THERE IT WAS ON GOOGLE MAPS. STREAMSONG RESORT. LITERALLY A LEISUREly HOUR AND CHANGE DRIVE AWAY. I would have been more convinced had the map pointed eastward across the Atlantic Ocean to the breathtaking tundra of Iceland than at the red icon a few minutes from Bowling Green, Florida. Sixty-nine miles of rugged ranches, more cows than I could count and several quaint towns later, Streamsong rises from the verdant golf greens and sandy dunes like an modern industrial giant out of a desert mirage. The property is situated in Bone Valley on land formerly mined for phosphate by The Mosaic Company. Fifteen million years ago it was submerged in warm waters sheltering prehistoric marine life, including massive megalodons. You can see the teeth of a 36-foot juvenile who lived on the property 1.8 billion years ago on display at the Lodge–adults are said to have reached 65 ore more feet in length. The Mosaic Company brought in Alberto Alfonso of Alfonso Architects to transform the natural lakes and 100-foot dunes into a signature luxury property. The natural topography left from the phosphate mining were an inspiration to the Cuban born, Italian trained architect. Even the restaurants are inspired by geology–Sottoterra, Fragmentary Blue and P2O5–and in the raw wood and stone materials sourced for the building itself. The Lodge has 216 rooms and the clubhouse has 12 rooms with prime views of the two interconnected golf courses. Opened in January 2013, Streamsong Red was designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw and Streamsong Blue was designed by Renaissance Golf Design (Tom Doak). This past year, Streamsong announced it will build a third course, Streamsong Black, designed by Gil Hanse, architect of The Olympic Golf Course in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, slated to open in late 2017.
ACQUAPIETRA
This European-style grotto gives you an unparalleled sanctuary for renewal and relaxation. You could spend a full-day exploring their six pools ranging from hot to Arctic temperatures, sauna and steam room. Book your appointment in one of the eight indoor treatment rooms–their massage therapists customze pressure for each guest. You’ll find a sports massage treatments designed to either prepare you for the game or for addressing post-game stress and tension.
ECLECTIC DINING
Michael Ford joined Streamsong Resort as its executive chef just prior to the grand opening of the resort’s lodge in 2014. You will find an eclectic mix of culinary inspiration at Streamsong’s four on-site restaurants. Sottoterra is nestled into the Lodge’s lower lobby and features modern Italian-inspired cuisine. All pizza dough, breads and pasta are made on property. Don’t miss the housemade cappellini pasta with pan seared scallops and hazelnut pesto. You’ll see golfers coming in from a morning on the greens at P2O5 where you’ll find twists on classic American dishes from blue crab grits to truffle tots. Chef Mike is passionate about sourcing local Florida ingredients such as the “Bleu Sunshine” blue cheese from Winter Park Dairy, clams from Cedar Key and micro herbs from Cahaba Farms.
HOUSEMADE Streamsong house cures Canadian bacon for eggs benedict and smoked pancetta. They crafts their own guava jam, peach preserves, cranberry apple jam, gelato, sorbets, ice cream and pickles. Fish is hand cut on premises and they wet age the Delmonico steaks.
LEISURELY SPORTS
Located just a 15-minute drive from the Lodge is an 8-Station sporting clays course. You can rent 12-gauge and 20-gauge shotguns and have an instructor work with you on your aim. You can also book packages for archery and guided bass fishing, $100 for an hour / $50 for children 12 and under. If you catch a bass of 8 lbs or more, you’ll become a member of Florida’s Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.
