This past weekend, Orlando Yelp Elites took a mini road trip for a lovely Yelp Staycation at The Mission Inn Resort & Spa! Tucked away in the rolling hills northwest of Orlando in Howey-in-the-Hills, the history of The Mission Inn dates back to the early 1900's, when the Florida citrus industry was in its infancy.
This getaway was at a most enchanting location distinguished by enduring traditions of excellence and hospitality with distinctive Spanish architecture and award-winning recreation. We dined, danced and entertained our way through the evening.
"First of all, Mission Inn Resort is beautiful! They really did a great job setting everything up and accommodating all of us Yelpers." – Elizabeth F.
We began with delicious fruity margaritas as we toured some rooms with a spectacular golf course view. We then headed over to Legends Ballroom for the festivities. The buffet was a wide array of delicious, freshly prepared in house specialties including: Japanese Seaweed Salad and Blue Fin Tuna Tartar, Cured Atlantic Salmon with red Pepper Jelly, Natural Chicken Oriental Stir Fry, Red Snapper, Goat Cheese & Arugula wrapped in Puff Pastry carved to order, Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella, Purple Onion and Basil with Balsamic reduction, Wild Mushroom Risotto with Asiago and Parmesan, Grilled Asparagus with Béarnaise Sauce and Belgium Endive stuffed with Boursin Cheese. A true foodie frenzie.
"The food spread was ridiculous. And by ridiculous, I mean amazing. Anything from fresh mozzarella and tomato to grouper stuffed with goat cheese, to made to order stir-fry. It was crazy! And everything was really delicious. I was so stuffed by the time the event ended." – Elizabeth F.
Produced in Austin at Texas' first and oldest legal distillery and distilled six times, Tito's Handmade Vodka was our libations curator for the evening featuring never ending dirty martinis and Mai Tais. Tito's Handmade Vodka is designed to be savored by spirit connoisseurs and everyday drinkers alike. It is microdistilled in an old-fashioned pot still, just like fine single malt scotches and high-end French cognacs. This time-honored method of distillation requires more skill and effort than modern column stills, but it's well worth it.
"Besides the delicious food and great service, I must also compliment the Mission Inn folks for providing some decent drinks – both of the Mondavi reds (Cab and Merlot) were eminently drink-worthy." – Paul L.
We toured Spa Marbella, a place of well-being and wellness where you can relax your mind, rejuvenate your body and renew your spirit, received chair massages for relaxation, got some putting tips from an in-house golf expert on the greens and cut a rug thanks to the featured DJ.
For those wanting to stay the entire weekend, we received either a Bed and Breakfast Package or Ultimate Golf & Spa Package Yelpcation deal. We also took advantage of discounts for Trap & Skeet Range, Spa Marbella packages, Complimentary Resort Activities including the Pool, Tennis, Trails and an All You Can Eat Crab Legs, Sushi & Prime Rib Buffet. It was a jam packed weekend of food, relaxation and fun.
For those who wished to just experienve the elite event, RedCoach USA, a luxury motorcoach company, headquartered in Orlando offered a complimentary trip from Orlando to Mission Inn. With convenient daily departures, RedCoach travelers enjoy comforts including leather seats with footrests that recline 140 degrees, lap desks, standard 110V electrical outlets at every seat and free Wifi. The roomy luxury cabins seat only 27 where a regular coach seats 56. They provide transportation service to Fort Pierce, Fort Lauderdale, Gainesville, Miami, Naples, Ocala, Orlando, Tallahassee, Tampa and West Palm Beach, among others.
Check all the photos out here thanks to Jim White Photography. If you want to catch more of the event buzz, hop over to the event listing to read all about the excitement from your fellow yelpers.
Until next time,
SYOY,
