National Village sits next to the Grand National Golf Course out in Opelika, Alabama, with the big Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa right there and that's quite a well-kept spot, people say, since they don't allow pets or smoking inside any of the rooms, so you won't be dealing with either while you stay or visit, and you can see they've got their rules set for keeping everything quiet and clean. This place is part of a bigger resort area, with four floors and 129 rooms and suites, all smoke-free, and everybody gets free parking, but they do charge $6 each night for internet so keep that in mind if that's something you use a lot. Folks who stay here or join as members get to use a lot of good things like both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and there's an exercise room too, but they keep a careful eye so only members or guests use the pools, not just anyone walking in from the spa.
There's a restaurant, a lounge, and room service, so you won't go hungry, and for people who need extra support, they've got all sorts of care like assistance with daily activities, help with taking medication, and support for folks who can't get around so well anymore, plus there's a 24-hour call system and staff always watching to make sure everyone's safe and alright. It all feels calm and focused, and they make a point to treat people as individuals, with all sorts of planned activities to keep folks interested, like movie nights, music events, arts and crafts, and big community gatherings, some of those led by residents themselves. The dining set-up is flexible, with a proper restaurant-style dining room, all-day options, meals prepared for allergies, and chefs who work right there, and eating always feels easy for people who want a sit-down meal or something a bit more private, and they've got private bathrooms, kitchenettes, air conditioning, cable TV, phones, furniture, and Wi-Fi in the rooms too, so there's comfort and privacy.
They keep things pretty quiet in the common spaces. You won't find people talking loudly or using phones everywhere because that's a rule for keeping it peaceful, especially around the spa that's famous for its local tree desk, fireplace, and those big tall windows that bring in the Alabama woods feeling, all done up with natural colors and comfortable chairs, so it really feels like a retreat rather than just a facility, a bit like being in one of those fancy treehouses they talk about. For folks interested in fitness or relaxation, the spa's got infrared saunas and whirlpools, but you'll need at least a 50-minute reservation for any spa service to use those, and they don't serve food in the spa but you can buy a drink there if you want one.
The staff help out with laundry, housekeeping every day, and move-in help for new people, and there's always someone at the reception desk, which they built from a local tree, welcoming people during open hours, which run Sunday to Tuesday from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon, staying open later until 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and even opening earlier at 8 a.m. on Saturdays. The place also stays cashless, which means you have to pay with a card or with your room charge, and if you want to cancel or change your reservation, they ask you to let them know at least 24 hours ahead.
There's a lot of outdoor space and walking trails, games, a library, an arts room, outdoor common spaces, a fitness center, and scheduled activities every day. They've got a business room for work or meetings, and they do a good job planning big gatherings for things like weddings, parties, corporate meetings, and big golf tournaments too, because they have a lot of space for it, including the Lake and Links Courses with 54 holes altogether. Golfers know about big events like The Couples Classic in the fall, and the golf courses have hosted all sorts of top tournaments-from the PGA TOUR to NCAA championships and everything in between, and there's also an option for staying overnight at the Oster Golf House, or nearby at Hampton Inn & Suites or Fairfield Inn & Suites if there's ever a need.
National Village tries to create an environment that's both lively and calming, with nature all around, and they use materials and decor to remind people of Alabama's earth, water, air, and fire. There's focus on safety and personal attention no matter who you are or what you need, whether you're there for independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, or as part of the continuing care retirement community, and people seem to appreciate the honest, caring approach rather than anything fancy or over-the-top. They offer lots of different experience packages and activities, and anyone curious about staying or joining will find the place practical, peaceful, and grounded in the Alabama landscape, with membership letting you enjoy the amenities, events, and vibrant day-to-day life with the added bonus of world-class golf right on your doorstep.
