By Jennifer Audette
You'll come across the casually elegant Streamsong Resort in Bowling Green a little over an hour southeast of Tampa.
Your journey into nature and serenity is about to begin.
Much global acclaim has been given to Streamsong’s three golf courses, but not as much has been divulged about its inviting accommodations, which include the 228-room, six-story hotel lodge and a more private 12-room clubhouse just off the courses.
Inside the Lodge, you’ll find caramel- and dark-chocolate-colored furniture in a sleek,1950s Amish style. The curvatures, enormous windows and simple lines are reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture.
“The minimalism, the clean lines,” said Tom Parke, spokesman for Streamsong Resort, “are to give you that contrast of clean lines and nature you find on the golf course.”
Its remoteness is also by design, as is the long road into the resort. “There are no neighbors.”
“It’s quiet in the evening,” Parke says as he walks out onto the zen-like lawn that offers a stunning view of the sun setting over the lake. “You actually hear wildlife.”
He’s not kidding. We pass Florida deer as we tour the rustic property, which is also home to quail, wild turkeys and an occasional bobcat. Streamsong makes a wonderful backdrop for corporate events and romance, and the 350-employee staff has put on 15 weddings since opening in January 2014.
The AcquaPietra spa and salon are perfect for a bride and her bridesmaids or golfers returning from a long day on the greens.
The dimly lit, grotto-style spa features six pool areas, all with different water temperatures; and nine treatment rooms, including one for couples massages. The bright, circular salon offers a barber chair, manicures, hair treatments and pedicures. The spa pools and steam room are open to all resort guests at no extra charge, but the spa and salon are also big draws for nearby (nearby is relative when you’re this secluded) residents as well.
Because the resort is in the middle of little else, Streamsong has three diverse restaurants.
Fifty-Nine, a classy steak and seafood restaurant, offers delectible fare like shrimp and grouper.
Sottoterra features Italian cuisine, and P2O5 is devoted to classic American fare. You won’t want to miss the pretzel croissants and beer cheese that come with all meals at P2O5. And for a real taste of Central Florida, go for the Florida Orange Cheesecake, made with a pistachio crust and topped with blueberries and a cranberry compote.
If you’re in town for several days or are the non-golfing half of a couple, the zero-edge pool, featuring 10 cabanas, overlooks the lake and features a bar and grill.
In keeping with its place in a spot with no other options, the resort’s room rates range from $129 to low $400s per night. High golf season is January through April, and low season is August.
The faces at Streamsong’s bars and restaurants attest to what Parkes says is a break from lore about retirees and golf.
“We’ve kind of broken the golfer stereotype,” he said, noting the typical in-season resort guest is an athletic, 30-something who likes to travel, appreciates fashions and is apt to spend money.
Streamsong is where all generations can come together for recreation and tranquility.
“I love it,” said Tass Sweeney, event coordinator for PGA Superstore, which has held several events at Streamsong. “It’s very accommodating. It’s very, very casual, yet at the same time, high-end. You’re surrounded by nature. It’s real peaceful to me.”
When you go…
Streamsong Resort
1000 Streamsong Drive
Streamsong, Florida 33834
863.428.1000
Photos by Streamsong Resort
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