Saint John’s Resort – The Unexpected Partnership of Luxury Hotels and Life-Changing Humanitarianism
By Tracy Cottrell / photos courtesy of St. John’s Resort
One of my many pleasures when planning a trip is the delightful anticipation and preparation for all aspects of my getaway. Most travelers start by exploring the chosen accommodations and amenities, recommended or planned activities, unexpected options, and overall ambiance. Sophisticated adventurers are also looking for hospitable gourmet dining options, memorable cuisine accompanied by unique cocktails, all supported by the epitome of excellent service. Preparations for my trip to Saint John’s Resort allowed me to easily check off all the above, enhancing my anticipation and growing curiosity about this unusual resort with the storied history and present-day humanitarian ambitions.
The gated entrance and the resort’s internal roadway usher guests in, showcasing the gently rolling hills and immaculately manicured grounds. I was immediately struck by the sheer size of Saint John’s Resort campus. Originally built as a seminary in the late 1940’s, the resort features a low-rise Romanesque style with a vibrant red brick facade and Mission-style terra cotta tile roofing. It is not a tall building, but broad, claiming the landscape and highlighting the contrasting red brick against the vibrant green of the manicured grounds. The historic elegance of the resort and the 200-acre campus welcome guests with open arms, offering the best of the past and all the amenities of the present.
My itinerary included enticing activities, but first on my own list was exploration of this unique resort. I was curious to understand how the resort achieved its humanitarian ambitions. The answer is multifaceted. Ensuring excellence in all aspects of guest experience has been central to the success of Saint John’s Resort. Beyond the robust assortment of amenities, guest satisfaction starts with the resort itself and is achieved by operational focus and excellence.
Equally important is successful, happy staff. These are not unique strategies in the hospitality industry. However, directing all net profits to worldwide humanitarian initiatives is exceptional. Saint John’s Resort is owned by the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation and is part of its Humanitarian Hotels collection, which also includes The Inn at Stonecliffe on Mackinac Island, Michigan, and Hilton Garden Inn Laramie in Wyoming. Through this philanthropic hospitality model, 100% of the hotels’ net profits support charitable causes worldwide. The foundation has invested more than $100 million across the three properties to create luxury hotels where hospitality serves as a force for good. In 2025, it awarded $10.1 million in grants to 221 nonprofit organizations serving nearly 10 million people across 33 countries.
Everyone connected with this outstanding hotel is delighted and eager to share their firm commitment to making the world a better place. The depth of their success across a range of humanitarian efforts is matched by their commitment to every aspect of the guest experience. This is just the beginning of the many qualities that make Saint John’s Resort truly unique.
As I continued to investigate the dignified edifice of Saint John’s, I walked through the lushly carpeted corridors and open spaces; the intimacy of each area was unexpected and luxurious. The omnipresence of an eclectic collection of original artwork on permanent display contributes to the resort's pervasive beauty and reflective ambiance. There is no fanfare about any of the artists, allowing the artwork to speak for itself. Perusal of the collection could last for days but is perhaps more enjoyable in brief visits as guests travel from one part of the resort to the other. My attention was caught by multiple pieces, and I succumbed to the urge to stop and enjoy each one.
Excellent gourmet options are around every corner. Five Steakhouse is directly across from reception and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu is sophisticated and the food superb. I particularly enjoyed the Good Morning Smoothies and the Mediterranean Seared Halibut. Doyles offers traditional Irish Pub food and leads enthusiastic games that turn guests into competitive teams, laser-focused on the win. The Wine Grotto is famous for its wines, of course, but equally renowned for having been the resting place of a deceased Cardinal (religious, not aviary) during the seminary days. The body has since been relocated with all appropriate permissions, but the story makes for excellent cocktail fodder!
The undeniable stars of the resort’s campus are the award-winning golf courses, designed by renowned architect Raymond Hearn. I had the opportunity for a golf lesson while at Saint John’s and will admit I was not enthusiastic. My past attempts to develop any golf skills had been lackluster. The opportunity to try again at Saint John’s won me over. My lesson was a revelation, and I finally understood how enjoyable golf could be. My transformation was attributable solely to my excellent, supportive instructor. I enjoyed the experience immensely.
On a tour led by a member of the hotel’s executive staff, details about Saint John’s history, renovations, and operations were shared with great enthusiasm, equaled by a clear dedication to the nonprofit mission. After experiencing the multifaceted Saint John’s Resort and the staff's profound dedication to the mission, the continued success of this unique resort seems inevitable.
