Serene sanctuary
FLORIDA’S AMELIA ISLAND OFFERS QUIET CHARM, BEACH FUN
Imagine a walk along an expansive sandy beach on a warm sunny day. Except for two other people about a mile ahead, out for a walk with their dog, you have the whole place, and the sound of the crashing waves, to yourself. That was me (with a friend in tow for the trip) on a recent fall jaunt to Florida's Amelia Island.
Far north in Florida, Amelia Island tends to lose the eye of the traveler come autumn. But the island, and all it has to offer, stays incredible for a good long time, and if you time your visit right, you can have it all without the crowds. Even with the crowds, there's enough room for everyone. But something about this quiet visit was special.
I'd chosen the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort for my stay. The resort — with 1,350 acres, 404 oceanfront rooms, a wonderful shopping area and spa, tons of restaurant choices, an expansive beach, three golf courses, a killer tennis pavilion and program and the largest pool deck area in northern Florida — is like a destination in itself.
I headed there on a mission — to ride in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's first-ever Florida-based 100-mile Ride to Cure Diabetes event. But knowing northern Florida offers a special vibe and that it might be less busy this time of year, I booked to stay a few days.
Was I right. Those days were sublime. Great food, perfect weather, I had to
tear myself away.
The Plantation is not new — I’d visited it more than 20 years ago and had fond memories of the lush, woodsy landscape next to the wide beach. But Omni has taken a gem and polished it to perfection. Today, it’s beachy comfortable yet not kitschy, casual and friendly yet “whiteglove-ish” in service. I’m not sure I’ve ever interacted with a more friendly and accommodating resort staff.
I stayed in the Villas, a building next to the main hotel. A cute pathway with boardwalk bridges and a canopy of natural trees offered an easy walk to just about any part of the resort.
My first stop was the pool area. Overlooking the sea and beach, it is designed in levels with multiple pools. The bottom level attracted families; kids were splashing with parents and having fun. The upper level is where I settled to soak in the sun, take a dip and enjoy an umbrella drink and some delicious fish tacos. Postride, I spent an entire day lounging there, with a staff person passing by every time I needed a cold drink or snack. The beach was just a quick walk away, and I loved diving in the gentle waves and searching for treasures in the sand.
I did head off property, too. The town of Fernandina Beach is a short taxi ride away. I’d pedaled through as part of my bike ride and wanted to see more. It offers history, charm, cool shopping and great food. The waterfront is lovely.
There’s history, too — and plenty of ways to take it in on your own or with a guide. Amelia Island’s recorded history goes back 450 years and under eight flags. You can learn more at the Amelia Island Museum of History and at Fort Clinch, a 19th-century masonry fort that’s worth a visit.
Back at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort, you can get active on the water, rent a bike or ride a Segway on a guided Canopy, SeaBreeze or Dune Adventure tour.
I chose to eat more than one meal at Marche Burette Deli, where the breakfast biscuit sandwich and lunch sandwich choices were sublime. For dinner, one could eat at Oceanside by the pool, grab a pizza at Natural Slice or dine hearty at Bob’s Steak & Chop House. There are more choices, too, making the resort a true “stay here and never leave” option.
A true sign of a great stay, I had an urge to toss my bags and just settle in for good. But I’ll be back. There will be another diabetes ride next fall, and that beach — wide open, refreshing and all mine — will be waiting.