Buzzworthy: PGA National Resort adds beehive experience

By ohtadmin | on July 27, 2023

The pool has been updated with furnishings bearing an elegant black and white color theme.

Things are always on the upswing at PGA National Resort & Spa, Palm Beach Gardens’ golf and spa destination and home to the Honda Classic. I saw it for myself when I enjoyed a staycation there in late June.

For openers, the legendary resort recently completed a stunning $100 million renovation — from the guest rooms and lobby to restaurants, shops and the iconic spa. But that’s not all.

With a commitment to environmental sustainability in mind, the resort has added four onsite beehives, home to more than 250,000 honeybees and their queens, offering guests a unique opportunity to explore the intriguing world of bees in an interactive setting on the golf course. PGA National is the only resort in The Palm Beaches offering the beehive experience, which costs $125 per person with a minimum of four participants.

Curious guests (ages 6 and up) wearing protective beekeeping clothing can meet professional beekeeper Sierra Malnove for a guided tour of the hives to learn about bee health, safety and productivity. The experience continues at Honeybelle (James Beard Award nominee Chef Lindsay Autry’s onsite restaurant) with a honey and food-tasting session.

PGA National Resort & Spa guests can learn about beehives at the resort.

Freshly harvested honey is used in culinary, cocktail and spa skincare offerings (I had a honey infused facial treatment in the spa, for example) and guests can buy a limited-edition honey as a souvenir.

Of course, there’s much more buzzworthy news at this golfer’s paradise, which opened in 1981, hosted the famed Ryder Cup in 1983, decades of senior championships and many PGA Honda Classic challenges and countless famous players. With six championship courses, you’re likely to have no problem getting a tee time, unless, of course, there’s a championship in progress. The multiple golf courses, along with the Sports and Racquet Club, featuring 19 tennis courts, add an extra layer of sporty action to the traditional golf resort experience.

I’m not a golfer, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t score a good time at the resort, which boasts an inviting zero-entry lagoon pool, six dining spots and a full-service spa designed by tennis star Venus Williams (who has a home in Jupiter) and her firm V Starr. Three outdoor mineral salt therapy pools await guests outside the spa.

PHOTO BY WILL PRYCE

I spent a good chunk of time at the pool, which previously featured red-and-white-striped beach umbrellas and pool furniture. Since the redo, the colors have changed to elegant black and white stripes. A friendly waiter offered samples of mango and other fruit juices, suggesting they’d be a good base for a boozier concoction. I resisted the temptation to drink my lunch, taking advantage of the time to soak up some sun and catch up on some reading. But I couldn’t turn down a few of Lindsay Autry’s fried chicken strips straight out of Honeybelle and offered on the pool menu.

Speaking of irresistible fare, my expectations were, as promised, exceeded at The Butcher’s Club, a steakhouse with 1950s swanky vibes. Top Chef Jeremy Ford’s menu includes succulent cuts and mouth-watering side dishes such as crunchy bravas potatoes with soppressata ham sofrito, pepitas, truffle aioli; and aged parmesan and glazed jumbo asparagus with green chili ferment, mint, sesame and herb butter. My perfectly cooked filet mignon paired well with these.

Spacious guest rooms offer space to unwind at PGA National Resort & Spa.

For dessert, a friend and I split a scrumptious plate of cookies, with plenty to take back to my room for a midnight snack.

While the fare was fabulous, I found myself charmed with my waiter, Alex, who answered what must have seemed like a ton of questions and couldn’t have been sweeter. When I raved about how much I loved the tiny sprig of flowers attached to the dinner napkin, he returned later with a tiny bouquet of them for me to take home. Such a kind gesture! Beyond the savory food, little details like that make the dining experience memorable.

Rounding out my restaurant experience at the resort was the breakfast I had at Birdie’s Diner, a cozy mid-century eatery where guests fuel up on bacon and eggs and other breakfast fare as they watch players on the fairway. It was too early for a milkshake (although they looked so good), I happily settled for healthy Greek yogurt sundae with honey, blueberries, strawberries and crunchy granola.

The Butcher’s Club is a steakhouse with a midcentury vibe at PGA National Resort & Spa.

My king suite — with wing-back headboard and bed frame in dark brown and crème and a tropical black-and-white wall mural — provided more than enough space to relax and recharge for the next day. Two sets of sliding doors led to a spacious balcony with golf course views. A spa-like bathroom with terrazzo floors, dual sinks and vanities and a separate glass enclosed shower, completed the look.

From cocktails at the lobby lounge, to the skin-brightening honey-infused facial at the spa, to the Louis Sherry truffles I picked up at Sugarplume candy shop — and, of course, learning about honeybees — my getaway was a sweet experience not soon to be forgotten. I’m already planning my return. ¦

PHOTO BY WILL PRYCE

In the KNOW

Summer’s Family Fun offer

Promotion includes a daily $100 food & beverage credit, daily arcade credit, waived pet fee for one pet, unlimited range balls, 25% off select resort activities, complimentary access to racquet sports activities, and families also can book a second connecting room at 30% off the best daily rate. Valid on stays through October 2023. Daily food and beverage credit will expire at the end of each night if not utilized, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservation requires a minimum of two nights and is applicable for pool view, two queen rooms or any higher tiered room options.

Ask about other family summer specials including kids eat free on Thursdays and Banyan Buddies Kids Club.

Families also will enjoy daily pool activities, drive-in movies on Fridays and Saturdays, scavenger hunts and a welcome kit.

For information or reservations at PGA National Resort & Spa at 400 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens — or to find out more about the Beehive experience — call 800-863-2819 or visit www.pgaresort.com.

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