By David Theoret
Reunion Resort, a Four Diamond-rated property, is an exclusive 2,200-acre destination which promises a vacation wonderland for the entire family. It is conveniently located six miles from Walt Disney World and only 20 minutes from the Orlando International Airport.
Be aware, you may never want to leave the resort. The fitness center offers cardio and weight-training equipment or, if you’d rather see more of the property, bike rentals are available. Plus, the entire family can enjoy the waterpark, which includes a mile-long lazy river.
After a day of energy-expending activities, the Boutique Spa is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Here you’ll find five luxurious treatment rooms where the staff offers soothing massages, signature facials, body wraps, manicures, pedicures and hair services. These services provide indulgences that enliven the senses, soothe the body, as well as, replenish the spirit.
Reunion Resort also has great golf. It is the only resort with three signature courses designed by: Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Arnold Palmer.
The Palmer Course is built on hilly, roller coaster-like terrain and boasts dramatic elevation changes. The Short par 4’s and reachable par 5’s provide a unique variety of risk/reward shots. The greens feature quite a bit of undulation. Many of them are oversized, with multiple tiers, crowns and ridges. It is the shortest of the three courses, but still offers a good mix of long and shot holes that will have you hitting every club in your bag. The elevation changes create a welcome change from the typical Florida round of golf. 
The Watson Course is highlighted by fast, firm and wide rolling fairways, undulating greens and a variety of strategically placed bunkers and large greens. This was Watson’s first crack at a Florida design and for my money he couldn’t have done a better job. It has more of a links style to it than its two sister courses. The one hazard absent from this course is water – you won’t find it anywhere except at the comfort stations. There is plenty of sand, however, with over 120 bunkers of varying shapes, sizes and depths. The Watson Course is as much about strategy as it is about length and embraces a shotmaker more than a long ball hitter.
The Nicklaus Course is a parkland-style layout with elevated tee boxes and greens. There are more than 100 bunkers on the course, as well as small, postage-stamp greens, and a few forced carries. Tee boxes are beautifully landscaped and well maintained, fairways are meticulously trimmed and groomed, plus the greens are elevated and surrounded by evil bunkering. This is more of a “player’s” course. Scoring well here requires a significant amount of accuracy off the tee – anything hit wide left or right will either be irretrievable or in a hazard.
A world class resort needs world class dining and Reunion doesn’t disappoint. Their flagship restaurant Eleven, sits atop the Reunion Grande on the 11th floor, and is unquestionably Orlando’s unparalleled star gazing destination.
Eleven is best described as a modern steak house with a nouvelle feel. Their creative menu offerings include premium steak cuts and signature entrees. The ambiance and décor cater to today’s generation and the open-air veranda and nightly fireworks accentuate the sights and sounds of the open kitchen. Their dynamic wine list, signature cocktails and an expanded by-the-glass selection offers wine pairing for every palate. Seating is done on a first come, first serve basis.
If Italian’s more your mood, then Forte’s your answer. They are an authentic Italian Bistro, and serve up specially prepared dishes in a warm and rustic atmosphere. Their fresh ingredients are indigenous to the region of Tuscany, but also serve dishes found in all regions of Italy. The dining area is both formal and warm, with Italian music playing softly in the background. Forte features an extensive cabernet and merlot wine list as well as signature sections from different regions of Italy. No matter what your menus selection, the well-educated staff at Forte will help you find the perfect pairing. Forte is located on the main floor of the Reunion Grande. 
If you find yourself famished after your round and can’t wait to bite into something, the restaurant at the Reunion Clubhouse is always a good choice. They feature regional American cuisine served in a casual and comfortable setting. The menu appeals to golfers, members and resort guests alike with selections that are simple and recognizable staples of American comfort food. Their servers provide speedy service so that you can get back to enjoying your favorite resort activity and forget about that one bad hole.
If you’re planning on being in the area and are considering different resorts, why not pick the place that has it all – Reunion Resort. For more information or to book your next vacation, give them a call at 1-866-880-8563 or visit them online at www.reunionresort.com.
