By Contributing Writer
The heavily wooded Amelia Island Plantation resort
The Amelia Island Plantation sits along the
beach on Amelia Island off the western coast of Florida. While the area is a major
resort destination, this place excels at creating a small-resort atmosphere that many other places in the area lack. While Amelia Island Plantation is known for its excellent golf facilities, the entire area is near the sea, so guests can enjoy beautiful views. The resort is famous for great golf experiences, beautiful grounds, and customer service that is second-to-none.
Amelia Island is a 45-minute drive northeast of Jacksonville, Fla., with beautiful coastal vistas the entire way. Another major southern city, Savannah, Ga., is only two hours north of Amelia Island, so if you're visiting Amelia Island and want to see southern mansions and beautiful architecture, all that is only a short day trip away.
Insider Tips
Guests who enjoy golfing and great seafood should also venture off Amelia Island. The entire Sea Islands chain is home to great seafood restaurants and golf courses that overlook the sea. There are packages available that include golf excursions to different islands, but it's generally better to simply golf during off-peak hours. Interstate 95 runs right up the coastline and has spurs that lead to many of the islands, or you can rent a boat and make the trip yourself. While the island can get extremely hot during the summer, the sea breezes mitigate the heat nicely, and golfers will find it comfortable at almost any time of day. Be aware, though, that proximity to the sea often creates early morning fog that is very heavy until the sun rises fully to burn it off, so golfing around dawn may be a difficult prospect.
Pros and Cons
The rooms at the Amelia Island Plantation are very spacious, and the views are spectacular. The resort offers world-class cuisine that is famous for the fresh seafood dishes that form a large portion of the menu. The resort is showing its age, though, and some basic amenities get left by the wayside occasionally. The staff is extremely attentive, however, and is quick to remedy guest problems. The incredibly comfortable beds can't quite make up for the overly thin walls, though, so make sure to carry earplugs if you're a light sleeper. Ask for a room on the highest floor possible, and you'll enjoy your stay far more because the noise level is greatly reduced and the sea views are unimpeded.
Bottom Line
The Amelia Island Plantation is growing old gracefully. Once one of the premier resorts along the Eastern Seaboard, this place hasn't lost any of its charm. The Amelia Island Plantation remains one of Florida's top resort destinations, and the adult-oriented activities make for a very respectful and quiet atmosphere. Golf is the most popular activity here, and the resort certainly delivers as expected. With four championship-quality courses, it's hard not finding something fun to do! Children are welcome at the resort, of course, but they're not often seen here, despite the proximity to wide sandy beaches.
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Photo courtesy of the Amelia Island Resort
