Mission Resort + Club in Central Florida.
Every second Tuesday, second Friday, and third Monday, Big Blend Radio connects with members of the International Food Wine Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) to share incredible travel insights from around the globe. On this episode, hosts chat with returning lifetime IFWTWA member and PR expert Leigh Cort.
Leigh takes listeners straight to the heart of Central Florida's "Hill Country" to explore Mission Resort + Club, a stunning, historic destination in Howey-in-the-Hills that offers a complete escape from the fast pace of modern life.
Listen to the podcast episode:
🎙️ Podcast Highlights: Rejuvenation & True Hospitality at Mission Resort + Club
Old Florida Meets Modern Luxury
Located just 35 minutes from Orlando—yet worlds away from the busy theme parks—Mission Resort + Club is a Historic Hotels of America member nestled 250 to 300 feet above sea level. Spanning 500 serene acres, this Spanish Colonial-style sanctuary features only 176 guest rooms, suites, and villas, ensuring an intimate and peaceful getaway.
"It’s hidden, charming, beautiful, and quiet. There are so few places in the world you can go to really relax, have everything on property, park your car, and never have to look at it again for a weekend or a week." — Leigh Cort
Mission Resort + Club is home to two award-winning golf courses: El Campeón and the gated Las Colinas course.
Championship Golf & Diverse Activities
The resort's history is deeply intertwined with the turn-of-the-century citrus industry. Founded by William John Howey, who owned 60,000 acres of citrus groves, the resort boasts one of the oldest and highest-level golf courses in Florida: El Campeón (circa 1917).
But you don’t have to be a golfer to fall in love with the property. Guests can enjoy:
Two Award-Winning Courses: El Campeón and the gated Las Colinas course.
The Spa at Mission Resort: A cozy, intimate wellness space offering unique treatments like the Gentleman’s Bourbon and Clove Massage and CBD Facials.
Racquet Sports & More: Led by legendary tennis pro Cesar (who has coached icons like Billie Jean King), the resort features tennis, pickleball, and a brand-new croquet lawn.
Nature & Slow Travel: Explore the hidden Conquistador Pathway walking trail, enjoy wildlife viewing (including resident peacocks), or take advantage of the resort's highly pet-friendly accommodations.
Dinner for Two with a View at Mission Resort + Club
Culinary Excellence & Family Traditions
After nearly 75 years of multi-generational stewardship by the Beucher family, the resort was purchased three years ago by MMI Hospitality Group. The Sturdivant family has beautifully maintained the property’s warm, "visit family" atmosphere while elevating its dining experiences across three distinct venues:
La Hacienda: Features a stunning panoramic view of the golf course, offering a traditional chef-led breakfast buffet and à la carte options.
The Grove House: The vintage 1917 golf clubhouse, perfect for a casual chef-prepared lunch or cocktail hour.
The Conquistador: An exquisite, renovated restaurant featuring a second-floor veranda lined with cozy fire pits—ideal for enjoying Central Florida’s evening breezes.
Sunday Champagne Brunch: A lavish, legendary tradition that draws visitors from all across the state of Florida.
Relax poolside at Mission Club + Resort
Exploring Lake County
If you do decide to venture off-property, Lake County is known as the "Seaplane Capital of the World". From seaplane bar-hopping tours in nearby Tavares to historic tours of the 1920s Howey Mansion, the region is rich with slow-travel surprises. Ultimately, it is the resort's seamless communication and personalized, human-to-human hospitality that leaves guests longing to return.
Photos courtesy Mission Resort + Club
🔗 Helpful Links:
👉 Learn more about Mission Resort + Club: https://www.missionresortandclub.com/
🌐 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/
🌐 Follow this podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/
📰 Check out the Big Blend Radio Travel Food & Wine Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1