Photography by Michael Giragosian

Models: Cody Smith, Ariana Lopez  – Modern Muse

A remote hideaway in the Bone Valley region of Central Florida, Streamsong Resort is a home away from the everyday for both golf lovers and tranquil-retreat seekers alike.

Situated just 45 minutes south of Lakeland, Streamsong Resort is an escape to the countryside, with nothing in sight but a beautiful, architectural masterpiece nestled in the Bone Valley of Florida. The resort offers visitors a luxurious experience, from first-class accommodations, and indoor -outdoor activities, to world-class golf. 

Among the sand piles turned into dramatic, dune-like formations, Streamsong’s 16,000 secluded acres sit on land that has deep roots in Florida history. Phosphate is a main ingredient used in fertilizer, and Florida contains the most known deposits of phosphate in the United States. The Mosaic Company, a leading global producer of crop nutrients, mined the property on which Streamsong exists today. Streamsong Resort is now a successful example of a mining-reclamation project that transformed a scarred landscape into a natural oasis.

“Mosaic didn’t just want to create your typical reclamation project; they wanted to create something that gives back to the community,” explains Craig Falanga, Streamsong’s Director of Sales & Marketing.

This remote hideaway was designed by Alfonso Architects and features a contemporary design that employs classic modernist principles. Streamsong Resort is decorated in soft earth tones with wood, natural light, and natural materials set on beautifully kept lands in an organic and wild approach with long grasses, and roads winding between them.

Architect, Alberto E. Alfonso, designed the structure to carry the theme of a tree into the night sky. Concrete columns at the base of the building embody the “roots” of the tree and its branches. Vertically, “leaves” rise up through the lobby and the floors, embracing the use of concrete, steel, and wood building materials.

Although world-renowned for its golf courses, Streamsong offers a variety of amenities and experiences perfectly crafted and suited to meet your secluded resort dreams. Driving up to Streamsong Resort immediately evokes a sense of peace and detachment from the rest of the world. Exceptionally trained and prepared staff are ready to greet you and meet any needs you may have. On hot Florida days, expect to be offered an ice-cold bottle of water by the valet staff. It’s the details that create a luxurious experience, and Streamsong is certainly aware of this.

Upon arrival, you will enter through the second level of the building, the main entrance to the lodge representing the trunk of the “tree” and taking you directly to the “leaf”-shaped lobby. Structured from wood, the lobby overlooks the pond and is situated perfectly to feel as if the leaf (lobby) is floating on the pond.

In need of a personalized wellness experience? Streamsong’s European grotto-style spa, AcquaPietra, is designed with an intimate experience in mind — dark and moody with large, oversized columns that resemble the petrified roots of a tree running down into the spa pools, creating a private, intimate experience. “It’s as if the roots are in the water, pulling the water out, into the tree,” says Falanga.

As we venture our way through the breezeway and into the pool, we find ourselves enjoying a panoramic view of the lakeside infinity pool, complete with a poolside bar and restaurant, in addition to complimentary cabanas. While on the topic of food and drink, Streamsong offers five dining experiences to choose from. Nestled into the Lodge’s lower lobby, SottoTerra the resort’s Italian restaurant, offers an intimate fine-dining experience following the same design as AcquaPietra, featuring concrete columns that function as dividers, evoking a sense of privacy, texture, and discovery.

At the top of the tree’s “canopy” are 216 guest rooms, all of them meticulously designed and furnished exactly the same by the architect, Alberto E. Alfonso. The rooms continue the arboreal theme and, instead of curtains for the expansive windows, the native-Cuban designer cleverly opted for three-foot-wide, floor-to-ceiling walnut louvers that protect and hide the room like leaves on a tree. Every room has a panoramic, uncluttered view of the lake or the golf course. Ready for an evening cocktail and rooftop experience after a day of activities?

You have now made your way up to the “sky,” the top floor of the building. Here you will find Fragmentary Blue, an ode to the Robert Frost poem. This rooftop bar and restaurant is perfectly situated for stargazing and enjoying amazing panoramic views of the property. Streamsong is not just a luxury resort but rather an immersive experience of its landscape through architecture and design.

As quoted in worldarchitecture.org, Alfonso believes, “Streamsong is a celebration of reclamation, of both land and spirit. Since the mining has stopped, nature has taken over and provided us with the perfect inspiration.”

Strategically located away from the road and the main buildings, you’ll find the towering sand dunes and unexpected contours that make up Streamsong’s golf course layouts, without a distraction or intrusion in sight. These golf courses have become extremely popular over the years and have been awarded accolades by many golf experts around the world. 

Situated among the golf courses, Streamsong offers an even more exclusive experience, the Red/Blue Clubhouse. This is the perfect venue for an executive retreat, an intimate family gathering, or friends golf retreat, featuring 12 rooms in a mix of eight single king rooms and four double queens, only available as a complete package and not sold individually. The Red/Blue Clubhouse acts as a private cottage just steps from the first tee box. Additionally, the Clubhouse includes a private gathering space, the Albatross Room, with a pool table, card tables, a private bar, and multiple televisions.

Streamsong Resort is the only location in the world where players can experience three of the most highly acclaimed widely pursued golf courses designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Tom Doak, and Gil Hanse in the same location. 

The Streamsong Red course is Coore/Crenshaw artistry at its finest, designed to play along the ground because of its firm, fast fairways. It has specific landing areas, a mix of short and long holes, and a Biarritz par-3 that sits next to Doak’s equally bold 203-yard seventh on the Streamsong Blue course.

Much of Streamsong Blue shares land with Streamsong Red. Both courses stand alone as masterpieces, one not overshadowed by the other. Doak uses more elevation changes on the 7,276-yard at Streamsong Blue design, beginning with the first tee which sits 40 yards above the fairway.

At Streamsong Black, Gil Hanse challenges golfers with a layout that can be stretched to 7,800 yards. It sits apart from the Streamsong Red and Streamsong Blue courses and has its own clubhouse and 18-hole putting course. 

It is a two-acre putting course and practice area, and it does not have the same changes in elevation as its sister courses.

Beyond the fairways, guests can enjoy guided bass fishing adventures, sporting clays, archery challenges, and so much more.

The best part? While the rest of the world travels hundreds of miles or commits to at least an hour’s drive to enjoy Streamsong’s immersive experience, Lakelanders can disconnect and experience its wonder just a short drive away.

Travel Tip: Be sure to be on the lookout for special Florida Resident discounts.

STREAMSONG RESORT

1000 Streamsong Drive

Bowling Green, FL 33834

streamsongresort.com