my Mom, Sister and I would like to do a long weekend in a nice resort with a upscale spa. We did Ritz Carlton Sarasota two years ago, and we were really pleased. We would be going over President's Weekend, for 3 nights. We initially looked into the Ritz Carlton Naples (Vanderbilt beach), but the $700/nt pricetag for a standard room is a little too high for us. (we are thinking more like $300 - $500/nt)

Any suggestions? We are thinking right not Ritz Carlton Amelia Island - any feedback about this choice?

I should preface that we are in Indianapolis area, so our flight availability is not like those who live in Chicago, etc - we can get tn Orlando, Ft. Meyers, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville (with one stop).....

Thanks for the help!!
Jessica

typo in original post "right NOW thinking Ritz Carlton Amelia Island"

thanks
Jessica

The Ritz Carlton Amelia Island is very nice.It's right on the beach and has a lovely lobby area. This area is a also a great sightseeing area.

I would avoid hotels FLL and South because President's Week and the Miami Int'l Boat Show have made prices insane.

Thanks for the feedback. We have asked some friends who have stayed at the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island, and they too agreed it is very nice.

I know Amelia Island won't be that warm in February - will we have any issues with restaurants/stores being closed in February? What else is there to do in the area? We will be visiting the spa, of course, but would enjoy going out to a nice dinner each night....

Thanks,
Jessica

The wife and I stayed there last Labor Day weekend and it was crawling w/ kids. The food was great and the area is great for a 3 day weekend (Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Historic Fernandina Beach). If you can get a flight to Charlotte, I HIGHLY recommend the Grove Park Inn and Spa. I think the overall experience would be much more relaxing.

Have they finished the construction at the Ritz Carlton on Amelia Island?

seetheworld and woodrob12-

Thanks, I have heard that it is very "kid friendly". Was wondering if President's Weekend would be a big "kid weekend" since the weather will not be suitable for swimming, etc.

The construction is supposed to be done in December.

I will look into the resort in Charlotte. Thanks for the suggestions.

I'm an Indy gal too so I hear ya on where you can get to quickly.

You might consider flying direct to Phoenix in 3 1/2 hours on Southwest and stay at the Fairmont Princess Scottsdale. They have a fantastic spa, Willow Stream and several well regarded restaurants right in the hotel. The hotel is near Kierland Crossing, an outdoor mall kind of like Clay Terrance only bigger and more upscale. You would also be near Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesan West if you'd like to tour the grounds and home.

amwosu- yah, we are feeling the pain of losing ATA! Phoenix is an option, but the flights over that weekend are $480/non-stop. going that far, one-stop flight is not worth it. Still thinking FL b/c we can get a flight that weekend around $300.

Thanks - Jessica

Having been to both Amelia and Asheville/Grove Park, I would suggest that you consider Asheville,either Grove Park or Biltmore, for spa amenities. February is a little risky in terms of weather so if you're seeking heat, Amelia would be better -- you could have snow in Asheville, or it could be high 60s, low 70s. Haywood Park Hotel in downtown Asheville is lovely, and there's a great spa within walking distance, plus great restaurants and clubs. I would think that the weekend you've chosen would be less crowded in Asheville than in Amelia.

we definitely don't want to go where there is snow. February is TERRIBLE in Indiana, so the mild temps at Amelia will be welcomed. I was guessing that President's Weekend wouldn't be that busy at Amelia, am I wrong in assuming this? We have the first weekend in March available, too?

Jessica

I suggest choosing the spa with the best robes. I really enjoy a good robe especially if it is pink (my new special color). I find that robes are a super duper way of telling if you are at a nice hotel or spa. **smooch**

Actually, Southwest Airlines is currently only accepting ressies thru January 9 so you are likely to get good deals on them even over President's Day to Phoenix. You just have to be vigilant and reserve as soon as they open up thru Feb.

I own a condo in the Scottsdale area and use Southwest to go there frequently. If I travel on just Tuesdays or Wednesdays I pay $146. It I go on Tuesday and come home Sat. I pay $219-289 and if I go on Thursday and come home on Friday its about $299-329 so don't discount that route yet.

Have you thought about staying at the Ritz Carlton Golf resort in Naples? It's very close to the beach resort and very nice. There is a shuttle (or you could drive) to the spa. It's a lovely property and is typically less expensive than the beach hotel.

amwosu- Interesting! Thanks for the info. I looked on tripadvisor for reviews on the Fairmont Princess, and the reviews were rather mixed. Would you say that is the best resort/spa in the Scottsdale area?

Man, now I am really straddled on the trip - either Amelia Island or Scottsdale....I will need to talk to my co-travelers about this one!

Thanks -
Jessica

Funny thing is, we husband, son, and I will be in Carefree, AZ in January......


Jessica

If you are gonna be in Carefree in Jan you might want to go to FL for the spa weekend.

I LOVE the Fairmont's spa but I would never pay full price for the hotel. When you get good internet rates it is well worth it.

amwosu- where do you think the best internet rate for Fairmont is?

I read several posts that also suggest Sanctuary on Camelback - is that a better resort/spa than the Fairmont for a girl's weekend?

Thanks for the info!
Jessica

Jessica- Southwest is now taking reservations thru Mar. 9. Jump on quick to get something inexpensive. I can't really compare Sanctuary vs. Fairmont.

Sactuary is all casitas as far as I know and they are pricey. They get mixed reviews a well. Whenever people pay $500-1200/nt they want perfection.
I like the spas at both. Fairmont has several good restaurants while Sanctuary really only has Elements for fine dining.

I don't have any favorite place to look for inexpensive rooms- I use all available resources such as travelocity, expedia, hotels.com, and orbitz. Once I found Sactuary $400 cheaper on orbitz than on any other site BUT you had to pay full price up front and there was a no cancellation clause.