Pebble Beach is one of golf’s great pilgrimages. It remains America’s top public golf course, and arguably the world. If you’re traveling from afar, then where better to stay than on the first fairway?
The Fairway One Cottage Suites not only put you on the doorstep of not only one of California’s top golf courses but at the heart of one of its best resorts, too. Featured as one of our World’s Finest Suites, we put a few questions to the resort’s COO, Caroline MacDonald.
What attracted you to your position at the hotel?
The brand’s iconic reputation was attractive but of equal importance is the impact the resort and the events we host, have on our local community. Pebble Beach is woven into the fabric of the Monterey Peninsula and has contributed more than $14m to local charities that have a direct impact on the neighborhoods that surround us.
Tell us about a defining moment in your role that sticks out.
Being part of the first US Women’s Open at Pebble Beach was special. I was proud to be part of the organization for this historic moment and to see all of the hard work in the weeks, months, and even years ahead come to fruition in staging the biggest championship in women’s golf. The week was a landmark one for women’s golf and that was not limited just to the play on the course – earlier in the week an all-female crew punctuated our Fourth of July celebration with a flyover and every morning before play, an all-women’s ground crew prepared the course for championship play.
And what has been the hotel’s biggest challenge during your time there?
The industry has been impacted over the past few years so ensuring that we are constantly innovating and striving to present the next generation of guests with a once-in-a-lifetime experience, just as we have over the past 105 years.
Continuing that initiative, we recently revealed our redesigns at Casa Palmero, further enhancing the intimate 24-room Mediterranean-style estate. Working with such an esteemed brand as Pebble Beach Resorts, the challenge is to find ways to exceed the lofty expectations we have earned over the years.
What separates the Fairway One Cottages from anything else on offer in the region?
The location on the first fairway along with the amenities and design, make it the perfect refuge for guests looking for that ultimate hideaway experience. Players from around the globe begin the round of a lifetime and the Fairway One Cottages fully encapsulate the energy that comes with staying alongside one of the world’s premier golf courses. From small groups to families to couples, the residential feel and private experience is idyllic and does not mean sacrificing the services of a luxury hotel.
What exciting plans do you have for the hotel that you can share with our readers?
We have completed some exciting enhancements to the award-winning Spa at Pebble Beach along with our Beach and Tennis Club. With wellness and longevity at the forefront, we have elevated our services and facilities to offer world-class wellness to incorporate into your stay. This includes new state-of-the-art fitness facilities, cold plunge tubs, red light and physical therapy treatments to keep our guests feeling refreshed throughout their stay.
