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Story & Photography
By Barbara Penny Angelakis
 Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
Ponte Vedra & The Beaches
Florida
800.234.7842
www.pvresorts.com
Just north of historic St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States, lies forty-two miles of unspoiled white sand beach. Sadly, we departed St. Augustine, leaving behind so many attractions still to be explored. But now, I focused my attention on the miles of unobstructed Atlantic Ocean coastline visible from the right side as we traveled north up the coastal highway. The sparkling clear blue sky, virgin sand dunes, broad beach leading to the gently rolling waves, and uncrowded road, was a far cry from the Atlantic Ocean shoreline that I am used to seeing on my travels from my home in New Jersey.
We stopped for lunch at The Reef, (www.thereefstaugustine.com) one of the few roadside buildings along this stretch of North Beach highway, and were unprepared  for the scrumptious meal that followed. Fried Green Tomato appetizer was followed by an Asian Tuna Salad of pan seared ahi tuna with grilled fresh pineapple, pickled ginger and washed with a wasabi, ginger vinaigrette dressing. The tuna was black and blue, the pineapple sweet and juicy, the field greens crisp and fresh… delicious. The Reef had an appealing selection of salads, sandwiches, and soups and the entertaining owner Frank Usina claimed his clam chowder recipe was an award-winner. After tasting it there were no arguments from our table. Frank’s recipes are based on traditional Minorcan dishes. Minorca is the Mediterranean island the Usina family emigrated from to eventually settle in the North Beach area of St. Augustine in 1777. The story of the Minorcan emigration is an integral part of the history of the development of St. Augustine and environs.
Continuing north past the affluent communities lining the coastal road to Ponte Vedra, we began to see development in the form of beautiful homes facing the ocean. Prior to World War One Ponte Vedra was known as Mineral City for the elements in the sand that were used in the manufacture of chemical munitions. In 1928 some enterprising employees of the defunct mining operation decided to build a resort which grew into the handsome beach-front communities we see today.
Ponte Vedra is also home to the elegant Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. This AAA Five Diamond property is in a sprawling series of buildings with guest rooms located directly on the beach. We were met by General Manager Andy Radovic, a convivial and enthusiastic advocate for the resort and country club. While we sat in the Great Lounge which was build in 1937, comfortably taking in the huge fireplace, cedar beamed ceiling, magnolia wood floors, and tasteful furnishings and appointments, Andy explained how the resort grew into the complex it is today and his visions for growth in the future. The latest addition to the complex is a 30,000 square foot “high touch not high tech” state of the art spa. But Andy is proudest of the employees that are in many cases 3rd generation to the hotel, and rightly so, as the level of service is outstanding.
The reception and public rooms are contained in the main building along with a gallery of high-end shops and art galleries to tempt even the most sophisticated shoppers. The 250 ocean-view guest rooms are across the road in two story buildings that have direct access to the beach. Each spacious room is beautifully appointed, with a sitting area and a balcony or patio with beach access. All the luxuries that you would expect in a Five Diamond resort are provided, such as terry slippers in addition to the ubiquitous robes, a bedside mat at nightly turn-down service, along with daily weather card and chocolate placed on your pillow, a generous amenity package of products made specifically for the resort, and cheerful young men with golf carts at the ready to whisk you from building to building if you choose not to walk along the manicured paths. Of course, each room is equipped with the latest electronic gadgetry and consideration for their female guests in the form of a separate dressing room and seated make-up area complete with lighted magnified mirror, in-room safe and full length mirrors was much appreciated. Room Service is efficient, prompt, and discreet. The food was obviously cooked to order before being delivered hot to my room
A separate building houses the club which boasts 4,500 members for its two golf courses and 15 tennis courts, as well as the oceanfront gym and exercise center with its floor to ceiling windows for an unobstructed view of the family pool, beach and ocean beyond. There are adults only pools and hot tubs as well as the magnificent oceanfront family pool. Daily activities in the form of Pilates and Yoga  workshops, Tennis and Golf clinics and children’s recreations are available to the guests.
The clubhouse is also home to the beautiful Seahorse Grille with its massive aquarium tank filled with colorful flora and fauna from tropical waters. Dinner was a grand affair with such delicacies as Grilled Lobster Taco, Duck Confit Empanada, Roasted Artichoke Spinach Soup with Fried Oyster appetizers or their signature Caesar Salad served baked or classic style. Entrées from land or sea such as Grilled Filet of beef with Parsnip Potato Cakes, Port Tenderloin Wrapped with Honey Smoked Bacon or Butter Poached Maine Lobster, Shrimp on Sugar Cane or Grilled Orange Mouth Corvina with Mushroom Goat Cheese Cigar. I had a white chocolate Panna Cotta for desert that was positively sinful it was so silky and rich. All the deserts were beautifully presented and divine to eat making for a perfect ending to this delicious meal.
 But for me, the highlight of my visit to Ponte Vedra Inn & Club was a facial at the Spa. There are more then 100 services available at this full service state-of-the-art ultra modern facility. I felt fortunate to receive the service of Aesthetician AnnMarie Carlucci who was able to analyze my skin, discuss beneficial products, and prescribe a home treatment that would extend the benefits of her facial that left my skin glowing. Here at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club I found the true Fountain of Youth.
© March 2008 LuxuryWeb Magazine. All rights reserved.
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