While the likes of Forbes, Barron’s, Golf Digest and USA Today have all heaped praise on Martis Camp over the years, we may have to go back a bit further to pay tribute to one critic in particular for zeroing in on what exactly sets this world-class private community apart: Aristotle.
It was the great Greek philosopher who’s largely attributed as author of the phrase, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” That expression best encapsulates Martis Camp’s strength. It’s not just this or that or one specific thing that might separate Martis Camp from all other luxury communities in the country. Instead, it’s a collective purse of thoughtfully created amenities, each outstanding on its own but even more impressive when you consider they all exist within the same 2,177 acres of prime Tahoe terrain.
There’s golf, for example. Not just a course that was created for the sake of simply having a golf offering in one’s community quiver but rather a course designed by one of the game’s great players and architects, Tom Fazio. His 18-hole masterpiece here at Martis Camp is a perennial favorite of some of the game’s most respected publications, including Golfweek, Golf Digest and Links Magazine. Scottie Scheffler may hold a fondness for the course as well after winning the 2013 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Martis Camp.
On the flip side of the calendar is that amenity that appeals to families that find their fun on the slopes. At Martis Camp, you have direct, private access to Northstar California™, a premier Tahoe ski resort. Members and their guests enjoy private access to the Martis Camp Express high-speed quad lift at the base of Lookout Mountain. That means you avoid parking lots and long lines and put more time into your turns. You can even take advantage of home-pickup shuttle and valet service and arrive at the 12,970-square-foot slopeside Lookout Ski Lodge where your boots remain warm and your skis are ready to play.
Even more color comes to Martis Camp via the Family Barn, a brilliant splash of red at the heart of the community where you’ll find pool tables, a full indoor basketball court and a two-lane bowling alley. There’s a game room, the inspiring Art Loft with folk school classes, and a 44-seat state-of-the-art movie theater hosting adventure and family feature movies and kids’ movie nights. And right next door is Concert Lake, the ideal place to fine tune your casting skills or introduce kids to the wonders of fishing.
This bucket list of all-things-impressive includes more than 20 miles of trails that connect Martis Camp, including a stop at that fairy tale setting of a cabin known as the Lost Library with a porch swing, a low-slung, wrap-around porch, overstuffed chairs, crackling fire, a kitchen with coffee, hot chocolate, snacks, and an assortment of puzzles, publications and novels of all genres.
The 18-hole Putting Park is the ideal place to practice your short game or master your family bonding skills. The nearby Park Pavilion features a selection of pickleball courts (including some that are heated) and basketball courts, sand volleyball court, and a Sports Field that’s ideal for lacrosse, soccer, softball or touch football. For those favoring the original racket game, Martis Camp has you covered with the Tennis Pavilion.
With the Tahoe Beach Club just 20 minutes away, Martis Camp’s foothold on the shores of Lake Tahoe just grew several sizes larger with the acquisition of a new larger lakefront property that creates the opportunity for a larger-scale, more dynamic beach and beach club experience for members and their guests.
And finally, there’s that defining feature of Martis Camp – the Camp Lodge. It’s where you start the day in the fitness facility or swimming pool and end it with a massage or a highly acclaimed meal. It’s also that fascinating building that rises above the 18th green, the one reminiscent of some of America’s finest, most notable national park lodges.
With all it serves up to its members, it’s easy to see why publications as distinguished as Forbes and Barron’s say Martis Camp is Tahoe’s best of the best, an assessment that Aristotle himself would’ve likely endorsed as well.
