By Evelyn Carlson
An Amelia Island Plantation Resort Review
Amelia Island Plantation is a world away from reality. On Florida's Atlantic shore, just minutes south of the state line, and 30 minutes north of Jacksonville, the Plantation is a luxurious, yet affordable, vacation retreat. Accommodations include a large hotel with hundreds of rooms, timeshare apartments and villas, and private homes.
Wows and Woes
Wows
A gated community, the Plantation provides everything to make a getaway complete: restaurants, shops, a fitness center/spa, and more. Four regular shuttle routes provide easy access to everything. Each ocean-side hotel room has its own balcony. Grounds are beautifully maintained. The staff could not be nicer.
Woes
Restaurants and shops tend to be pricey; some visitors frequent the nearby town of Fernandina for their needs. Timeshares and condo sales are heavily promoted at the Plantation; expect to be solicited. The hotel is very large, meaning some guests may have a considerable walk to the pool, beach or parking.
Insider Tips
Bring as much of your own supplies (such as sun block, coffee and toiletries) as possible because buying them within the complex is expensive. The pools are all outdoors, so if the weather is bad, swimming is out. Do some beach combing; the shells along this beach are fantastic. Take shuttle rides to tour the whole Plantation.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
The birds and the foliage of Amelia Island are, alone, worth a visit here. Each morning I sat at a small balcony adjoining the hotel restaurant, gazing at the ocean through a forest of lush vines and live oaks, while dozens of bird calls filled the air, mixing with the roar of the sea.
Bottom Line
Amelia Island Plantation is a perfect vacation spot. Look for sales and specials, especially in the off-seasons---late spring through early fall.
Resources
About the Author:
Evelyn Carlson has a background in psychology and sociology and a Master's degree in English. Until recently, she taught college-level composition, literature, and creative writing. She is currently teaching art classes and doing freelance writing and freelance copy editing. Her writing appears online and in two literary Journals: Skylark and Green Hills Literary Lantern.
