When we left Baltimore, we didn’t quite know what to expect from rural Maryland as we made our way towards a place called Elliott City, 20 or so miles and roughly an hour drive from the city surrounded by ships. We were being hosted by a golf and spa resort on acres that includes ponds, bridges, lovely trees and an 18 hole golf course. While we were there in summer, have a look at the soft dreamy colors that hits the grounds of Turf Valley Spa & Golf Resort in the Fall.
The four star property is surrounded by hills and trees on all sides, giving you a sense of pure serenity and tranquility from the moment you arrive.
In addition to standard hotel rooms and suites, they offer Villas for larger family and longer stays. High above the emerald green of Turf Valley’s lush fairways, you can book a two- or three-bedroom golf villa. Featuring arched doorways, rounded windows and stucco pillars, The Villas are reminiscent of an Old World country estate with elegant marble foyers, jacuzzi master bathrooms, gas fireplaces, a spacious-fully equipped kitchen, a laundry area, and a private balcony or patio overlooking the golf course greens.
Since we were there during summer, and the sun was in full force, the pool was packed — there were coverage areas where you could take a snooze or read a magazine without getting hit with the sun however, as well as umbrellas and if you wanted to avoid the heat altogether, you could use the inside pool where there is a whirlpool jacuzzi which we used in the evenings.
The natural environs surrounding the property are the real draw to the resort, so we’d recommend going when the weather is warm enough to take advantage of it – summer or early fall would be ideal although in Spring they have a fabulous balloon festival that is worth seeing. The grounds are so well manicured and beautiful that it’s hard to beat. Even if you’re not a golfer, go for a walk or take a cart for a stroll so you can see the beauty of the place. Follow us on our journey over the course of our stay.
It’s very meditative.
There’s also a driving range with plenty of practice balls if you don’t want to commit a half day or day to playing a round of golf.
The resort is a perfect haven for families since the rooms are spacious, the on-site Alexandra’s Restaurant dining room has tons of options including kid-friendly dishes and there’s a swimming pool outside and in as noted above. The lobby area is comfy and accommodating and the layout is perfect for larger groups, whether that be a family stay or having a wedding or corporate event on-site.
The rooms are basic but comfortable. Our room had great views of the golf course and desk that extended from the wall and went all the way across the side of the room — there was so much space for working (or playing) that you’d be in great shape if you were there for an extended business stay (or a writer wanting to get words on paper). There are larger rooms with suites/dining room areas as well for extended stays or when with kids in tow.
Another nice thing worth noting about the resort is their Sunday brunch. There’s a buffet full of fruit, vegetables and notable breakfast classics like eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes and waffles. They also have an omelet station, quiche and other baked goods as well an extensive offering of sweets on a standalone dessert table.
While we didn’t take advantage of other sports activities, they have three tennis courts, a volleyball court and a basketball practice area on the grounds, another great reason to stay with your family. They also have a 24-hour Fitness Center which we did use and a nature trail nearby where you can go for leisurely walks before dinner or first thing in the morning when the birds are still filling the air with their happy chirps. On the premises, they have a sports field which can also be used for team-building events.
Consider Turf Valley when heading to Maryland for a corporate retreat, business stay or weekend getaway. They have a luxury spa on-site which frankly exceeded my expectations, both from the treatment itself to the ambiance. Be sure to read my write-up on their spa as well as the write-up on their restaurant Alexandra’s.
DETAILS:
Turf Valley Spa & Golf Resort
2700 Turf Valley Road
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 465-1500
Renee Blodgett is the Founder and Managing Editor of We Blog the World, a global travel, culture and lifestyle publication exploring the world through the lens of meaningful experiences, human connection and cultural depth. Having lived in 10 countries and traveled to 95, Renee has spent much of her life immersed in the people, traditions, landscapes and ideas that shape how we experience the world.
Since launching We Blog the World in 2007, she has written and produced extensive editorial coverage spanning boutique and luxury travel, culinary experiences, arts and culture, wellness, adventure, technology, spiritual traditions and transformative travel. Her work is rooted in the belief that travel is about more than where we go—it is also about what a place, culture or encounter awakens within us.
Renee brings more than three decades of experience across journalism, photography, media, brand strategy, technology, wellness and global storytelling. She has worked with companies and organizations around the world on brand positioning, communications, product launches, media strategy, speaker positioning and storytelling. Through Blue Soul Media, she works with authors, entrepreneurs, thought leaders and purpose-driven brands to clarify their message and expand their impact, which includes speaker coaching/training for high-profile stages such as TED and bringing authors’ work to market while retaining authors rights.
She is also the co-founder of Blue Soul Earth, an educational platform exploring consciousness, ancient wisdom, spirituality, healing and the intersection between science and the nature of reality. Renee is the producer and host of the award-winning Blue Soul CHATS, a conversational series bringing together leading voices in science, technology, consciousness, wellness and spirituality.
Her growing body of work also includes Blue Soul Living, which extends her interest in consciousness and well-being into the spaces we inhabit, exploring how intentional design, energy and environment can support greater harmony and connection.
Renee is the award-winning co-author of the bestselling Magdalene’s Journey and founder of the Magdalene Collection, inspired by women’s voices, stories and wisdom across cultures and generations.
A longtime photographer and storyteller, Renee has documented people, places and cultures around the world and produced photographic collections focused on destinations including the Galápagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome and Ecuador. She also co-founded Traveling Geeks, an international initiative that brought entrepreneurs, journalists, creators and technology leaders together with their counterparts in other countries to exchange ideas and explore innovation across cultures.
Renee’s work has been recognized by Forbes, the United Nations and others for her influence in media and social storytelling. Across her work in travel, media, consciousness and culture, a common thread remains: curiosity about the world, the stories that connect us and the ways meaningful experiences can change how we see ourselves and one another.
