MANY TIMES A WEEKEND GETAWAY is just what is needed to recharge your batteries. We all work so hard these days and often on the weekends as well–so a weekend off –with no work allowed is the perfect way to have the stress just melt away.
Enter in the Reunion Resort, a Salamander Golf and Spa Resort. Located near the Orlando area, the moment you enter the gates, you know you have arrived someplace special. It is the only resort in the world that features three signature golf courses designed by golf’s greatest legends – Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson. It also features the only Frankly Golf Putting Academy on site.
The Grande tower beckoned and immersed you in the lap of luxury. The suite was nothing short of sublime. Spacious and elegant, it was enough room for the entire family–or a romantic getaway for two.
On the agenda was a dining experience at Forte, the fine dining establishment. Upscale and fine service, the menu had a definitive Italian slant. The trout was perfect and the tiramisu superbly decadent. The wine list was extensive as well.
I was truly looking forward to the day of relaxation and pampering. The golfers headed off to an excited start–with 3 courses just ready to be played –but my focus was SPA and more SPA. I decided to take a lovely stroll to the house, yes, house that the spa is located in, refurbished from a colonial-era home. Personalized pampering designed to refresh and replenish the soul. Perfection. The gorgeous surroundings just lent itself to relaxation. I had the hot stone/deep tissue massage–which was divine. And, the Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift facial. The facial is said to reduce wrinkles up to 94 percent and improve skin firmness by 57 percent after one treatment–it really was a dramatic improvement! Esthetician, Susan was wonderful.
I found it genuinely hard to leave the spa, but, all good things must come to an end and the next thing on the agenda was an afternoon at the Reunion Water Park. You can float down the lazy river, twist and turn on the slides, play all kinds of lawn games or just relax on the lounge and soak it all in. There is also a tremendous water park for younger kids.
That evening, dining was slated for Eleven, situated on the rooftop of the Reunion Grande, and has 360º views of the area. A steakhouse theme, the food is excellent. Top notch steaks, chops and all the traditional sides are available in a sensational indooroutdoor setting. Catch the Disney Fireworks as an extra special treat with a handcrafted cocktail or glass of champagne.
The weekend slipped by, with so much luxury and relaxation, it was hard to consider leaving. Sunday was filled with a brunch at the Golf Clubhouse overlooking the course and a last quick dip in one of the eleven pools at the resort.
A perfect place for a family or friend’s getaway, Reunion has something special that can’t be pinpointed. It is beautiful place that holds the Southern charm we all feel in our hearts but is not often found in today’s fast paced world.
For more information, log onto www.Reunionresort.com. – Susan Short
