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 of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
