In celebration of 53 personal musings, I would be remiss not to mention that while my opinion may be strong, my intellectual property is stronger.
Thanks to years of my own world travels, personal supplier relationships, and advantageous on-location training with Virtuoso partners, I have actually written 53 Travel Blogs you can use for waypoints and away you can go. But you must be willing to go.
Reflecting on May 2020-January 2021 and how it took us South…the long way.
While so much of the world came to a screeching halt, we were beyond blessed to visit classic Disney Resorts, Low Country Sanctuaries, the Best of The best Virtuoso Resorts, a pioneer all inclusive, Campy Sandpiper Bay and the quintessential Family Resort on one of the most beautiful Caribbean beaches in the world all in the name of hands on research to pass onto you, my guest.
Yes, in a pandemic and in this order…
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
Hilton Head, South Carolina
Located on Harborside Lane In Shelter Cove Harbor, this home away from home resort is the perfect home base to take in the world class golf, 12 miles of Coastal Beauty, and al fresco biking for days. Fashioned after a 1940’s Hunting and Fishing Lodge, you get the best of both worlds. Relax in three pools or head to the maritime themed beach house that sits Atlantic Oceanfront. We walked, we fished, we biked, we swam, we sang by the campfire, and ate Mickey Pretzels all the vacation day long. I highly recommend this resort for mult-generational families looking to get away and be together.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Kiawah Island, SC United States
Virtuoso Amenities
For 2021:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom
- Welcome amenity: full bottle sparkling wine from honor bar
- $100 USD Resort/Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Hotel Bennett
Virtuoso Amenities
For 2021:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Complimentary Breakfast Credit ($30 per person up to two guests, per bedroom) daily served in the restaurant
- $100 USD equivalent Resort/Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/Late check-out, subject to availability
Montage Palmetto Bluff
Blufton, South Carolina
Oh be still my heart. This award winning 20,000 acre development is over the top delighful. Montage Palmetto Bluff , is nestled along the May River in the Lowcountry of South Carolina between Hilton Head Island and Savannah. The resort encompasses an extensive nature preserve, walking trails, marina, two vibrant villages, restaurants, and a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. The resort includes a total of 200 guest accommodations which all pay homage to the region’s rich heritage. While we could have explored more of neighboring cities, we stayed right there under the shade of the Live Oaks and contemplated the simplicity of the good life. Well I did, the kids played fort in the treehouse.
Virtuoso Amenities
For 2021:
- Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast credit of $60 USD per bedroom, to be used in restaurant & In-Room Dining
- $100 USD Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Virtuoso Amenities
For 2021:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (excludes Suites)
- Continental breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD Spa, Tennis, Golf or Retail credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort- Jambo House
Lake Buena Vista, FL
In July, we were at the front gates of DIsney before they even opened andescaped to the 11,000 square foot Uzima pool only to discover over 30 species of African wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, kudu and flamingos outside our window and that we were the only ones at the resort. If you are looking for a true oasis at Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom Lodge_Jambo and Kidani Village immerse you into African culture on the Savanna Plains under a canopy of trees. Situated miles from the theme parks, I always recommend this resort for guests who want to fall asleep to the sounds of 200 animals out their balcony and wake up refreshed.
Club Med Sandpiper Bay
Port St. Lucie, FL
I actually can not say enough about this all-inclusive European Resort located along the St. Lucie River, amid wonderfully lush vegetation, Club Med Sandpiper Bay enjoys a delightfully tropical climate, a Sports Academy with top-ranked coaches, and an adult-exclusive infinity pool with a dedicated bar and cabanas. Cafe Bustello Expresso Machines at every turn and a dance floor that is hot, hot, hot. My children spent their mornings in the Kids Clubs with stellar counselors learning the Flying Trapeze and Hobie Cat Sailing. I spent it working poolside with Mimosas in hand. If you are looking for a white sand, lapping ocean vacation, you won’t find it here. But you will find endless outdoor fun, Gentil Organisateurs that will make you feel like family, and decadent dining with sunsets that will take your breath away.
Beaches T&C
Providenciales. Turks and Caicos
Our final Southern Destination. Turks and Caicos. One of three of the Beaches properties under the Sandals umbrella. This family friendly resort is the Gold Standard on breathtaking white powder Grace Bay and packs a punch at every corner. From snorkeling the Barrier Reef, to following turtles at Coral Gardens, dining at 21 of the uniquely themed restaurants, and imbibing on Provideniales’ drink of choice RUM in hot tubs at sunset, this was the pinnacle of traveling during a Pandemic. Wide open spaces, fresh salty air, and some of the most lovely people you care to know. Yes, if you ask me if Beaches is ideal for your next family vacation, I will resolutely respond YES.
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