Driving East on I-10 is a great way to see part of America. Stops along the way are easy and fun each providing a differ- ent resort-style getaway.
Gulf-Shores and orange Beach
Your first stop: the white-sand beaches of Alabama. Only
a day’s drive away; here you’ll find a wide range of accommo- dations, diverse attractions and exquisite cuisine, all set in an atmosphere that exudes ultimate relaxation. You’ll absolutely love Turquoise Place (managed by Spectrum Resorts). Here you get all the comforts of home and then some. Watch the magnificent Gulf coast sunset from your own private outdoor hot tub on the balcony of your beautifully decorated 3, 4, or 5-bedroom suite. Each is fully equipped with indoor/outdoor kitchens, wet bar; even washers and dryers. Resort amenities include state of the art exercise area, spa appointments, air- conditioned poolside cabanas, Tiki bar and a 450-foot lazy river. The atmosphere and experience will have you booking your return stay before you get home. Now is the perfect time to discover why Alabama’s Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are known as “Pleasure Island.” Travelers to this southern beach resort have compared it to Hawaii, Laguna Beach and the Bahamas. This breathtaking destination has much to offer relaxation, fun and entertainment.
Destin
Visits to Destin revolve around the gorgeous Emerald waters. Find your dream vacation rental through Newman-Dailey Resort Properties. For over 29 years, they have managed the area’s premier rental properties. We stayed in a cute cottage called the Royal Bahamian in Crystal Beach. Just minutes from the beach, spend your first day exploring the water. Dinner at Camille’s is casual and comfortable. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park has just completed a $4 million dollar renovation. The dolphins are the stars here and you could spend hours watching them swim in their pavilion. After learning about dolphins, look for them in the wild. The Sea Blaster Sunset Dolphin Cruise is a party boat that searches the coast for dolphins. It’s a perfect way to end the day.
Sandpiper Bay Club Med
It’s true when they say everything is included at Club Med. On this property enjoy tennis, volleyball, golf, sailing, stand- up paddle boarding, and a circus and trapeze school. All- inclusive eating and drinking and a kid’s program starting at 4 months make this your ultimate family destination. This stop on Florida’s East coast marks the halfway point on the road trip. Time to head back to Texas.
Grande Lakes orlando
Home to over 500 acres of the most enchanting natural surroundings, the Grande Lakes Orlando is world’s away from your typical Orlando vacation. When you stay at the Ritz Carlton, you have access to all the amenities at the adjacent JW Marriott. Master the art of golf on a Greg Norman Signature course. The secluded lush gardens at the Spanish-Moorish style Spa create a relaxing environment. They surround over 40,000 square feet of spa facilities, including 40 treatment rooms. Unique to the Ritz are treatments in the outdoor Rooftop Eco-Space and herb garden. The Eco-Hammock Massage combines “zero gravity” and massage techniques including Thai stretching, deep tissue and Cranial Sacral (balancing the central nervous system through neck massage). For dinner, the new Highball & Harvest features handcrafted cocktail classes, and a creative, playful menu. Look for Cajun-inspired dishes from young Chef de Cuisine Mark Jeffers, infused with local Floridian citrus flavors and ingredients from local purveyors and the resort’s on-property 7,000-square-foot Whisper Creek Farm. Don’t miss the Pig-n-Potatoes, an all- day breakfast dish of poached egg, potato hash, and tender pork cheeks with sweet peppers, caramelized onions, H&H Hot Sauce, and hollandaise sauce.
Hilton San Destin
You’ll love the view at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Florida’s largest full-service beachfront resort hotel boasts 602 spacious accommodations, a world-class spa, fitness center and more. The wrap-around patio is the perfect vantage point to enjoy the full moon. Picnix Poolside Market is a casual eatery right in the center of the action. In addition to its stunning ocean views and breath-taking beachfront location, kids of all ages can work off their energy exploring the emerald green waters on paddleboards or kayaks, or just jumping waves while parents relax in their beach lounge chairs under their shady blue signature Hilton umbrella. The hotel even offers a shuttle to the nearby Village of Baytowne Wharf where guests can spread a blanket on the lawn and watch family-friendly films on Thursday evenings for the “Sunset Cinema” or pick up a new swimsuit and shades at Silver Sands Premium Outlets.
The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel
Located in Mobile, Alabama, the rotunda at the Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel is breathtaking. The glass is ceiling here and in the restaurant are certified Tiffany glass. The current building was built in 1908 and is the second hotel to stand in this location, replacing an earlier Battle House that was built in 1852 and burned down in 1905. Stay here and you are just walking distance from many bars and restaurants. The friendly atmosphere here resembles New Orleans. This is the perfect location to wrap up your road trip.
FoR MoRE inFoRMATion:
http://turquoiseplace.spectrumresorts.com
http://www.destinvacation.com/
http://www.gulfarium.com/
http://www.clubmed.us/cm/sandpiper-florida
http://www.grandelakes.com/
http://www.hiltonsandestinbeach.com http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mobbr-the-battle-house-renaissance- mobile-hotel-and-spa/
By Laurette Veres