Mid Year Recap #3 | Fabulous Destinations | Reviews, Video

This year I have also been able to bring you coverage on some fabulous destinations. From Boutique Hotels, to Five Star Resorts…here are a few I’ve been proud to cover.

Fabulous Destinations

Top 3
“Triple Threat” Resorts

North East Florida Edition

Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Ahh the Ritz-Carlton, the ultimate name in luxury. This timeless, family friendly destination has been featured on my blog for “Date Night Destinations”, and as a weekend getaway we took recently. My personal experience confirms that if you are looking for a retreat that has it all, look to the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. There are so many reasons to stay and plenty of packages and amenities. In my opinion, though, what makes this destination a “Triple Threat” is:

1. For Adults – AAA Five Diamond Award Winning Salt

A must experience foodie delight featuring exquisite presentation of some of your favorite dishes elevated to perfection. Make your reservations plenty in advance and if you can, book the Chef’s table in the kitchen! You must request the Shrimp and Grits, and/or the tenderloin.

2. For Everyone – Club Level Service

Stay on the club level for an all inclusive experience. Personal concierge service, and five food presentations daily provide for all your needs and wants. Lack for nothing, and enjoy every minute.

3. For Kids – Pirate Tuck Ins

Princess Amelia and her Pirate friend will come and tuck in the munchkins, reading them a story and providing milk, cookies, and a treasure! Lifelong memories await with this magical addition to your stay.

One Ocean Resort and Spa, Atlantic Beach

Featured early on in the first season of my tv show Like Love Want Need, One Ocean Resort and Spa is relatively new to North Fl but continuing to make waves as a premier coastal destination. Intuitively meeting the needs of their guests the One Ocean leadership, and staff welcome you by name from the moment you pull up, making sure you are “Always in your Element”. I’ve had the pleasure of covering several of their special events including their High Tea, and annual Gingerbread reveal. Here are three of my favorite highlights of the artfully inspired One Ocean Resort:

1. For Adults – The Spa

The Spa at One Ocean is probably at the top of my favorite places to escape. The hubby and I have made this our go to spot for couples massage. Let the troubles of the world melt away as you enjoy their relaxation room and a glass of wine before or after your treatment. The full service Spa also specializes in a variety of other sea inspired services.

2. For Everyone – Azurea

Winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and Open Table’s Diners Choice award, you must visit Azurea. You will be delighted by the freshest in coastal fare inspired by the southern tradition, and the history that makes the first coast distinctive. Personally, my mouth is still watering from the Long Line Catch 3 Ways, and the Crab Cake.

3. For Kids – Summer Kids Club
The One Ocean kids club is all about exploration, relaxation, and fun! Kids learn about sea turtles, compete at building sand castles, and even take a cooking class with executive Chef Ted Peters! Who wouldn’t want to be a kid at One Ocean?

Bonus!!! You must get a drink from Lobby Bar tender and One Ocean favorite Hugh Thompson. A gentleman and artisan, he makes the best hand crafted cocktails.

Hammock Beach Resort, Palm Coast

Escape for a “Weekend or a Lifetime” at Hammock Beach Resort. I also had the privilege of covering Hammock Beach on Like Love Want Need, and I was beyond surprised I hadn’t discovered this getaway before. With two great golf courses, several dining options, a private yacht, and a pool to rival a water park, Hammock Beach is a magnificent retreat. Here were my top three experiences:

1. For Adults – Legendary Golf

Hammock Beach is home to two amazing courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. Awarded more titles than I can name, these courses are epic. I had an amazing time learning one on one with their golf pro on the Ocean Course. Make sure to watch out for the Bear Claw! For kids check out their family fairway.

2. For Everyone – Live here/ Stay Here
Hammock Beach is all about the ideal lifestyle, which is why you can actually live there. Vacation homes are available to rent long term, or you can simply stay the weekend. Also look for their incredible membership opportunities.

3. For Kids – Pool of Dreams

One of the signature features of every Salamander Resort are their incredible pools. Boasting both indoor and out door pools, the hub for all fun is undoubtedly the Water Pavillion. A watery playground begging to be explored including slides, a lazy river, and even a zip line! Your kids won’t want to leave, and you probably won’t either.

Watch the News Coverage here.

3 Intimate Getaways

Fig Tree Inn – Jacksonville Beach, Fl

Recently under new ownership, the Fig Tree Inn in Jacksonville Beach features newly redesigned rooms and common areas.The Fig Tree Inn is a charming cottage one block from the ocean, situated right in the heart of the beaches antique, and boutique district making this getaway perfect for a relaxing weekend. The feeling is coastal comfort as you sink into a plush chair and read a book, or enjoy drinks with friends on the open air deck.

The Fig Tree Inn also offers whole house vacation rental options, giving you and your family or friends the opportunity to take over the entire cottage. My family did just that during my own wedding weekend, even taking advantage of the location for my rehearsal BBQ reception. It suited us perfectly as we wanted our family to feel at home and enjoy mingling, just as they would during one of our typical family get togethers.

Planning a beach wedding or elopement? I can’t imagine a more charming getaway that offers everything you need, in blissful southern comfort.

Horse Stamp Inn – Waverly, GA

You may have seen the Horse Stamp Inn on the A-list once or twice before. This upscale, rustic Bed and Breakfast has quickly earned a special place in our hearts not just because of their amazing grounds, but because of the heart that goes into every detail of your stay.

The Horse Stamp Inn sits on the site of an old Pecan orchard, and several pecan trees still shade the plantation inspired site. Relax in serenity with a glass of wine or cozy up by the bonfire at night. Ultra luxe bedding invites you to dive into comfort and sleep away your stress.

Horse Stamp Innis a full service wedding venue, complete with indoor and outdoor ceremony/reception sites, making it an ideal destination to tie the knot. This picture perfect spot is only 35 minutes from the Jacksonville International Airport and convenient to North Fl, and South Ga activities.

Right now Horse Stamp Inn is offering a $1,000 Honeymoon give-away. To enter the bride and groom must visit the the Inn for a wedding tour and register for the drawing. The prize includes a two night stay in their Seabiscuit suite, breakfast in bed, mimosas, assorted chocolates, a private chef dinner for two, a special dessert, and a one hour boat ride down the Little Satilla River. Romance at it’s finest! Tell Tom and Kris I sent you. You must enter by May 31st, 2014. Drawing will be held June 15th, 2014.

Ocean Lodge – St. Simons Island, Ga

Another A-list and “Like Love Want Need” alumni, Ocean Lodge gives you a taste of the mediterranean in the comfort of Georgia’s southern coast. This boutique hotel offers 15 suites with private balconies, and an award winning restaurant “The Rooftop“. World class service and undeniably lavish decor has won Ocean Lodge multiple traveler’s choice awards. My personal stay was nothing short of magical as we awoke to the sounds of the ocean and enjoyed a cup of coffee on our private balcony overlooking the sea.

Escape to a world of your own with chocolate covered strawberries, champagne, and dinner from The Rooftop served directly to your suite.

Make the Ocean Lodge exclusively yours for the “day of your life”. You will want for nothing at this elegant destination, as they provide for all your needs.

Ocean Lodge is a short drive from major North, FL and Southern, Ga attractions. This spot makes a terrific “Destination Wedding” location. See my episode “Golden Isle Getaway” for more great things to do while on St. Simons Island.

Watch the news segment here.

I’m hard at work producing more great content on Fabulous Destinations domestic and abroad! Thanks for subscribing and stick around! The best is yet to come;)

Until then…

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com