 The Villas at
Calabogie Highlands:
For Those Serious about
Golf and Luxury
By Kiel Christianson,
Senior Writer
Calabogie, Ontario - The first European settlers in the area of Calabogie were Scottish and Irish-the same folks who developed golf from a shepherds' pastime into a royal sport. So could it be just a coincidence that this quaint little town is home to one of the fastest growing and most luxurious golf resorts in Ontario, Calabogie Highlands?
Calabogie Highlands Resort and Golf Club has taken advantage of the natural wonder of the varied terrain surrounding picturesque Calabogie Lake and molded it into a fine golf course. On top of this, they have added within the last few years, first-class villas, the likes of which cannot be found anywhere else in the area. Taken together-the 27 golf holes, the villas, fine dining, year-round activities, and amenities too numerous to list-Calabogie Highlands represents all of the best that Ontario golf has to offer.
Elite golf resorts with first-class lodgings and five-star amenities often include three major drawbacks: sprawling complexes with so many units and guests that you feel like nothing more than a number in the owners' bankbooks; over-priced, overbooked courses where you pay too much and then get pushed and pulled along as you enjoy your round too little; and exorbitant rates. The Villas at Calabogie Highlands suffer from none of these afflictions.
Although the resort only has 16 two-bedroom suites at present (or 32 one-bedroom suites, as they all can be locked off to provide more privacy), plans are in the works to double that number within the next few years. Nevertheless, the suites available at present are nothing short of spectacular. Owners and managers Rick Fleming and Debora Giffin have spared no expense in appointing each unit with only the best. Debora herself did all of the interior decorating in the villas, although you would swear Martha Stewart did the job.
The master suite of each villa has a king size bed, deck overlooking the first fairway, double Jacuzzi bath with separate shower, wet bar and mini-kitchenette complete with microwave and martini shaker (nice touch!). The rich cherry wood furnishings are so plush you might find it hard to leave to play golf.
The rest of each villa contains a second bedroom with two double beds, living room with fireplace, large dining room, breakfast bar, kitchen with all the luxuries of home and then some, and an enormous deck overlooking Calabogie Lake. The details throughout, from artwork to trivets, speak volumes for the attention paid by the staff and management to both the facilities and their guests.
Aside from the villas and golf, the resort offers a host of year-round activities, including swimming in the outdoor pool, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, tennis, cross-country skiing, and gluttony at the superb Fiddler's Green Restaurant. The resort is just minutes away from downhill skiing, hunting, beach, white-water rafting, kids parks, and even more golf. No matter the season, you will not be bored. (And as long as you remember your insect repellent, your time won't be filled with swatting yourself silly!)
 The area around Calabogie is also worth exploring: From First Nation artwork in White Lake to antiques and curios in Burnstown, from the small yet bustling main street and restaurants of Renfrew to the massive five-arch stone bridge in Packenham, there is plenty to see and do.
If you are unfortunate enough to find the Highlands booked when you would like to visit, the area also offers several nice alternatives, including Julie's on the Lake B&B (613-752-2387), Calabogie Lodge Resort (613-752-2676), Jocko's Beach Resort (613-752-2107), Barryvale Haven Cottages (613-432-0932), and Barryvale Lodge (613-752-2392).
But if you are serious about your golf and luxury, you'll want a suite at the Highlands. With "Stay & Play Packages" starting at just $79.95 per person, and playing privileges extended to sister course Packenham Highlands, Calabogie Highlands offers everything golfers could want at a very reasonable price (especially if you're coming from the U.S.!).
No one is certain of the origin of the name "Calabogie." However, there is a good bit of speculation that the name comes from the Scottish word "calaboyd," meaning "marshy shore." Whatever the true meaning of Calabogie, you can be sure of what the name Calabogie Highlands means: First-class golf vacation. Aye, th' inventors of th' grand olde game would be proud.
Calabogie Highlands Resort and Golf Club
981 Barryvale Road
Calabogie, ON K0J 1H0
Tel: 613-752-2171 or 1-877-224-GOLFE
mail: info@calabogiehighlandsgolf.com
Web: www.calabogiehighlandsgolf.com
Par: 72
Rating: Blue 72.0, White 70.0, Red 72.0
|
