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All About the Extras
Kids' Meal Plan
Worth the investment is the new Kids' Meal Plan for children 12 and younger. It includes breakfast at Cafe 4750, lunch from the kids' menu at the Ocean Bar & Grill or Cafe 4750, and dinner from the kids' menu at Cafe 4750 or the Petite Gourmet menu at Salt. ($35 per day, per child.)
Babysitting
The resort's kids' programs will occupy children 5 through 12 during the day, with special weekend night programs offering extended services. Babysitting and nanny services are also offered for children under 5, as well as during the evenings if you need adult time.
Bonfire Pit
When the sea turtles are not in hatching season, a dune bonfire pit is a nightly gathering spot for S'mores and stories about Pirates.
Pirate Toast
Every evening in the Lobby Lounge, a pirate and a princess descend upon the resort to provide a brief history on the island and toast another day of good health. Kids get a special non-alcoholic shot glass, while parents can select the stronger version, the day's drink of choice with recipe cards provided to take home and recreate your own evening toasts.
The Art of Smart Timing
Located on the northern Atlantic tip of Florida, Amelia Island is prone to seasonal changes, with winter temperatures dropping into the 40s. In the heat of summer, temperatures can climb into the 90s with high humidity. This means spring and fall provide the best weather, although like any Florida destination, the resort is busier during school breaks and spring is busier than fall months. Save a visit for off-season specials in September and October, before the cooler temperatures make it too cold to enjoy a dip in the ocean.
Getting There
Amelia Island is 30 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport and 10 minutes from the island's main town, Fernandina Beach. Transportation from the airport can be arranged to the resort, and with the use of bicycles and the resort's transportation to off-property activities, a rental car is not necessary.
For Mom and Dad
Spa
The spa, constructed in 2006 for $16.4 million, is a 27,500-square-foot tranquil space featuring 26 treatment rooms, including couples rooms and spa suites. Services range from 30 to 90 minutes with prices starting at $80, including the spa's unique hammock treatment. You guessed it, the Heaven in a Hammock "zero-gravity" massage is performed while you "float" in a hammock. The spa is well worth the trip to the Ritz Kids -- just a few hours at the adult-only pool and being rubbed for an hour while on a massage table were enough to rid me of the stress of traveling with two children under 6. And they never even missed me.
Golf
The property also features an 18-hole PGA golf course, as well as access to five other nearby golf courses within a five- and 25-minute drive from the resort. There are also onsite golf pros and a Clubhouse Shop.
Salt
Save this restaurant special to pair with the Kids' Night Out program and treat yourself to the Seat in the Kitchen special: a customized 10-course, five-hour feast paired with wines for up to four people. ($175 per person without wine, $275 per person with wine).
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