travel by Alessandra Gerebizza & OLM Staff
PHOTO: CLIVE BARBER
Live or Stay at this Extraordinary Waterfront Golf Resort in Georgian Bay
T
he Cobble Beach community is one that fills you with instant serenity. The magnificent ponds on either side of the road and the blue glow of Georgian Bay that greet the eye as you drive in, have that calming effect that water brings. Travelling down the windy but spacious road towards the inn and clubhouse gives further indication that you are in for a treat as the championship course begins to peek its head out from between the unique and colourful custom and model homes that dot across the breathtaking 574 acre property purchased in 1998 by Willis McLeese. Your final turn towards the inn gives you a closer look at the Nantucket- style lighthouse that sits next to the dock, built for residents and visitors complete with ever-inviting Adirondack chairs. At the inn you will be greeted by knowledgeable staff, which is more like warm extended family than resort employees. As for the rooms, they are both luxurious and practical with every amenity of home available making it very difficult to ever imagine leaving. (While you should unplug, if you can’t, Cobble Beach has you covered.) Once you have settled in, a tour of the inn should begin on the first floor where you will find the Sweetwater Restaurant & Bar. From the restaurant your view of both the course, with its St Andrew’s- inspired finishing bridge, and of the Georgian Bay is matched only by the creations of the executive chef and his team. Offering unique and delicious meals, and focusing on locally grown produce and fish, each visit is truly an occasion to be remembered for its culinary excellence. You can’t go wrong with the beef tenderloin or 46 OTTAWALIFE SUMMER 2016
the chef ’s special. If you have a sweet tooth, the decadent and moist apple crumble tart is a must. For special events or larger groups there is the Bridgewater Four Seasons Room and Dunvegan room which are connected to the restaurant and offer intimate and private alternatives to the dining room area. On the north side of the inn you will find the pool and spa. Facials, massage, body treatments, and even gentlemen services are all available. However, the standout service is the Mango Enzyme Firming Wrap. The treatment begins with a full body exfoliating scrub followed by a moisturizing body wrap while you’re receiving a scalp, neck, foot and shoulder massage at the same time. The treatment concludes with a rain shower and coconut lotion application. You will leave feeling refreshed and ready for a round of golf. The 18-hole championship course was completed and opened for play on May 18, 2007 by course designer Doug Carrick (Eagle’s Nest & Muskoka Bay among his other courses) and is truly exceptional. Admiral Owen's House marks halfway point between the 2 nine holes and beside it there is a fully operational driving range
and outdoor practice facility. Electric GPS carts are available for rent and are recommended as you will notice there are considerable elevation changes on the aptly named holes (from the inviting short par 3, 8th hole Sanctuary, to the snowman inducing par 4, 13th, Rob’s Gulch). Picturesque views can be found on every hole as well as a variety of tee boxes for various golfing levels. As you might expect, the course is immaculately maintained by meticulous and friendly staff. For the non golfer, there is much to do beyond the links. Cobble Beach has tennis courts, a large docking area for guests and residents arriving by water, a beach club with a variety of light watercrafts available for use, a fire pit, and a children’s playground. In addition to these activities, there are kilometres of trails to be explored, including an enchanted forest with wood carvings commissioned from a local artist. Nearby, you can visit and explore Fossil Glen, a unique and challenging hiking trail with a variety of millennium old fossil deposits. A short drive away is the quaint town of Owen Sound offering shopping and the Tom Thomson art gallery. Cobble Beach is a place to be a discovered. Its master-planned community is suited for residents and guests looking to embrace life and all it has to offer. The McLeese family’s passion for excellence is evident property wide and is certain to leave all guests with fond memories and the desire to return again… and again n cobblebeach.com