My husband and I took the kids up to St. Augustine, Florida for our second trip in a month. The last time we went we toured downtown and visited a lot of the tourist sites. We wanted to relax this time up and enjoy the beautiful St. Augustine beaches. I grew up near the beach, so I love it when my vacation takes me back to one. The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and Serenata Beach Club was the prefect spot to unwind in the lap of luxury. Known for its two world-class golf courses: King & Bear, created by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, and Slammer & Squire, designed with Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen, I felt obligated to at least tour the area. Since we arrived a little before check in time, I rustled the kids together and we went for a walk in the cool breeze.
It was pretty neat to see all the names in the concrete. The kids were sure fascinated, and I know a golf lover would be in heaven. Within walking distance of the hotel was the World Golf Hall of Fame. This Museum was designed to entertain golf fans and avid golfers from ages 9 to 99 with the following activities available:
- Capture a keepsake photo on a replica of St. Andrews’ Swilcan Burn Bridge.
- Putt on an 1880s-style putting green with a wood-shafted putter and gutta percha ball.
- Learn the history of the R+A and the Open Championships.
- Get up close to over 2,500 pieces of authentic member memorabilia in the Member Locker Room.
- See highlights of golf’s greatest moments in the Great Championship Moments mini-theater.
- Stand up to the pressure of TV cameras, commentators, and crowd noise while trying to sink the final putt and win Shell’s Wonderful World Of Golf match.
- Enjoy two outdoor exhibits: The Challenge Hole, reminiscent of the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass, and a real grass 18-hole Putting Course.
On the way back to the hotel, we were sidetracked by the neatest playground onsite. we must have spent a good hour and a half playing pirate and peek-a-boo. I love it when hotels have playgrounds for the kids. It is always nice for them to have a way to burn off the excess energy before they settle down in an unfamiliar place. There was a table to sit down so we could watch the kids while they climbed up and down the ropes. It broke my heart to tell them it was time to go inside, but I knew we were going to have a blast at the beach!
When we stepped into the lobby of the hotel, we were amazed at the beauty. We felt as if we were transported into another land. The staff was very attentive and courteous greeting us with smiles and attending to our luggage before the door even closed. My kids thought we were at the beach and wanted to swim in the fountain area.
There were two glass elevators that allowed you to gaze upon the beauty of the lobby below. My kids and I took a few joy rides up and down just so they could look out the widows. Honestly, the resort was so beautiful, we did not even need to leave. You really did not have to because at the resort was equipped with a spa, fitness center, and restaurant. I would have been happy just enjoying the ambiance, but I really wanted to check out the Serenata Beach Club. The beach club was about 20 minutes away and you could drive or take a complimentary shuttle.
In the morning, we attended the best breakfast buffet I have ever been to in my life. There was everything you could possibly want to eat and then even a few items you would not think of. Fresh fruit, a variety of yogurts, cereals, dried fruits and nuts, energy bars and whole grain artisan breads were just a few of the healthy options I found at first glance. The kids opted for a more traditional approach and piled their plates with sausage links, patties, bacon and ham nestled next to eggs and home fries. There was 6 different kinds of juice, just as many options for milk and gourmet coffee and tea. My husband had waffles and breakfast pastries before grabbing a few waters for the day. Service was prompt and attentive, and we were served with a smile.
We had a blast at the beach club. An attendant came out and set up our chairs for us. We had the whole area to ourselves. It felt like we were on our own private island. The sand was different than at our beach, so the kids marveled at the coquina shells for quite sometime before they headed to the ocean. Once they were in, we spent the majority of the day chasing the waves and digging in the sand.
What is nice about the beach club was that it was equipped with a pool, kid pool and locker rooms to wash off all the sand. So the later half of the day we hung out near the pool before heading home. I love St. Augustine, and I was really pleased with my experience at The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort.
The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and Beach Club In Jacksonville/St. Augustine, Florida Offering Appealing “Fore The Ladies Golf, Spa & Beach Package”
JACKSONVILLE/ST. AUGUSTINE, FL (October 2012) – Ladies, take note. If you are interested in taking a girlfriends’ getaway, you have a great new option, as The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and Beach Club in Jacksonville/St. Augustine, Florida, is offering an appealing new package called the “Fore The Ladies Package.”
In addition to accommodations for two nights at the AAA Four-Diamond resort, the package includes: one round of golf per person on the resort’s Slammer & Squire championship golf course (just steps from The Renaissance Resort) or renowned King & Bear championship golf course; one spa treatment per person at the elegant Spa Laterra (choice of a one-hour Swedish massage or one-hour luxury facial or 90-minute manicure/pedicure); complimentary transportation and privileges at the private oceanfront Serenata Beach Club; and complimentary transportation to historic downtown St. Augustine. In addition, the package includes breakfast daily per person, champagne and strawberries delivered to the room, and range balls. Available through April 30, 2013, based on availability, the two-night package is from $329 per room, per night, plus tax for two people in the room. The rate for four people in the room is from $539 per room, per night, plus tax.
Serenata Beach Club, which features a breathtaking setting overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, features: a 12,000-square-foot oceanfront clubhouse; three swimming pools; a Mediterranean-inspired dining room with views of the Atlantic; two bars; a fitness center; locker facilities; and scheduled activities.
For reservations or additional information, call 888-740-7020 or 904-940-8000, or visitwww.renwgv.com . For the package for two people, reference Promotional Code GPF. For the package for four people, reference Promotional Code P51. Advanced reservations are required, blackout dates may apply, and a limited number of rooms are available for the promotion. The offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms, and the offer cannot be combined with any other promotions. Other restrictions may apply.
This place looks amazing! I would love to stay for a night!