Drive Time: 3-4 Hours
Northeast Florida seamlessly blends historic allure, coastal beauty, and refined leisure, creating a destination that feels both timeless and sophisticated. St. Augustine, America’s oldest city, casts a timeless spell with its cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture, and centuries of rich history. Just up the coast, Ponte Vedra Beach offers refined scenery with pristine beaches, world-class golf, and upscale resorts— where luxury meets the natural beauty of Florida’s northeastern shore.
Since 1928, the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club has been serving up timeless coastal elegance with a side of serious relaxation. This AAA Five Diamond jewel spreads its 262 luxe rooms and suites across 10 charming low-rise buildings, many of which feature stunning ocean views and private balconies. Tee off on one of two championship golf courses, rally on 12 clay tennis courts, or bliss out with one of the 100-plus spa treatments. Dining? From upscale bites at the Inn Dining Room to laid-back eats at The Tavern or Beach Side Snack Bar, your cravings are covered. Add in family and adults-only pools, miles of unspoiled beachfront, and full access to the inn’s chic sister property, The Lodge & Club, and you’ve got the makings of an unforgettable seaside getaway.
Offering a captivating blend of history and modern comfort in St. Augustine, The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens is the deserving recipient of a Michelin Key. Set within nine lovingly restored buildings dating back to the 1790s, this adults-only retreat delivers a contemporary colonial experience with elegant period architecture and luxurious amenities. Its 30 rooms and suites are thoughtfully designed, and the lush gardens, firepits, and serene pool add a village-like charm. At The Well, the inn’s cozy bar housed in a former garage, handcrafted cocktails infused with herbs sourced from the kitchen garden transport you to a bygone era. Just steps from historic landmarks, The Collector is an immersive escape that redefines Florida travel.
Opt for a coastal retreat on Florida’s pristine barrier island at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. This oceanfront resort features 446 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each with private balconies and ocean views. Amenities include an 18-hole championship golf course, four clay tennis courts, and a newly reimagined 27,500-square-foot spa that offers more than 100 treatments, including the signature Heaven in a Hammock massage. Families can partake in the Ritz Kids program, while adults can unwind at the Lobby Bar or Dune Bar. Plus, the resort recently launched a signature tennis center run by world-renowned tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou that offers a variety of training camps, private lessons, and retreats to deliver a premium experience for its guests.
Top Eats
Salt on Amelia Island
Relish world-class dining at Salt, a AAA Five Diamond restaurant housed in The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Michelin-trained Chef Okan Kizilbayir’s menu features incredible dishes like snapper with beluga lentils and Dover sole. Or enjoy the Chef’s Tasting Menu, which includes unique bites like yellowfin tartare, baked halibut with saffron velouté, Wagyu with truffle Hollandaise, and a Champagne-poached pear for dessert. The reimagined space boasts a new lounge for casual dining (no reservations required for the lounge), private dining rooms with ocean views, and a pergola for alfresco meals.
Restaurant Orsay in Jacksonville
Another spot for exceptional dining is Restaurant Orsay, a French bistro with Southern flair nestled in the historic Avondale neighborhood of Jacksonville. Since 2008, chef/owner Jonathan Insetta has served standout dishes like escargot en croute, steak frites, and lobster pot pie. The warm, wood-beamed interior and intimate ambience make it a top choice for romantic evenings and special occasions alike. In fact, it was recognized as one of Yelp’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants for 2024 and also earned the Slow Food First Coast’s Snail of Approval, an award given to local businesses for their contributions to quality, authenticity, and sustainability.
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