Think “Tampa Bay” and your thoughts most likely run to beaches and beautiful weather. But the Tampa region is also home to some of the best golf and golf communities on the Gulf. North of the city and just 10 minutes from the coast, Terra Vista of Citrus Hills will put to rest any notions that Florida is endlessly flat. The lush rolling hills bring to mind the Carolinas. Though the community is only 10 minutes from the coast, you’ll find a tee box on its flagship Skyview course that sits 250 feet above sea level.

Terra Vista’s three golf courses take full advantage of the undulating terrain and accompanying lakes to deliver three satisfyingly distinct golf experiences. Did someone say “free golf”? Right now that is exactly what is being offered to homeowners who purchase a social membership ($995 a year per household). The offer is good, with a cart rental, through 2015 on Terra Vista’s original course, The Meadows.

This past fall, the club opened the enormous and luxurious 45,000-square-foot BellaVita Spa & Fitness Center. Certainly one of the largest and most comprehensive spa facilities of its kind at a private community, it was instant hit with members. Under its roof, members enjoy racquetball courts, steam and sauna rooms, a large indoor pool and spa, and seemingly endless menu of spa services. The community’s premium amenities also include two clubhouses, two tennis centers and outdoor pools.

They have recently introduced an entirely new collection of furnished home models with 1,500- to over 4,000-square-foot living areas. Prices for detached villas and single-family homes run from the $300s to the $800s and are exclusively offered as home/homesite packages to maintain the cohesiveness of the manicured neighborhoods. Extensive home customization is available to accommodate each homeowner’s individual needs.