By Jennifer Olvera
Popular among both families and couples looking for a
romantic getaway, Virginia
beach is a vacationers' paradise with birding trails, delish restaurants and historic destinations worth exploring. The main draw, however, is the 35-mile stretch of
beaches---some areas secluded, others jam-packed---offering a range of possibilities for
resort-goers.
Turtle Cay Resort
Inspired by tropical resorts in Key West, this elegant, whitewashed resort---located across the street from the boardwalk---features spacious suites with high ceilings, full kitchens, Jacuzzi tubs and washers and dryers. A handful of penthouse suites afford double the space and kitchens with granite countertops.
600 Atlantic Ave.
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
(757) 437-5565
The Ocean Beach Club Resort
Luxurious oceanfront accommodations await vacationers at this beach resort with studio accommodations as well as one-, two- and three-bedroom suites with private balconies. Indoor and outdoor pools---the latter with a tiki bar---plus a fitness center, oceanfront yoga classes and a game room promise guests will relax in style. The modern penthouse rooms take full advantage of the scenery---they have 30-foot floor-to-ceiling windows---and also sport rainforest showers, four flat-screens, washers and dryers, and full kitchens.
3401 Atlantic Ave.
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
(757) 213-0601
Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel
Panoramic views of the mid-Atlantic coastline, an award-winning steakhouse and a rooftop bar and infinity pool lure vacationers to this 21-story resort, which is situated 20 minutes from the Norfolk International Airport. Many of the 290 rooms feature walk-out balconies; inside, cherrywood furniture, sea-inspired décor, flat-screens and beds with pillow-top mattresses prove comfortable. Other perks include a courtesy shuttle and concierge desk. Those looking to get active can bike along a 5-mile trail or walk along the lighted boardwalk. Numerous dining options, including a seafood restaurant with raw bar, a pizzeria and an upscale dining room specializing in tableside preparations, provide options for all manner of guests. Indoor and outdoor pools and an athletic club are among the other perks.
3001 Atlantic Ave.
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
(757) 213-3000
About the Author:
Jennifer Olvera, a DePaul grad, has been writing professionally--and covering topics from health to weddings, shopping and the green scene--for over a decade. In addition to penning international travel features for Chicago Tribune, LA Times and Frommers.com, she has become one of the preeminent dining, food, and entertainment writers in Chicago. Jennifer's work has regularly appeared in Zagat and Chicago Sun-Times as well as on Citysearch.com and Gayot.com.
