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you looking for a great escape including golfing and spa treatments?
The Orlando World Center Marriott Resort will fit the bill. This
truly distinctive, Gold Tee Award winning property has collected
numerous accolades for outstanding achievement including the Corporate
and Incentive Travel Award of Excellence, AAA Four Diamond and
Marriott International’s ACE Award, bestowed for culinary
excellence. When it comes to service, you’ll think you’re
at the Ritz-Carlton. From the moment you set foot on property,
friendly faces welcome you at every turn, including employees
whose sole job description is to greet and assist guests upon
entry. A flight from hell delayed my arrival until after 2 a.m.
in the morning. Even at that late hour, a request for non-allergic
pillows was filled within minutes. A tribute to the success of
the property is testimony from high profile guests like KPMG Principal
Bruce J. Adler who said, “I travel throughout the year,
and nowhere do I experience the level of service and personal
attention that you and your staff provide.”
Located on 200 tropical acres just minutes from
area attractions, the Orlando World Center Marriott boasts 2000
guest rooms and suites. The largest Marriott in the world, the
World Center Resort is one of only three properties in the Orlando
area with on-site championship golf. After undergoing a $130 million
renovation, the richly appointed redesign meticulously incorporates
fine linens, fabrics, accessories and artwork in a motif reminiscent
of Florida’s early Spanish influence. All suites and guestrooms
now offer high-speed Internet access and a host of uncommon amenities
including the comfort of down-surround pillows and comforters.
Avid and recreational golfers will enjoy playing
the completely re-designed Hawk’s Landing golf course, located
within footsteps of the new atrium lobby. Winding through lushly
landscaped terrain, Hawk’s Landing offers a thoroughly enjoyable
and energizing golf experience. The course was recently re-sculpted
not only by the dictates of Mother Nature but more significantly,
by the talents of a nurturing team of dedicated golf aficionados.
Following a re-design by Robert E. Cupp of the Joe Lee layout,
the new Hawk’s Landing provides challenges for golfers of
all levels. The enhancements and natural details of the upgraded
course are impressive: aquatic vegetation, tailored tee boxes,
native grasses, multifarious trees (Chinese tallow, palms, oak
and pine), manicured fairways and water everywhere. At 6,810 yards
from the championship tees, this par-72 golf course features water
in play on 15 holes. Large Tifdwarf Bermuda grass greens compliment
gently undulating fairways. This course demands strategy and accuracy,
particularly when playing from the tips. Another simple touch,
you can walk the golf course. The adjoining pro shop, already
rated among the top 100 in the nation, and newly constructed Hawk’s
Landing Steakhouse & Grille only enhance the golf experience.
 The
management team here was willing to go far beyond typical hotel
standards when it came to its dining options. No chains or dreary
hotel food here. Ten restaurants and lounges provide enticing
options. For families, an upscale food court with indoor or outdoor
seating fits bill. At the Mikado Japanese Steakhouse, a delicious
dining experience is richly enhanced by flashy tableside preparation.
Hawk’s Landing Steakhouse & Grille features tender,
succulent steaks, the in freshest local seafood and a wine list
that won a Wine Spectator Award on its first try. The chefs at
Ristorante Tuscany were actually trained in Tuscany, Italy. In
addition to the freshest in local foods, many ingredients are
imported directly from the old country. Solaris features a lavish
breakfast buffet and a Starbucks located just off the lobby provides
addicts a fix.
Showcasing the latest in advanced European treatments,
traditional Asian therapies and a multitude of varied massage
techniques, the refurbished spa provides a haven for rejuvenation.
The spa has more ways to make a body feel wonderful all over than
you'll have days to enjoy them. The adjoining 4,000 square-foot
Fitness Center features a vast cardio theater including free weights,
21 cardiovascular stations, and a wide range of stationary muscular
training machines. More paradise then pool, a 600,000 gallon lagoon-shaped
oasis is the centerpiece to six pools and five hot tubs. Soothing
waterfalls, thrilling slides amid the tropical poolside setting
is a primary reason many guests keep coming back.
For additional information or
reservations dial 800-621-0638
or visit www.marriottworldcenter.com.
Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D. is the director of the Professional
Golf Teachers Association of America. He is also a member of the
Golf Writers Association of America and the California Golf Writers
Association and a Mediator for the golf industry. He is a contributing
writer to numerous national magazines. He can be reached at drlotz@cbsgolf.net.
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