Mesquite, Nevada resorts offer a laid-back desert golf vacation alternative

Mesquite, Nev., and Las Vegas are separated by just 80 miles, but in some ways they are worlds apart. Both offer gambling, shows and fine dining, but if you're looking for a little more laid-back golf resort experience, then Mesquite might be the prudent choice.

The Mesquite area, which is home to the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship, has an impressive collection of all-inclusive resorts that serve close to a dozen golf courses in the area. Each resort offers comfortable rooms and suites, gaming, entertainment and golf packages, and they're all located within minutes of golf, even if the courses aren't on the property.

"What sets us apart from the Vegas resorts is our intimate settings in our resorts," said Cody Law, executive director of Golf Mesquite Nevada. "If you and some friends were to go stay on the Strip in Vegas, you would most likely split up once you hit the casinos at night and not see each other until tee time the next day.

"Because of our intimate atmosphere, we give our customers more opportunities to enjoy each other. Plus a huge benefit is six out of our nine golf courses are only [a five-minute drive] from each other. You can’t get that in Vegas."

The best way to enjoy a Mesquite golf vacation would be to book a package at one of the resorts for a few days and set up a golf itinerary from there. There are plenty of options, but we'll focus on four solid choices: Eureka Casino Resort, CasaBlanca Resort, Falcon Ridge Hotel and the Virgin River Hotel and Casino.

Recently remodeled, the 60-acre Eureka Casino Resort offers comfortable rooms and suites and terrific dining at one of the area's top restaurants, Gregory's Steak and Spirits. The hotel is completely separated from its casino, which has more than 1,200 slots. Amenities include pool and hot tub, a fitness room with the latest equipment and a convenient laundry area. The Eureka also offers an Internet cafe as well as live entertainment.

The CasaBlanca Resort, which also has remodeled rooms, also has its own golf course, the 7,000-yard, links-style CasaBlanca Golf Club, which was designed by Cal Olson. Situated in the valley of the Virgin River Mountains, guests at the CasaBlanca Resort are greeted by a waterfall, setting the tone for the property's tropical feel. The property boasts three restaurants, including Catherine's, known for its tableside cooking.

Falcon Ridge Hotel also has its own golf course, the 6,550-yard, par-71 Falcon Ridge Golf Club, which features plenty of elevation changes, mesa views and numerous water features. The hotel is perched above the Mesquite Valley, offering some of the best views in the area. With only 130 rooms and suites, Falcon Ridge has a more intimate feel than some of the resorts, with boutique style suites and friendly, personal service.

Characterized as an "All-American" resort, the Virgin River Hotel and Casino has a real country atmosphere, from its live music to its dancing. The resort is characterized as one of the best values in the area, known for its $4.99 prime rib as well as its awesome Sierra's Buffet. In addition, the resort has one of the largest sports books in the area as well as a 24-lane bowling center.