It’s a little-known secret, but we’ll tell you. The best time to go to the beach is wintertime.
We know, you are thinking that cannot possibly be true. Where’s the sun, the sand and endless surf? It’s all still there — but with way fewer people and without the scorching heat of summer.
Throw in a four-star resort with a world-class spa, moss-draped trees and a charming downtown for dining and shopping in less than a six-hour drive from Greenville and you’ve got Amelia Island, Florida.
With an average temperature in the low to mid 60s during the winter, Amelia Island is just 18 square miles and is the southernmost of the Sea Islands, a chain of tidal and barrier islands off the Atlantic coast. The island gained notoriety as a frequent stop for swashbuckling pirates and is the only place in America that has lived under eight different flags (French, Spanish, British, Patriots, Green Cross, Mexican Revolutionary, Confederacy and United States).
Where ‘Southern charm meets the sea’
A destination unto itself, the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is set along 13 miles of pristine beach with protective sand dunes. The resort also features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by PGA Tour veteran Mark McCumber and golf legend Gene Littler, a full-service spa and a AAA five-star diamond restaurant, Salt.
Known worldwide for its impeccable service, the Ritz-Carlton ensures that each guest feels welcome and pampered, making this a true getaway destination. The resort has strict cleaning and COVID-19 protocols in place so guests can feel secure throughout their stay.
Rooms are tastefully decorated, with many offering seaside or oceanfront views. Four suites with garden terraces are available for those wanting a little more space to spread out. And while not worn or outdated, the resort nevertheless is getting a total room renovation in spring 2021 with new décor offering an updated refined, coastal look and feel.
Five on-site restaurants offer plenty of dining options. Coast features regional, fresh flavors and is the requisite breakfast and casual lunch option. If the weather cooperates, Coquina offers alfresco dining and a bar with Spanish cuisine. For a splurge or to celebrate a special occasion, Salt is the resort’s fine dining experience. The Lobby Bar offers small-batch and classic cocktails along with light bites and fresh sushi.
Spa-ahhh
A visit to The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Amelia Island is a must. Taking advantage of its seaside location, many of the spa services utilize sea salt and other sea-inspired aromas and ingredients. Services run from the typical massages and facials to signature Heaven in a Hammock massage which combines touch therapy, gentle rocking and the illusion of zero gravity to echo the movements of the tide. Make a day of your spa experience by enjoying the indoor saltwater pool, saunas and whirlpools.
If you do find yourself wanting to leave the resort, the town of Fernandina Beach is just a short drive away. Here, the historic district hosts plenty of locally owned shops, galleries, and restaurants. Stop in at The Amelia Tavern or Salty Pelican for lunch or dinner, pick up a sweet treat at Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop or grab a drink while listening to live music at the Green Turtle.
Experience the Cumberland Island National Seashore aboard Amelia River Cruises and see the famed wild horses of Cumberland, spotting dolphins and other wildlife while learning about the history of the area. The 2,178-acre Fort Clinch State Park, in addition to exploring the fort buildings, offers several walking trails, birding locations, fishing, and beaches. At the other end of the island, Boneyard Beach at Big Talbot Island State Park offers an unspoiled look at the salt-washed live oak skeletons and cedar trees that once grew near the shore.
For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/florida/amelia-island
