In the process of planning a mommies get-a-way with a friend. It will be a long weekend trip and I am coming from the MidAtlantic region and she is driving from Charleston, SC. We are looking for a spa/beach/shopping type of trip. Not sure if the Plantation resort or The Ritz is better for the Amelia Island area. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I have been to The Ritz Carlton at Amelia Island many many times. I went to Amelia Island Plantation only once. I would definitely recommend The Ritz Carlton over AIP. The rooms, food, service, pool and atmosphere was outstanding. The Restaurant Salt is outstanding with good food and service. Cafe 4750 and the pool bar and restaurant are both nice also. There's a kid's program to give parents a break during the day. They have a playground for the kids and take good care of them. RC is also closer to Fernadina Beach than AIP is. The spa at RC is fantastic.

Littleman,

Have you gone to Ponte Vedra before?

Thanks for your feedback.

Been to both. Amelia Island Plantation is nice - best for families or those who like golf and other activities. Ritz Carlton is nicer - better for those who want to be pampered.

The Ritz is the best of the 'resort-type' options, however, I would likely stay in Elizabeth Pointe (on the beach) or one of the B& Bs in Old Town, so you can walk to all the shops, dining, etc. - http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/ameli...d-florida.html, for massages etc. try here - http://domehealingcenter.com/
All of the resorts are on one end of the island pretty much isolated from everything else.

You don't say when you are going, but that part of FL is not swimmable for most people before April.

Going right before the Memorial holiday. Any suggestions in the North Florida/ Georgia Coastline?

Check out The Cloisters Resort & Spa on Sea Island, Georgia.

To:
ROAMS AROUND....

Thank you so much for this tip...I really appreciate it. The Cloisters was named in Forbes top spas for 2010.

Yes, and other sea islands like Jekyll and St Simons are also very pleasant at that time.

I have been to the Ponte Vedra Beach area but I did not stay there. It's very nice. I second The Cloister. I have been there three times but I have not been there since they remodeled. Get one of the beach front rooms if you decide on The Cloister.

I have no doubt that The Cloister is in good hands but the massive remodeling project put them in bankruptcy. I don't know the details but I'm sure the continuation of activities at TC is fine.

The Cloister @ 100 First Street, Sea Island, GA 888 - 732 - 4752.
http://www.seaisland.com/Content/16.htm

I read that the spa at the Cloisters is on Forbes list for 2010 as one of the best spas in the world. I have forwarded over the info over to my friend so she can see the place on the internet.

Thanks for all your input!!!