Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa

By Linda Holloway  

Photography credit:  Ross Bridge Resort

Valentine’s Day and your anniversary are great dates to slow down the merry-go-round life of parenting and celebrate the days when your family began with just the two of you. Everyone will agree that our children are our greatest blessing, but it is often difficult to juggle jobs, kids’ sports, dance, and other activities. Often, quality couple time diminishes as life in the fast lane takes priority, so give your marriage an annual check-up. Remember, the best gift you can pass down to your children is a legacy of a happy family, and that includes a loving relationship between you and your spouse. 

Begin with a romantic weekend at one of Alabama’s most celebrated destinations, Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa. This Resort Collection property is a favorite along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Located along the rolling hills near Hoover, Alabama, and minutes from Birmingham, you will find the longest public golf course in the world, at 8,191 yards, and one of the most relaxing spas I have ever experienced.

Upscale Lodging and Activities

Step into the world of a 4-diamond lodging experience where the rooms and suites have a stylish comfort with sophistication. With 257 guest rooms overlooking the golf course, it is wise to make reservations in advance. The hotel is referred to as The Castle, with its architecture featuring tall turrets and balconies. Yes, I felt like a princess for two days, and I am sure Rapunzel was once here. The King Suites are popular for couples, but if you want to kick it up a notch, reserve a room in a spacious Hospitality Suite. Our room was stylish with elegant furnishings and a private balcony. Our headboard soared to the ceiling with a nod to an old-world castle featuring modern amenities. Make a playlist of your favorite date songs, and slow dance in the suite’s living room area. Remember those days of new love? The luxurious mattress, dressed in soft linens, gave us the ultimate rest we needed for the activities the resort offers.

Be sure to ask about various special packages during the year, and reserve the Valentine’s Package early.  If you are celebrating a summer anniversary or “just because,” check out the adult “Serenity” pool and the indoor pool. Ride around the scenic neighborhood on bikes, investigate the 3-mile running trail, or enjoy onsite tennis.

On property, you will find fireplaces in common spaces, and you must experience the glow of the firepits in the Terrace area where the real unwinding begins. At sunset, you may imagine you are in the moors of Scotland with the backdrop of familiar soulful tunes being played by a lone Highland piper. Scottish by heritage, the Ross family lived on this land in the 1800s. The piper meanders around the resort and finishes at the Terrance. The sweet melody signals the end of day and the transition to peace and relaxation.

Dining

Enjoy the ultimate dining experience at Brock’s, the hotel’s signature restaurant where elevated cuisine, and beverages merge for an exceptional experience.  Enjoy the seasonally-inspired menu that included a Bone-In Strip Steak or Filet Au Poivre—our top choices. I can honestly say the filet was the best I have ever eaten. The culinary creations we chose included Beet and Frisee Salad, with Vegetable Risotto. For ambiance, reserve a table near the fireplace. The next morning, visit Brock’s again for the delectable and expansive breakfast buffet. Two words of advice…come hungry.

For lunch, try the Clubhouse Restaurant, known for the perfect burger and other classic American cuisine in a laid-back setting. Have your favorites from here delivered to your door.  Café MacRae is where you can grab a Cappuccino and a fresh-baked pastry in the coffee shop.  JT’s has craft brews by the terrace and ask about their local live entertainment schedule.

Golf and Spa

If you are a couple who likes to golf together, the Ross Bridge course will be a favorite. The Spa at Ross Bridge has a “Couple’s Message” that is relaxing and romantic. The facials and other spa treatments are incredible. Whether you choose to enjoy golf and the spa together, or have separate experiences, there is sure to be great conversation over dinner.  

The Ross Bridge Course – Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

Carved into the rolling terrain of the Shannon Valley, the Ross Bridge course is a beautiful and challenging 18-hole course. GOLF Magazine named Ross Bridge one of the top 100 golf resorts for the past five years. This Robert Trent Jones course is symbolic of an old parkland-style course. Ten holes play along the banks of two significant lakes connected by a spectacular waterfall dropping 80 feet between the 9^th and 18^th greens. A gristmill at the waterfall is another aesthetic feature.  Like many other RTJ Trail courses, the par three holes are incredible. Our son, Lance Holloway’s most celebrated gifts for special occasions are gift cards to this course.  “I enjoy playing there because the course conditions are always in great shape, and the greens roll true. It is a very challenging course because of its length. My favorite hole is number one and it is huge. When I get on the green and look back, I am amazed at how massive it is. The number 3 hole is the most challenging for me,” said Holloway.   

The Spa at Ross Bridge

Named one of the Top 100 Spas by Spas of America 2024, the Couple’s Experience is where you can relax and find a deeper connection with a tailored massage experience performed in the private couple’s suite. It includes a complimentary cool or warm stone enhancement offered exclusively for couples to make your shared experience even more special. Spa facilities, include steam room and an amazing whirlpool by gender.  I highly recommend the Ross Bridge Facial, their personalized signature facial, tailored to address your individual skincare concerns to reveal a healthy, radiant glow.

After a few days of re-connecting, you are better equipped to get back to parenting again. Romance and parenting can co-exist. After all, Ross Bridge is less than 45 minutes away.

For more information, visit www.rossbridgeresort.com