Michigan Vacation Packages

Are you looking to escape the stress of everyday life? To disconnect and discover the beauty of somewhere new, somewhere miles away from ordinary? Our Michigan vacation packages are designed to get you there.

Whether you're pursuing a weekend spa-cation, championship golf package, romantic getaway in Michigan, or an all-encompassing family vacation, you can be sure that a vacation at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa will leave you revitalized and inspired.

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2-Night Carefree Getaway – Weekend

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2-Night Carefree Getaway – Midweek

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1-Night Do Not Disturb – Midweek

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1-Night Do Not Disturb – Weekend

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2-Night Family Fun Package

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Golf Deals

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Spa Deals

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Restaurant Deals

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ONE-NIGHT RENEWAL SPA PACKAGE – WEEKEND

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ONE-NIGHT RENEWAL SPA PACKAGE – MIDWEEK

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TWO-NIGHT RELAX & RECHARGE PACKAGE – WEEKEND

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TWO-NIGHT RELAX & RECHARGE PACKAGE – MIDWEEK

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TWO-NIGHT GOLF & SPA PACKAGE

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ONE-NIGHT GOLF PACKAGE – MIDWEEK

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ONE-NIGHT GOLF PACKAGE – WEEKEND

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TWO-NIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF PACKAGE – MIDWEEK

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Two-Night Championship Golf Getaway – Weekend

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2-Night Get Up and Go Package

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2-Night Carefree Getaway – Weekend Book Now

Our 2-night Carefree Getaway Package includes:

    2 nights' accommodations
    1 three-course dinner per person in Aerie Restaurant & Lounge or The Grille
    2 breakfasts per person at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge (does not include holiday buffets)*
    Save 15% off per person on spa treatments valued at $99 or more (not valid on salon services). Coupon must be utilized while staying on property.

Summer Season: May 22 - September 5, 2020

Starting at $387* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $458* per person in the Tower
Fall Season: September 6 - November 7, 2020

Starting at $329* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $395* per person in the Tower

For reservations, call 800-236-1577.

*The above rates are per person, based on double occupancy. The above pricing includes 11% tax and $18.95 nightly resort fee. Rooms at this rate are limited. Not available to groups. May not be combined with other offers. Certain other restrictions may apply.

2-Night Carefree Getaway – Midweek Book Now

Our 2-night Carefree Getaway Package includes:

    2 nights' accommodations
    1 three-course dinner per person in Aerie Restaurant & Lounge or The Grille
    2 breakfasts per person at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge (does not include holiday buffets)*
    Save 15% off per person on spa treatments valued at $99 or more (not valid on salon services). Coupon must be utilized while staying on property.

Summer Season: May 22 - September 5, 2020

Starting at $370* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $441* per person in the Tower

Fall Season: September 6 - November 7, 2020

Starting at $312* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $379* per person in the Tower

For reservations, call 800-236-1577.

1-Night Do Not Disturb – Midweek Book Now

Retreat to one of our Tower rooms for an intimate setting, providing panoramic views of Lake Michigan or surrounding countryside. This package includes:

    1 night's accommodations
    1 three-course dinner per person in Aerie Restaurant & Lounge or The Grille.
    1 breakfast per person at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge (does not include holiday buffets)*
    Save 15% off per person on spa treatments valued at $99 or more (not valid on salon services). Coupon must be utilized while staying on property.

Summer Season: May 22 - September 5, 2020

Starting at $370* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $441* per person in the Tower

Fall Season: September 6 - November 7, 2020

Starting at $312* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $379* per person in the Tower

For reservations, call 800-236-1577.

1-Night Do Not Disturb – Weekend Book Now

Retreat to one of our Tower rooms for an intimate setting, providing panoramic views of Lake Michigan or surrounding countryside. This package includes:

    1 night's accommodations
    1 three-course dinner per person in Aerie Restaurant & Lounge, or The Grille.
    1 breakfast per person at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge (does not include holiday buffets)*
    Save 15% off per person on spa treatments valued at $99 or more (not valid on salon services). Coupon must be utilized while staying on property.

Summer Season: May 22 - September 5, 2020

Starting at $387* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $458* per person in the Tower
Fall Season: September 6 - November 7, 2020

Starting at $329* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $395* per person in the Tower

For reservations, call 800-236-1577.

2-Night Family Fun Package BOOK NOW

Escape with the whole family for a fun-filled weekend getaway. Package details:

    2 Nights accommodations
    Welcome amenity per child
    Four breakfasts at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge (does not include holiday buffets)*
    $50 Resort credit (may not be applied to package cost)
    1 pound of bulk candy from the candy store in the Gallery of Shops
    4 hot or cold drinks at Marketplace- any size

*If buffet is not available, breakfast of equal or lesser value may be ordered off of the menu

Summer Season: May 22 - September 5, 2020
Midweek package starting at $751*
Weekend package starting at $893*

Fall Season: September 6 - November 7, 2020
Midweek package starting at $636*
Weekend package starting at $669*

This package is not currently available to book online. Please call 231-534-6000 for reservations.

*The above pricing includes 11% tax and $18.95 nightly resort fee. Rooms at this rate are limited. Not available to groups. Not valid with holiday brunches. May not be combined with other offers. Certain other restrictions may apply.

*The above pricing includes 11% tax and $18.95 nightly resort fee. Rooms at this rate are limited. Not available to groups. Not valid with holiday brunches. May not be combined with other offers. Certain other restrictions may apply.

Golf Deals

Turtle Creek Casino Michigan Open Championship

August 31 - September 3

We are excited to welcome the Turtle Creek Casino Michigan Open Championship—the state’s oldest and most prestigious annual tournament—back to The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.

Dates and Details for Spectators

The tournament begins Monday, August 31, and ends Thursday, September 3, 2020.
The tournament is open for public viewing at no charge.
Spectators should follow standard golf course etiquette and dress codes.

CLICK FOR DETAILS

Labor Day Weekend Golf Special

September 4-7

Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in Northern Michigan. The cooler temps and exceptional course conditions make for a day of golf you’ll never forget, and our special pricing makes it easy to try out each of our three highly acclaimed courses.

$89 The Bear
$79 The Wolverine
$59 Spruce Run

To book a golf tee time, visit our Pro Shop or call 231-534-6000.

Derby Day Shootout
September 5

Join us Saturday, September 5 for our Derby Day Shootout! Two person teams will compete in 6 holes of best ball, 6 holes of scramble, and 6 holes of alternate shot. The entry fee includes golf, cart, and prizes.

After your round, join us in the Clubhouse Grille for drink and dinner specials, and to watch the Kentucky Derby. Plus, we’ll have pari-mutual betting on the horses for your chance to win Grand Traverse Resort and Spa gift cards. Optional skins game entry is available day of for $20.

1pm Shotgun
The Wolverine
$120 per Team+MyNorth Tickets fee

10th Annual Big Hole Golf Tournament

October 3, 2020

$180 per team

Finish out the 2020 golf season with a boost of confidence at our 10th Annual Big Hole Golf Tournament featuring gigantic, impossible-to-miss (okay, almost impossible-to-miss) 10" cups! The tournament takes place on Saturday, October 3 on our Spruce Run course and is open to the public, Resort Club Members and Resort Guests.

This is a three-person Scramble, with 10” cups on all 18 holes. The $180 entry fee includes golf and prizes. Optional Skins Game - $20 per team (cash only, day of event)

Par 3 Shootout

October 11

Join us October 11 for our Par 3 Shootout! This two person, 18 hole event is a condensed version of our fall Tuff Enuff Tournament. We are turning The Bear into 18 of the most grueling Par 3 holes it can possibly be, but in scramble format. The Par 3 Shootout is open to male, female, and mixed teams. Women and men will be playing from different sets of tees.

Entry: $120 Per Team + MyNorth Tickets fee • Optional Skins Game - $20 per team (cash only)

Format: 2 person scramble, Scratch - flighted after round

REGISTER TODAY

12th Annual Tuff Enuff Golf Tournament

October 18, 2020

Play one of Michigan’s toughest golf courses, The Bear, at its absolute hardest. For one day only, we turn The Bear into 7,000+ yards of long-range tee boxes, aggressive greens,and challenging hole locations. This is a two-person “best ball” event. Come take the challenge!

START TIME: 10 am Shotgun start

ENTRY: $120 Per Team + MyNorth Tickets fee

Optional Skins Game - $20 per team. Payable day of event. Cash only,

FORMAT: Partners Best Ball • Scratch - flighted after round • Open to male, female and mixed teams

Women play from the white tees
Men 60+ play from the blue tees
Men 59 and under play from the black tees

PURSE: Payout ~ 30% of the field • $3,000 based on 50 teams

INCLUDES: 18 holes of golf with cart

Spa Deals

Shop Spa Grand Traverse

Your new summer skincare routine is here! Find your favorite Spa Grand Traverse products and take a little bit of the spa home with you.

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Restaurant Deals

Share The Sweet

Daily June through December

We are excited to invite you to “Share the Sweet”!

The Share the Sweet program is our way to give back to the local community by donating $1 from each dessert sold to a local nonprofit. The Share the Sweet program will feature different local nonprofits beginning June 2019.

The nonprofits lined up for 2020 include Arts for All of Northern Michigan, Michigan Challenge, Reigning Liberty Ranch, Father Fred Foundation, Michaels Place, Make-A-Wish Michigan, The Manna Food Project, Cherryland Humane Society, and Womens' Resource Center. Aerie’s dessert menu includes cherry toffee pudding, classic crème brûlée, chocolate tower cake, and hummingbird pyramid cake, so grab a date and head over to Aerie to enjoy sweet treats for a good cause.

Make a Reservation

Or call 231-534-6800.

ONE-NIGHT RENEWAL SPA PACKAGE – WEEKEND Book Now

Our one-night Spa Renewal weekend package includes:

1 night of accommodations
1 breakfast per person at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge (does not include holiday buffets)*
15% off Spa coupon for a 2nd treatment valued at $110 or more. Must be used during your stay. (hair, waxing, and lash extensions not included)
1 spa treatment per person from the list below:
50-minute Relaxation Massage
50-minute Mother to Be Massage
Refreshing Organic Facial
Repair & Restore Men’s Facial
Spa Grand Traverse Customized Manicure & Pedicure
Men’s Hand & Foot Maintenance

SUMMER SEASON: MAY 22 - SEPTEMBER 5, 2020
Starting at $293* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $331* per person in the Tower

FALL SEASON: SEPTEMBER 6 - NOVEMBER 7, 2020
Starting at $263* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $299* per person in the Tower

For reservations, call 800-236-1577.

*The above rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Spa appointments must be made in advance. Above pricing includes a 20% spa gratuity. The above pricing includes 11% tax and $18.95 nightly resort fee. Rooms at this rate are limited. Not valid with holiday brunches. Not available to groups. May not be combined with other offers. Certain other restrictions may apply.

ONE-NIGHT RENEWAL SPA PACKAGE – MIDWEEK Book Now

Our one-night Spa Renewal midweek package includes:

SUMMER SEASON: MAY 22 - SEPTEMBER 5, 2020
Starting at $277* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $315* per person in the Tower

FALL SEASON: SEPTEMBER 6 - NOVEMBER 7, 2020
Starting at $247* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $283* per person in the Tower

For reservations, call 800-236-1577.

*The above rates are per person, based on double occupancy. The above pricing includes 11% tax and $18.95 nightly resort fee. Spa appointments must be made in advance. Above pricing includes a 20% spa gratuity. Rooms at this rate are limited. Not available to groups. May not be combined with other offers. Certain other restrictions may apply.

TWO-NIGHT RELAX & RECHARGE PACKAGE – WEEKEND Book Now

Our two-night Relax & Recharge weekend package includes:

2 nights of accommodations
2 breakfasts per person at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge (does not include holiday buffets)*
15% off Spa coupon for a 2nd treatment valued at $110 or more. Must be used during your stay. (hair, waxing, and lash extensions not included)
2 spa treatments per person from the list below:
50-minute Relaxation Massage
50-minute Mother to Be Massage
Refreshing Organic Facial
Repair & Restore Men’s Facial
Spa Grand Traverse Customized Manicure & Pedicure
Men’s Hand & Foot Maintenance

SUMMER SEASON: MAY 22 - SEPTEMBER 5, 2020
Starting at $587* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $640* per person in the Tower

FALL SEASON: SEPTEMBER 6 - NOVEMBER 7, 2020
Starting at $511* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $577* per person in the Tower

For reservations, call 800 236-1577.

*The above rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Spa appointments must be made in advance. Above pricing includes a 20% spa gratuity. The above pricing includes 11% tax and $18.95 nightly resort fee. Rooms at this rate are limited. Not available to groups. May not be combined with other offers. Certain other restrictions may apply.

TWO-NIGHT RELAX & RECHARGE PACKAGE – MIDWEEK Book Now

Our two-night Relax & Recharge midweek package includes:

SUMMER SEASON: MAY 22 - SEPTEMBER 5, 2020
Starting at $538* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $609* per person in the Tower

FALL SEASON: SEPTEMBER 6 - NOVEMBER 7, 2020
Starting at $480* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $547* per person in the Tower

For reservations, call 800 236-1577.

*The above rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Spa appointments must be made in advance. Above pricing includes a 20% spa gratuity. The above pricing includes 11% tax and $18.95 nightly resort fee. Rooms at this rate are limited. Not available to groups. May not be combined with other offers. Brunch not valid on holidays. Certain other restrictions may apply.

TWO-NIGHT GOLF & SPA PACKAGE

Our Two-Night Golf & Spa Package includes:

2 nights of accommodations
2 breakfasts per person at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge (does not include holiday buffets)*
1 day of golf on any course per person*
1 bucket of range balls per person
1 spa treatment per person from the list below:*
•50-minute Relaxation Massage
•50-minute Mother to Be Massage
•Refreshing Organic Facial
•Repair & Restore Men’s Facial
•Spa Grand Traverse Customized Manicure & Pedicure
•Men’s Hand & Foot Maintenance
*Spa appointments must be made in advance. Package rates include 20% Spa gratuity. Additional gratuities may be added at guest discretion.

SUMMER SEASON: MAY 22 - SEPTEMBER 5, 2020
Midweek package starting at $511*
Weekend package starting at $535*

FALL SEASON: SEPTEMBER 6 - NOVEMBER 7, 2020
Midweek package starting at $448*
Weekend package starting at $462*

For reservations, call 800-236-1577.

ONE-NIGHT GOLF PACKAGE – MIDWEEK Book Now

Our Midweek One-Night Golf Package includes:

1 night of accommodations
1 breakfast per person at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge (does not include holiday buffets)*
1 day of UNLIMITED golf (Monday-Thursday)
1 bucket of range balls per person
Save 15% off per person on spa treatments valued at $110 or more (not valid on salon services). Coupon must be utilized while staying on property.

SUMMER SEASON: MAY 22 - SEPTEMBER 5, 2020
Starting at $250* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $288* per person in the Tower

FALL SEASON: SEPTEMBER 6 - NOVEMBER 7, 2020
Starting at $205* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $241* per person in the Tower

For reservations, call 800-236-1577.

ONE-NIGHT GOLF PACKAGE – WEEKEND Book Now

ONE-NIGHT GOLF PACKAGE - WEEKEND
Our Weekend One-Night Golf Package includes:

1 night of accommodations
1 breakfast per person at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge (does not include holiday buffets)*
1 day of UNLIMITED golf per person (Friday-Sunday)*
1 bucket of range balls per person
Save 15% off per person on spa treatments valued at $110 or more (not valid on salon services). Coupon must be utilized while staying on property.

SUMMER SEASON: MAY 22 - SEPTEMBER 5, 2020
Starting at $259* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $297* per person in the Tower

FALL SEASON: SEPTEMBER 6 - NOVEMBER 7, 2020
Starting at $214* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $250* per person in the Tower

For reservations, call 800-236-1577.

*Second round can be booked in advance for Spruce Run only; Second-round availability for The Bear and The Wolverine will be determined following completion of first round. The above rates are per person, based on double occupancy. The above pricing includes 11% tax and $18.95 nightly resort fee. Rooms at this rate are limited. Not available to groups. May not be combined with other offers. Certain other restrictions may apply.

TWO-NIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF PACKAGE – MIDWEEK Book Now

Experience 36 holes of championship golf in northern Michigan. Full midweek package includes:

2 nights of accommodations
2 days of UNLIMITED golf (Monday-Thursday) on any course per person*
2 buckets of range balls per person
2 breakfasts per person at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge (does not include holiday buffets)*
Save 15% off per person on spa treatments valued at $110 or more (not valid on salon services). Coupon must be utilized while staying on property.
*Second round can be booked in advance for Spruce Run only; Second-round availability for The Bear and The Wolverine will be determined following completion of first round.

SUMMER SEASON: MAY 22 - SEPTEMBER 5, 2020
Starting at $484* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $555* per person in the Tower

FALL SEASON: SEPTEMBER 6 - NOVEMBER 7, 2020
Starting at $396* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $463* per person in the Tower

For reservations, call 800-236-1577.

Two-Night Championship Golf Getaway – Weekend Book Now

Experience 36 holes of championship golf in northern Michigan. Full weekend package includes:

2 nights of accommodations
2 days of UNLIMITED golf (Friday-Sunday) on any course per person*
2 buckets of range balls per person
2 breakfasts per person at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge (does not include holiday buffets)*
Save 15% off per person on spa treatments valued at $110 or more (not valid on salon services). Coupon must be utilized while staying on property.

SUMMER SEASON: MAY 22 - SEPTEMBER 5, 2020
Starting at $501* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $572* per person in the Tower

FALL SEASON: SEPTEMBER 6 - NOVEMBER 7, 2020
Starting at $413* per person in the Hotel
Starting at $479* per person in the Tower

For reservations, call 800-236-1577.

2-Night Get Up and Go Package

Our 2-night Get Up and Go Package includes:

2 Nights Accommodations
$200 in Grand Traverse Resort and Spa credit (may not be applied to package cost)
This package is not currently available to book online. Please call 231-534-6000 for reservations.

Upcoming Events

Shop Spa Grand Traverse

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Reopening Updates & COVID-19 Info

Description

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October 11

Par 3 Shootout

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June 17-September 6

Traverse City Horse Shows

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Blue Sky Rentals

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September 5

Derby Day Shootout

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Slingshot Rentals

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August 31-September 3

103rd Turtle Creek Casino Michigan Open

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October 3

Big Hole Golf Tournament

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October 18

Tuff Enuff Golf Tournament

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Orvis Michigan Fly Fishing School

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September 4-7

Labor Day Golf Specials

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Barefoot Magazine

Instant Gratification

HydraFacial delivers results on first treatment

By Cymbre Foster

When Spa Grand Traverse cosmetologist Sandra Umstead received her first HydraFacial, the results were so amazing that she knew it was something she wanted her clients to experience as well.
HydraFacial is a patented technology that marries a deeply cleansing facial treatment with relaxation.
“After just one visit, this medical-grade procedure leaves the skin with improved clarity, texture, and tone,” Umstead says.
I admit I needed convincing that it could be that good when I arrived at the spa for my first HydraFacial. Truth be told, I’d rather spend my money on a new pair of shoes than skin care, and I didn’t think she would be able to do that much with my neglected, sun-damaged, slightly saggy, middle-aged skin.
Was I ever wrong.

Instant Results
A HydraFacial is a three-part treatment that begins with cleansing that removes dead skin cells and excess oil from the skin. Next, salicylic and glycolic acids are applied to break up any dirt and oil that's clogging pores. Then the HydraPeel Tip is used to painlessly suction out blackheads, dirt, oil, and impurities, while hydrating, plumping, and nourishing serums are simultaneously applied to the skin.
“No more manual extractions that may leave the skin blotchy and inflamed,” Umstead says. “The powerful serums break it all down, allowing the vacuum to pull it all up.”
The best part is that after just one HydraFacial, you will see immediate results. I certainly did.
“This treatment satisfies our need for instant gratification, so clients can’t wait for the next treatment,” Umstead says.
Corrine Olson is one of those clients.
“My favorite facial at the spa is the HydraFacial,” she says. “It’s the first time I can say that I noticed results.”
Each treatment starts with before and after photos.
“We have the ability to compare them side by side after your treatment,” Umstead explains. “This allows us to better track your progress every time you come in.”
For many clients, seeing those results is motivation not just to come back, but also to continue better skin-care regimens at home.
Umstead pulled up my pictures, and, to my surprise, I had fewer lines on my face and my skin was truly hydrated — literally glowing, in fact.

Part of a Skin-Care Routine
Since Umstead has consistently treated herself to HydraFacials, she no longer needs to wear makeup. Her skin did look flawless.
For long-term benefits and correction purposes, Umstead recommends treatments every six weeks. For maintenance, she suggests having one each season.
“This treatment is fairly active, and I like to think of it as waking up the skin,” she says.
“It’s invigorating and satisfying in many ways, which keeps clients coming back for more.”
When a friend commented on how nice my skin looked the day after my HydraFacial, I had to agree.
“You will leave with your skin glowing, looking healthy, hydrated, and with overall better skin tone,” Olson says. “I plan on keeping this as part of my skin-care routine.”
Still the Best: The Bear at 35

Iconic course remains top on golfers’ must-play lists

By Tom Lang

The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa comes out of hibernation each spring to test the best and entertain golfers of all skill levels.

2020 marks The Bear’s 35th awakening since Jack Nicklaus created his spectacular signature design in 1985.

Nationally ranked in the top 100 courses and consistently rated as one of Michigan’s toughest, The Bear has for decades drawn golfers who are looking for a chance to tame the challenge to northern Lower Michigan.

“The Bear has the reputation of being difficult, but it also has the reputation of being fair,” says Tom McGee, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa director of golf operations. “Golfers tell us they like the challenge. And they tell us each of the holes is so unique and memorable that no two holes are the same.

“It’s one of those golf courses where you have to think a lot, you need to look at the surroundings, and I think people appreciate that more and they concentrate more when playing it, as opposed to most other golf courses.”

An Unusual Course
That’s exactly what Nicklaus intended when he was commissioned to create his biggest golf-skills challenge of that era. The Bear plays to 7,078 yards from the championship tees. It has four lakes, 10 holes with water hazards and only one hole with no bunkers.

“That was kind of an unusual golf course (at the time),” Nicklaus said in a recent visit to Michigan. “The owner at that time wanted the longest course in Michigan, over 7,000 yards, par 72 and the highest course rating (for toughness). I did all three of those … and, of course, the golf course was really difficult.”

The Bear is a links-style course with mature trees surrounding the outer edges of the property. The course features undulating, multi-tiered greens, moguls, mounds, and deep pot bunkers that guard the greens and thick grassy rough. The rough has been cut back away from the fairways over the years to somewhat soften Nicklaus’ original design. Tee boxes have been added to provide more variety and shorter yardages.

Lakes, ponds, hardwood forests, streams, and orchards are home to a variety of wildlife and add more golf hazards to navigate. The course is a certified member of the Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program.

The fairways give The Bear its unique look. Elevated from the rough on many holes, the fairways appear to be floating above the surrounding property. The design also punishes shots that roll off the fairway and get hung up in the second cut of grass, creating a more severe side-hill position. Nicklaus later incorporated that design element into his signature course near Palm Springs, California.

A Must-Play
“Growing up in southern Michigan, this is one of the top five courses you always hear about that need to be on your list to play,” said golfer John Barkalow of Schoolcraft, Michigan, after playing The Bear for the first time in late 2019. “It was challenging yet playable. I’m certainly not a fantastic golfer, but I was able to shoot my average score.”

His playing partner that day, Brian Kowalski of Bowling Green, Ohio, added, “My first impressions were intimidating, but I wanted to try it because it’s listed as one of the top golf courses in Michigan. I definitely want to come back here and also try The Wolverine and Spruce Run. Always great golf in Northern Michigan.”

While The Bear sees most of its play by the average golfer, throughout the years it has hosted the state’s premier state championship — the Michigan Open — more times than any other golf course. (See related story on page xx.) And not long after The Bear opened, it hosted the PGA Champions Tour Ameritech Senior Open in 1990, won by global fan favorite Chi Chi Rodriguez.

“The Bear was the hardest course, as Jack built it, when it opened in 1985, and it’s withstood the test of time,” McGee says. “It’s still very attractive, people still love to play it, and those who come to the Resort, if they’re going to play one golf course, they choose The Bear.”
Simply the Best

Resort garners top convention center award

By Emily Doran

Being named “Best Convention Center” by Michigan Meetings + Events in 2019 is the culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication from the staff at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.
Boasting 86,500 square feet of meeting space, the Resort has established itself as a major hub for state, corporate, and private events. While the Resort has earned other accolades from Michigan Meeting + Events, including “Best Golf Venue” in 2019 and previous years, this is the first time the resort has snagged the “Best Convention Center” title (in the Non-University category). The award was determined in part through a readers’ poll, meaning clients and colleagues weighed in to push the results the Resort’s way.
“The award is, quite frankly, a reflection of our service, our food and beverage — the total meeting package,” says Ryan Buck, director of sales.
The honor also helps the Resort, which is booked by hundreds of groups a year, compete against larger venues like Detroit’s TCF Center (formerly the Cobo Center) and Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Buck says.
“It puts us on a different level in a way, in a playing field commensurate with those other amazing venues that we have across the board, and it really shows the true capacities that we have,” he says. “These types of things help us establish legitimacy and credibility as an independent property.”
Certain features at the Resort help it stand out. For one thing, the convention space is wide open — no pillars.
“You don’t normally see that, especially with ballrooms like ours — 19,000 square feet,” says Buck, referencing the recently renovated Governors’ Hall. “Not having any pillars is a really distinct advantage.”
Other amenities, including a spacious loading dock, make the space particularly appealing to vendors.
“Another thing that we hear as feedback, and I see all the time, is it’s just easy to do business here,” Buck says.
Those and other features keep many clients, including the Michigan Credit Union League, coming back year after year. The League has been hosting events at the resort for more than two decades, booking all or most of the meeting areas and rooms to fit between 500 and 1,200 people, depending on the event.
For Janet Ormsby, senior director of events at the League, the Resort’s perks go beyond renovated spaces and beautiful grounds to include the staff.
“They’re just great people to work with,” she says.

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Michigan Vacation Packages

2-Night Carefree Getaway – Weekend

2-Night Carefree Getaway – Midweek

1-Night Do Not Disturb – Midweek

1-Night Do Not Disturb – Weekend

2-Night Family Fun Package

Golf Deals

Spa Deals

Restaurant Deals

ONE-NIGHT RENEWAL SPA PACKAGE – WEEKEND

ONE-NIGHT RENEWAL SPA PACKAGE – MIDWEEK

TWO-NIGHT RELAX & RECHARGE PACKAGE – WEEKEND

TWO-NIGHT RELAX & RECHARGE PACKAGE – MIDWEEK

TWO-NIGHT GOLF & SPA PACKAGE

ONE-NIGHT GOLF PACKAGE – MIDWEEK

ONE-NIGHT GOLF PACKAGE – WEEKEND

TWO-NIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF PACKAGE – MIDWEEK

Two-Night Championship Golf Getaway – Weekend

2-Night Get Up and Go Package

2-Night Carefree Getaway – Weekend Book Now

2-Night Carefree Getaway – Midweek Book Now

1-Night Do Not Disturb – Midweek Book Now

1-Night Do Not Disturb – Weekend Book Now

2-Night Family Fun Package BOOK NOW

Golf Deals

Turtle Creek Casino Michigan Open Championship

Labor Day Weekend Golf Special

10th Annual Big Hole Golf Tournament

Par 3 Shootout

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12th Annual Tuff Enuff Golf Tournament

Spa Deals

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Restaurant Deals

ONE-NIGHT RENEWAL SPA PACKAGE – WEEKEND Book Now

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TWO-NIGHT RELAX & RECHARGE PACKAGE – WEEKEND Book Now

TWO-NIGHT RELAX & RECHARGE PACKAGE – MIDWEEK Book Now

TWO-NIGHT GOLF & SPA PACKAGE

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Two-Night Championship Golf Getaway – Weekend Book Now

2-Night Get Up and Go Package

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Barefoot Magazine

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Still the Best: The Bear at 35

Simply the Best

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Grand Traverse Resort and Spa