Amelia Island Plantation escape; Natural beauty beckons at Florida resort

The mission at the 1,350-acre resort is for all of the development to be “In Harmony With Nature” and it is a success with the centuries old live oaks, majestic maritime forests and tranquil salt marshes being among the features that have remained intact.

Nature programs offered by the nature center include birding excursions, scenic bike tours, kayak tours and edible plant and wildlife tours. I chose the naturalist Segway tour and it was definitely one of the highlights of my trip.

I was a bit nervous at first because I could see myself falling off the Segway. After a short lesson, the nerves were gone and I was loving the feeling of rolling through the resort checking out our natural surroundings.

It’s a nature tour like no other as a naturalist leads you through maritime forests, marsh boardwalks and beachside paths giving information on the plants and animals that make the island home. Our hour and a half hour was over too soon. A Segway tour is something that I would highly recommend. It’s a great way to cover a lot of ground.

The segway tour starts at Amelia’s Wheels where you can also rent bicycles or Island Hoppers (gas powered carts). Both are great ways to explore the resort.

The Spa offers a “clean and green” experience where the products are free of harmful chemicals and preservatives. The Spa offers organic massages, facials, scrubs, wraps and hydrotherapy. I decided to try something new for me and selected a wrap.

The Sweet Island Wrap hydrates your skin and leaves you feeling relaxed and refreshed. Your skin is gently dry brushed and then wrapped while a warm oil scalp massage relieves all your tension.
The Spa offers a relaxation area with herbal teas and organic citrus water offered. The relaxation area overlooks a mediation garden. The Spa also has steam showers with eucalyptus which is a favorite of visitors.

There is so much to do at the resort that it is a destination in itself. There really is no need to venture off of the grounds. Visitors will find 20 on-property pools, seven miles of tree-canopied trials for hiking, biking or jogging, poolside arts and crafts, camps for kids and teenagers and family events such as beach fires with smores,. Golfing and tennis lessons are offered from pros with special programs and clinics for adults and juniors alike. There are lots of shops at the resort, including Chicos, Jolie Accessories and Harrison’s Mercantile.

The accommodations at the resort include the Amelia Inn & Beach Club, which offers 249 deluxe ocean view hotel rooms. All private balconies face the ocean and are a delightful place for an early morning breakfast while enjoying the sunrise.

Another option for accommodations are the Villas of Amelia with offers ocean and resort view hotel rooms and one, two and three bedroom villas. They have ocean views, line the fairways of the golf courses or adjoin the tennis courts at Racquet Park. Each villa is unique and different, most feature fully equipped kitchens, dining areas, spacious living rooms, multiple baths and private bedrooms.

DINING AT THE RESORT

From fine dining to casual restaurants, Amelia Island Plantation offers something for everyone.
At Ocean Grill, you find fine dining at the resort’s most elegant restaurant. I started my meal with wonderful creamy Lobster Bisque with roasted lobster tail and tarragon oil. Next up was Sabal Palm Salad with candied pecans and balsamic vinaigrette. For my entrée, I had pan seared red snapper with lemon saffron fregula. Dessert choices include cheesecake and creamy chocolate cake. Each course was wonderful and it’s a great place for a special dinner.

The Verandah is a great spot for wonderfully fresh seafood. I started off with jumbo shrimp and crab cocktail and chose for me entrée, the Red House Snapper with seasoned house blend herbs and spices topped with soft blue crab crust and finished with a butter sauce. For a perfect ending, try a slice of key lime pie.

For a great meal in a casual setting, go to the Falcon’s Nest where the appetizers are the best part of the meal. We sampled Blue Moon Shrimp, jumbo shrimp cooked in spices and served chilled with cocktail sauce; fried green beans, tempura battered and served with lemon aioli; and wings served with celery, carrots and homemade bleu cheese dressing. For my entrée, I had the blackened grouper sandwich served with a spicy remoulade on a toasted Kaiser roll.

The Beach Club Grill offers burgers, sandwiches, wraps and salads. Dining is offered inside or outside by the pool. One afternoon, I dined poolside and enjoyed a bucket of shrimp. Another day, I went inside to the cool dining room and enjoyed a tuna salad.

Marche Burette Deli is an old-fashioned gourmet food market and deli offering breakfast and lunch. It’s a great place to grab a meal while at the spa or biking.

A great place to start the day is at Sunrise Café where you can overlook the Atlantic while enjoying a buffet breakfast. Omelets made to order, traditional eggs, grits and meats, pastries and fruit are among the offerings.

Room service is another great option during your stay. One morning, I sat on my deck at the Amelia Inn and watched the sunrise as I enjoyed scrumptious bagel with smoked salmon and fresh fruit, along with fresh-squeezed orange juice.

The Amelia Inn Lobby is a great place to gather in the evenings. Live entertainment is offered. It’s a fun place to wind down in the evenings and relax with friends in a cozy setting.

For more information on Amelia Island Plantation, go to www.aipfl.com. For reservations, call 1-800-874-6878.