Esplanade at Azario vs Calusa Country Club Lakewood Ranch
Esplanade at Azario vs Calusa Country Club: Which Lakewood Ranch Bundled Golf Community Is Right for You?
When searching for premier bundled golf real estate in Southwest Florida, Lakewood Ranch consistently tops the list. Among the most sought-after developments in the region are Esplanade at Azario and Calusa Country Club. Both neighborhoods allow homeowners to enjoy golf privileges deeded directly to their home—eliminating six-figure private club initiation fees.
However, despite sharing the same world-class master-planned location in Lakewood Ranch, FL, these two gated communities offer distinct lifestyle experiences, golf course designs, price points, and builder philosophies.
This side-by-side comparison explores the key differences between Esplanade at Azario vs Calusa Country Club to help you identify which community aligns best with your golf goals, real estate budget, and daily lifestyle.
1. Golf Course Design & Playability
Esplanade at Azario: A Single Championship Layout
Esplanade at Azario features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by renowned architect Chris Wilczynski.
- Course Highlights: Known for wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and pristine green complexes, Azario offers a challenging yet highly playable round for golfers of all skill levels.
- Golf Structure: The community caps total golf memberships at approximately 850 members to help preserve tee-time availability.
- Practice Facilities: Members enjoy access to full driving ranges, putting greens, and dedicated short-game practice areas.
Calusa Country Club: 30 Holes of Golfing Variety
Calusa Country Club sets itself apart with a 30-hole layout designed by legendary golf architect Gordon Lewis.
- Course Highlights: Calusa features a traditional 18-hole championship course paired with a unique 12-hole executive short course. The 12-hole course is ideal for a quick afternoon round or practicing your short game.
- Golf Structure: Calusa utilizes the lottery-based Chelsea Tee Time System to ensure equitable tee-time distribution across its 1,900 planned residences.
- Practice Facilities: Beyond traditional ranges, Calusa includes an innovative aqua driving range and an expansive 1-acre putting surface.
2. Builders, Home Styles & Pricing
Note: Pricing subject to chamge
| Feature | Esplanade at Azario | Calusa Country Club |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Builder | Taylor Morrison | Lennar |
| Total Residences | ~1,512 units | ~1,900 units |
| Home Types | Detached Villas, Single-Family Homes | Condos (Terrace/Veranda), Coach Homes, Single-Family |
| Price Range | ~$650,000 to $2.5M+ | ~$300,000 to $1.4M+ |
| Membership Type | Bundled Golf & Social options | Bundled Golf |
Esplanade at Azario Real Estate
Built by Taylor Morrison, Azario emphasizes Mediterranean-inspired architecture and luxury finishes. The neighborhood caters to buyers seeking mid-to-luxury pricing, offering attached villas and single-family executive homes. Because construction is further along, buyers can choose between move-in ready resale homes and select new build inventory.
Calusa Country Club Real Estate
Developed by Lennar, Calusa Country Club offers one of the most accessible price entry points for bundled golf in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Featuring Lennar’s signature Everything’s Included® package, floor plans range from low-maintenance terrace condominiums starting in the $300s to large single-family estate homes over $1 million.
For updated community maps and neighborhood guidelines, consult the official Lakewood Ranch Community Overview.
3. Resort Amenities & Lifestyle Experience
Both communities deliver full resort-style amenities, but their focus varies depending on your lifestyle preference.
Life at Azario: Culinary & Wellness Focus
Esplanade at Azario functions as a wellness-driven resort village. Key amenities include:
- Culinary Center: On-site fine dining, private wine tasting rooms, and full-service dining options.
- Bahama Tiki Bar: Poolside food and cocktail service next to zero-entry resort pools.
- Wellness & Spa: Full-service day spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, and movement studios.
- Racquet Sports: 14 pickleball courts and 6 Har-Tru tennis courts overseen by an on-site Lifestyle Director.
Life at Calusa: Golf-Centric Recreation
Calusa Country Club delivers an active outdoor environment centered around social play and active recreation:
- Clubhouse & Dining: Tavern dining, outdoor bar, and a bourbon lounge overlooking the aqua range.
- Resort Pool & Spa: Full-service pool area with cabanas, hot tubs, and dedicated wellness services.
- Racquet Sports: 9 pickleball courts, 8 tennis courts, and bocce ball lawns.
To explore local real estate trends, browse Florida Realtors Market Data.
Pros & Cons Comparison
Esplanade at Azario
- Pros:
- High-end finishes and custom architectural choices by Taylor Morrison.
- Capped membership limits help control tee time congestion.
- Established culinary center and full lifestyle programming.
- Cons:
- Higher real estate entry prices (~$650k+). Subject to change
- Single 18-hole golf course setup.
Calusa Country Club
- Pros:
- More affordable price point starting in the $300s for condos.
- 30 total holes of golf (18-hole course + 12-hole executive course).
- Brand-new construction options with Lennar builder incentives.
- Cons:
- Larger home density (~1,900 residences).
- Chelsea lottery system required during peak winter season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a bundled golf community?
A bundled golf community ties golf membership directly to the property deed. Homeowners do not pay upfront initiation fees; instead, golf access dues are included within the monthly or annual HOA/club fees.
Are golf memberships mandatory in both communities?
In both Esplanade at Azario and Calusa Country Club, bundled homes require payment of the community club dues, regardless of how often you play golf. Some non-golf or social deeded homes exist in select sections of Azario.
Which community is better for short-round golfers?
Calusa Country Club is ideal for golfers seeking shorter games, thanks to its 12-hole Gordon Lewis short course.
Final Verdict: Which Community Should You Choose?
Choosing between Esplanade at Azario and Calusa Country Club comes down to your personal budget and community lifestyle preferences:
- Choose Esplanade at Azario if you prioritize luxury home finishes, dedicated culinary dining, high-end wellness facilities, and a traditional 18-hole championship golf course.
- Choose Calusa Country Club if you want new construction flexibility, lower real estate entry costs, and the variety of 30 total holes of golf.
Ready to Tour Lakewood Ranch Golf Communities?
If you are planning a trip to Lakewood Ranch to compare available properties in Esplanade at Azario or Calusa Country Club, contact a local neighborhood real estate specialist here for real-time inventory updates and private home tours!