Amelia Island plantation: flora and fauna, along with top-notch spa, tennis, and golf facilities, beckon travelers to this beach-rimmed outpost in northeastern Florida - Resort Of The Month

Travel America, March-April, 2004 by Christina Victor, David Victor

An endless vista of treetops greeted our eyes from the open-air hallway outside our room at the Inn at Amelia Island Plantation. We knew that a resort full of amenities--including three golf courses, a tennis complex, two retail areas, a spa, and 24 swimming pools--was hidden away somewhere on the property, but you wouldn't know it from the view. We round out later that more than 80 percent of the natural vegetation was preserved during the construction of this 1,350-acre resort. The result is a nature lover's paradise--an endless canopy of live oak, water oak, pine, magnolia, sabal palms, cedar, and cypress.

The view from our balcony was more what we expected--ocean and beach reaching as far as we could see. Amelia Island Plantation is situated on the northernmost island of Florida's Atlantic coast. (It is also the southernmost of the barrier islands more commonly associated with Georgia and South Carolina.) The wide beach is scattered with shells. Brown pelicans glide inches above the waves searching for fish and crustaceans, and sandpipers scurry along the water's edge looking for their own meal. Although we never woke up early enough to check, we were told dolphins often play in the waves at sunrise.

Amelia Island Plantation's love of nature can truly be seen on the resort's three, private, 18-hole championship golf courses. Designed by Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, and Bobby Weed, the 54 holes blend harmoniously with the natural flora and fauna of the island. Of the recently enhanced Ocean Links course, which has five holes directly on the ocean, designer Bobby Weed commented, "Don't let the beauty deceive you. Between the water and the wind, golf at Amelia Island Plantation can be very treacherous." Tight fairways and small greens require accuracy on the Oak Marsh course, and Long Point combines a bit of ocean and a bit of marsh to provide a widely varying course.

The world-class tennis center, with 23 Har-Tru clay courts scattered about its tree-shaded premises, also manages to blend into the natural surroundings. The center hosts the Women's Tennis Association's Bausch & Lomb Championships each spring.

Amelia Island Plantation's nature center has several tanks showcasing live specimens of local wildlife as well as a stuffed family of bobcats and a resident rabbit who hops freely about the center. This is the place to ask questions about the bird you heard peeping from the trees or to get a map of the local nature trails. The nature center also organizes programs such as birding excursions, bike tours, crabbing, and nature crafts.

We spent an afternoon on a kayak tour through the salt marsh that borders the western edge of the resort. As a novice kayaker, I was happy to be given a lesson in basic kayaking techniques and safety before we set out. Once in the marsh, I quickly caught on to the smooth rhythm of paddling. Our naturalist guide pointed out vultures, egrets, and great blue heron as we glided quietly through the sea of grasses.

While the kayak jaunt was soothing to my soul, the unfamiliar activity took its toll on my muscles, and I was happy to head straight to the spa for a relaxing massage. The peaceful spa building is built around a meditation garden with sweeping views of a lake and moss-draped oaks. A blue heron often lands in the garden to add to the tranquil view. The spa offers a variety of massages, facials, and body treatments, including seaweed and moor mud baths. A truly unusual treatment offered by the Spa at Amelia Island Plantation is Watsu, given by a trained therapist in a dedicated. warm pool saturated with two tons of salt from the Dead Sea. The therapist performs a unique Shiatsu massage and guides you through gentle stretches while floating you in the pool. It is said to promote rejuvenation and wellness.

Dining at Amelia Island Plantation tan range from poolside burgers at the Beach Club Grill to sophisticated international cuisine at the Amelia Inn Dining Room or fresh local seafood at the Verandah Restaurant. We were intrigued by a restaurant called P.L.A.E. (pronounced "play" and standing for People Laughing And Eating), which features innovative, healthy food in a contemporary atmosphere. A new nightclub, the Falcon's Nest, gives night owls a place to cat and drink and play until the wee hours. Our favorite meals, though, were taken al fresco at Marche Burette, a gourmet food market and cafe. Crispy-thin, wood-fired pizzas with toppings like roasted vegetables and goat cheese or smoked salmon and boursin join salads and sandwiches to create the casual but elegant menu. If you're around on Sunday, save room for the lavish brunch at the Amelia Island Inn Dining Room.

There's something for everyone at Amelia Island Plantation. Golfers can golf: tennis players can play tennis. But mostly, everyone tan enjoy the natural beauty of the island.

FAST FACTS

Name: Amelia Island Plantation

Location: On Amelia Island in the northeast corner of Florida, 29 miles from Jacksonville International Airport.