Luxury Accommodations, Shopping, and Dining on Florida’s Historic Coast

For the luxury seeker there is no shortage of accommodation options.

Resort Experiences

Located in the heart of St. Augustine’s Historic District, the restored 1888 landmark Casa Monica Resort & Spa Autograph Collection has a historic Spanish architecture that transports guests to a world of luxury. Selected by Conde Nast readers as one of the Top 20 Hotels in Florida, the Casa Monica features a rooftop pool with elegant cabanas, an upscale restaurant with a Mediterranean theme, the fantastic Bohemian Art Gallery and the Poseidon Spa. When guests arrive at the Casa Monica’s ornate lobby with frescos, fountains and chandeliers they feel as if they’ve arrived at the finest hotel in Morocco, and the hotel’s location puts visitors within walking distance of attractions, museums and the scenic bay front.

The Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa is a full-service resort featuring contemporary hotel and villa accommodations, an amazing selection of dining options, world-class spa, beach club, outstanding conference facilities, and 99 holes of privileged access to championship golf, courtesy of the adjacent TPC Sawgrass, one of the PGA TOUR’s most venerable courses. This Northeast Florida retreat has been re-born with over $23 million invested in renovations property-wide. Restaurants, lounges, public areas and meeting space have received the redo treatment, while additional renovations and upgrades of guestrooms the Cabana Club, Spa and remaining restaurants will be completed mid-2016.

The Inn and Club at Ponte Vedra is the crown jewel of Ponte Vedra Beach. This AAA Five-Diamond rated oceanfront resort is a tradition for seaside luxury and first-class amenities. With the Atlantic Ocean as a dramatic backdrop, the resort features 250 rooms and suites, a serene beach, pools, two golf courses, 15 tennis courts, a fitness center, world class spa, a beachside bistro, fine dining and shopping. Engaging children’s activities make the Inn an exceptional destination for family vacations.

The Lodge and Club is the sister property of the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. The oceanfront Lodge’s 66 luxurious rooms and suites are complemented by fine dining, afternoon high teas and all the guest privileges of the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club.

Bed & Breakfast Inns & Boutique Hotels

Bed and Breakfast Inns are plentiful in St. Augustine. Each of the more than 24 inns has its own personality and all offer generous hospitality and exceptional service. From well-appointed suites overlooking the city’s Matanzas Bay to a quiet retreat on a brick lined street, a romantic luxe escape awaits. The St. Augustine Historic Inns Association can help visitors find the perfect accommodations in the oldest city in the U.S.

Opened in October 2017 Marker 8 Hotel and Marina sets on the shore of Matanzas Bay providing guests with a spectacular view of St. Augustine’s skyline. Through a series of intimate garden spaces, a cantilevered boardwalk, and a new poolscape, the design seeks to activate the waterfront edge and create a relaxing, yet high-end experience for guests. Each of the 26 elegant themed rooms features a unique view of the bayfront, rain showers, modern and furnishings.

Once the home of the Dow Museum of Historic Houses, a beloved St. Augustine landmark dating back to 1790, The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens opened its doors to guests in March 217. This beautifully appointed inn blends contemporary luxuries and amenities, a deep reverence for authenticity and the quaint touches and personal service of a bed and breakfast. With its wrought-iron finishes, fountains and period details, St. Augustine’s most unique hotel casts a magical spell on historians, storytellers and modern-day explorers.

St. Augustine’s most historic bed and breakfast is the St Francis Inn, dates from 1791, the city’s second Spanish Colonial period. With plenty of old world charm, the Inn’s individually decorated rooms and suites feature whirlpool tubs, fireplaces and antiques. The peaceful walled courtyard garden is a favorite place to unwind. Gourmet full breakfasts, private balconies and porches, swimming pool, bicycles and evening socials add to the ambiance.

Spa-tacular Moments

Relaxation, rejuvenation and healthful beauty are easy to find on Florida’s Historic Coast courtesy of an array of great spas. Enjoy the opulence of resort spas including The Spa at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, the Zen-inspired Spa at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, and the Poseidon Spa at the Casa Monica Resort & Spa where therapies from the earth and sea inspire the senses. Choose from several boutique day spas including the quaint spa with modern 21st century techniques Small Indulgences, or the soothing array of therapies at Debbie’s Day Spa.

Epic ShoppingVisitors to Florida’s Historic Coast will find a variety of purveyors of locally manufactured products such as artisan chocolates from Whetstone’s Chocolate Factory, Old World Gin and Florida Cane Vodka produced at the St. Augustine Distillery, the area’s popular Datil Pepper Sauce and award-winning wines at the San Sebastian Winery.

There are nearly 50 art galleries and 25 antique stores in St. Augustine as well as trendy resort boutiques in Ponte Vedra Beach.

For the serious shopper there are two of the most popular outlet malls in the Southeast - St. Augustine Outlets and St. Augustine Premium Outlets. Luxury fashion brands include Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Cole Hahn, Gucci, Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth, Calvin Klein, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and more.

One-of-a-Kind Tours and Attractions

Turn lunch into a grand tasting experience with walking food and wine tours offered by expert guides with St. Augustine Historic Walking Tours and The Tasting Tours. You’ll receive generous tastings and some fun culinary surprises along the way on these popular foodie tours that weave the history of the city as it pertains to the food you’ll enjoy.

Immerse yourself in the romance and luxury of the Gilded Age with a tour of Flagler College that highlights the architectural heritage of the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, built by Henry M. Flagler in 1888 and listed as a National Historic Landmark.

Explore the halls of the Lightner Museum to see the finest collection of relics of America’s Gilded Age in the south. Located in the former Alcazar Hotel, the Lightner collection includes beautiful examples of fine and decorative art of the 19th century.

Take a tour of the magnificent TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse and check out the famous 17th Island Green on the Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass, where THE PLAYERS Championship take place each May. Whether a golf aficionado or not, a docent-led tour of the 77,000 square-foot Mediterranean Revival style clubhouse and lunch on the veranda overlooking the 18th hole is a treat.

For a selection of images of Florida’s Historic Coast, visit https://www.cleanpix.com/cleanpix/portal/WWkz-hTs-gHA Password: luxury

Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. For more information on events, activities, holiday getaways, accommodations and to plan your vacation in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com, become a fan on Facebook or call 1.800.653.2489.

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