Make a grand splash

Enjoy the sparkling blue waters of the new pool at Point Clear, Alabama's historic hotel.

Summer days have gotten cooler at the Grand Hotel. Spanish moss shrouds the giant live oaks and wispily waves in Mobile Bay's gentle breezes, just as it has always done at this magnificent property. But now the breeze also carries the gleeful shrieks of wide-eyed kids spiraling down a curling slide into the shimmering blue water of the Grand's new pool.

Completed just last year, the 11,000-square-foot, tropical-themed pool complex was the first phase in the Grand's multimillion-dollar grounds-renovation project, which also includes the construction of a European spa and 126 new guestrooms. The two-and-a-half-story slide (always staffed with a lifeguard for safety) rises from a bamboo thicket to tower above the kids area. Here, children find multilevel waterfalls, a Tom Sawyer-esque tree house, and a giant sandbox encircling a sturdy magnolia.

Don't fret, though, parents. If you would rather be conveniently secluded from the splashes, lounge in the adult area, which is separated from the children's section by a raised spa deck.

Because all your relaxing will probably work up a nice appetite, stop by the Pelican's Nest restaurant for light sandwiches and other poolside fare and drinks.

One of the best things about the new pool is that it's surrounded by several great old oaks, allowing you to catch as much shade as you want from the warm South Alabama sun.

Marriott's Grand Hotel Resort and Golf Club: 1 Grand Blvd., Point Clear, AL 36564; 1-800-544-9933 or www.marriottgrand.com. Pool hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

COOL SLIDINGS

The pool is open only to hotel guests and the Grand's Lakewood Golf Club members. Contact the golf club at (251) 990-6353 for information on family memberships.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Aug 2002
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