Back in the early 2000s, during the first few months of my career with Marriott, I attended a sales training focused on "Needs, Benefits & Features" — a method of presenting services and amenities in a way that directly aligns with the specific needs of each client. It was a powerful approach because it moved beyond the typical "feature dumping." Instead, it helped us connect the dots between what we offered and why it mattered to the guest.
Fast forward 20+ years, and the landscape of corporate and leisure travel has changed dramatically. We now speak the language of bleisure (blending business and leisure), workcations, sustainable travel, and employee wellbeing programs — terms that reflect not only changing travel habits but broader shifts in how people work, rest, and recharge.
With all this in mind, we designed and have evolved our hotel with today's traveler in mind — someone looking for comfort, flexibility, and meaningful value beyond the basics. Below are 10 unique features that set Turf Valley Resort apart — each one thoughtfully created to meet the modern guest's needs and expectations.
1. Nature Trail with Pollinator Habitat
A 1.4-mile interpretive Nature Trail that winds through woods and milkweed meadows to a "Monarch Landing" pollinator habitat. Signage along the path educate on the flora and fauna, and scavenger hunts are available at the front desk.
2. Two Private Championship Golf Courses
Turf Valley features two distinct 18-hole private golf courses—the Original Course (renovated in 2021) and the Hialeah Course (renovated in 2022)—available to hotel guests and members, offering world-class play in a serene setting.
3. Outdoor Activities: Athletic Field; Pickleball, Tennis & Volleyball Courts
Located a short walk from the hotel's main entrance is a hidden gem: a 3-acre athletic field. Groups are welcome to reserve field time on a complimentary basis and incorporate sports, team building or group activities. Some past uses: kickball, cricket, softball, and even laser tag! Located by the outdoor pool, you'll find Pickleball, Tennis & Volleyball Courts, with all the equipment you'll need conveniently located at our front desk.
4. Day Spa
The Spa at Turf Valley provides bespoke body treatments, facials, and massages. Unique to the resort: The Vichy Shower – luxurious, deeply relaxing, and rejuvenating, especially if you're looking for something that goes beyond the typical massage or facial. A Vichy shower features a horizontal bar with multiple shower heads suspended above a treatment table. After a body treatment (scrub, wrap, or mud mask), you're rinsed off with warm water in a soothing rain-like cascade while lying down. We strongly encourage guests to book spa appointments at least three weeks in advance, a reflection of the premium, curated spa experience.
5. Extensive Conference & Banquet Facilities
Over 40,000 sq. ft. of meeting space across 21 meeting rooms and 5 ballrooms. With recent renovations, in-room AV, and outdoor options including The Garden, Cameo Ballroom Patio and The Terrace Patio, Turf Valley is one of the region's most flexible event spaces.
6. Two Seasonal Pools (Indoor + Outdoor)
Year-round, enjoy a heated indoor pool with a whirlpool and full golf-course views. Between Memorial & Labor Day, take a dip in an outdoor zero-entry pool with a waterslide and kiddie splash zone—the only outdoor pool in the area with lifeguards and a dedicated pool bar (Sand Trap Café).
7. 24/7 Access Fitness Center & Dry Sauna
A fully equipped fitness center available around the clock, featuring cardio machines, free weights, and resistance equipment—great for guests with varied schedules. Unwind in the Men's & Women's Dry Saunas located near the fitness center. If your stay happens to fall on a Saturday, join one of our instructor-led yoga classes!
8. Dog-Friendly Policy with Onsite Trail Access
Turf Valley welcomes dogs (with a nominal pet fee), and pets are permitted on the Nature Trail, making it dog‑friendly both indoors and outdoors—a rare combo at an upscale resort.
9. Onsite American Fusion Dining & Live Events
Alexandra's American Fusion restaurant pairs elegant farm‑to‑table cuisine with resort-style dining. The resort also hosts special events like '90s tribute concerts, murder mystery dinners and comedy nights, often bundled with overnight packages.
10. Scavenger Hunts & Seasonal Nature Programs
From the Nature Trail scavenger hunts to interpretive signage in pollinator zones, Turf Valley blends leisure with interactive nature learning—especially engaging for families. Back on the golf course, as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" we focus our environmental efforts on planting native trees, shrubs and grasses and reducing water consumption with the latest irrigation and drainage systems.
Written by:
Betsy Collings, Corporate Account Executive at Turf Valley Resort