Family Staycation at Sawgrass Marriott

Recently we got away for a little family escape. Since baby London was still so small we decided to stick close to home and do a staycation right in our backyard at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa. Perhaps best known as the home resort of THE PLAYERS Championship course, I wanted to see if there was more to Sawgrass than met they eye. What I learned had me pleasantly surprised.

One of the stunning features of Sawgrass Marriott is the open atrium that greets you upon arrival.

The warm Southern sun streams in through wall to wall windows over looking the water, pool deck, and a soothing waterfall.

Looking down from our floor you have a birds eye view of the brand new lobby bar also known as the Bourbon Bar featuring hand crafted Southern specialties and tasty nibbles.

A few snuggles before mommy heads off for a relaxing massage.

After a glorious massage at the spa, we convened in the lobby bar for a happy hour cocktail. London joined mom and dad to smile at folks in the lobby.

The opening act for our evening dinner at the resort’s signature restaurant, Vernon’s was this delicious cheese and charcuterie board featuring locally sourced ingredients and made from scratch peach marmalade.

Each course was as tasty as the next. New to Sawgrass Marriott, Executive Chef Joe Natoli truly outdid himself in cultivating the menu at Vernon’s. Most striking to me was the ability to take a restaurant at such a large resort and give it the feeling of a small boutique hotel’s restaurant. Intimate, personal, and plenty of details inspired by the local culture.

Snow crab anyone?

From start to finish, simply divine.

Breakfast at Vernon’s was no exception. The highlight being the amazing buffet and omelette bar. Headed up by Chef Matt Sanchez, the omelette bar served up anything your imagination could contrive. I especially liked this little goat cheese, spinach, and sausage number topped off with sawgrass salt (made with local sawgrass from a special process Chef Matt created).

Lunch at Alice & Pete’s Pub pleased the eye and taste buds as well. I’m not usually into Pub food, but I have to say Alice & Pete’s surprised me. This incredible salad topped off with grilled Mayport Shrimp got an A + from me. More please?

During our stay I was also let in on a little secret. I got to preview the mock up of the brand new design coming to the guest rooms. I loved the fresh contemporary feeling of the rooms. A new emphasis has been placed on the local region and though golf is extremely important to the resort, the design doesn’t center around it. Millennial travelers will be pleased with the new aesthetic, and modern vibe.

Check out the mirror with a floor to ceiling etching of Ponte Vedra Beach.

Pool time!

Of course with the kiddos in tow we had to check out the pool deck. Two large pools provided ample space to splash and play.

Every guest who stays at the resort must try the floating hole! All proceeds go to charity, and the winner goes home with quite the prize! Challenge accepted! I’m no golfer, but still gave it a go… thank goodness it wasn’t being recorded.

On our last day we shuttled over to the Beach Club where guests enjoy another pool, a wide expanse of pristine beach, and fun amenities like paddle boards, and kayaks. Also next door was the resort’s beach front restaurant 619 Ocean View. We enjoy a delightful dinner there the night before, however regretfully did not get any images. The restaurant is the only public beach front restaurant for over twenty miles around! And this little gem is open to anyone in the public. Talk about a best kept secret!

A foodies’ paradise, a golfer’s delight, and a water lovers’ dream. There is so much to do and see at the Sawgrass Marriott. I’m so glad we had a chance to get to know one of our local diamonds. Whether you are visiting from near or far, you’ll fall for the romance of this contemporary Southern destination.

Until then…

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com