real escape · 2019. 11. 27. · real escape. at . mission inn resort & club . destination...

Real Escapea t M I S S I O N I N N R E S O R T & C L U B

D E S T I N A T I O N I S S U E

P R O D U C E D B Y S T O R Y I M P A C T M E D I A , L L C • S T O R Y I M P A C T M E D I A . C O M • A L L R I G H T S R E S E R V E D

The word finally comes to Tom Moore after a 12-second mental search. “Extraordi-nary,” he says of his experiences at Mission Inn with friends and groups from Orlando and Jacksonville. “That really is a good word. The property has all these personalities. The rolling landscape, areas around the golf courses that are practically like nature pre-

serves. The architecture and the courtyards feel like Italy or Spain. It’s beyond ordinary.”

One spot in particular makes Tom stop in his tracks every time he visits: The entrance into Plaza de las Palmas (above). “I always pause there and gaze because it makes me feel like I’ve traveled far away from home.” Even when home is only 40 minutes away.

WELCOME TO A WORLD APARTSee it. Believe it. Never Forget it.

“Wow, I had no idea!”If “Good morning” is the most common statement at Mission Inn, then “Wow” might be runner-up. Says one event organizer: “You don’t expect this type of place a short drive from the tourist destinations.”

15 REASONS

TO PLAY, STAY AND GATHER

HERE

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Best Location ... Unforgettable Scenesa t M I S S I O N I N N R E S O R T & C L U B

C R U I S E O N O N E F LO R I DA’ S

M O S T B E AU T I F U L L A K E S

The founder of Mission Inn, Nick Beucher, loved the water. So he built Marina Del Rey on Lake Harris for his

own boat and for rental boats that resort guests can use. Because the

lake is in hill country, it has deep drop-offs and a healthy bass population.

DISCOV ER THE FLORIDA YOU MIGHT H AVE MIS SED

Within 15 miles is Mount Dora, nicknamed “Festival City” for the monthly events there; Lakeridge

Winery and Vineyards, host of major outdoor events (and

tastings); and Yalaha, home of a tiny distillery and an enormously

popular German bakery.

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PL AY IN AWE On an historic 100-year-old golf course

→ This is way better than an office job. I used to work in finance, up in New York. I’d go to work from eight-to-five, then try to play golf on weekends. It just wasn’t very fulfilling.My wife told me to follow my passion. She knew I love the game and I enjoy helping people. So it was time for a change. → These golf courses change lives. They changed ours. After we moved here four ago I started to work more hours, but it’s satisfying. It isn’t corporate. There’s a family atmosphere. And the work environment is ... this.→ I’ve played the course in knickers. It was for a photo shoot. Dressing like they probably dressed here 100 years ago, that was anoth-er eye-opener. You look around and see the elevation changes, the trees, and think of all the history. The legacy makes an impression, especially for a finance guy from New York.

Golf is work for Joe lewandowski. It’s why he arrives at 6 a.m. to check the morning tee times at El Campeon. As the Head Golf Pro at Mission Inn’s two top-ranked courses, he’s ever-present. The man known as “Joe the Pro” wouldn’t want it any other way.

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WA K E U P W I T H A “ S U I T E ” V I E W

The next-best perspective to actually standing on a tee box?

Sitting with a cup of coffee (brewed with an in-suite Keurig

coffeemaker) on the patio of one of the 38 club suites

overlooking the number-one golf course in Florida (above).

PL AY ON A SECOND CH A MPIONSHIP GOLF COURSE

El Campeon’s neighboring course, Las Colinas, garners its share of national prestige, too. “We’ve had major college championship

tournaments here for 18 straight years,” says Joe the Pro. “Plus charity events and

buddy groups. Once people of any skill level play here, they never forget it.”

“Players from all over the world come to train here because the courses have features that you don’t typically find in Florida. Play here and you’re ready for anything.”

— Brian Mulry, Junior Golf Instructor

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STAY IN A SETTING

LIKE NO OTHER

Best Location ... Impactful Eventsa t M I S S I O N I N N R E S O R T & C L U B

when Golf-course archiTecT GeorGe O'Neil designed El Campeon in 1917, the course didn’t have a hometown. It wasn’t un-til a decade later that William John Howey founded the town bearing his name, Howey-in-the-Hills, calling it “the Florida Alps.” Today, these Alps are home to citrus groves, lightly-traveled roads, 1,100 residents, and, since 1964, a second architectural wonder: the

authentic Spanish backdrop of Mission Inn.The fountains, façades, mosaics, walk-

ways, and anything that didn’t grow from roots, were the dream of Nick Beucher, who was inspired by a 1,400-mile ride across Mexico on wild horses in the 1930s. What you see now reflects the mental snapshots Mr. Beucher took during his now-famous adventure deep into the Spanish culture.

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“We look forward to coming back every year because it’s so peaceful ... it’s like

coming home.” — DIRECTOR OF A MAJOR

FLORIDA ASSOCIATION

F O C U S O N F R E S H

P E R S P E C T I V E S

Without fail, a change happens with groups, friends and couples. In one word it is this:

Priorities. Which helps explain why nearly 70 percent of all groups

that come to Mission Inn return the following year

— if not sooner.

CELEBR ATE WITH FRIENDS A ND COLLE AGUE SThe meeting spaces at Mission Inn run the gamut from ballrooms to courtyards to lakeside lawns. But the spaces are only part of the reason why 650 groups schedule events here every year. The real difference-makers are the lack of distractions, the

friendliness of the staff, and the charm of the resort.

ENJOY HIGH-END CUISINEChefs in all four Mission Inn restaurants say,

as if scripted, “I like to introduce people to new flavors.” So say hello to giant seared scallops at El Conquistador. Meet the prime rib and hand-rolled sushi at Nickers. Get to know

the fruit sculptures at La Hacienda. Sit with a sherry-laced lobster bisque at La Margarita.

The introductions just keep coming.

R E C E S S B E T W E E N M E E T I N G S

Coaches and motivators often build team unity away from the field and

office. You never know what can result from climbing walls or shooting skeet

together at Mission Inn. As Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little,

together we can do so much.”

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Best Location ... Lasting Impressionsa t M I S S I O N I N N R E S O R T & C L U B

BOND WITH NO DISTR AC TIONSOver special meals and with special people

PrePare The eyes and The PalaTe. You walk into La Hacienda for the Champagne Sunday Brunch and … where do you start? Everything you can imagine (omelets and fresh fruit) and wouldn’t imagine (carved pork loin and peach soup) is on display. The chefs take us inside what Florida food critics call “the best brunch in Central Florida”:

Some of us arrive at 5 a.m. or earlier. We make everything from scratch. Our reputa-tions are important. We’re serving hundreds of people, so we have to do every detail right.

We have fourth-generation chefs here. It makes a difference because we use recipes and nuances passed down from grandmas and grandpas. We aren’t in it to just get the food out. It’s far more personal than that.This influences our families too. We have children who want us to make dishes we serve here, to make our own family meals special.Food with a family influence is a good fit. We see a lot of multi-generational families at the brunch. We hear people talk about meals they had here 30 years ago. It’s nice to know our food is fostering those traditions.

“Brides come here because of the beautiful

environment, which makes for beautiful photos and amazing

memories.” — BRI MARBAIS, WEDDING SALES MANAGER

S TA RT L I V E S TO G E T H E R

Mission Inn hosts 125 weddings a year for couples from hundreds of miles away. It’s also a favorite spot

for anniversaries and renewing wedding vows. In honor of 50 years

of Mission Inn's ownership, 50 couples were recently invited to

celebrate 50-plus years of marriage.

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CONNEC T IN A PIC TURE-PERFEC T

SE T TING It happens to business

peers, golf groups, couples, anyone who stays and plays here.

“You go outside and feel the stress lift from your shoulders,” says recent

guest Anne Grevard. “This is what it takes

sometimes to get your priorities back in order

and to re-connect.”

SAVO R T H E M O M E N T S

You see it everywhere — in the clubhouse, at the

tennis courts, around the courtyards. “People are together here,” says banquet captain Angel

Jaime Miam. “That’s where they want to be.”

SMELL COMFOR T ( Y E S, YOU CA N SMELL IT)

Just as the mind’s eye will never forget the scenery around Mission Inn, the

mind’s nose will carry aromas from Spa Marbella longer than you realize. “During

massages we use specific fragrances in lotions that you remember,” says Spa

Director Teresa Roberge. Memories of total relaxation — who doesn’t want that?

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THE FULL-TIMEGE TAWAY

Everyday life or vacation life: It’s hard to tell the difference.

P R O D U C E D B Y S T O R Y I M P A C T M E D I A , L L C • S T O R Y I M P A C T M E D I A . C O M • A L L R I G H T S R E S E R V E D

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SPECIAL100TH

ANNIVERSARY PACKAGE

↑“Every piece of

dirt. Every hedge. Every branch. It all fits together,

like a symphony.”

THE SUPER OF BE AUTIFULIf it’s outside, he’s seen every inch of it.

Paul hickman knows The 1,100-acre Mission Inn property better than most people know their backyards. Paul first came to work here during college in 1970. Semi-retired after 47 years of planting and pruning as Grounds Superintendent, he’s stepping back to do something in more earnest: to marvel at it all.Two golf courses. Endless flowers, trees, and gardens. It sounds like a huge job.Actually, the property makes me look good. The vistas with 85-foot elevations, that’s natural. I tell people, “God created this. I just put a little polish on it and it shines.” You’re humble. Isn’t there a lot of pressure to keep it looking this way?First impressions are most important. So yeah, every day there’s pressure. But the

Beucher family had a vision more than 50 years ago. The architecture and landscape blend perfectly. There’s been a lot of continuity to that vision. I’m one of only two superintendents in 50 years.How big is the landscape crew?About 40-45 people are involved. A couple times a year we take them to the fourth floor of the Inn for lunch, so they can all see the property from a high vantage point. The view from up there makes a powerful statement.Your favorite spot on property?The Trails of the Conquistadors. We built it one winter to take advantage of the nature. If I’m ever having a tough day, I’ll sit on a bench along the trail and listen to the birds. Twenty minutes later, I’m ready to go. Feeling good.


real escape · 2019. 11. 27. · real escape. at . mission inn resort & club . destination...

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