Description

Not only is this luxurious vacation miniworld ranked among the nation's top golf and tennis resorts, but it's also an extraordinarily good value for Florida. Although guests pay extra for most activities, the room rates are among the top steals in the state. They would be higher if the property were beside the Gulf; instead, it's the centerpiece of a manicured real-estate development sprawling over 1,100 acres on a wildlife sanctuary bordered by St. Andrews Bay and the Grand Lagoon. Situated beside the lagoon, the vivid coral stucco hotel is surrounded by gardens, palm trees, oaks, and magnolias. From the glamorous three-story lobby, window walls look out to scenic water views and two pools (one in its own glass-enclosed building). The recently renovated guest rooms are spacious and luxurious, furnished in dark woods and all with balconies or patios. The highlights for duffers are the Lagoon Legends and the Club Meadows golf courses. Watersports here are at Grand Lagoon Beach, reached by the hotel's long pier. There's also a free shuttle to the Gulf beaches. A fun locals' scene happens at Teddy's Back Bay Beach Club, a waterfront, open-air beach bar with a tin roof and sprawling docks, which attracts a lively crowd ashore from their WaveRunners, pontoon boats, yachts, and sailboats. A slew of renovations and additions have been taking place since late 2006. Among them: the Reflections Building, an eight-story structure off the parking lot, which will hold 85 one-, two-, three-. and four-bedroom condo units; across from that is the Club Villas at Bay Point, a group of seven buildings including the St. Andrews Building, which has received a complete renovation with upgraded flooring, kitchen appliances, bedding, and furniture. All of the Club Villas buildings, as well as a 12,000-square-foot spa, were slated to open in 2007. Facilities:2 restaurants; 2 bars; 3 heated outdoor pools; indoor pool; 2 golf courses; 4 tennis courts; health club; Jacuzzi; watersports equipment rental; bike rental; concierge; business center; limited room service; massage; babysitting; laundry service; coin-op washers and dryers; concierge-level rooms Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.