Fairways • August 2011
The Best of Both Worlds
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
by Mike Stansfield

I love to watch the sun set on the Florida landscape, the trees glowing in the warm colors and the horizon stretching on forever. And the view from on top of the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate makes the world, along with your problems, seem smaller and more in balance. It's the perfect destination for your next golf or family vacation to Orlando.

When anyone mentions Orlando the first question is how far is it to Disney World? In this case, the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate is only minutes from Walt Disney World and just a little farther to SeaWorld and Universal Studios Orlando. The resort offers complimentary transportation to the Disney theme parks and attractions.

Combine the proximity of the resort to Disney World and Orlando's other theme parks, along with the exciting things to do on property; which might include a dip in the pool and/or hot tubs, incredible meals, nine holes on the lighted par 3, a trip down the lazy river or dinner at one of the four restaurants and you've pretty much got the family taken care of for the duration of the visit.

But really aren't you here to play golf? And this is where the Omni Orlando shines. The resort features two championship 18-hole golf courses designed by architect and golfer, Greg Norman, a lighted 9-hole, par 3 golf course, and is the World Headquarters for the David Leadbetter Golf Academy.

The 36 holes of world-class golf at ChampionsGate were designed to offer a blend of traditional and modern elements. The International Course offers an authentic link style golf experience, reminiscent of the great golf courses of the British Isles but with a Australian twist, while The National Course challenges golfers with its traditional American-style design.

The International Course brings a unique "down under" style of coastal links from Norman's homeland to Orlando. The links style course is designed around scenic natural wetlands, and features long carries, deep pot bunkers, tall grass-topped dunes, and large undulating greens. The 7,400 yard course has one of the highest ratings in Florida at 76.3 and is a challenging and dramatic test of golf.

The National Course is a completely different experience with a classic layout. It's designed in the "Florida golf resort" style with lush greens and long carries. Weaving its way through the naturally rolling central Florida plains, it features mature Pine, Oak, and Cypress groves, spring fed lakes, bunker- protected fairways and greens, and small, challenging putting surfaces. Water hazards and bunkers come into play on many of the holes.

When you enter the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate you will be immediately impressed by the expansive, elegant, marbled-floor lobby which opens onto 15 acres of formal and family pools, private cabanas and Jacuzzis.

The 720 rooms and suites, very well- appointed and comfortable with views of the golf courses and Florida vistas, include high-definition television, wireless Internet, and extremely comfortable beds. The resort also offers two- and three-bedroom villas, perfect for foursomes or families.

Additionally, the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate presents a full spectrum of spa services. Packages combine popular treatments like facials, deep-tissue massages, pedicures and manicures.

Among the resort's best features are its restaurants. Zen, an upscale Asian experience, offers a truly peaceful setting, set apart by silk screens in a serene atmosphere. Trevi's serves Mediterranean-style dishes in an Italian garden atmosphere. And David's Club is a great place to catch a game in the evening after a round of golf or a day spent in the pool.

The resort has a deli, a poolside bar and restaurant along with a lobby bar, which is a great place to unwind at the end of the day. Guests also enjoy a good selection of food and drinks at the clubhouse grill, located between the two golf courses.

It wasn't unusual to hear guests comment on what an incredible family friendly resort this was because of the many amenities offered. Frequently mentioned were the golf courses, the multiple swimming pools including a kid's area with an 850 foot lazy river, as well as the adults- only pool with cabanas. And of course it's location so close to Disney World and the amusement parks.

The resort's website, OmniChampionsGateGolf.com allows guest to book customized golf vacations with unlimited options and flexibility. The site provides everything from arranging accommodations, tee times and spa treatments to rental cars.

If you're looking for a place to go on a family vacation, a golf vacation or maybe hoping to merge the two; it would be tough to find a better place than the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. It combines the best of both worlds in one great Florida adventure.

Mike Stansfield is the Fairways Media marketing director and a frequent contributor to Fairways.