PGA National: Palm Beach's Premier Golf Resort Paradise (Unbelievable!)
PGA National: Palm Beach - My Brain Dump of Bliss (and a Few Gripes!)
Okay, folks, listen up! I've just returned from a glorious (and slightly chaotic, let's be honest) stay at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach. "Premier Golf Resort Paradise," they bill it. Well, let's dissect that, shall we? Because, frankly, "paradise" is a strong word, but… unbelievable? Yeah, I can get behind that. I'm talking about unbelievable in a good way, and sometimes, in a "well, that's interesting" way.
Accessibility - Hitting the Green, and Sometimes the Rough:
First off, kudos to them for catering to everyone. Wheelchair accessible is a big win, and navigating the property was generally smooth. Elevators are plentiful, and the ramps are well-placed. But, and there's always a "but," some of the pathways to the offshoots like the spa, feel a little… remote. Maybe a few more strategically placed signs wouldn't hurt?
Rooms that Whisper Luxury (and Sometimes, Just Whisper…):
My room? Oh, the room. Air conditioning that actually works in Florida heat? Score! Blackout curtains? Praise the gods! (Seriously, I'm a light sleeper.) You get the usual suspects: Desk, safe, mini-bar, coffee/tea maker – all present and accounted for. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – a godsend for someone who needs to, uh, “work” while on vacation. Bathrobes, slippers - the decadent touch. Now, the Wi-Fi itself? Mostly reliable, but I had a brief, panicked moment trying to upload photos (cue the internal scream). The bathroom was… adequate. Clean, yes. Luxurious? Not necessarily. But hey, it had hot water and a hair dryer, so I wasn't complaining… too much.
Internet - Connected, But Not Always:
The internet situation overall was… typical resort. The free Wi-Fi in public areas was spotty. I'd recommend sticking to the rooms if you need to rely on it heavily. They also have Internet [LAN]. I didn't use it, but it's there. The internet services? Well, they were generally okay. Nothing to write home about. But hey, at least I could intermittently share my vacation photos with the world (when the Wi-Fi gods were feeling generous).
Dining, Drinking & Snacking - A Smorgasbord of Choices (and a Few Regrets):
Let's talk food! The restaurants are plentiful and varied. Breakfast [buffet], yes, please! (I'm a sucker for a good omelet station.) The Asian breakfast was surprisingly good (I love a good bowl of congee). I tried the International cuisine at one of the restaurants. The poolside bar was perfect for a midday cocktail (or three). The Snack bar? Essential for those emergency pizza cravings. The restaurants offer a la carte, and you can have breakfast in room.
The Happy hour at the bar was a good time, and the coffee shop, a lifesaver for my morning caffeine fix. They also have a Vegetarian restaurant, which is a nice touch for everyone. I'm a big soup fan, so the Soup in restaurant was a win!
Now, the imperfections… The food delivery could be a bit slow at times. And, honestly, I had a not-so-stellar pasta at one of the restaurants. Let's just say I won't be ordering that again. But hey, you can't win 'em all, right?
Pampering & Relaxation - Where I Almost Lost My Mind (in a Good Way):
Okay, the Spa experience. This is where things get… interesting. I went for a massage. Pure bliss. Seriously, I almost levitated off the table. The Sauna, the Steamroom, and the Foot bath? Divine. Even the Pool with a view was a stunner. Think lush greens and a calming vista while you soak up the sun. There are also Body scrubs and Body wraps that I decided I would try next time! I spent a lot of time in the swimming pool [outdoor]. The Kids facilities looked fantastic, but I didn't visit them myself. The Gym/fitness center was well-equipped.
Cleanliness & Safety - Feeling Safe (Mostly):
They really took the cleanliness and safety thing seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas, check. Staff trained in safety protocol, check. Anti-viral cleaning products, check. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Room sanitization opt-out available– so, you can opt out of being sprayed and sanitized, if that's your thing. I appreciated the effort, though, and felt safe and secure.
Services & Conveniences - A Mixed Bag, Some Hits, Some Misses:
The Concierge was helpful, but could be a bit slow at times. The Daily housekeeping was efficient. Air conditioning in public area and the elevator were a blessing. The car park [free of charge] was a bonus. Babysitting service is available. Facilities for disabled guests: check.
The dry cleaning was a lifesaver since my luggage was an absolute disaster after the flight. They have food delivery; the gift/souvenir shop; the ironing service. There is a doctor/nurse on call, but hopefully, you won't be needing them! Cash withdrawal is available. Contactless check-in/out!
For the Kids - Fun for the Whole Family:
While I didn't personally experience the kids' stuff, it looked amazing. The Babysitting service is available, and it's a Family/child friendly hotel. There is also Kids meal available!
Getting Around - Relatively Easy
They have airport transfer available and taxi service. The car park [free of charge] is a win.
Things To Do - Golf, Golf, and … Well, More Golf (and Some Other Stuff):
You could spend your entire stay golfing. And many people do. But, if you’re not a golfer, there are plenty of other Things to do.
My Emotional Verdict:
I left PGA National feeling… relaxed, recharged, and (yes, I admit it) a tiny bit pampered. It wasn’t perfect. No place is. But the good outweighed the bad by a mile. The staff was generally friendly and helpful, the location is stunning, and the overall experience was, well, unbelievable. It's a great location to feel relaxed and pampered.
But Here’s the Really Honest Truth – My One, Small, Glorious, Imperfect Moment (and Why You Should Book Now):
Okay, picture this: I’m sprawled out on a sun lounger, book in hand, a gentle breeze rustling the palm fronds above. It's a perfect day. Then, I see this… a family, completely oblivious to the "luxury" of it all, building the most epic sandcastle at the edge of the pool. The kids are giggling, the parents are splashing, and for a moment, everything just… felt right.
That, my friends, is why you should book PGA National. It’s not just about the perfect greens, or the spa treatments, or the fancy dinners. It’s about the potential for creating those moments. The moments of genuine joy and connection that stay with you long after you’ve left.
Why You Should Book Now (and Tell Them I Sent You!):
Okay, here’s the deal. I'm not a travel agent, so I can’t get you any discounts. BUT, based on my experience, you should BOOK NOW. Seriously. Don’t wait. This place is worth experiencing. And hey, if you see me there next time, say hello! Maybe we can grab a cocktail at the Poolside bar, and you'll have to tell me your story!
Let me recap!
Key Things to consider:
- Wheelchair Access: Mostly good, but a few navigation quirks.
- Food: A variety of options.
- Spa: Heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven.
- Service: Mostly great, a few minor blips.
- Wi-Fi: Room Wi-Fi is good.
PGA National, you magnificent beast, you!
Sichon Tesoro: Unveiling Nakhon Si Thammarat's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into my PGA National Resort Palm Beach Gardens adventure. This isn't your meticulously planned Instagram post, folks. This is the real, slightly frazzled, possibly sunscreen-smeared experience of… well, me.
PGA National Raving Relapse (My Version): A Hot Mess Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival – Sunshine, Snark, and Sinking Putt Dreams (Okay, Maybe Not)
1:00 PM - Arrival & Check-In: The "Welcome to Paradise, Now Where's the Wine?"
First impressions… let's be honest, the lobby at PGA National is gorgeous. All marble and hushed whispers of “success” (or at least, the appearance of it). The air conditioning practically hugs you. Check-in was… well, let's say "efficient." The front desk attendant, bless her heart, probably deals with a thousand variations of "Where's the damn pool?" every damn day. I, of course, was immediately concerned about two things: 1) the size of the complimentary water bottle (seriously, refillable bottles are the future, people!) and 2) where the closest happy hour was located. Priorities, people. Priorities.
2:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance & Wardrobe Woes:
Okay, the room is… spacious. Like, I could do a small interpretive dance in here. The balcony overlooks… something green. I assume it's the golf course (spoiler alert: I know approximately nothing about golf). Now for the REAL challenge: the unpacking. I've brought, like, 12 outfits, none of which seem appropriate. What is the dress code for "pretending to understand golf?" Apparently, it's “anything that doesn’t scream ‘I haven’t seen sunshine in six months’”. Note to self: pack more linen.
3:00 PM - Poolside Debacle & Sunscreen Shenanigans:
Oh. My. God. THE POOL. It’s even more beautiful than the pictures (and the pictures are gorgeous). The sun is blazing, perfect, pure, unadulterated sunshine. I slathered myself in sunscreen like a desperate vampire warding off the dawn. I mean, I tried to. Turns out, applying sunscreen evenly to the back is a skill I clearly lack. So, now I'm already sporting a lovely, pinkish hue on my back. Lesson learned: next time, find a friend (or a willing stranger) to assist.
4:00 PM - Poolside People-Watching & Pretend Golfers:
The pool is teeming with people. Mostly, it seems, people who actually know how to play golf. I spent a solid hour observing them. "Oh, look at the majestic swing!" Me, I mostly watch someone flailing and whiffing and the others are polite enough to not laugh out loud. The occasional "birdie" gets me like "wow" and the "lost ball" gets me like "well, at least someone has a hobby I can't afford". One guy had a golf-themed Hawaiian shirt. I secretly wanted to compliment it.
6:00 PM - Dinner at "Honeybelle" & Food Coma Foretold:
Dinner at Honeybelle. The atmosphere is a lot "upscale casual". The food was, to be honest, a bit of a sensory overload, but in the best possible way. The cocktails… amazing. I had a cocktail named like the "PGA Passion" cocktail. Worth every penny (and every calorie). By the end of the meal, I had completely lost any sense of the time.
8:00 PM - Bedtime & Dreams of Winning (Never Gonna Happen):
Lights out! Just kidding. I'm gonna watch some stuff on the TV till I fall asleep. I went to bed around 10pm.
Day 2: Golfing Glory? (Spoiler: No, Not Really)
7:00 AM - Wake-Up Call & Coffee Conundrum:
Ugh. Woke up and had NO IDEA what time zone I'm in. Coffee. Needed. Badly. The in-room coffee situation was… tragic. Like, instant granules from the depths of despair tragic. So, I stumbled down to the lobby (still in my pajamas, shhh) and found a glorious, glorious cafe. I am ready for the day. Well, as ready as I'll ever be.
9:00 AM - Attempting Golf:
This is the most terrifying part of the trip, and I'm not even a golfer. I'd signed up for a short lesson. I arrived at the driving range, and the instructor looked… kind. That's about all I can say. I think the ball actually went forward once. I swear I was hitting the ball for like an Hour. I'm pretty sure I was more of a hazard to myself and everyone else. The experience was a complete disaster. My swing was, by all accounts, a thing of legend. In a bad way. I’m going to call it "artistic expression." I should have just stayed at the pool.
12:00 PM - Lunch & Regret:
I ordered the club sandwich. I ate the sandwich. I looked like I’d just been through a war.
2:00 PM - Spa Time:
Saved by the bell! The spa. The promise of fluffy robes and blissful relaxation. I swear, I could have stayed there forever. The massage was… divine. By the end, I think I actually drifted off to sleep.
4:00 PM - Relaxation, Reflections & Retail Therapy:
Some more pool time, and then… shopping! I saw some great stuff, but then I realized I have to pack it.
7:00 PM - Dinner Again & Stargazing:
Delicious Mexican food tonight, and lots of talking. The stars were beautiful. I felt… happy.
Day 3: Brunch, Blues, and the Bitter-Sweet Departure
9:00 AM - Brunch at "The Butcher Shop"
Brunch. The perfect farewell. Bacon, eggs, mimosas… a glorious symphony of deliciousness. I overate, of course. There's no other way to do brunch.
12:00 PM - Packing Panic & Pre-Departure Dread:
Packing. Ugh. It's always the worst part. I'm going to leave a ton of stuff behind. Seriously, how did I accumulate so much stuff in such a short amount of time?
2:00 PM - Goodbye to Paradise:
Check-out was easy. The staff were so nice. The whole experience was… messy, wonderful, and absolutely worth every second. I'm pretty sure I'll be back.
PGA National: Paradise? More Like a Golfing Rollercoaster! (Let's be Honest, Folks)
Okay, spill the tea! Is PGA National *really* as amazing as everyone says?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because the answer is… complicated. YES, it’s pretty damn spectacular in parts. Lush greens, palm trees swaying, the promise of a perfect round… It’s like a golf magazine came to life. But (and there's always a but, isn't there?), it's *NOT* all sunshine and birdies. It's more like a golfing rollercoaster. One minute you're soaring, the next you’re staring at your ball sinking into a sand trap and muttering obscenities under your breath.
I remember one time, I was playing the Champion course (we'll get to that beast later!), and I *swear* a bird pooped directly on my ball right before I was about to putt for birdie. I mean, come on! Luck of the Irish, maybe, but also a solid dose of golfing karma.
The Champion Course – the beast! What’s the deal with “The Bear Trap”?
Oh, the Bear Trap. Where dreams go to die, and your scorecard gets brutally, *utterly* abused. Holes 15, 16, and 17 on the Champion course. Three par-holes, a total of 485 yards on the scorecard (on a good day). The Bear Trap isn't just a nickname; it’s a legitimate test of character. It’s designed to either break you or make you. And, let's be honest, for most of us, it does the former.
I've seen grown men weep. I kid you not. I myself, on multiple occasions, have considered throwing my clubs into the nearest lake (which, conveniently, is often very close). The wind is always a sneaky devil there. One time, I hit what *felt* like the perfect iron shot on 17, right over the water, aiming for the green. It landed... in the water. "Perfect" shot, my foot! I went home, poured myself a large glass of scotch, and vowed to never play golf again. Then, the next morning, I was back at it... go figure.
Seriously though, it's a beautiful, agonizing experience. You *have* to play the Champion, just to face the Bear Trap. It’s a rite of passage. Just bring extra golf balls (and maybe a therapist’s phone number).
What about the other courses? Are they easier than the Champion?
Yes, and no. They all present their own challenges, let me tell you. The Fazio course is gorgeous, with rolling fairways and tricky greens. The Palmer course is considered a bit easier because it's wide open, but the water is a constant temptation. The Squire course? More forgiving off the tee, good for a more relaxed round. But, don't get cocky! PGA National is not known for its pushover courses. Each has its own quirks and sneaky spots. You could have a great round on one, and then get *completely* humbled the next day on another one. It's a crapshoot, really.
I've played all of them, and honestly, the best course is the one where I *don't* lose a dozen golf balls. But that's just me. I'm still a work in progress. Don't be afraid to move up a tee for more enjoyable play!
What's the food and drink situation like? Are there decent restaurants?
Okay, let's talk fuel. Because let's be honest, you'll need it. The good news is, YES! The food is generally pretty good, and the drinks are flowing. There are several restaurants to choose from, ranging from casual to more upscale. The bar at the Champion course is a must-visit to celebrate a good score (or drown your sorrows after the Bear Trap). The restaurants have solid menus, they aren’t Michelin Star or anything, but are delicious and serve some classics.
Pro-tip: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! That Florida sun is brutal. And if you're up to it, the 19th hole is a great place to unwind and watch other people try their luck on the course.
Beyond golf, what else is there to do at PGA National?
Alright, so maybe you're, *ahem*, not a golf fanatic. (Gasp!) Don't worry, there's still plenty to keep you occupied. There's a fantastic spa, where you can get massages and other treatments to soothe those aching golf muscles (or ease the emotional damage from the Bear Trap). There's also a fitness center if you're into that kind of torture. Plus, there are swimming pools, tennis courts, and other activities.
Honestly? I usually end up at the 19th hole anyway. But the pool is a decent option for lounging, and you can always just wander around and enjoy the beautiful scenery and ambiance. It's generally a relaxing place. Just... try not to think about the golf balls you lost.
Is it worth the (likely high) price tag?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, PGA National is not cheap. It's an investment, a splurge, a… well, you get the idea.
Here’s my take: if you're a serious golfer, or you want a truly memorable experience, and you're okay with the cost, then YES. Absolutely. It's a beautiful resort, with excellent facilities and some incredible golf. You *will* remember it. However, if you're a casual golfer on a tight budget, or scared of tough courses, it could be a bit overwhelming. You could end up frustrated and broke without even enjoying yourself!
Ultimately, you have to weigh the pros and cons. Just promise me one thing: if you go, embrace the chaos, and don’t take yourself too seriously. And maybe bring a few extra golf balls. And some anti-anxiety pills, just in case. (kidding!)
