Long before it became known as one of Florida’s oldest golf courses, Mission Resort + Club helped shape the small town of Howey-in-the-Hills.
How a Small Florida Town Grew Around a Historic Resort and One of Florida’s Oldest Golf Courses
In 1916, William J. Howey arrived in central Florida with an audacious vision: buy 60,000 acres of Lake County and grow citrus. He called the area “The Alps of Florida”—a nickname born of genuine elevation (approximately 300 feet above sea level) and changes that, for Florida, felt genuinely alpine. In 1920, the town was named Howey-in-the-Hills.
Howey’s vision included making the area a citrus hub, which included commercial shipping facilities for citrus. Howey would invite prospective buyers/investors to come and see his operation, housing them on the shores of Little Lake Harris in tents called Tent City.
From Tent City to the Floridan Hotel
ThenHowey decided the town needed a hotel, so he built the Floridan Hotel at the south end of town to replace Tent City. He also built his palatial home on the north end of town, now known as The Howey Mansion. Then, seeing a need for recreation for his guests, Howey commissioned George O’Neil to design a golf course. In 1917, El Campeón was open for play.
El Campeón and Florida’s Historic Golf Trail in Howey-in-the-Hills
Today, this course is part of Florida’s Historic Golf Trail. O’Neil designed it to be challenging, with water on 14 of 18 holes, an island green on 16, and elevation changes that incorporate the natural terrain. Decades later, the course hosts PGA Tour qualifiers.
Howey-in-the-Hills
The town that grew around his vision still bears his name, with Howey-in-the-Hills, population 2,100. A small, quiet place where the median age hovers near 50, where people came and stayed because they wanted a slower pace of life.
Today, more than a century later, that property, now renamed the Mission Resort + Club, still anchors the town of Howey-in-the-Hills. It’s the reason Howey-in-the-Hills exists at all. Citrus is no longer the economic driver it once was, the town is growing, and the Mission Resort is morphing as well, while still maintaining its historical roots.
From Historic Florida Property to Modern Resort Destination
In 1964, Nick Beucher purchased the property, including the golf course. MMI Hospitality Group purchased the property in 2023. As part of the resort’s rebranding, they renamed the El Conquistador restaurant to Conquistador, renovated the guest rooms, upgraded the spa, and enhanced the overall dining experience.
Hiding in Plain Sight in Howey-in-the-Hills
It’s rare in today’s hotel hospitality environment to find a resort like Mission Resort + Club. With its under-the-radar location in Howey-in-the-Hills, this resort is where you can come to not be seen.
Many athletes (Tiger Woods, Billie Jean King) have intentionally chosen the resort because of its secluded location, which allows them time for blocks of focused, distraction-free training. The resort’s historic El Campeón course has hosted private golf tournaments, and Tiger Woods has chosen the resort to train his son, Charlie.
Time to Chill at The Mission Resort + Club
From the moment you arrive and peep the peaceful, serene surroundings with golf greens, set amidst the hills and lakes, the Spanish Colonial-inspired architecture with red tile roofs, the multiple conversation areas and fire pits scattered across the outside areas, a feeling of relaxation hits, and time slows down.
The Resort Poolside Experience
The pool sits prominently between the main building and the golf greens. Its design is simple: a rectangular shape with curved corners, and the waters are sparkling blue. Loungers line two sides of the pool, and a poolside bar serves ice-cold drinks and cocktails.
I found myself drawn to one of the loungers, my Kindle in hand. For the next hour, I relaxed and read in near isolation. A rarity for me.
Comfort and History in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida
The resort is a Historic Hotels of America property—authentically maintained, thoughtfully updated. The enclosed balcony overlooked fairways and spring-fed lakes. My room, with a king bed and golf course view, was serene and peaceful. There is nothing quite like being awakened by the gentle sounds of nature, beckoning me to sip my coffee out on the enclosed balcony. Such a beautiful way to begin the day. The property includes 176 rooms, including pet-friendly rooms, with a nightly fee.
The Grounds of a Historic Florida Resort
The property is stunning and has recently undergone major renovations. But the heart of the resort, the historic El Campeón golf course, has continued as originally designed, and still draws golfers, amateur and professional, to play. But that is not the only reason to plan a visit to the Mission Resort + Club.
©Mission Resort + Club
©Mission Resort + Club
Resort Activities at Mission Resort + Club
Pickleball and Tennis in Howey-in-the-Hills
If you are a tennis player, you will appreciate Cesar Villarroel, the head of the tennis program. Cesar has been a fixture in the tennis program for 30+ years, and he is amazing! He also oversees the pickleball program. Now, I am really terrible at racquet sports, but I even attempted to learn the art of pickleball under Cesar. In my view, the fact that he encouraged me to even try and that I was successful is a major win for this racquet-sport-challenged gal.
Lawn Games and Trails at the Mission Resort + Club
I loved the oversized chess set on the lawn by the herb garden; it is a delightful way to while away an afternoon. I was even a bit tempted to wander the trails that run through the 500 acres; however, with my abysmal sense of direction, I knew I would become hopelessly lost.
Resort Dining in Howey-in-the-Hills
One of the things that I appreciated about the resort was the dining venues. Conquistador is light and airy inside and reopened after renovation, offering a new menu, a private-label bourbon called Blue Note, and a nice, well-rounded selection of wines.
Conquistador Restaurant Bar & Grill
©Betsi Hill
The seared tuna was so tasty and, when paired with the avocado-mango emulsion, unexpected. I often pair mango with tuna, but the addition of the avocado? That elevated a simple seared tuna to a new level of taste for me. It was one of the standout dishes of our stay. The Bourbon Braised short rib was the most tender piece of meat I have eaten. I was able to cut it with a fork, and when it hit my tongue, it melted with a gentle kiss of flavors.
Wine Pairings and Blue Note Bourbon
I also appreciated the wine pairing that accompanied the meal, Bonanza Cabernet (moderate price point), which paired quite nicely with the Bourbon Braised short rib. As a non-bourbon drinker, I was tempted to try their private-label bourbon, Blue Note.
I am not typically a fan of rye bourbon, but Blue Note did not disappoint. Surprisingly, instead of the instant, attention-getting heavy rye flavor, it was subtle and gentle, with a whisper of rye flavor that didn’t completely overwhelm me.
La Hacienda‘s Sunday Brunch at The Mission Resort + Club
Sunday Buffet at La Hacienda is a full-sensory experience. The various food smells, the dizzying array of food, and the tastes combine to finish the experience. Starting with bottomless mimosas, you are presented with choices – orange juice or cranberry? And then, there are the many food choices. Do you begin with the carving stations, omelets, desserts, salads, classic American breakfast options, or seafood? No matter where you begin, you will leave satisfied.
The salmon platter was certainly visual culinary artistry. It was perfectly smoked, and a delightful way to begin the brunch experience. It was artfully arranged on a carved-wood fish platter that appeared to be three feet long. And it was delicious.
The Carving Station at La Hacienda
©Betsi Hill
However simple it sounds, the food I loved most was the roast beef at the carving station.
This is a treat I do not often get, and I personally loved the horseradish cream that comes with this option. It was perfectly balanced in flavor, and my meat was just the temperature I prefer. This is no longer just a brunch buffet; this is a culinary destination for brunch. I will drive 45 minutes for this experience.
Resort Wellness and The Spa in Howey-in-the-Hills
The Spa at The Mission Resort + Club offers a quiet retreat. Completely refurbished by MMI for a more tranquil experience, it encompasses 2,600 square feet and features five treatment rooms and relaxation lounges.
I can personally vouch for the massage experience, which was one of the best body treatments I have had in a long time. The therapist was knowledgeable and respectful of my injuries, making the experience relaxed and enjoyable.
William Howey called this area “The Alps of Florida” a century ago. Driving through those rolling hills now, past live oaks and spring-fed lakes, past the red-tile roofs rising above the landscape, the nickname still fits.
It’s a destination that, if the need arises and you need to escape the everyday, or you just want to escape to a place where no one knows who you are or why you are there, The Mission Resort + Club, in Howey-in-the-Hills, just may be the place that you need to be.
If You Go
Getting There: Orlando International Airport (MCO) offers commercial flights. By car, Orlando International is approximately an hour from Howey-in-the-Hills and the Mission Resort + Club.
Plan Your Visit: For trip planning resources, events, and more, visit the Mission Resort + Club and Discover Lake County.
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