Tucked into the southern side of Birmingham’s rolling hills is what the staff affectionately calls “The Castle.” The Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort & Spa on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Designed to feel like a 1920s Scottish mansion enhanced with hefty wood beams, dark wood paneling, a stone fireplace and two-story-high ceilings, the property evokes a sense of comfort and luxury.

The AAA Four Diamond resort situated in a residential community feels far away from the city, but is only about a 15-minute drive to Birmingham. The main attraction is the golf course designed for PGA play with 4,800–8,191 yards. One of the longest courses in the world, golfers play 18 holes beside two lakes.

My husband and I arrived in the late afternoon. After a swift check-in, we were given a brochure with the week’s Summer at the Castle perks designed for families and couples. On our Tuesday stay, the complimentary cocktail of the day was honeysuckle lemonade. We sipped the tart concoction while watching children frolic on the giant slide in the outdoor swimming pool.

Our second-floor Tower Suite with a balcony wrapping around two walls overlooked the golf course. The living room with a sofa sleeper, flat-screen television and dining table for four people also had a coffeemaker, microwave and mini fridge. The spacious king-sized bedroom had an equally large bathroom featuring a separate tub and shower with Aveda products. Every day at sunset, a bagpiper marches across the grounds while playing. Our guestroom balcony was the ideal spot to hear the wistful sound.

If you don’t play golf, there are many other ways to exercise at the resort, featuring a fitness center, indoor pool, tennis courts, biking trail, jogging trail, volleyball and badminton. We took a stroll along the paved walking trail — a hilly stretch with blooming mimosa trees and wild berries.

The dining options at the resort include two restaurants, a bar and room service. We attended an early-morning meeting at Brock’s, serving a hearty breakfast buffet of made-to-order omelets, locally sourced sausage, bacon, hash browns, pastries, fruit and yogurt. After only one short night at The Castle, we felt rejuvenated and ready to continue our journey. If you are traveling to Alabama, we heartily recommend the Renaissance Ross Bridge.

Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

4000 Grand Ave.
Birmingham, AL 35226
tel 205 916 7677