Grand Traverse Resort & Spa Review

A visit to northern Michigan in the fall wouldn’t be complete without touching down in Traverse City. Grand Traverse Resort offers everything you need to unwind, dine and play.  

Our experience was one to be remembered! The dining in the "Aerie" lounge literally took our breath away, with 17th-floor views of Grand Traverse Bay and exquisite food. Their chef wows lucky visitors with creative flair, from peanut butter and jelly–themed pork belly appetizer to an eye–teasing and taste bud–pleasing scallop entree served with popcorn. Other notable menu items included mouth–watering almond and garlic gazpacho, lamp chops that melted in your mouth, and a filet mignon that could be cut with a butter knife. Every detail was perfectly executed, from an extensive local wine list to a presentation that makes you giggle. It's truly a must–see and taste experience.

Over $7 million recently went into renovations to the impressive 17-story tower of luxury suites and rooms. Each is meticulously updated with huge walk-in showers, convenient kitchenettes, chic bedding, and lighting. The only thing finer than the rooms themselves are the views from every room in the tower. One side overlooks the golf courses and orchards. the other the amazing Grand Traverse Bay.  

With three golf courses, The Bear, Wolverine, and Spruce Run, any golfer can engage in plenty of challenging play. Add on an extensive clubhouse and pro shop, large practice facility, on–site instruction in a wonderfully private setting, and technology to give you an accurate read on your swing, this golf facility has it all.

The Grand Traverse Spa is worth the trip alone; its friendly staff, a large list of services, and cozy cottage atmosphere makes you forget about anything outside of the resort. Sipping on a cup of tea in front of the fireplace just waiting for your service is an escape all on its own. The skilled therapists will melt away your tension and allow you to completely relax after a long day of golf.

Kids and adults alike can appreciate the large indoor water park, huge tennis courts, multiple fitness facilities, yoga and pilates classes, bike rentals, and shuttle service to the nearby sister casino, not to mention over 10 onsite shops, boutiques and unique places to pick up souvenirs and make your own candy and toys.  

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa really is a "Destination within a Destination." If you want to explore the area, you could visit dozens of local breweries, wineries and downtown Traverse City; the town also offers an Opera House and State Theatre, dozens of museums and hundreds of great shops to visit. A quick trip to one of the most beautiful places in America, the Sleeping Bear Dunes, is just a short ride down the road.