roxannex

Skybus has recently come to the Richmond airport and we can get very cheap flights to Jacksonville.

My mom wants to take a family vacation in August and I thought a Florida beach vacation would be great. (I know it's hot, but so is Virginia Beach which we have done to death.)

Does anyone have a good recommendation for a nice resort relatively close to Jacksonville? Should we concentrate on the eastern side of Florida or should we make the drive to the other side near the Gulf?

It will be me and my husband (32), our 2 year old, my mom in her 60s and my grandma in her late 80s. So we really need something for everybody. My mom also has a ton of Marriott points if that makes a difference.

Thanks!

OO

Ah...there is a lovely Ritz Carlton on Amelia Island and Ritz is part of the Marriott chain. I've stayed once...lovely decor, Ritz service, and pretty beach.

Orlando_Vic

Check out the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa <http://tinyurl.com/2qbqty> in Ponte Vedra. I have heard of it but must admit that I've never stayed there. Perhaps other posters reading this will have first-hand knowledge of it.

RumRita

For smaller properties right on the beach, check out the Ponte Vedra Lodge and Inn.

http://www.pvresorts.com/

I've eaten at the Lodge with my parents (they used to be beach club members) and its a lovely location with good food.

starrs

I'd do the Ritz Carlton but you may want to look at the Elizabeth Lodge.

roxannex

Thanks! We were definitely considering the Ritz because of points and because it's the Ritz! But I hadn't heard of a few of those other suggestions. I will have to Tripadvisor them.

Postal

The Ritz on Amelia is absolutely gorgeous. You can't go wrong there.

kswl

I second the Ritz on Amelia Island... it is wonderful.

roxannex

Thanks for the responses! Well, it's good we didn't book yet because Skybus has gone under. I think we're now looking at the other side of Florida, after going back and forth between staying in the US, going to the Caribbean or doing a cruise.