Travel * Florida's Amelia Island Plantation * part one

After visiting the Amelia Island Plantation in Florida I decided that there is just way to much goodness about the resort to write it all up in one post. I will be featuring Amelia Island in a 3 part feature starting with my favorites for a relaxing vacation getaway that I find perfect. Just look at that lovely row of beach cabanas above. When I think of a great relaxing getaway there are 3 big things that come to mind Cabana on the Beach, Spa treatments and good food. Omni Hotels and Resorts know how to do all three very well and with Amelia Island they kept their ever good reputation and well exceeded it.

Already a historical favorite resort, the Omni Hotels & Resorts spent $85 million to Re-Imagination the legendary Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort into the 404 rooms on 1,350 acres of private luxury resort to the stunning resort it is today. Yes, 1350 acres. Now you know why I need at least 3 parts of this feature.
With a huge new pool multi tiered pool including an adults only infinity edge pool, a 10,000 square foot family friendly pool and 3.5 miles of immaculate beach sun and water are abundant.
For me the poolside and beach side service while sipping a cool drink and reading my favorite magazine is ideal.

I also love that there is an adults only pool. I'm more of a pool lounger-floater-wader than a swimmer and the idea of relaxing with out kids splashing around sounds lovely.
One mark of a truly luxurious hotel resort is in the details. See the quality furniture and beautiful landscape, it's in the details.

A great resort always has a great spa. At the full service Spa and Salon is just "footsteps from the Sea." Taking a green and organic approach free from harmful chemicals, artificial ingredients and preservatives.
I have sensitive skin and I'm allergic to petrochemicals which aren't good for your body anyway so I LOVE this about the Amelia Island Spa.
How does a Seaside Sensory Journey that includes a cool down treatment using natural silk proteins and plum wine sugar acids or a Plantation Blossom Ritual that includes a warmed exfoliate of lemon, papaya, cherry blossom, and rice powder cream sound? You will be polished, buffed, masked, and massaged to a state of relaxation and calm.



The food is good, really good so good it will all be covered in part 2 of our 3 part feature.

The Emerald Coast Florida * Travel

Often when you think of Florida one of two places come to mind Walt Disney World in Orlando or Miami. I was one of those who didn't know the vast variety of beauty Florida has to offer. I was invited on a lovely trip to visit Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast and my perception changed.

The Emerald Coast got it's name from the deep bluish green waters that come from the crushed quarts sugar white sand that reflects up to the most beautiful ocean waters I have ever seen. The white sand is so soft underfoot. I thought I would have to venture farther south to the caribbean to see such beautiful waters and sand. Towns include Destin, FT Walton and Okaloosa Florida.

We stayed right on the ocean with a beautiful view. If you like me waking up to a beach view and strolling along or sitting in a nice umbrella covered lounge chair is perfect. A few places to stay with beach front and views:

Family Friendly:
The Jade East Towers- Condos

Adults Only:
The gorgeous Henderson Park Inn

The first on our itinerary was Parasailing. Destin Parasailing took us out. One of my life list goals is to go parasailing and the Emerald Coast is one of those places that would make it a memory of a lifetime. The beautiful waters, dolphins always in view and the perfect weather. So much fun!

We set sail on the Emerald Dancer for relaxing sunset cruise and photo ops of the dolphins was enjoyed by the whole family. This little cutie even got to play captain for us.

One phrase Deep Sea Fishing. There is nothing like deep seas fishing in crystal clear waters when you can see a hundred feet to the bottom of the ocean and the schools of fish passing by. I am sold. I never knew I loved it so much. The Miss Nautica knew just where to take us to fish for our dinner. You will be spoiled fishing on the Emerald Coast.

You have never tasted shrimp until you have tasted it fresh out of the ocean. The texture and flavor is nothing like the shrimp I have tasted in the past. If you are a seafood lover this is place to visit.

Recommended Good Eats:
BeachWalk Cafe
The Crab Trap
Staff's Restaurant

I will be back again. This time I'm staying at the Harbor Inn. It looks so charming plus the food is amazing.


by April A. founder & editor-in-chief