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All About the Extras
With the Just for Kids program, ages three through ten enjoy dinner plus treasure hunts, hayrides, movies and pool parties. In January and February the program operates Thursday through Saturday evenings; March through September, Wednesday through Saturday; and October through December, Thursday through Saturday. The program costs $55 per child or $40 per child when one parent/adult dines at either the resort's Verandah or Ocean Grill restaurants. Register 24-hours in advance.
In-room babysitting can be arranged through ATS, a private company. Rates vary.
Ah, the Spa. The 13,000-square-foot facility with 25 treatment rooms was built in accordance with the principles of feng shui. Maybe that's why it feels relaxing. Sit on a front porch rocker or admire the meditation garden while awaiting your appointment. Bill, the director, is proud that the facility is "clean and green" with no chemicals, preservatives or nasty additives in the products. Nancy, a masseuse, kneaded our shoulders until the stress melted away. Massages include chocolate, couples, Himalayan Salt Stone and sports. Soak in the hydrotherapy tub, get a coconut scrub or an island wrap and try a pumpkin enzyme facial. Treatments are for ages 16 and older. The teen facial targets blemishes.
The resort also has a fitness center with treadmills, elliptical machines and weights plus an indoor pool that offers daily, family swim hours.
Once at the resort, you don't really need a car. The complimentary shuttle service
makes rounds every 15 minutes or by request. You can also rent bicycles and Island Hoppers (gas-powered golf carts).
July 4th is big, complete with a parade of decorated Island Hoppers (golf carts) and an air show. Uncle Sam has also been known to appear on a Segway.
The Art of Smart Timing
Winter, November through February except for holidays, is value season. Daily highs can be in the 60's with evening lows in the 40's and 50's. Although the weather is too cold for ocean swimming, the days are fine for beach walks and sandcastle building.
Top rates are in spring -- March through May. Slightly less costly than spring is June through July. In August, rates drop a bit. The island hasn't faced a direct hurricane hit in 40+ years, but a storm in southern Florida brings rains to northern Florida.
Getting There
Situated on Amelia Island, a barrier island in northeastern Florida, Amelia Island Plantation is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Intracoastal Waterway on the west. The resort is a 45-minute drive from downtown Jacksonville and 29 miles from the Jacksonville International Airport. Book resort shuttle transfers ahead of time.
For Mom and Dad
Best relaxation for mom and dad: the spa. Try a couples' massage or go solo for Himalayan stone, sports or deep tissue massages.
Indulge your inner sports enthusiast by taking advantage of the resort's top-rated golf and tennis. Swing through 72-holes of golf on four courses or lob serves on one of 23 Har-Tru courts at the Tennis Center.
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