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Reviews•Travel

Amelia Island Vacation

May 24, 2016

ameliaislandvacation29

After our trip to Amelia Island, I have to say I have a new favorite vacation destination for the whole family.  We had the absolute BEST time there this past weekend!  From treasure hunts, to river cruises, to simply enjoying the beautiful expanse of beach… it was a trip to remember. 

All about our Amelia Island Vacation- where to stay, what to eat, and what activities to enjoy!

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Accommodations: The Ritz-Carlton at Amelia Island was, to sum up in one word, spectacular.  As soon as we pulled up we were greeted with warmth and sweet southern hospitality.  Champagne was passed out at the check-in desk and our bags were whisked up to our room.  Then we meandered through the hotel, checking out all the fun amenities including 4 restaurants, a club lounge (more on that later), 1 indoor pool, 1 large outdoor pool, 2 hot tubs, and a splash pad for the little ones.  Not to mention the fantastical (new word: fantastic and magical) gardens and breathtaking beach.  Oh!  And there is an abundance of wildlife on-site, including dolphins, bunnies, and a sweet tortoise named Freckles who can be seen throughout the flower beds.  Hudson became obsessed with Freckles and we had to look for her every time we went outside.

It rained for a couple hours the first day we were there, so we took the kids to the indoor pool.  During that time, I had the opportunity to talk to several other moms.  The consensus?  Their favorite place to vacation with the family is a Ritz-Carlton hotel.  Why?  I got several answers but the main points were excellent service, spectacular amenities, and most importantly: fun activities planned for the whole family.

Recommendations:  Get an Ocean View suite and Club Level access if you can swing it.  The Ocean View suites boast a patio and beautiful view of the ocean.  Not matter what room you get, though, the beds are so comfortable you’ll feel like you’re floating on a cloud and the amenities are top notch.  

Club level is worth every penny and then some.  You get breakfast, lunch, snacks, champagne, wine, desserts, and appetizers included.  Not to mention the helpful staff, live music during happy hour, and a beautiful view of the beach as you enjoy the delicious food and drinks.  I took one for the team and tried pretty much everything they had to offer- more on that later.

Amelia Island Vacation Amelia Island VacationAmelia Island VacationAmelia Island VacationAmelia Island Vacation

Activities: There is SO much to do!  Honestly, you don’t even need to leave the resort to have a full and fun vacation.  As I mentioned before, there’s an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and a splash pad.  We enjoyed all three, though I do have to say the splash pad was Hudson’s favorite.  The beach is beautiful and equipped with tons of chairs and umbrellas for your relaxation.  If you do Club Level, you get special beach access with extra comfy chairs and this adorable snack and beverage station- complete with attendants to serve whatever your little heart desires.  You can also rent paddle boards, surfboards, kayaks, snorkeling gear and much more!  

The Ritz really wants everyone in the family to enjoy themselves, so there are 18 holes for the golf enthusiasts, a world class spa (if you do nothing but the Heaven in a Hammock massage you’ll leave a new woman), Ritz Kids Klub, several games at the pool for the young and old alike, AND daily activities planned including crafts and treasure hunts.  We did both the treasure hunt and a shark tooth hunt and we all enjoyed it!

If you do leave the resort, there’s even MORE to fill your vacation.  We did the Amelia Island River cruise in which we got to see the wild horses at Cumberland Island, as well as several bottleneck dolphins.  Plus, we got to learn about the rich history of the island!  There’s also Fort Clinch State Park and Amelia Island Museum of History.

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Food: Y’all know I love my food.  So like I said earlier, I took one for the team and ate all the food.  ALL OF IT.  And it was worth every dimple in my butt.  The Club Level food was delicious!  I highly recommend trying everything they lay out because their chefs know what they’re doing.  Hudson was particularly fond of the cookie bar, while my mom and I enjoyed the delicious hors d’ouvres and mimosa mixers.  There’s a grill by the pool that serves great Angus burgers and chicken tenders for the littles, as well as the resorts specialty- The Freckled Turtle.  It’s a healthy and delicious alcoholic beverage with mango juice and some spinach mixed in.  How cute is that little shot nestled in the top?

Off site we visited The Crab Trap and Timoti’s and both were so good!  At the Crab Trap we tried their crab legs, surf and turf, and a delicious jalapeño margarita.  All were fresh and fabulous.  Timothy’s Seafood Shack specializes in wild caught seafood, so we sampled the oysters, the Mahi, and the Shrimp Po’ Boy and whoa was it delectable.  

Recommendations: If you go off the resort, you MUST go to The Crab Trap and Timoti’s.  On-site, make sure to hit the coffee bar and every single offering in the club lounge.  Eat, drink and enjoy my friends, you’re on vacation!! Amelia Island Vacation

Obviously, we had a remarkable time at Amelia Island.  I hope this post helps you enjoy it as much as we did!

Amelia Island Vacation

You can find Ritz-Carlton: 

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Comments

  1. Amanda says

    May 24, 2016 at 7:56 am

    LOVE THIS!!!! Makes me want to go to this place!! Looks amazing!!!!!!!

    Reply
  2. Greta says

    May 24, 2016 at 10:01 am

    Looks like such a fun trip! Your pictures are gorgeous!

    Reply
  3. Erika Ravnsborg says

    May 24, 2016 at 10:11 am

    Wow! You all clearly had a fabulous time! What’s next for you?

    Reply
  4. Ashley Stephenson says

    May 24, 2016 at 10:30 am

    Looks like a perfect warm getaway! I need one of those ASAP!

    Reply
  5. Chrissy says

    May 24, 2016 at 10:45 am

    Beautiful photos – such gorgeous and vibrant colors everywhere! Looks like such a wonderful vacation and you look amazing!

    Reply
  6. Kate says

    May 24, 2016 at 11:15 am

    We go to Amelia Island every summer but we typically go the condos route. I’ve stayed at the Ritz a few times, though- it is really nice.

    Reply
  7. Kari says

    May 24, 2016 at 11:36 am

    What a super fun family vacation you guys had! I’d love to stay there!
    Kari
    http://www.sweetteasweetie.com

    Reply
  8. Lindsay says

    May 24, 2016 at 12:29 pm

    ahhhh this looks absolutely amazing!! I have been drooling over your IG photos from this trip, and reading the post is even better. I stayed at the Ritz in Chicago last weekend; I love their hotels : )

    Reply
  9. Sara Strand says

    May 24, 2016 at 1:04 pm

    I want a beach vacation SO BAD. We can’t do one for at least another year, more likely two, and that’s a total downer. *sigh*

    Reply
  10. Natalie @ A Fit Philosophy says

    May 24, 2016 at 11:19 pm

    Looks like an amazing place for a family vacation!

    Reply
  11. Ashley says

    May 25, 2016 at 5:46 am

    Fabulous pictures!!! Staying at the ritz next trip!!!

    Reply
  12. Dana says

    May 25, 2016 at 8:45 am

    I’ve been wanting to go to Amelia Island forever and your vacation looks like it was so much fun! I need to go now!!!

    Reply
  13. LeighAnn says

    May 25, 2016 at 9:10 am

    Beautiful photos! Looks like an amazing vacation!

    Reply
  14. Kusum says

    May 25, 2016 at 9:21 am

    What a great vacation and lovely pictures! Looks like you had a wonderful time with the kiddos and that hotel looks super-inviting right about now.
    xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com

    Reply
  15. Kerry says

    May 25, 2016 at 11:46 am

    Amelia Island looks amazing! I’m so glad you took one for the team and ate all the food. That’s what vacations are all about! Adding this to my list of places to visit.

    Reply
  16. Rachelle says

    May 25, 2016 at 8:15 pm

    What a great vacation, love all the recommendations!

    Reply
  17. Stacey says

    May 26, 2016 at 10:28 am

    What a fabulous vacation! I’m dying to go there! If we do vacation there, we’ll definitely be staying at the Ritz!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Tiny Love Rocker Napper Review &Henley's 4 Month | Happily Hughes says:
    May 25, 2016 at 7:27 am

    […] grown out of her colic she is SO FUN!  I can’t even begin to tell you.  On vacation this past weekend, she had about 4 or 5 people cooing over her at all times.  She adores […]

    Reply
  2. Best Family Vacations Around Atlanta | Happily Hughes says:
    January 16, 2019 at 6:20 am

    […] Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island– My favorite. The service, the island, the kids activities, and the food. All SO good!! If you haven’t been yet you have to go. […]

    Reply
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Life has been a little crazy lately! Moving, getti Life has been a little crazy lately! Moving, getting organized and enjoying this new adventure. 

Can’t wait to share more of this house with y’all! 

How was everyone’s weekend? Tell me below👇🏽 
.
.
#atlanta #atl #lifestyleblogger #lifewelltravelled #thebestmoments #embracethemoment
Y’all know I love to share my on-the-go healthie Y’all know I love to share my on-the-go healthier snack options. These Dole bowls are açaí frozen bowls that you can grab from the freezer, let defrost for 35-40 minutes, and eat on the road. Not only does it have açaí, but also a berry mix and granola topping. @dolesunshine #DoleAcaiBowls #sponsored
Team one piece or team bikini? You know I love b Team one piece or team bikini? 

You know I love both! Which suit is your favorite?

Outfit deets 👇🏻

Pink one piece: @victoriassecret 
White two piece: @scoutandmollysavalon
Colorful two piece: not a good return policy so not recommending 🙅🏼‍♀️

#daytona #daytonabeach  #lifestyleblogger #lifewelltravelled #bloggersofinstagram
Currently dreaming of a boozy brunch with my ladie Currently dreaming of a boozy brunch with my ladies. 

Where is your favorite place in Atlanta to brunch or lunch? What do you order there?

#atlanta #atlantaeats #atlantablogger #lifestyleinfluencer
I travel with her now so she’s not impressed by I travel with her now so she’s not impressed by someone’s crusty son trying to take her to Myrtle Beach. 😂

Kidding! I do believe travel is so important for kids though: not only will we cherish these memories forever, but I want to introduce them to as many people, cultures, and beautiful features of the world as possible. 

👉🏻Why do you travel with your kids? 

.
.

#boston #bostontravel #travellingwithkids  #travelandexplore #familytraveltips
The best thing I’ve ever done for myself is BELI The best thing I’ve ever done for myself is BELIEVE in myself. I’ve been hitting so many big goals that I've had for a few years now and I couldn’t be more grateful. 🙏🏻

Couldn’t have done some of them without all of the support that y’all are always giving me. Forever grateful. 💕

Let’s celebrate together - what goals have you hit this year that you’re proud of? Tell me below 👇🏻

.
.

#motivationforsuccess #motivationformoms #findyourpurpose #believeinyourself #positivevibes
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