A Local’s Guide to the Memberships at Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa

A Local’s Guide to the Memberships at Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa

As I keep collecting more and more rotations around the sun, the more I find myself gravitating towards experiences that feel more relaxed and pamper-worthy than perhaps strenuous. Probably because leaving the house with a toddler while pregnant feels strenuous on a daily basis!? I LOVE SUMMER and this year Addy is ALL ABOUT water play. So, of course, I wanted to find something local that would benefit the whole fam.

CUE: Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National.

I think a lot of Auburn-Opelika locals don’t fully realize everything this resort offers beyond golf weekends and staycations. BECAUSE I DIDN’T UNTIL RECENTLY. Between the resort memberships, spa memberships, pools, fitness amenities, dining, pickleball, and wellness offerings, it’s kind of a hidden gem for locals looking to add a little more relaxation (and fun!!) into everyday life.

George, Addy, and I officially joined the Premier Resort Membership this year and it has quickly become one of our favorite family investments.

Why We Joined the Premier Resort Membership

At this stage of life — with a toddler, busy work schedules, baseball season, and another baby on the way — finding places that genuinely feel like a ~getaway~ for everyone is rare.

But the pool setup at Grand National is truly elite for families with little kids.

For Addy (2.5 years old), it’s basically her dream playground. Every time we pull into Grand National she yells from her carseat “WE’RE AT THE POOOOOOOLLLLL!”. It’s adorable.

The pool complex itself is massive (over 4,200 square feet) with three saltwater pools, waterfalls, whirlpools, splash areas for kids, cabanas, fire pits, and plenty of room to spread out without feeling crowded.

There’s a shallow wade-in area with fountains for younger littles, a deck of lounge chairs that actually sits in the water (which is PERFECT toddler depth), a fun water play area, and a water slide.

There are tons of chairs and umbrellas, so you don’t feel stressed trying to claim a spot, and if you want to elevate the day even more, you can reserve a cabana.

The Poolside Food Situation Deserves Its Own Section

I would also like to formally thank whoever created the poolside menu because George and I have been impressed.

Our standing order:

The BAMA Flatbread
The Melon Salad
Frozen drinks for me (currently in my virgin piña colada era and thriving)

🎶 If you like piñaaaaa coladasssssss… 🎶

It’s almost as if sitting poolside while your toddler happily splashes around tricks your brain into thinking you’re at a luxury coastal resort somewhere far, far away from your inbox.

Put me on a lounge chair with a frozen drink and suddenly I’m asking myself, “Wait … where am I?”

Resort heaven. That’s where.

What’s Included in the Premier Resort Membership

Once we realized how often we were going (and how excited Addy was about the pool), the Premier Resort Membership started making a lot of sense for us.

The family membership includes:

Unlimited access to the resort pools and hot tubs (indoor + outdoor)
Access to the spa facilities and spa fitness center
Tennis and pickleball facilities
Bike rentals
Discounts on spa services and spa retail
15% off food and drinks (excluding alcohol)
Quarterly member-exclusive events
Birthday month perks
Guest spa day passes for friends and family

The family membership is:

$299/month with an annual commitment
OR $325/month for a 6-month membership
Covers up to 4 people

Find more details HERE. And honestly, if you’re someone who loves a resort atmosphere, enjoys wellness amenities, has little kids who could live in a pool, or simply wants a built-in way to slow down during the week … it’s kind of an incredible local luxury.

There’s More Than One Membership Worth Exploring

AND, the resort offers multiple membership options depending on what season of life you’re in. For our family, the Premier Resort Membership made sense because we hope to live at the pool during the summer.

I’ve also fallen in love with their Wellness Membership and spa amenities.

As a mom — and especially during pregnancy — having access to a quiet spa environment, infrared sauna, relaxation spaces, fitness center, and spa services has felt like such a gift. Sometimes I’ll go for a treatment, and other times I just want a peaceful afternoon.