly, probably spent more time in the room than we should have on a 54 hour trip to New York.

But there are hotel rooms, and then there are hotel rooms.

This is the latter. Staying here is an experience in and of itself. This is especially true if you take advantage of everything else the hotel has to offer (which we’ll get to in a second).

The bathroom is huge, and there were a couple of upgrades when compared to a standard room.

The first is the Japanese toilet. Nothing like a good bidet to make you feel like you’re being well taken care of! Open the door to the bathroom, and the seat automatically lifts.

Is it overkill? Yes. Is it necessary? Of course not! 

But does it make the experience of splurging on a suite all the more memorable? You bet.

There were also heated floors in the bathroom of our suite, which I don’t remember the standard room having.

The Le Labo amenities were prevalent and welcome as mentioned above. This time around they were “Tuberuse 40” the first night, and then got replaced with the “Bergamote 22” the second night. I assume they’re interchangeable among rooms based on what they added to the cart that day – but both fragrances are phenomenal.

I took my extras and they’re in my locker at my gym. Showering with them legit feels like a reward for getting a workout in.

Final Thoughts on a Park Hyatt NYC Suite

Let’s be real here. I don’t care who you are, if you get 1,000 square feet of luxury all to yourself two blocks off Central Park in New York City? That’s a special experience.

It’s memorable. It’s unbelievably comfortable. And yes, it’s expensive (especially around the holidays!).

If you’re traveling alone, it probably isn’t necessary to splurge for the Suite – unless you really like having a dedicated office space and sleeping area.

But if you’re traveling with a kid, or you want something really special for a romantic getaway?

A Suite at the Park Hyatt is among the very best hotel experiences you can have in New York City.

Park Hyatt New York Gym and Pool

On my first trip, I didn’t get to spend a ton of time in the hotel.

Once I landed I shot a quick YouTube video for my business within the room, but then took off to meet friends in the City.

But on the second trip, I made a point to soak in the Park Hyatt experience a little bit more.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that Hyatt knows the value of a good pool.

The pool at the Park Hyatt Tokyo was the OG example of this.

With the much newer Andaz Tokyo they also had a fantastic pool with views.

And for the pool at the NYC outpost? They didn’t mess around.

Keep in mind, most of this building consists of wildly expensive condos. And the pool for the owners of these condos is shared with the Park Hyatt. So it should come as no surprise that they did a good job.

The pool at the Park Hyatt has soaring 3 story ceilings, views of the city, and both a hot tub and steam room to help relax.

During my time there, it was a melting pot of people:

• A crypto bro shirtless on his laptop
• A scantily clad attractive woman who spent at least 15 minutes trying to get the perfect selfie
• An older couple taking a nap
• And as I was leaving a family of 4 on vacation showed up.

There are much worse places to spend an afternoon than sitting in a lounge chair overlooking the pool and the city on the 22nd floor.

The steam room smelled of eucalyptus and truly lived up to its name. It was so steamy, I almost sat on someone’s lap when I walked in and couldn’t see them.

I do wish there were a dry sauna or perhaps a cold plunge either in the pool area itself or in the locker room, but these are minor quibbles. This is among the best city hotel pools in the world.

Despite not having a sauna in the locker room, they made up for it with the most ridiculous and amazing shower experience I’ve ever had.

A few months ago I thought the “experience shower” took the cake at the Waldorf Astoria Vegas.

And maybe it did from a technology standpoint.

The showers at Merion may win for sheer volume of water.

But for overall intensity? The 9 jets and 2 showerheads of the locker room showers here make for one of the most memorable showers you’ll ever have:

The gym is one floor up, and while not quite as big as the Peninsula a few blocks away, it is far bigger than most hotel gyms and is full of modern equipment.

And the views? Fantastic. Although I couldn’t help but wonder just how good they’d be from the upper floors of One57.

Dining at the Park Hyatt NYC

When it comes to 5-star hotels in major metropolitan cities, you often expect to have a few different dining options.

At the Park Hyatt however, there’s only one: The Living Room.

It covers everything from breakfast to happy hour to dinner.

I still haven’t had a chance to have a proper meal here, but we did grab drinks during this last trip.

I’ll be honest, I’m a cocktail snob. I’m on a quest to visit the top 100 bars in the world, and during this trip, we had a phenomenal experience at the #6 bar on the list, Double Chicken Please. So the next night when we had a couple cocktails at the Living Room before heading to the airport, I frankly wasn’t expecting much.

I figured it’d be a typical hotel bar with overpriced, mediocre cocktails.

But what I got was a pleasant surprise.

I had a “Soursop” which was far more interesting and unique than I anticipated. It’s a combination of cacao butter-washed mezcal, velvet falernum, soursop, cinnamon, lime.

It had some tiki vibes with the falernum, but the mezcal transformed it into something very compelling.

And yes, at $26 it’s overpriced – but that’s par for the course in a hotel bar at a property like this.

Using Hyatt Points to Stay

One thing worth mentioning is that the Park Hyatt is probably the nicest, easily accessible New York hotel you can stay at using points.

It’s anywhere from 35k to 45k Hyatt points a night to stay here. Which is a ton of points, when there are other Hyatt properties in New York that are perfectly serviceable for 15k a night or less.

All of my business credit cards are through Chase, and they transfer to Hyatt instantly at a rate of 1 to 1. For my first stay, I splurged and spent 40k points to stay here.

The second stay was 45k points/night – or 90k total.

And you know what? I don’t regret it for a second.

The partnership with Chase is nice as it truly opens up some options as it relates to 5-star stays, but in my experience, the Park Hyatt will be the cream of the crop here.

And if it’s still outside your budget, then here are some other great places to stay in NYC.

Final Thoughts on the Park Hyatt New York

If you’re looking for the “best hotel in New York City” you could certainly make the argument for the Park Hyatt.

You have spacious, large, modern rooms.

Fantastic service. 

Limited, but extremely high-level amenities on property.

2 blocks to Central Park.

A 20-minute stroll to Broadway (we saw the Cursed Child).

Subway access just steps away.

It’s got it all. Sure there may be even fancier hotels. Bigger hotels. Smaller hotels. But for a property that pretty much has it all? The Park Hyatt is tough to beat.

After checking out I talked to one of the bellmen on the ground level and asked him to get me a cab.

It was only a 9 minute walk to the Peninsula where I was staying the next night of my first trip. But the last thing I wanted to do was lug 3 bags including golf clubs through Manhattan on a 95-degree day.

I told him that’s where I was heading, and he came back 20 seconds later.

“I’m just going to have our house car take you, it’s close!”

Seconds later they loaded my bags up in a new Mercedes SUV and whisked me away to one of their competitors. He couldn’t have been more polite, accommodating, and helpful.

It didn’t matter I was heading straight to a competitor. He genuinely just seemed eager to help and make my life as easy as possible.

This is what you expect from the best hotels in the world, And after two stays over the last six-months, I can safely say the Park Hyatt lived up to, and in many cases exceeded, my lofty expectations for my stays.

If you’re looking for the best hotel in New York? This should be on your shortlist. 

The post Park Hyatt NYC Review: One of the City’s Best Hotels appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

In my 20s and early 30s, the whole reason to go to Vegas is to drink, gamble, and go to clubs that never quite lived up to expectations.

So the idea of staying at a place that didn’t have a casino? Honestly, the thought never even crossed my mind.

Now, at the ripe old age of 37, I have a greater appreciation for peace and quiet.

And, luxury. 

Gone are the days of finding the $39 dollar-a-night room at Circus, Circus. Now, I’m willing to spend a bit more to stay someplace a bit more comfortable.

Obviously, there’s no shortage of comfortable hotels in Vegas. Resorts like the Wynn, Bellagio, Cosmo, and more will certainly suffice.

But even those 5 star hotels are different than your typical 5 star hotel. This is Vegas after all.

So where should you stay in Las Vegas, when you want to be close to the action, but still have private retreat to head back to after all the festivities have ended for the evening?

My best recommendation? The Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas.

In this Waldorf Astoria Vegas review, we’re going to look at the entire experience at the hotel, and help you decide if you should stay there on your next trip.

Because as you might expect, it certainly isn’t for everyone, but for the right person? There’s simply no better choice.

First Impressions of the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas

The Waldorf Astoria is part of the City Center complex located in the center of the Strip, which includes the Aria, Cosmopolitan, and Vdarra hotels. It also includes the high-end Crystals shopping center.

The hotel originally opened in 2009 as the Mandarin Oriental.

In 2018 the property was sold, and is now under Hilton management and rebranded as the Waldorf Astoria.

From the second you pull up to the front of the hotel, you can tell it feels totally different than your typical Vegas resort.

The motor court and front entrance are all enclosed away from Las Vegas Blvd., so you don’t get the frantic energy of the Strip. 

It’s pretty wild to be right in the middle of Vegas, but not have hundreds of people around at all times and the sounds of slot machines clamoring away from the moment you step inside.

There’s a nice arrival lobby with a concierge on the first floor, but as with other more recently built 5-star hotels I’ve stayed in the main lobby is located higher up – in this case, the 23rd floor. 

The lobby is an impressive site with high ceilings, a Tea Lounge to the right of the check-in desk, and the Sky Bar beyond that, which has wonderful panoramic views of the Strip.

Check-in was a breeze and I had my choice of $25/day resort credit or points due to my Hilton Gold status.

I chose the credit and applied it to a massage on the last day of the trip, which I’ll talk about in a bit.

When they made the transfer from the Mandarin Oriental to the Waldorf, there wasn’t a whole lot that was changed. 

The hotel still has some Asian accents and Asian motifs, but despite being built over a decade ago it still feels modern and up-to-date.

The major impression I had upon first arriving (and throughout the stay) is just how much it didn’t feel like I was in Las Vegas.

And depending on your goals for a Vegas trip, this could be a terrible fit, or you might find it’s the Vegas hotel you’ve been waiting for.  

The Rooms at the Waldorf Astoria Vegas

Walking down the 19th-floor hallway to my room, you can definitely still feel the Mandarin Oriental vibe – which isn’t a bad thing at all.

Entering the Strip View King Room, you’re met with a room that very much feels worthy of the Waldorf Astoria name.

As I mentioned above, most hotel rooms at Vegas properties, still feel like Vegas hotel rooms. I’ve stayed in a suite at the Bellagio, and it was nice, but I’d hardly say it was on the same level as a Park Hyatt, Shangri-La, or in this case, a Waldorf Astoria.

My basic room at the Waldorf was the nicest Vegas hotel room I’ve stayed in – and it’s not even close.

The furniture is done in dark wood motifs that feel luxurious and well thought out. Despite being first built in 2009, everything in my room was still in pretty good shape, and didn’t feel like it’s had 13 years of use.

When you enter the room, to the immediate left there’s a dedicated area for the wardrobe, dressers, storage, and a full-length mirror.

Having this space is fantastic. It allows all of your clothes and belongings to be in a space that didn’t interfere while you’re living in the room.

This made the 500 sq ft room feel even bigger.

Past the dressing area is a large bathroom with a modern freestanding tub. 

The separate shower is very comfortable, and the more I used the Salvatore Ferragamo “Tuscan Soul” amenities, the more I enjoyed the unique fragrance.

It’s not quite the Le Labo shampoo from the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge or Park Hyatt NYC (which are my favorite hotel scents), but it’s up there.

The beds are five-star quality, and very comfortable. I’d rate it just above my experience with Ritz Carlton beds (which are super luxurious, but a little soft), and just below Four Seasons, which are my favorite hotel beds.

I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed by the beds at the Waldorf Astoria Vegas – they’re great.

The room is large enough to have a work desk, and a chair by the window.

The TV was wall mounted into a console that had a coffee maker and mini bar.

As I always mention, I love a hotel with a Nespresso machine and the Waldorf delivered. The only downside was that all of the pods in my room were decaf coffee. When I called housekeeping to ask for regular ones, some wires were crossed and they sent a pot of coffee instead.

Everyone I interacted with at the hotel was very friendly and eager to help.

Aside from the coffee pods, the only issue I had during the stay was housekeeping never showed up on our second day. I didn’t think much of it, and assumed they’d pass back through for turndown service – which didn’t happen either.

I’m sure I could have called to have the room turned over at that point, but hey, it’s Vegas. You’re not spending much time in your room.

Overall, the room itself is wonderful, and staying anywhere else on the next trip will likely feel like a bit of a downgrade.

The Reality of Not Having a Casino

I mentioned earlier the Waldorf is located in City Center Las Vegas, which is about as central on the Strip as you can get.

I legitimately expected the lack of a casino to negatively impact my Vegas experience.

But the reality? It was so much better.

Having a quiet retreat that’s seconds from everything, but feels like it’s far way is truly Vegas – elevated.

I imagine you get a similar experience at the Four Seasons Las Vegas. But being all the way on the far end of the Strip at Mandalay Bay makes it much less convenient.

In less than a 5 minute walk, you can get to the Aria, Park MGM, and Cosmopolitan casinos. So your slot machine or table game of choice is never far away.

The Park MGM was a nice surprise, as I hadn’t been there since they rebranded the old Monte Carlo.

The Vegas outpost of Eataly is a perfect lunch stop, and Bavette Steakhouse made for a wonderful meal.

The NoMad Bar in New York has always been one of my favorite bars in our quest to visit the Top 100 bars in the world, but it sadly closed this past year. There is however a NoMad Bar at the NoMad Hotel which is within the Park MGM.

The vibe isn’t quite the same, but the drinks are still fantastic.

All that to say, the location is about as good as it gets if you want relatively easy access to both the North and South ends of the Strip.

Dining at the Waldorf Astoria Vegas

Being a smaller property (by Vegas standards) the options for dining at the Waldorf are relatively limited.

Their all-day dining option is Zen Kitchen, located on the third floor.

I had lunch there with a friend, and it was very good. He had an excellent Poke Bowl, and I had a very good hamburger and side salad.

You’re paying 5-star hotel prices, but with the $25 minimums at nearly every casino we went to throughout the weekend, the $28 burger felt like a downright bargain.

I also went down to the restaurant one day and asked if they could make me an Americano. The hostess said “of course!” Three minutes later she came back with a fantastic Americano, which she didn’t charge me for.

This also happened recently at the Peninsula in NYC. I’m not sure if this is standard at a certain level of hotel, but it’s a really nice touch. There are plenty of places to get nickel and dimed in a high-end property, so to not charge me the 5 bucks for a drink and offer it with a smile? It goes a long way.

The Tea Lounge is located right off the 23rd-floor lobby, and was very active every time I was there. 

I didn’t get a chance to have a cocktail at the SkyBar, but it’s worth going for the views alone.

Twist is their Premier restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire, but it’s currently closed.

The Spa at the Waldorf

For the last 7 years or so, I’ve had a bit of a trick on every Vegas trip I take.

I try and book a later flight out on my last day, and I always go to a day spa.

Many of the spas in town will allow you to visit and use the facilities for a daily fee.

This used to be easier (and less expensive) than it is now.

But for access to the Forbes rated spa at the Waldorf it is $75 for hotel guests for the day.

However I had a $100 resort credit during my stay, so I figured I’d splurge and get a massage for the full experience.

And, I’m absolutely glad I did.

To put it simply, the spa experience at the Waldorf Astoria in Vegas is among the best I’ve ever had.

Located on the 8th floor of the hotel, you have great views of the Strip. It’s kind of odd seeing the sense of chaos below while relaxing in a place so serene.

I haven’t been to any other Vegas spas, and I imagine Canyon Ranch at the Venetian, Qua at Caesars, and the Spas at Encore and Wynn are equally as impressive, if not more so due to being much larger.

But my experience at the Waldorf was everything I hoped it would be.

They were great about giving me a locker earlier in the day so that I could leave my bags there, after I checked out from my room.

There was a large 102 degree hot tub (I’m sure there’s a fancier name for this), with built-in chairs overlooking the strip. It was delightful.

The steam room had a heated tile bench inside it, that was perfectly contoured for your body, and remarkably comfortable.

The dry sauna also had some Asian motifs to it, which made for an inviting place to sweat out all the alcohol from your trip.

There is a laconium room, a relaxation room for before and after treatments, and whatever this room is that had heated chairs:

Honestly, these chairs might have been my favorite part of the whole thing. Something about them was just incredibly comfortable and relaxing.

Finally, there are two experience showers which are the best version of these I’ve ever seen.

There are 5 different modes that ranged from a chilly mist, to a full-on tropical monsoon with lighting and thunder effects.

In lieu of a cold plunge, one of these showers was perfect in between rooms.

Getting a Massage at the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas

My Waldorf Astoria Signature Massage was excellent. 

The massage therapist was incredibly knowledgeable and actually seemed to care more than some other resort massages I’ve had.

She was regularly asking about the pressure, and when I asked for more, she really ramped it up. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a massage, and there were a lot of knots and tight spots. She dug in deep, and truly gave me a massage that was more than just relaxing, but truly beneficial to my body.

It’s a 60-minute massage, that I expected to probably only be 50 minutes after walking to the treatment room, chatting, changing etc.

But it was a full 60 minutes on the table, which is always appreciated.

It’s not the largest spa in Vegas by any means, but it felt private, peaceful, and restorative after a 48-hour bender.

The Pool and Fitness Center at the Waldorf Vegas

Both the fitness center and the pool at the resort are great.

The pool experience is far more benign than at your typical Vegas hotel – and I mean this in a good way. I was there on a Saturday afternoon in October, and almost had the whole place to myself. The pool was inviting, and in keeping with the theme of the hotel, it was relaxing and private. 

On top of the main one pictured below there was another adults-only pool, and hot tubs as well.

There is a bar with food options, and the wait staff was super friendly and attentive. 

Looking for yard-size pina coladas and swim-up blackjack? You won’t find it here. 

But if you’re looking for a more elevated Vegas pool experience? The Waldorf Astoria is a great bet.

The fitness center is also a nice size, and great for a hotel gym.

On my last morning, I got a 3 mile run in, did some stretching, and I was one of only two people in there.

You should have no problem replicating most workouts you’d do at your home gym here.

Is the Waldorf Astoria Hotel Las Vegas Good for Golfers?

First off, since this is a golf blog, let’s cover the golf part of things.

Is this the best hotel for golfers in Vegas? 

Well, maybe.

It depends on where you want to play.

If you’re going to try and play the best course in Vegas, Shadow Creek? Then no, you shouldn’t stay here.

To play Shadow, you’ll need to stay at an MGM property like the Aria, Bellagio, MGM Grand, or about a dozen others.

That is really the only major caveat when it comes to golfing in Vegas.

You can play Wynn Golf Club without staying there, and if you’re looking to do Wynn and the only other course on the Strip, Bali Hai, then the Waldorf is perfectly situated between the two.

With the freeway so close, getting to most other notable Vegas courses is super manageable. It’s only around 20 minutes to get to Southern Highlands, TPC Summerlin, and the Summit Club.

Less than 30 minutes and you’re at Cascata.

And in less than 90 minutes you can be at over-the-top course, Wolf Creek

So is golf your priority? Do you want to be close to the action, but also have a place to relax? The Waldorf Astoria is great for this.

But if you’re on a buddies trip and drinking and gambling is just as much a priority as the golf? Then you may be happier staying in a property that has more happening on site.

That said, it would probably take you less time to get to the Aria Casino from the Waldorf than it would if you were staying in a room far from the elevators on a high floor of the Aria itself.

Who Else Should Stay Here?

I see two types of situations that would be absolutely perfect for staying at the Waldorf Astoria.

The first? Couples.

This is 100% a place I’d come back and visit with my wife. If we were doing a long weekend with a show or two, some nice dinners, a bit of gambling, but not trying to rage like we did in our 20s? The Waldorf Astoria is perfect.

It’s luxurious, comfortable, quiet, and great for a couples getaway.

The second is business travelers. If you’re coming to Vegas on business, and want a place where you can actually get some work done and not be constantly bombarded by the distractions that typically come along with being in Vegas?

Once again, this is perfect.

Honestly? Anyone that wants a true luxury hotel and a fun Vegas experience will enjoy this hotel immensely. 

Final Thoughts on the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas

I had pretty high hopes for the Waldorf Astoria, and I’m very happy to say that the hotel absolutely lived up to them.

I don’t think I understood just how much I’d appreciate the retreat-like setting of the hotel, and how nice it would be to get away from the chaos.

Man, I sound old.

But this particular 48-hour trip was also meant to be a more casual, less party-heavy trip. And the hotel delivered on every part of it.

Yes, there was a bit of an oversight with the housekeeping, but again, I imagine that would have been solved with a simple phone call – so I wouldn’t be too concerned about this if you’re booking a room.

Being a true 5-star property, you can expect rates to be among the more expensive on the Strip. But considering it’s Vegas, you can expect prices for a room to vary wildly. I’ve seen them as low as $200 for a night, and upwards of $800 for a busy weekend. 

So do your research beforehand. If you have Hilton points you can also book a stay using those. Expect to pay 80k points a night.

For the right person, this is absolutely one of the very best hotels you can stay at in Vegas.

But honestly? Considering how close to the hotel so many quality casinos are, I can’t imagine there are many people that would be disappointed in their decision to stay here. It truly is fantastic, and it provides for a unique experience that you won’t get at many other hotels in Las Vegas.

The post Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas Review: Is it the Best Strip Hotel? appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

Trust me, it’s a lot easier to work off that hangover or recover from 36 hole days in a nice hotel than it is in a Motel 6.

If you were making a list of the most iconic hotels around the world, you couldn’t have a proper list without the Park Hyatt Tokyo.

Located on the top floors of the Shinjuku Park Tower building in the Shinjuku neighborhood of Tokyo, it’s arguably been the best-known hotel in the city ever since it opened.

This was in part from its prominent position in the Bill Murray movie Lost in Translation – but honestly? All it takes is one saunter through the lobby to see the views that make this place so iconic and well known.

I’d never been to Tokyo before 2018, but that year I found myself randomly in the city twice.

Once for 48 hours with friends on a layover from a ski trip to Niseko.

And another 48 hours with my wife after a Top 100 cocktail bender in Singapore, where I also crossed the Serapong Course at Sentosa off my top golf list.

On both trips, we made the rounds of the best bars Tokyo has to offer, including my favorite bar in the world: Bar Ben Fiddich – which just so happens is only about a 15-minute walk from the Park Hyatt.

The first trip we stayed at Hyatt’s newest Japanese property the Andaz, but on the second trip my wife and I splurged to stay at the real deal: the Park Hyatt Tokyo.

But the question is, did it live up to expectations? Was it everything we expected it to be?

Honestly? Not exactly.

Curious as to why? Read on.

First Impressions of the Tokyo Park Hyatt

When you walk in the lobby of the Park Hyatt Tokyo, it’s hard not to be wowed by the views. You can see for miles in every direction, and considering Tokyo is a pretty massive city – there’s a lot to see.

The lobby, located on the 41st floor has massive ceilings that truly give you a sense of space and grandeur. 

That said, you start to get a slight inkling that the property may not be brand new. 

The property was built in 1994 – which isn’t exactly the golden age of beautiful architecture. It’s not an ornate art deco building like the Plaza or a modern wonder like the Shangri-La London. Despite the incredible views, and objectively nice finishes, it does feel a touch dated.

This is very easy to overlook in the lobby. After all, there is a lot to look at, and it’s quite impressive.

But the real question, is what are the rooms like?

The Rooms at the Park Hyatt Tokyo

Let’s not get too pretentious here, the rooms at the Park Hyatt Tokyo are fantastic. It’s not like you’re staying in an Econolodge here.

They have an understated elegance to them, that feels different than many of the hotels built in the past decade.

But as you started to get a sense of the rest of the hotel, the rooms do feel a little dated.

Maybe it’s the beige walls, or perhaps the black furniture (that probably felt quite modern years ago), it just doesn’t have quite the same wow factor of many similar hotels, like the wonderful Park Hyatt New York.

I was also surprised to see that the glass windows were the kind that had little wires criss-crossing the whole thing. I don’t know what that’s called, but it did detract from the view a tiny bit.

Next to the newer Andaz, which is supposed to be a step lower in the Hyatt line of hotels, it just didn’t feel quite as impressive.

That said, it does feel special.

You know when you walk into a place and it just gives you that feeling of “oh, I’m in a place of stature and importance.” 

The Park Hyatt does have that. And as you walk through the hotel, you feel it. Whether it’s in the New York Bar, the incredible pool, or the Kozue restaurant – you feel a certain gravitas while you’re there.

Despite my complaints, the rooms are incredibly comfortable, especially by Tokyo standards. They’re a good size, and no matter where you are, you’ll have a great view.

The bed is like sleeping on a giant pillow, as you’d expect from a luxury 5 star hotel, and we got fantastic night sleeps after two nights of trying to fit as many top 100 bars in as we could.

The lineup on this trip looked like:

• Bar Orchard Ginza
• Bar High Five
• Bar Ben Fiddich
• Gen Yamamoto
• SG Club

We tried to make it to Bar Trench, but SG was just too good and we didn’t want to leave.

Oh, and I almost forgot: New York Bar.

New York Bar at the Park Hyatt

You might be wondering how I could forget what is arguably the most famous bar, in the most famous hotel in the entire city?

Well, in two trips there? The experience was….pretty forgettable. 

Let’s be clear, the views from New York Bar are incredible. The vibe? Very international and high class. The live music? Truly adds to the experience.

But the drinks and the service?

What a disappointment.

Despite the name of my cocktail site, I’m really not a very pretentious or snobby person – about most things.

When it comes to old fashioneds, I can be a little snobby.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not demanding perfectly cut, clear ice. I don’t need $100 bourbon. Although I do have a few deal breakers:

• No melty bar ice that overly dilutes the drink
• No club soda
• No muddled fruit

Any of those things are a deal-breaker. And if you do all of them? I won’t be happy.

And my old-fashioned at New York Bar? I got the trifecta.

And it only cost me $23.

Sure, you’re paying for the view, but this is a pretty simple thing to get right.

I don’t want this to turn into a gripe-fest, so I won’t tell the full story of the second trip. But we were there later in the evening, and let’s just say the service was about as bad as I’ve ever seen.

Like full-on, cold-shoulder ignored by the waitress. Not overlooked. Ignored.

And it happened to the table behind us, as well.

30 minutes later when they were able to order their drinks, they sat on the bar for 15 minutes. 

We saw. We counted. 

Unable to flag a waitress, the couple went and grabbed them themselves – only to be scolded by the manager.

It went downhill, and got quite awkward from there.

But the point is, this is a 5-star establishment, with a very expensive menu. I expect a memorable positive experience, yet in both of my visits it was memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Despite all of this, I think it still is one of the best hotel bars in the world.

The Pool at the Tokyo Park Hyatt

The pool at the Park Hyatt Tokyo may be the single best reason to stay at this hotel.

When we stayed, we were wiped out. We’d done 5 nights in Singapore visiting bars, and then were prepared for another two in Tokyo, after being dead tired, hungover, and honestly, ready to be home.

Check out our thoughts on the St. Regis Singapore.

But one of my ultimate bucket list experiences I had was to swim in the pool at this hotel. It’s located on the 47th floor, and has spectacular views of the city.

Not only did it live up to expectations, somehow it exceeded them.

I started both of my mornings with lap swims, and it’s like the hangover and exhaustion melted away.

Our last full day in Tokyo was one of the best travel days I’ve ever had. Clear blue skies, 65 degrees and sunny, world-class bars, sight-seeing – and it was all kicked off by this fantastic swim.

It may seem like an odd thing to be excited about – but this pool did it for me.

I was a little disappointed to see that hotel guests were not able to get complimentary access to the day spa for things like the jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and so on. For upwards of $1k a night, you’d think that there might be some access there. 

I believe it was a $ 45/day fee to use.

Final Thoughts on the Park Hyatt

This review comes across more negative than I intended for it to be. 

The Park Hyatt Tokyo is a world-class hotel, and staying there makes any Tokyo visit that much more special.

But because the hotel is so iconic (and frankly, expensive) I hold it to a higher standard than most places I visit. And it’s because of this, there were a few letdowns in the experience. 

That said, if you have the opportunity, and especially if you’re looking to stay in Shinjuku, a night at the Park Hyatt Tokyo is one you’ll remember for a long time to come.

But for your sake, I hope it doesn’t involve the restaurant manager insisting on bringing a daiquiri to your room at 1:00am to make up for such a poor experience in the restaurant. 

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