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1964
Mission Resort + Club
Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida
10400 County Road 48, Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida 34737
Original Property Opened in 1964
Historic Hotels of America member since 2023
Nestled amid the verdant orange groves, sparkling, spring-fed lakes, and rolling hills of Central Florida, Mission Resort + Club is an elegant, Spanish Colonial-inspired hideaway that has been welcoming guests since its opening in 1970. Its charming architecture, peaceful setting, and an array of amenities and recreational offerings make the resort an ideal destination for those in search of a relaxing golf vacation, a romantic getaway, a memorable location for a wedding or corporate event, or simply a place to unwind after time spent exploring the region’s famous theme parks. Add in its location in the idyllic hamlet of Howey-in-the-Hills, a quaint town only 35 minutes from Orlando and an easy drive from two international airports, and Mission Resort + Club is a decidedly convenient place to reset and rejuvenate.
Home to two championship golf courses, picturesque nature trails, the indulgent Spa, and more, Mission Resort + Club offers no shortage of activities for guests to enjoy. Meanwhile, its collection of 176 graciously appointed guestrooms, suites, and villas each boasts beautiful views of the grounds, creating a serene retreat that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando. The resort also plays host to four restaurants, which range from casual to candlelit elegance, as well as two laidback lounges, ensuring that guests never have to go far for a good meal or nightcap after a day of relaxation. However, those who do choose to adventure beyond Mission Resort + Club will be rewarded with gems like the historic Howey Mansion, an authentic German bakery, wineries, and, slightly further afield, the delightful lakeside town of Mount Dora.
Discover
- Admire the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture of Mission Resort + Club. The hotel’s design was inspired by a trip taken across Mexico by a young Nick Beucher, who would eventually go on to buy the Floridan Country Club and turn it into the resort it is today. In 1939, 25 years before he purchased the country club, Beucher saddled up and fulfilled his lifelong dream of crossing Mexico on horseback, riding almost 1,400 miles in 39 days. The resulting memories of his adventure became the inspiration for Mission Resort + Club.
- Learn how Mission Resort + Club was born out of a golf course considered one of Florida’s finest. In the late 1910s, the Florida Chain-o-Lakes Country Club was hailed for its lush forests, shimmering lakes, and rare tee-to-green elevations of 85 feet. Then, following the Great Depression and one of the worst freezes the Sunshine State had ever seen, the course and accompanying clubhouse fell into disrepair before being purchased by Nick Beucher in 1964, nursed back to health, and ultimately expanded into the resort it has become. Today, El Campeón has the distinction of being one of the oldest courses in the state and continues to be named one of Florida’s best courses.
- Uncover the intertwined origin stories of Howey-in-the-Hills in Mission Resort + Club. In 1916, William John Howey purchased 60,000 acres of Central Florida real estate, intent on creating the world’s greatest citrus empire. (In fact, he later constructed the state’s first citrus juice plant in 1921.) On that very same land, he also built a grand golf course only one year after putting down roots in the area, which quickly helped the sport to balloon in popularity throughout the area. It was not until 1925 when the town of “Howey” was founded, later taking the name of “Howey-in-the-Hills" in 1927 as a nod to Mr. Howey dubbing the region “The Florida Alps.”
Explore
- Visit The Howey Mansion, the former home of Howey-in-the-Hills founder William J. Howey. This historic house, which is located less than a five-minute drive from Mission Resort + Club, was built between 1925 and 1927. The home was designed by architect Katherine Cotheal Budd, who was known for her work creating 72 temporary lodgings known as “hostess houses” during World War I. Constructed at military training camps, these homelike abodes offered a place for women to stay when visiting their husbands and other relatives. The Howey Mansion is one of the last examples of her work that remains. Previously abandoned, the grand home and since been lovingly restored to the magnificent Central Florida landmark it once was. Learn about its rich history on a guided tour of the storied estate, including special tours during Halloween and Christmas.
- Be inspired at one of the many art museums found in nearby Orlando. Along with more than 100 lakes and world-renowned theme parks, The City Beautiful is also home to an array of art museums that are well worth a visit. Creative spirits will not want to miss the city’s outstanding art museums. The Orlando Museum of Art, founded in 1924, is one of the oldest and most esteemed museums in the region, while the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art boasts the most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany pieces in the world, including the chapel interior he created for the1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Another must-visit is the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens. Once the home of internationally acclaimed Czech sculptor Albin Polasek, the Mediterranean-inspired building is listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
- Enjoy a slice of small-town America in the quaint community of Mount Dora. Located less than a half hour from the resort, this charming lakeside town embodies the spirit of Old Florida. A haven for artists and art lovers alike, the town boasts many art galleries and even hosts one of the country’s best fine art shows every February. Its historic downtown, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is also made for strolling, with sidewalk cafés, antique stores, independently owned shops and soaring oak trees dripping in Spanish moss lining its brick-lined streets. Or take in some of the town’s abundant natural beauty with a walk along the Palm Island Boardwalk or a boat ride on beautiful Lake Dora. The town’s Modernism Museum is also worth a visit, with its impressive collection of mid-century modern furniture, including pieces owned by the iconic David Bowie.
Experience
- lay a round of golf on one of Mission Resort + Club two 18-hole championship courses. A far cry from the condo-lined greens of many other Sunshine State courses, El Campeón and Las Colinas are resplendent in their natural beauty, peppered with fragrant magnolia and towering pine trees with birds like ospreys and eagles soaring overhead.
- Take a hike down the Trails of the Conquistadors. Winding through a third of a mile of the resort’s historic El Campeòn golf course, these two beautiful eco-adventure paths traverse landscapes filled with local flora and fauna that were likely once appreciated by early Spanish settlers, offering a true taste of Old Florida. A downloadable trail activity map outlines the animals one might see along the way, while a plant-spotting guide gives insight into the various plant species that call the area home. Alternatively, nature lovers can also enjoy the great outdoors at Mission Resort + Club with some freshwater fishing or boating from Marina del Rey.
- Cycle through the rolling hills of Central Florida. Thanks to its central location, Mission Resort + Club is an ideal home base for exploring the region on a scenic bike ride. For those in need of a bicycle, rentals are available through area cycling shops. Before embarking, be sure to download the resort’s comprehensive biking guide, which features routes ranging in length from 16 to 29 miles, complete with turn-by-turn directions and recommended points of interest.
- Experince Treatments guaranteed to refresh, invigorate, and recharge the body. at the luxurious The Spa at Mission Resort + Club. Guests can relax their mind, rejuvenate the body and renew their spirit. Here in this private sanctuary inside Mission Resort + Club, guests can experience a variety of blissful spa treatments. Spend a spa day with friends, wind down after a day on the course or enjoy a girls’ getaway for the weekend with a special Spa package plan that includes deluxe resort accommodations, healthy meals, refreshing services and treatments.
- Visit Marina del Rey, the nautical center for the Mission Resort + Club that is located on the beautiful Lake Harris, the largest in an eight-lake chain. There are 55 wet slips at the Marina del Rey that are open to the public and available for rental on a first-come, first-served basis, it accommodates boats up to 20 feet and offers water and electric hook-ups. Marina del Rey provides guests with fishing equipment, pontoon, bass boat rentals, and a nature trail to observe Florida flora and fauna.
- Utilize the tennis facilities at Mission Resort + Club, they are among the best of the best and the resort has been listed in the “Top 25 Resorts and Tennis Programs” by World Tennis Magazine. The Central Florida area offers an ideal climate for comfortable outdoor tennis play throughout the year and all of our courts are lighted for evening practice and play. On the resort’s magnificent grounds there are six Har-Tru (clay), one Laykold (all-weather) court, 4 pickleball courts, and beach tennis sand courts that give players a choice of surfaces for lessons, matches, clinics, etc. All of the tennis facilities and amenities are open to the public and the resort guests.
Taste
- Indulge in a meal from one of the several onsite eateries. Home to four unique restaurants, Mission Resort + Club offers no shortage of dining opportunities. Options run the gamut from casual to candlelit, from handhelds like burgers, sandwiches, and wood-fired pizzas to more elegant dishes like steak and seafood from the nearby Gulf of Mexico. One of the resort’s most popular culinary traditions, however, is its expansive buffets, like the Sunday Champagne Brunch at La Hacienda and a bottomless prime rib and seafood feast every Saturday at Grove House in Mission Resort + Club's golf clubhouse.
- Savor a taste of the old world in the heart of Central Florida at Yalaha Bakery. One of the best German bakeries in the state, this family-owned bake shop prides itself on crafting the finest breads, cakes, and pastries out of both organic and imported European ingredients. Enjoy authentic German dishes like schnitzel, sausages, and sauerbraten in the bakery’s beer garden, with live music provided on the weekends, or simply grab something sweet to enjoy back at the resort.
- Learn about a Muscadine grape’s journey from vine to bottle, as well as the history of Florida wine, on a complimentary tour at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, then enjoy a taste of the literal fruits of their labor during a free wine tasting. Located only 15 minutes from the resort, this Central Florida vineyard is the Sunshine State’s biggest premium winery and is located in the area that was once the hub of Florida’s grape industry.
- Indulge in gastronomic excellence at one of the almost 50 Michelin-recognized restaurants in the nearby Orlando area. Although the region has been home to incredible dining for quite some time, it only recently hit the foodie map with the unveiling of the Florida Michelin Guide in 2022. Since then, four area eateries have been awarded a Michelin star, while more than 10 dining outlets have been given the culinary authority’s Bib Gourmand distinction, which recognizes quality cooking at a great value.
FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS
Featured Offers
Best Available Rate
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotels.org and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Best Available Rate Rooms
Book directly on site and get the best available rate on rooms.
AAA Member Rates
While this hotel typically offers the AAA Member Rate, availability is dependent on your exact dates of stay. Please also plan to present member ID at check-in to prove eligibility
