Hi,

I'm looking for a romantic, quiet, on the beach resort in FL for my fiance (he'll be my husband by then) and me. We're in our 30's.

We're staying in Savannah two nights (12/31 and 1/1) and would prefer not to have to drive further than about 6-8 hours from there.

I've been to Key West and Miami before, so I'm not interested in going that far south.

Our main goals will be to relax and eat and drink in a beautiful setting. We like higher end places but not as expensive at the Ritz. We'd like to have some shops to go to, but they can be driving distance.

Thanks for any help.

This should be under the FLORIDA forum.

Richelle, there is no Florida forum and all posts get posted under United States.

That said, how about The Breakers in Palm Beach? Not quite as far south as Miami.

The Ponte Vedre Beach Resort outside Jacksonsille is gorgeous and very cool.

Between JAX and Miami, the only other nice resort that comes to mind is Disney's Vero Beach Resort.

Thanks for the info. I wondered what was going on with the post.

I'll check out the places you've recommended.

What about St. Augustine, FL? I've not been, but as I understand it this is an intersting historical city, with elegant B&B's and small hotels - might be worth investigating....

After checking average temps, we need to probably go further south than the St. Augustine area.

I've been looking into Palm Beach or somewhere on the Eastern coast.

Harrington House on Holmes Beach looks interesting, but I'm not sure of it because it would be nice to be able to have a bar on the premises or nearby.

Richelle, have you looked into the Don CeSar on St. Pete Beach? Their drinks at their poolside bar are yummy, and this is one of the most romantic beach spots you'll find in Florida, guaranteed. Restaurants in the hotel are fabulous and there are more great restaurants nearby, as well as the fascinating Salvador Dali Museum. There is great high-end shopping at the International Plaza in Tampa, and a huge brand-name outlet mall just across the Skyway bridge in Ellenton. There is a funky antique shopping district in downtown St. Petersburg, and you will enjoy the Hampton House of Jazz (very romantic with love seats).

www.doncesar.com

I also like St. Augustine but the city is far from the beach. If you want beach you will do better elsewhere.

The Harrington House in Anna Maria is also nice but there is no shopping there.

Jeez, I just noticed your dates. Do you realize that it will most likely be very chilly everywhere in Florida in January? Have you thought about going to the Caribbean instead?

I also just realized your dates.

Peak season anywhere it is warm. I would also head further south.

For what it's worth, the Bahamas aren't much warmer than Florida.

I wasn't expecting it to be "very chilly". I checked weather.com for averages in January and they're about mid 60-70's if I go central or further south FL.

I'm not worried about swimming or even wearing a swimsuit, but would like to walk on the beach without freezing.

I hate being hot, which is why we went to Nova Scotia last Sept and are going to Quebec this Sept for our honeymoon. We like cooler weather.

As for the suggestion of the Bahamas, we don't want to fly.

I'm now looking into Sanibel.

Thanks for the help.

Good choice. Sanibel is beautiful. I usually stay at Tween Waters Inn which is on Captiva. On Sanibel I've only stayed at rental houses so I dont have a rec.

Would you consider Tween Waters to be romantic?

It's not directly on the ocean, right?

Are the rooms basic hotel rooms or do they have some that are more uxurious?

Can I walk around Sanibel to shops/bars/restaurants or would I need to drive everywhere?

Amelia Island. Not far from Savannah, small town, good restaurants, no crowds. You can stay on the beach in one of the resorts, or stay in a B&B in the town near the marina. The public beach facilities are very nice. You can walk on the beach, bike, fish, shop. I just got back from there (my first visit) and I thought what a great place for a honeymoon. We stayed in the Fairfield Inn, but there are many choices. You can use the Island for a base to visit the GA Islands to the North, or go 30 minutes to the south and you are in Jacksonville.

I had originally considered Amelia Island, but I'm concerned it might be a bit cold the first week in January. Obviously, we know we won't be swimming, but I'd like to be able to walk around without a heavy coat.

Thanks!

Should we consider Miami?

Ok, here's what I REALLY am looking for:

First week in January

Oceanfront/Gulf front

Quiet

Romantic

Not more than $300/night

walk to shops/bars/restaurants

Not a basic hotel room

don't need to swim

able to walk around without a heavy coat

Hi Richelle~

I live about 45 minutes from Sanibel/Captiva. It's a gorgeous area, quiet, and upscale...perfect for a couple in their 30's to relax, eat, and drink. January & February are "high season" here, so if you decide to come to SW Florida, book as soon as possible.

The weather...well, it's unpredictable that time of the year. I've lived here for 20 years, and in Jan/Feb have seen it 40 degrees during the day, and also 80 degrees during the day. It just depends on what fronts are coming from where. The good news is that you probably won't see any rain that time of the year.

Hope I've helped!

I've made my reservation!!

I went with Tween Waters. Reserved one of their new "historical" cottages. It looks lovely from the website.

Got a rate of $243/night + tax.

Thanks for all the help.

Richelle, are you more interested in a smallish place that has more of an island feel? Or a large-ish place that has an upscale feel? Or something entirely different?

Be sure you are realistic about this drive. From Savannah to St. Augustine is 180 miles, to Tampa is 340 miles, to Captiva or Miami is 500 miles. Any of these places will be relatively warm and beachy. The question is how far do you want to drive?

I think Captiva is more of a walk-to-shops place than Sanibel, but Tween-Waters Inn is a few long blocks from the shops. If you don't rent bicycles from them then you'd probably want to drive. I've only stayed at Tween Waters and at house rentals in Captiva. There aren't many hotels but there are some nicers condos that are more in the vicinity of the shops. The best accomodations at Tween Waters are their cottages. Perhaps someone else has a recommendation for other places on Captiva.

If you're OK with an islandish smaller place then you might like Siesta Key. Check out Turtle Bay Resort. Also, check out Naples. It has many resorts but few are on the beach (try the Ritz Carlton).

And I still recommend the Don CeSar in St. Petersburg. But you would have to drive to shops.

As for the weather, Florida is its chilliest in January. It can freeze (32 degrees) but it is highly unlikely to reach that temperature or lower in the subtropics (Tampa is the line) and the tropics (Captiva and areas south).

Richelle, I was checking out mileage on map quest and when I finally posted, you beat me to it.

I think you'll be happy at Tween Waters. I believe they rent bicycles. You'll enjoy the island and the shops.