Review: St. Regis Residences and Temenos Golf Club, Temenos ... - BunkerShot.com

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t. Regis Residences and Temenos Golf Club, Temenos, Anguilla, BWI

A Royal Experience

By Michael J Russ - Author and Speaker - powerfulliving.org

with Charles Lightfoot - advancedgolfacademy.com and

Sandra Bishop - Fine Dining Specialist breakerspcb.com


Charles Lightfoot, of advancedgolfacademy.com, (ALA) ***embled a unique group of professionals to experience and document an exclusive visit to the famed StRegisResidences.com Anguilla, in the British West Indies.

Arriving in the late evening at The Valley Airport in Anguilla, the collaborative team included Charles Lightfoot, Michael J. Russ and Sandi Bishop. Over the course of a long weekend we recorded, in video and print, our stay at what has become known as the most exclusive residential resort in the Caribbean. Our trip also featured a weekend of golf at the spectacular Temenos Golf Club, a Greg Norman Signature design.

Anguilla, BWI, is located across the Anguilla Channel from St. Maarten. After claiming our things, we drove into the night-completely unaware that our idea of luxury would be fractured like tempered gl***.

As our cab driver turned and headed down a dark gravel road, we initially looked at each other with some concern. At the end of the road, a man was standing at the opening of a narrow driveway that winds its way to the most exclusive residence in the Caribbean. There was only silence as we exited the van and entered the exterior foyer. The white walls, stimulating blue ponds, falling water, and stately trees were transformational.



St. Regis Residence - Foyer

As Nova, the resident butler, welcomed us to the residence, our silence turned to wonder. Temenos is the Greek word for sanctuary- a place of peace, refuge, protection and renewal. This palatial residence is indeed a sanctuary with the potential to regenerate energy, rekindle romance or release old patterns of thought.


St Regis Residence-rear patio pool deck facing Atlantic Ocean

As we explored this substantial, yet intimate residence, we encountered cozy nooks with plush pillow covered seats, an outdoor dining room adjacent to an infinity pool overlooking an expansive Atlantic Ocean, and a hot tub with an unobstructed view of the universe. Later that evening as we gathered in the hot tub to shed the stress of travel and plan how we could best use the talents of ALA to expose the treasures of this fabulous property and golf course, we were treated to the Milky Way, abundant constellations and the last of the Perseid meteor shower.



A conversation nook overlooking the Atlantic

The two story multilevel residence is a masterpiece of illusion. It expands to over 7000 square feet, yet feels like a cozy beach house. There are five elegantly designed suites, four of which are spacious master suites. We found the secluded outdoor shower in the master bath to be a very peaceful way to begin our day.


The spacious Indoor/Outdoor Master Suite Bathroom

Each unit has a unique private outside access to the sun deck. Charles’ suite had a spiral staircase, while others used French doors. Experiencing the peace and relaxation you crave can be achieved in a variety of ways. For Sandi and I, it was as easy as claiming one of the many sun loungers and asking Nova for our favorite libation. For Charles, a relaxing walk on the beach was all that was required.

This incredible Greek styled residence is one of three that nestle into the side of a hill overlooking the expansive Atlantic Ocean, within sight of Prickly Pear Cays and Dog Island.

When you tire of the pool deck and desire a change of venue, the sugar-sand beach that rests below this extraordinary residence offers a private hideaway guarded by soaring palms. You will discover a two story beach house for dining, hammocks strewn between trees, a host of teak tables for lunch or a friendly game of cards, and loungers that call out from the waters edge. When you work up a hunger or a thirst, a beach butler is there to see to your needs.


Each morning Nova served our group the breakfast of our choice together with plates of succulent fresh fruit and a mouthwatering selection of breads. As we were about to head to the van one morning, Charles gathered the group together to steal one last look at the inspiring view. The sea was three shades of blue, puffy clouds were dancing in the air and the warm breeze was like a feather brushing across our faces. It was the perfect entrée to playing one of the most incredibly designed golf courses in the Caribbean.



Temenos Golf Club- A Greg Norman Design

temenosgolfclub.com, a Greg Norman Signature Design, is already a legend among golf aficionados and stands as the centerpiece of the St. Regis Resort and Private Residences.

A view of the Clubhouse from the 18th tee box

As we approached the Greek styled clubhouse, the view was like a portrait-rocky terrain was painted with lush green fairways and the brilliant turquoise colored sea danced in the Anguilla Channel as the mountains of St. Maarten provided the perfect background.



Entrance to the Temenos GC clubhouse

We pulled into the driveway and were greeted by Julliette, a member of the valet staff. Her engaging smile, friendly nature and professionalism ec***d throughout the entire staff. shark.com/gngcd/gngcd/060706.php, the Director of Golf at the Temenos Golf Club, gave us a warm greeting and a guided tour of her marvelous golf club. (Of special note were their plush locker rooms for members and guests-they are fit for royalty)

A large driving range is currently being carved into the hillside behind the clubhouse and represents the finishing touch to a world cl*** practice facility. Each foursome comes with a Forecaddie and we were introduced to ours as we prepared to head to the first tee. He was impeccably well trained, extremely courteous and an invaluable ***et during our initial round.

The word I most ***ociate with the Temenos Golf club is stunning, because Greg Norman has really showcased his ability with this course. Temenos measures 7100 yards from the tips and serves up spectacular views from just about every angle.

As the course changes elevation, local stone has been fashioned into strategically placed creeks and lakes, and fairways have been positioned for unparalleled views.

The fairways are generous in size, allowing you to “grip it and rip it” as long as your ball doesn’t travel beyond the border of the second cut of rough, where sand, small stones, brush and small trees border what I call “the abyss”- a place where your ball just disappears. During our visit, play was a bit more challenging due to higher than normal winds from the feeder bands of Hurricane Dean to the Southeast.

The Bermuda greens at Temenos GC were firm, medium in speed, and in exceptional shape-allowing each of us to drop a bomb into the cup now and then. Every hole at the Temenos GC is a standout, however, the hole we all found most memorable was the par 5, 10th.



The Par 5, 10th leading to the sea

The par 5, 10th is the signature hole at Temenos GC. From the elevated tee box, you have a 180 degree view of the course. It’s a downhill dogleg left that, for any normal golfer would easily require three shots to get over the wide stone lined creek bed bordering the left side to a green it shares with the par 3, 3rd. As Charles, Sandi and I gathered on the tee, the wind was howling from left to right, so we agreed that the perfect tee shot would entail aiming out over the creek so the wind could carry the ball back into the fairway. Aiming down the middle would mean risking the loss of your ball to the abyss on the right.

Charles has never been one to back away from a challenge. He placed his ball right in the middle of the fairway. My shot ended up in the first cut on the right side, while Sandi put hers in the right quarter of the fairway. Sandi and I would have to play it safe and lay up on our second shots, due to excessive head winds and an expansive creek that guards the throat leading to the green. Charles took out his hybrid and laced an awesome low trajectory draw over the creek that came to rest between the bunkers. I hit a knockdown that drifted right of the pin and Sandi ran one up the throat. Charles placed his third shot low into the wind and landed a few feet from the pin. With the winds howling directly at him, his putt was blown just over the right edge of the hole. It was a climactic finish under the extreme conditions. Our play was dwarfed, however, by the sight of the raging Anguilla Channel just over the dunes. It was so close you could almost reach out and touch it.

“A World Cl*** golf Course”
-Charles Lightfoot, Advanced Lesson Academy of Golf

Later that evening, as we were sitting in the living room viewing video from the day’s events, I asked Charles Lightfoot for his personal take on the Temenos Golf Club. As one of the finest golf trainers in the country, President of Advanced Lesson Academy, and the organizer of this collaboration of talented people, his impression is one I highly respect. Here are his comments.

“Greg Norman has designed a world cl*** golf course. The layout weaves in and out of the indigenous landscape in what can only be referred to as a feat of environmental artistry. Temenos is a stunningly unique course that provides golfers with an intimate, yet challenging sport experience, with wide-open vistas, spectacular fairways, and sloping greens. I found it to be a delightful challenge to try and keep my edge and the ball in play as endless streams of ocean breezes wafted over the course. As the winds picked up, it proved to be arguably one of the toughest courses I've ever had the pleasure to play.”

Sandi Bishop was a part of this ALA collaboration to provide a woman’s perspective the Temenos Golf course and the fine dining that we encountered during the trip.



A View from the Forward Tees
Sandi Bishop

The sprawling Temenos Golf Club includes a lovely Pro shop, which contrary to many clubs I visit, had an exceptional selection of ladies golf clothes. I was gratified to see that. They also had the loveliest locker room I have ever had the pleasure of using. My locker had everything I would need to shower and prepare for lunch after our round.


18th Green and Temenos Clubhouse

Considering that Anguilla proper is pretty rocky, Flag Luxury Properties, LLC, made a great decision to use Greg Norman as the course designer. Norman knows how to design a playable course from the forward tees and if I am any indication, this is a course women will fully embrace-regardless of ability, it is fair and challenging. I strongly believe that women who play Temenos will fall in love with it, as I did. With St. Maarten in the background, fairways that seemingly fall right into the sea and the Greek styled St. Regis Villas dotting the landscape, it leaves an impression that will last a lifetime.

I also favored the signature par 5, 10th. It sits squarely facing St. Maarten, with a long curving fairway that set up very nicely for my eye. Though this wasn’t the easiest hole on the course, with water and a rock wall to navigate, I was able to manage it properly and come away with a par the first day

On Friday and Saturday we played in the Anguilla Golf Cl***ic-a tournament benefiting the Health Authority of Anguilla. Friday was more than challenging, due to winds from Hurricane Dean, however, Saturday brought perfect weather. Thank goodness for Glenville. As part of the course refreshment staff, he was always there when I needed him, including after the round when he surprised me with my favorite drink. Surprisingly, I was the only woman playing in the tournament- something I hope will change in the future-which might explain why everyone was so nice to me. No, to be truthful, I think the people of Anguilla are the nicest people I have ever met.

Selected Fine Dining on Anguilla-Sandi Bishop
With over 30 years of restaurant ownership, Sandi is also that best one to give you a sample of the fine dining available on Anguilla.


Zurra

zurrarestaurant.com

After golf we gathered at Zurra , the Temenos clubhouse restaurant just above the 18th green. Zurra is named after their signature ****tail, a refreshing concoction made with fresh fruit covered in chilled white wine and finished off with club soda. It is very light, very fresh and the perfect libation after a round of golf. We were so taken with our Zurra, that we asked Miguel, the manager of Zurra, to demonstrate how to make one.


What makes Zurra so spectacular is the view. As we sipped our Zurra, we were treated to one of the most breathtaking views on the West side. Its 180 degree view included the Temenos Golf Course, the Island of St. Maarten across the turquoise blue Anguilla Channel and the Greek inspired St. Regis Resort and Private Residences at the waters edge.


The inventive lunch menu at Zurra incorporates a plethora of fresh seafood. I chose the Curried Chicken Salad and it was exceptional- not overpowering as curry dishes often can be. Served over a bed of fresh spinach and garnished with pickled red onions, this salad fit the bill for an après golf lunch. I must say, however, that I was also tempted by the Seared Moroccan Scallops and the Proscuitto and Soppressata Panini sandwich.


Blanchard's

blanchardsrestaurant.com Blanchard’s is situated directly on the beach, with abundant flora softly lighted and the sound of gentle waves spilling over the beach. The setting is soft and romantic. Toss in one of the most professionally trained service staffs in the Caribbean, including our friend Miguel, and the best Jamaican Jerk Shrimp I have ever tasted and you have magic. The menu is cl***ic with a twist towards maintaining the spirit of the islands. Again, it reflects a lot of seafood, yet throws you some very interesting selections. For example, the island style Reggae Stew with chunks of savory beef tenderloin and fresh vegetables was superb. Blanchard’s also has an intensive wine cellar that I have heard is one of the best in the islands.


Zurra and Blanchard’s are operated by Bob and Melinda Blanchard, an amazing couple from Vermont who fell in love with the island and its people, made it their home and then opened a restaurant. They have written a book about their experience entitled A Trip to the Beach.

After encountering this phenomenal island, there are two things the three of us agreed upon. First, the St Regis Resorts and Residences are some of the most luxurious accommodations in the world. And second, Greg Norman designs mind-blowing golf courses which make the game of golf fun to play. If you are looking to experience a golf vacation that will leave you breathless, look no further than the sanctuary of the St. Regis Residences and Villas and the world renowned Temenos Golf Club, Temenos, Anguilla, BWI.


A collaboration of expertise

This ALA collaboration of on Anguilla was a ground breaking event. We hope you enjoyed reading about this exclusive resort and golf course and hope you will gather your friends to experience it for your self. Charles, Sandi and I found the weekend to be nothing short of extraordinary weekend and put the St. Regis Residences and Temenos Golf Course at the top of our list of luxurious resort experiences. ALA looks forward to bringing you more exclusive resort and golf experiences, both in print and on video, in the not too distant future.

Charles Lightfoot -w riter and President of the Advanced Lesson Academy of Golf, with academy’s in Edgewater, New Jersey and Orlando, Florida.

Michael J Russ, President of Powerful Living International, LLC, is an author, speaker and writer residing in Panama City Beach, Florida. His latest audio book is entitled “Design Your Life: Using Self-Talk to Create Your Life One Day at a Time.”

Sandi Bishop is a writer who specializes in fine dining. She owns several restaurants in Panama City Beach, Florida. Google Docs -- Web word processing, presentations and spreadsheets. Edit this page (you have permission)
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