The first time we arrived at The Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Lake Oconee, my wife and I instantly declared it our favorite Ritz property in the continental U.S. Clichés be damned, there’s just something different about the look and aura of this property, almost as if it transports guests to another era without sacrificing the creative, spoiling luxuries that travelers have come to covet from this brand. It’s hard to sum it all up with one quick, clever phrase, but here’s what really matters: our son absolutely loves it.

So much so that he’s never stopped talking about that first visit. This is surprising because the average child’s attention span changes to the next thing before I finish this sentence. Just when I think I’ve learned enough about Minecraft to engage with his favorite game, he informs me that it’s all about Pokemon now, and I’m sure that by next week all my Charizard research will be worthless because he’ll be into Yu-Gi-Oh.

It turns out, though, that no imaginary cartoon character can hold a candle to a simple little bass. Two years after that first visit, my son still occasionally shows me his favorite vacation souvenir: a photograph (yes, we still print them) of him triumphantly standing with a fish barely bigger than his own foot. And every time he hands that picture to me, I know what he’s trying to say: “Let’s go back.”

Fortunately, this time, we all agreed. As alluring as our favorite Caribbean resorts may be, sometimes you just need a massive lake, some fishing rods, and an infinity pool. And some fabulous new amenities don’t hurt.

Pump Your Brakes, Parents

What I love the most about The Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Lake Oconee, is that you don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn to force the kids to get dressed for the pool and lake, cram breakfast into your mouths without enjoying a single bite, and then race the other families to claim any chairs, let alone the best ones in the house. Pace of play isn’t just for the amazing golf courses here, as everyone is so laid back that there’s no reason to rush.

When my son wanted to bounce on the giant inflatables in the lake, there were always open chairs waiting for us on the sand. If my wife and her sister wanted to escape to the adults-only pool for some of the best cocktails in the Peach State, they didn’t have to search for hours to find new chairs. But the biggest relief was the seating availability at the family pool, which was added shortly after our last visit.

We assumed this would be the busiest spot on the resort property, with families hoarding as many loungers as they could by placing every towel, hat, toy, and Croc across them. We were gloriously wrong. Seating is ample at all times of day, and while kids are splashing in their own pool, parents can enjoy a variety of fun snacks and drinks at the Splash Shack, another terrific addition.

Those Summer Camp Vibes

Watching the kids run wild here reminded me of the vintage ‘80s summer camp vibes from my childhood, aside from today’s children enjoying far more superior and thrilling lake toys. Keeping a cautious dad’s eye on them as they bounced on the pair of massive inflatable trampolines and slide headfirst into the water from the floating platform, I was honestly a little jealous of how good they had it made. And that’s before we gathered at the campfire for s’mores and watched all the younger guests reunite to plan the next day’s adventures.

Now, I realize the phrase “run wild” might give the wrong impression. This isn’t an Orlando theme park hotel, nor is it the bargain Cancun all-inclusive or the deck of a crowded cruise ship. Here, the kids can play for hours and cause nary a distraction, while adults—both parents and childless romantics alike—can have their fun as well. I don’t know how this Ritz pulls that off so well, but it’s truly splendid.

But if we’re focusing solely on the children, there’s no better item to add to the agenda than an afternoon at Ritz Kids. This is a blanket statement for Ritz-Carlton properties worldwide; however, there’s so much adventure and nature to appreciate at Reynolds Lake Oconee that its’ thrilling for both the children and parents to know that the informative, entertaining staff members are providing an educational element in addition to letting the smaller guests win at air hockey.

It’ll be a long time before I forget how much fun my son had on his Ritz Kids retreat, because he’s still talking about it a month later. Especially the fishing. It turns out that when dad struggles to pull the hook from a fish’s mouth but the “camp counselor” (his words) can do it with the flick of a wrist, it means you’ve been surpassed in the pecking order. The criticism is worth it, though, when it means he has a lifelong memory and maybe even a new hobby to build on for many trips to come.

Something New for the Picky Eaters

One thing that always gets travelers worked up when it comes to their favorite resorts is a new restaurant. So, when we arrived at The Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Lake Oconee, there was already a ton of buzz for the most recent addition to the property’s dining options: Amore Del Lago. A good Italian joint is always an ideal choice on vacation, especially when the culinary team goes above and beyond in making phenomenal butter noodles and sauceless pizza for a 7-year-old whose palate hasn’t quite yet evolved.

Guests were raving about Amore Del Lago throughout our visit, so much so that we had to be flexible with our dinner times because securing a reservation—at least on short notice—was difficult. Fortunately, there are still other terrific dining options here, including Gaby’s by the Lake, which is already about as perfect as can be, and the Linger Longer Steakhouse as an ideal choice for large family meals or simply celebrating a great round on Great Waters with a mouth-watering filet.

Not long after my visit, a friend took his family to Reynolds Lake Oconee and seemed somewhat unimpressed by what he thought was a lack of variety in the dining options. The key, I’ll tell him and anyone else with ears, is to spread it out and visit places like The National Tavern, which has a pecan old fashioned that pairs well with the best pork chops I’ve ever devoured, and the Great Waters Waterview Pub, where the fish tacos are practically a religion.

And Don’t Forget the Golf

It wasn’t until we’d reached the Florida-Georgia border on our drive home that my son caught site of “Excalibur,” my magical new TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver that was custom assembled for me at The Kingdom. To this point, he’d shown hardly any interest in golf, as his set of junior clubs, delivered by Santa in 2020, still has bubble wrap on the irons. But kids do and say the darndest things, and he suddenly declared: “I think I’d like to learn golf.”

You and me both, kid.

When I visited Reynolds Lake Oconee the first time, I was very intimidated by The Kingdom, as I was under the foolish belief that if I took a lesson here, the experts would rip my game to shreds and make me feel worse than I did shooting 106 on The Oconee. But every golfer I know who has visited and taken lessons has told me that this is as much the place for a scratch golfer to manage imperfections as it is for an average shlub to begin anew.

This was confirmed when I spent time with Sean Cain, whose simple methods instantly reshaped my short game and helped me shave at least 10 strokes off my round the next day. I was so impressed with the patience of these instructors that I’d send my son to them in a heartbeat if he really wants to learn this maddening yet wonderful sport.

And just as the Ritz Kids program blended adventure with education, Little Rippers (ages 4-7) and Rippers (8-10) will enjoy an experience that merges golf with fitness to help them get accustomed to the physical movements us older golfers have been desperately trying to master for years, if not decades. Perhaps best of all is that parents can save money on sending multiple junior golfers to The Kingdom.

They’ll receive the lesson of a lifetime and parents will enjoy a little extra quiet time at the adults-only pool. It’s a win-win at a place that knows how to make guests of all ages feel victorious.

The post Even on the Busiest Days, Time Stands Still at the Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Lake Oconee appeared first on Islands.

It wasn’t until he laid eyes on a Buc-ee’s billboard somewhere on I-75 that my five-year-old son first uttered those words that parents dread: “Are we there yet?” For as thrilled as he’d been to embark on his first road trip, the boy’s patience started wearing thin around the fourth hour of our journey, but we assured him that a vacation experience unlike anything he’d ever imagined was so close that he’d probably be there before his next Scooby Doo movie concluded.

We’d had our eyes on Reynolds Lake Oconee for a change of pace vacation destination as far back as 2019, but other than what our friends in Atlanta had told us about their favorite staycation spot, we didn’t know what to expect. We’ve always been an island family, and our son has already been to the Bahamas more times than I had by age 18. So, when we started planning a getaway to this almost mystical community, set between Atlanta and Augusta, we first had to not only convince our beach boy that life on the lake is just as good as the Caribbean Sea, but also that a six-hour road trip could be as pleasant and convenient as a one-hour flight.

Gulp.

Even Mary Kay Ash would have struggled to close this deal, but we assured him with every “are we there yet?” that he was in store for something truly special. Little did we know that we were, too.

Every Moment Feels Like a First Impression

The first thing you’ll notice about Reynolds Lake Oconee, other than the old school, My Cousin Vinny vibe of taking a two-lane road into town, is the landscaping. There’s not a square-inch of this community that doesn’t rival Walt Disney World in terms of colorful flowers and impeccably maintained shrubbery. It’s no wonder why the Instagram account pays tribute to the artists responsible for maintaining the natural beauty of the region.

As beautiful and serene as it all seems, it’s all still packed with so much character, charm, and energy. One of the things I love most about visiting new places in the Caribbean and Mexico is meeting people and learning about the history of their cities, and this was no different. Well, other than the fact that it’s a far quicker flight and I don’t need a passport. But this is a place that was chosen as one family’s retreat more than 100 years ago, so it’s almost poetic how it has grown into one of the best all-ages vacation spots on the East Coast, if not in the entire U.S.

From the shopping areas and restaurants to the golf courses and sporting grounds, you’d be hard-pressed to find one spot that doesn’t elicit first-sight gasps or utterances of “Wow” and, for me, “Holy moly.” It’s not so much a concept designed to make people want to return year after year, as much as it’s one that was conceived to make us never want to leave.

An Overwhelming Sense of Familiarity

At the heart of this vacation experience is a very familiar name: The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee. It’s undoubtedly a brand we’ve all come to expect the best from, but at the same time this is not your typical Ritz. At least it doesn’t feel like one. When you check into this sprawling lakeside retreat, it feels like someone took a summer camp, mixed it with a country club, and added a dash of ski lodge. It’s… amazing.

One knock on this property that we’d heard ahead of this visit was how the pool was too small for so many families, so we had a hearty laugh when we learned that we were a week early for the grand opening of the brand-spanking-new family pool. The greatest cliché we hear in the travel industry is “they’ve thought of everything,” but this Ritz really has, and there’s an overwhelming sense of pride in that—especially with the way employees go out of the way in making young guests feel like the most important people on the planet.

We saw it every step of the way—little snacks delivered to the room, servers “sneaking” kids extra treats, hotel staff stopping on a dime to help teach a child who has never held a fishing pole how to catch his first catfish (he caught six in an hour!). And that’s what makes this entire community feel like a home away from home, even for first timers.

It’s not an artificial warmth with a forced smile. This is immense pride in a bigger picture, and it shows in every element. The best example occurred when I was having dinner at the National Tavern. In between sampling the phenomenal whiskey menu (the pecan old-fashioned is one of the best cocktails I’ve ever sipped) and devouring the signature char-grilled pork chop (with a grit cake and chili corn relish that I can still taste weeks later) I silently marveled at how this restaurant was packed with residents who’d simply arrived for dinner and cocktails, but turned the evening into one giant party simply because Harris English and Kramer Hickok ended up in a playoff for the ages at the Travelers Championship.

If it feels like everyone knows each other, it might be because they do, but it’s more likely because Reynolds Lake Oconee makes everyone happy to be there and appreciate their surroundings. And the way that they include complete strangers in the fun is as special as it is generous.

This is Way More than a Golf Destination

If you tell someone that you’re visiting Reynolds Lake Oconee, there’s a good chance they’ll mention golf. With six absolutely amazing courses (five public and one that we can only play as members or, more likely, in our dreams) and the mind-blowing Kingdom of Golf, you should expect to have that conversation; however, it shouldn’t limit expectations for anyone who doesn’t play. And while I didn’t think it was possible, there’s one element that possibly outshines the links and maybe everything: the Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds.

Describing just how massive this whole community is feels impossible—it’s huge. HUGE! Almost as if it’s the first place on Earth and the rest of the world has yet to be built around it. So, when you consider all of the neighborhoods, the Ritz-Carlton property, every golf course, and obviously the water, it’s impossible to imagine there could be much else. But set within 100 acres of forests, hills, and even more water is this showcase of outdoor adventure that is guaranteed to turn even the biggest city slicker into Wyatt Earp.

Led by director, designer, and international shooting champion Justin Jones and bolstered by a spectacular crew that features a legitimate superstar in Jasper Copeland, the Chief Shooting Instructor, the sporting grounds pushes this destination over the top in terms of not only excitement and adventure, but also possibilities. It’s not every day that we choose places that offer clay shooting courses and games, archery, and fishing, especially not with a team of instructors as friendly and especially patient as this.

But the absolute cherry on top is the off-road course that takes guests on a unique tour of the surrounding natural beauty—on a well-designed course, naturally—in a Land Rover Discovery or the new and thrilling Jeep Rubicon vehicles that the staff was especially eager to show off when I visited.

For family getaways, bachelor or bachelorette parties, milestone birthdays and celebrations, or, heck, even a destination fantasy football draft, this is a next-level experience that takes some people out of their element, in the best way possible, and introduces them to unbridled excitement. For others who are more familiar with these activities, it provides new challenges.

And for everyone, it means new memories. A true win-win scenario.

The post Reynolds Lake Oconee Ascends the Throne as the Ultimate Vacation Playground appeared first on Islands.

The Peach State is breaking records for something wonderful happening on its coasts. During the first week of August, Georgia officially surpassed its record for sea turtle nests with researchers recording 3,966. The last record setting year was 2019 when researchers tallied 3,956 nests.

Jekyll Island also saw a record number of sea turtle nests on its 10 miles of beaches. Biologists from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center found 236 nests in 2022, the highest amount ever recorded for the island. 

Scientists say the nesting loggerhead turtle population increases each year in Georgia by approximately 4 percent, and that number has been rising since the 90s. Thanks to the Georgia Sea Turtle Cooperative, which includes hundreds of volunteers fanned out across the coast and researchers from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Jekyll Island’s sea turtle nests are carefully monitored and protected from predators. 

Their conservation and protection efforts are paying off for this endangered reptile. So far this year, more than 6,000 loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings have emerged from nests on Jekyll Island. And they’re coming from a growing number of mothers that keep coming back to the island to lay eggs. One female sea turtle can lay multiple clutches of eggs per season, with some returning to the same area to nest just a few weeks after laying eggs. In 2019, 83 sea turtles were responsible for the 199 nests found on Jekyll’s beaches. Genetic analysis is underway right now to determine how many mama sea turtles laid eggs on its shores this year. 

Something truly fascinating about this news is that the turtles behind the record number of nests were once hatchlings on these same beaches. According to the NOAA, mature sea turtles return to the same beach where they hatched decades earlier to lay their own eggs. 

Sea turtles should be proud to call Jekyll Island home, as it serves as a dedicated state park with a mission of “maintaining the delicate balance between nature and humankind.” The Jekyll Island Authority, a self-supporting state entity, set up parameters to protect the island’s ecosystem while still creating an inviting destination for visitors. Although it only has 10 miles of shoreline, the island offers a wide array of features for those looking to get away. 

Each beach on Jekyll Island has its own unique flair. St. Andrews is known for its magnificent bird watching, while Driftwood Beach is known for its Instagram-worthy photo ops. Hop on a bike and ride along the island’s 22 miles of scenic paths or grab your clubs for a game of golf along the island’s pristine lakes. Just look out for alligators.

And don’t be fooled by the state park designation. You can still find plenty of luxury on Jekyll Island, like the boutique Beachview Club Hotel which boasts views of the ocean and century-old live oaks, or the historic Jekyll Island Club Resort which dates back to 1888.

The post Georgia’s Conservation Efforts Pay Off with Record Number of Sea Turtle Nests appeared first on Islands.

There was a moment while I was dining at The National Tavern in Reynolds Lake Oconee that I thought, “It doesn’t get much better than this.” Taking a bite of the celebrated pork chop between sips of the signature Pecan Old Fashioned, I marveled at how everyone in this glorious golf community sports bar embraced the neighborly vibe, as if each person who walked through the door would be greeted like Norm from Cheers.

“It really doesn’t get much better than this,” I again whispered, this time between sips of my blackberry old fashioned—one of the greatest cocktails I’ll ever find in a golf course setting. But the next morning I’d discover just how I wrong I was.

When I visited Richland Pointe, it was but a small portion of a far greater concept. A massive infinity pool was still being tiled, landscaping was still being considered, Executive Chef Zouhair Bellout was still tinkering with his clubhouse menu, and only a few homes were under construction. And yet, even as I tried to picture what this newest neighborhood would look like, I could feel the energy and the positive vibes coming from everyone who played a role in its creation. 

It’s Something a Little Different

Anyone who has visited Reynolds Lake Oconee knows what to expect from the homes in the various neighborhoods, especially the trademark mansions that sit on the water. They’re huge and unmistakably Southern, somehow understated despite their excess, but most of all they’re just plain awesome. It’s impossible not to look at them and imagine owning one before attempting yet another belly flop from the second story of a party pontoon.

But that’s not really the case with Richland Pointe. The cottage-inspired homes are hardly massive, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be magnificent. Excess is also not the point of this neighborhood (pun very much intended). This is a concept created with wellness as a centerpiece and combined with the trademark communal warmth of Reynolds Lake Oconee. Neighbors will not only live together, but they’ll have the option to dine, play, and even exercise together.

If that all seems a little Utopian, that’s fair—it first reminded me of Hank Scorpio’s Cypress Creek. A more accurate description, however, is optimistically harmonious. Residents will gather at the community infinity pool that appears to spill into the neighboring lake, before grabbing healthy snacks and drinks at the waterside restaurants with a massive outdoor bar. Wider sidewalks and paths encourage residents to not only use their feet to get from Points A to B, but also take casual strolls and even power walk with family and neighbors. And many of us would probably love to have a built-in fitness program that blows away anything at the neighborhood gym.

How Very European of You

Before a home had even been completed, Richland Pointe’s wellness center became the first facility in the United States to offer Technogym’s Biocircuit program. Don’t worry—I wasn’t hip to the lingo either, but, boy, was I impressed with the efficiency and scope of this offering. In a nutshell, this has all the benefits of a personal trainer commitment without the personal trainer.

As guests enter the fitness facility, they’ll join the “adaptive circuit training experience,” which means they’ll start their workouts at one of 12 stations, follow the simple instructions to feel the burn, and when time expires, each person moves on to the next machine. At face value, it’s an awesome way to ensure that everyone gets a turn on each machine, but what’s most important is how they’re also getting the best of all 12 in one convenient session.

In addition to the Biocircuit experience, residents can also take part in a variety of classes, including yoga, spin, and stretching, while topping it all off with a full spa menu. For wellness alone—not to mention access to the community’s six amazing golf courses—Richland Pointe will feel like living in a resort, but with the bonus of not being surrounded by other tourists.

Food, Glorious Food

One might assume that there’s a trickiness to creating a restaurant menu in a neighborhood founded with wellness as a central component, but the thing about Chef Bellout is he makes everything seem easy. It’s as if the Moroccan-born culinary genius is a wizard who snaps his fingers and astounding meals appear out of thin air. In reality, he’s merely a world traveler who has picked up a few tricks along the way to Reynolds Lake Oconee.

From the bar bites to dinner, the international influence of his menu is obvious, and guests will love the diversity. Standard bar fare like crispy chicken bites will be perfect for afternoons spent sipping beers and cheering on everyone’s favorite golfers in the weekend’s PGA tournament being shown across the many bar televisions, while the Mediterranean steamed mussels and Indian butter chicken might tempt carnivores away from the grilled steak with chimichurri (believe me, there’s no wrong choice).

The biggest crowd pleasers will undoubtedly be the myriad options on the rolls, sushi, and sashimi menu, as well as the extensive wine list. Oh, and let’s not forget the fantastically creative cocktail list, which features some truly eclectic drinks with global inspirations, including Chef Bellout’s Gettin’ Figgy with It.

The Center of Attention

As a vacation spot, Reynolds Lake Oconee easily checks off the basics: a spectacular resort, great dining options, seemingly endless water, magnificent pools, and even some sand (a lake beach counts). All that is usually enough to keep families entertained for up to a week, but the fun hardly ends there. The six amazing golf courses are so beautiful and alluring, even golfers with handicaps that push triple digits will have a great time sending ball after ball to a watery afterlife.

And then there’s the Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds. The brainchild of international shooting champion Justin Jones, this amenity on steroids exists on 100 acres and showcases the typically beautiful natural elements of the region while using it as the setting for thrilling adventure. Guests can join the staff experts for shooting, fishing, archery, and even a very bumpy ride on the offroad course (uneasy stomachs might want to sit that last one out). This offering alone cements Reynolds Lake Oconee’s status the ultimate vacation playground.

Now, imagine having all this as for regular weekend fun. Richland Pointe is going to make many families want to forget about vacations and call this special community something even better: Home. 

The post Reynolds Lake Oconee’s Latest Residential Concept Will Redefine a Permanent Vacation appeared first on Islands.

Pondering an escape to a beachy destination in one of the 50 states? We’ve found an incredible round-up of hard-to-resist rates—as much as 40%-60% off—and extra perks, whether you want to head south to the Sunshine State, book a seaside getaway to New England or channel Pacific surf vibes. 

Here are 40 Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals, from Florida to Hawaii and everywhere in between.

Florida

The Boca Raton, Boca Raton

The Deal: Newly refreshed, The Boca Raton is offering A Golden Escape for guests who book a room in any of the property’s five hotels: Beach Club, Yacht Club, Cloister, Tower or Bungalows. Book from Nov. 26  to Dec. 3, 2021 to get a $500 dining credit, $500 spa credit and one-category room upgrade (based on availability on arrival date, value up to $200/night), as well as a pair of handcrafted golden macarons from Maison Rose, the new specialty chocolaterie (value $25). Valid on stays through Nov. 25, 2022, with three-night minimum required. Hotel standard deposit and cancellation policies apply. Not combinable with other offers. No credit for unused portions of the package. Book here or call 855-874-6551.

THesis Hotel Miami, Coral Gables

The Deal: THesis Hotel Miami, a modern property that’s a cultural hub in historic Coral Gables, has a Black Friday/Cyber Monday offer of up to 40% off rates (starting at $109 on certain dates) for guests who book from Nov. 22-29, 2021 for stays from Nov. 22, 2021 to Sept. 5, 2022. Standard cancellation policy applies. 

The Gabriel South Beach, Miami

The Deal: The Gabriel South Beach, a boutique property located on Ocean Drive in South Beach, has a very limited Black Friday deal called “Dream Away at South Beach”: Book online using code BFR between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Nov. 26, 2021 to get 40% off stays from May 16 to Oct. 31, 2022. 

The Gabriel Miami, Miami

The Deal: Sister property The Gabriel Miami, a 129-key downtown lifestyle hotel, also has a Black Friday/Cyber Monday offer: Book anytime during Nov. 16-30, 2021 to receive up to 35% off the best available rate (discounts can be as low as $129 per night) for stays from Nov. 16, 2021 to Sept. 30, 2022. Full pre-payment is required at the time of booking and reservations are non-cancellable. Offer is subject to availability and blackout dates apply. Discounted rate is exclusive of taxes and fees. 

The Shelborne South Beach, Miami

The Deal: The Shelborne , an Art Deco South Beach hotel with an iconic pool, is offering guests who book its Black Friday/Cyber Monday offer up to 60% off, with rates starting at $199.

Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

The Deal: The Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, located on the Gulf of Mexico, is offering guests who book between Nov. 22-29, 2021 a 30% discount off stays of at least three nights, plus a $50 resort credit. The deal is valid on stays through Oct. 31, 2022. Book here. 

The Beaches of Fort Meyers & Sanibel

The Deal: Multiple resorts located along The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel have a 4th night for free deal for Black Friday/Cyber Monday. Book a stay Nov. 26 – Dec. 3, 2021 for travel from May 5, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2022 to get a fourth night free. The deal is available starting Nov. 26 at DiamondHead Beach Resort (book here), GullWing Beach Resort (book here), Pointe Estero Beach Resort (book here), Lovers Key Resort (book here) and Casa Playa Resort (book here). All reservations are subject to availability and blackout dates apply. Valid for new reservations only and may not be combined with other offers. Minimum stay required.

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Sandestin

The Deal: Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort, located on 2,400 acres in Florida’s Emerald Coast, has a Cyber Monday deal offering savings of up to 40% for bookings made Nov. 29–Dec. 2, 2021 for stays from Nov. 29, 2021 to March 11, 2022. Blackout dates and exclusions may apply. 

Hotel Effie, Sandestin

The Deal: Hotel Effie, also situated on Florida’s Emerald Coast and offering access to the amenities at Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort, also has Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals of 40% off booking for stays from Dec. 1, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2022 (blackout dates apply).

The Ray Hotel, Delray Beach

The Deal: The Ray, a 141-room design-focused luxury hotel located in the Pineapple Grove Arts District in downtown Delray Beach, is offering 33% off the best rates available when booked Nov. 26 – Dec. 3, 2021 for stays between Jan. 1, 2022 and Nov. 30, 2022 (blackout dates apply). A minimum of three nights (maximum of seven nights) is required, with a one-night deposit collected at the time of booking and free cancellation available up to 72 hours prior to arrival. 

Book here.

Luminary Hotel & Co., Fort Myers

The Deal: Situated on the Caloosahatchee riverfront in downtown Fort Myers, Luminary Hotel & Co. is offering a $50 dining credit per night for stays from Dec. 1, 2021 through Sept. 30, 2022. The offer must be booked between Nov. 26-29, 2021 and the credit can be used at any of the hotel’s five food and beverage outlets. Use promo code FOO here or call 833-918-1512.

Epicurean, Tampa

The Deal: Situated in the trendy Hyde Park historic district of Tampa, food-focused Epicurean Hotel is offering a $50 food and beverage credit per night for stays from Dec. 1, 2021 through Sept. 30, 2022 when booked between Nov. 26-29, 2021. Credit can be used for classes in the Epicurean’s state-of-the-art culinary classroom or dining in the Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar signature restaurant and EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge. Book here with promo code FOO or call 855-829-2536

Plantation on Crystal River, Crystal River

The Deal: Plantation on Crystal River, located on Florida’s Nature Coast where you can legally swim among and interact with West Indian Manatees, is offering a Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal of 35% off Sunday-Thursday stays and 25% off stays Friday-Saturday stays from Dec. 1, 2021 through Feb. 28, 2022 (prime manatee viewing season). Rates are as low as $109/night and must be booked Nov. 26-29, 2021 via phone only at 800-632-6262. Use promo code LCYBER for the midweek stays and LBLKFD for weekend stays. 

The Don CeSar & Beach House Suites by the Don Cesar, St. Pete Beach

The Deal: The Don CeSar & Beach House Suites by The Don CeSar, located on St. Pete Beach and opened at the height of the Great Gatsby era in 1928, has the following offer: Book between Nov. 23 – Nov. 30, 2021 and save 30% off three-night stays between Nov. 23, 2021 and Sept. 30, 2022 (blackout dates apply). Tip: Sign up for The Don’s monthly email offers to receive early access and more value. Book three nights between Nov. 16 – Nov. 22, 2021 and save 40% off stays between Nov. 16, 2021 and Sept. 30, 2022. (the pre-sale is accessed only through the hotel’s eNewsletter and blackout dates apply). Book here. Sign up for The Don CeSar’s eNewsletter here.

Omni Amelia Island Resort, Amelia Island 

The Deal: At the oceanfront Omni Amelia Island Resort, enjoy weekday rates of $289/night and weekend rates of $299/night from Nov. 22, 2021 through Feb. 27, 2022 (based on availability) when booking during the Nov. 22 – Dec. 5, 2021 window. Book via OmniHotels.com or call 904-261-6161.

RumFish Beach Resort, St. Pete Beach

The Deal: Located on the sugary white sands of St. Pete Beach, RumFish Beach Resort (a TradeWinds Island Resorts property) is offering discounts—30% off Sunday-Thursday stays and 15% off Friday-Saturday stays—on its best available rates for stays from Dec. 1, 2021 through Feb. 17, 2022. Rates are as low as $182/night (not including nightly resort amenity fee) and must be booked Nov. 26-29, 2021 via phone or online with the code CYBER21. Book here or call 888-974-3095.

The Karol Hotel, Clearwater

The Deal: Centrally located in Clearwater’s beautiful Feather Sound neighborhood The Karol Hotel (the first member of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio in Pinellas County) is offering a $50 per night food and beverage credit for reservations made between Nov. 26-29, 2021 for stays from Dec. 1, 2021 through Sept. 30, 2022. The credit can be used at the popular Vantage Rooftop Bar overlooking Tampa Bay or the signature K Club Bar & Bistro. Book here using promo Code 7YM or call 833-928-1437.

Mainsail Beach Inn, Anna Maria Island 

The Deal: For guests looking for an extended stay on Anna Maria Island, Mainsail Beach Inn is offering a fourth night free when guests reserve three nights at the beachfront property from Dec. 1, 2021 through Jan. 31, 2022. The offer must be booked between Nov. 26-29, 2021. Valid only for new reservations, based on availability, and blackout dates apply. Book here or call 888-416-3751.

Hawaii

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Maui

The Deal: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa will be taking part in Hyatt’s Global offer with guests receiving 10% off their stay when they book between Nov. 9 – Dec. 21, 2021 for stays from now until April 30, 2022. Book online here.

Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort, Kauai

The Deal: At Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort, a boutique resort on Poipu Beach, guests can enjoy 22% off the best available rate on rooms, $100 resort credit and $100 spa credit per stay when booking from Nov. 26-29, 2021. The resort will also make a $10 donation per reservation to the Surfrider Foundation. This deal requires a minimum stay of three nights and is valid on stays through Dec. 17, 2022; blackout dates apply. Book here. 

Prince Waikiki, Oahu

The Deal: Prince Waikiki is offering the following deals, bookable Nov. 16 – 30, 2021 for stays from Nov. 16, 2021 to December 22, 2022: 30% off best available rates for non-residents; rooms starting at $199/night for local kamaaina residents; and a special suite offering that includes $100 in resort credits per day (two-night minimum stay required). Book here.

‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki, Oahu

The Deal: Alohilani Resort, a newly transformed hotel in the heart of Waikiki Beach, is offering 25% off on nightly rates (starting at $279/night) along with free daily breakfast for two at Longboard Club, 25% off daily retail rates, guaranteed late departure at 2 p.m. and VIP shopping and dining pass to the Shops at ‘Alohilani, including discounts at Kolohe, Beachside Luxe, Swell Restaurant & Bar and O Bar. A minimum four-night stay required and the package  must be booked Nov. 25–Dec. 1, 2021 for stays between Dec. 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 (blackout dates are Dec. 24, 2021 – Jan. 1, 2022). Book here using code FRIDAY21 or CYBER21 or call 808-922-1233. 

Hanalei Colony Resort, Kauai

The Deal: Hanalei Colony Resort, located on Kauai’s scenic North Shore, is offering 25% off best available rates (excluding oceanfront & premium oceanfront suites) plus a free room upgrade based on availability at check-in on bookings made Nov. 24-30, 2021 for stays through Dec. 15, 2022 (blackout dates: Dec. 24, 2021 – Jan. 2, 2022, and January 14-17, 2022). Extended booking dates are available through the resort’s booking engine from Nov. 17 – Dec. 5, 2021; use promo code FRIDAY25.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Oahu

The Deal: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort , set on 22 acres amid lively Waikiki Beach, is offering guests an opportunity to book rooms at up to 50% off now through Nov. 29, 2021 for stays through Oct. 31, 2022. Book here.

Hilton Waikoloa Village, Island of Hawaii

The Deal: Hilton Waikoloa Village, a 62-acre resort enclave located along the Kahala Coast on the Island of Hawaii (the Big Island), is also offering rates that are up to 50% off now through Nov. 29, 2021 for stays through Oct. 31, 2022. Book here. 

Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, Oahu

The Deal: The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club in Honolulu, featuring mid-century-inspired rooms and a pet-friendly policy, is offering 21% off all rooms (excluding penthouses and 3-bedroom suites), no amenity fees and free off-site self-parking. The deal is open to the general public Nov. 24-29, 2021 (Surfjack VIPs and email subscribers have access from Nov. 11-30, 2021; sign up at the bottom of the website) for stays from Dec. 1-23, 2021 and Jan. 1, 2022 to Dec. 23, 2022). Use code CYBER2021 to book here. 

California

Pasea Hotel & Spa, Huntington Beach

The Deal: Pasea Hotel & Spa, located steps from the sand and upscale shopping and eateries of Huntington Beach, is offering a special Black Friday deal that includes 21% off accommodations with $21 from each reservation donated to the Surfrider Foundation. Book from Nov. 26-29, 2021 for stays through Feb. 28, 2022 using promo code GREENFRIDAY (blackout dates apply).

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, La Jolla

The Deal: Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, a hacienda-style resort located on the coast north of San Diego, is offering a package deal of 21% off the best available room rates, a $21 daily food and beverage credit and a $21 donation per stay to Just In Time. Book now through Dec. 1, 2021 for stays through April 30, 2022 (blackout dates apply). 

Surf & Sand Resort, Laguna Beach

The Deal: Surf & Sand Resort, located on 500 feet of Laguna Beach’s white-sand shoreline, is offering a 50/50 Cyber Sale: From Nov. 15 – Dec. 5, 2021 enjoy 50% off the resort’s best available rate, along with a daily $50 food and beverage credit. Valid on new reservations for travel through March 31, 2022. This offer is not combinable with other offers and not valid on group bookings. Subject to availability and holidays and blackout dates may apply. 

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point

The Deal: Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, which offers private access to the Monarch Bay Beach Club, oceanfront golf and more, is offering a special Cyber Sale: Reserve two nights or more from Nov. 15-28, 2021 to unlock up to 25% off of the resort’s best available rate (up to 30% off for Hilton Honors members). The deal is valid for stays between Jan. 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022.

Georgia 

Sea Island

The Deal: To honor the more than 100 Sea Island team members who belong to the Quarter Century Club (having worked at the resort for at least 25 years), the property is offering guests who book on Nov. 29, 2021 the chance to book the third night of any January or February 2022 stay for $25 when choosing accommodations at The Cloister or The Lodge. 

Massachusetts 

Chatham Bars Inn, Cape Cod, MA

The Deal: Chatham Bars Inn, located on the beach in Cape Cod, has two offers. BLACK FRIDAY: Receive up to 40% off your reservation for select spring and fall dates in 2022. Book Nov. 26, 2021 – Dec. 4, 2021 (valid for new reservations only). CYBER MONDAY: Receive up to 40% off your reservation on select dates between Nov. 30, 2021 and March 31, 2022. Book Nov. 29, 2021 – Dec. 4, 2021. 

North Carolina

The Sanderling Resort, Duck

The Deal: A full-service resort located on 13 acres in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, The Sanderling Resort is offering 30% off the best available retail rate to guests who reserve Nov. 24 – Dec. 1, 2021 for stays through May 31, 2022. Book here.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Hotel Month

The Deal: Rhode Island’s annual Hotel Week RI is being expanded to Hotel Month RI with discounts available Nov. 26, 2021 for travel dates throughout January 2022 at a wide variety of accommodations: luxury hotels, historic inns and cozy B&Bs. Participating properties are offering up to 40% savings all month long. Book here starting Nov. 26, 2021.

Hotel Viking, Newport

The Deal: Hotel Viking in Newport is offering guests up to 40% off the best flexible rate for a stay through March 31, 2022 if booked directly between Nov. 29, 2021 and Dec. 5, 2021. Book here, using code CYBER1. 

Ocean House, Westerly

The Deal: Reserve between Nov. 26-29, 2021 to receive 10, 15 and 25% off (for one, two or three consecutive days) for a stay at luxury waterfront resort Ocean House from Dec. 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. To book call 844-742-0140.

Weekapaug Inn, Westerly

The Deal: At the Weekapaug Inn, a quintessentially New England historic inn, book between Nov. 26-29, 2021 to receive 10, 20 and 30% off (for one, two or three consecutive days) for stays from Dec. 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. To book call 844-742-0140.

Watch Hill Inn, Watch Hill

The Deal: At Watch Hill Inn, located in the heart of Watch Hill village, book between Nov. 26-29, 2021 to receive 15, 25 and 30% off (for one, two or three consecutive days) on stays throughout May 2022 and Sundays to Thursdays in June 2022. Book by calling 844-742-0140.

The Wayfinder Hotel, Newport

The Deal: The Wayfinder, a boutique hotel created by a group of Newport chefs, bartenders, artists, designers and entrepreneurs and located near the city’s beaches and famous Cliff Walk, is offering 25% off best available rates, plus two complimentary cocktails from onsite restaurant Nomi Park, when a booking is made Nov. 29 – Dec. 12, 2021 for stays from Nov. 30, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2022. Use promo code CYBER.

South Carolina

Hilton Head Health, Hilton Head Island
The Deal: Hilton Head Health, an all-inclusive wellness retreat on Hilton Head Island that offers custom fitness plans, nutritional workshops, a wellness spa and gourmet cuisine, is offering 25% off current rates, plus a $150 resort cash credit that can be used toward cooking classes, spa treatments and more. The sale runs from Nov. 22 –Dec. 3, 2021 and is valid for stays from Dec. 26, 2021 through April 2, 2022. 

The post 40 More Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals from Florida to Hawaii (and a Few Places in Between) appeared first on Islands.

For a lot of spooks and ghouls, on Halloween, nothing beats an evening of trick-or-treating and handing out candy to the neighborhood kids. Or, for the more vigilant goblins, hiding in the shadows to catch some of those neighborhood kids before they let some eggs and toilet paper fly. We see you, Brayden!

There’s also nothing quite like escaping for the most mysterious and action-packed holiday of the year, so if you’re looking for a last-second retreat that still puts an emphasis on treat, these resorts and destinations will definitely do the trick. (Every pun always intended.)

Ritz-Carlton Orlando—Fall on the Farm

If you’re in search of something laidback but still wholly enriching, the experiences offered at Grande Lakes Orlando are ideal for any time of the year. For this special season, the Fall on the Farm concept hosted by the Ritz-Carlton Orlando and JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes provides fun and education for all ages, so parents won’t be nodding off on the hayride—not when the Master Falconer is standing by to introduce the property’s greatest winged protectors.

With limited space and reservations required, this is a fantastic event for families that are focused on personal space and safety (and the resorts have also gone to great lengths to guarantee this aspect throughout the buildings as well). With painting classes, arts and crafts, pumpkin carving, and even a fly-fishing demonstration, this isn’t a typical Halloween experience. It’s better.

Gaylord Hotels—Goblins and Giggles

Running through Halloween, the Goblins and Giggles experience is currently underway at Gaylord Rockies in Colorado, Gaylord Palms in Florida, Gaylord Opryland in Tennessee, and Gaylord Texan in Texas. Conceived for guests of all ages, this program boasts a variety of activities that will keep kids busy and make them earn their treats this year.

The Hide and Seek Scavenger Hunt requires puzzle solving skills in order to discover Spookley the Square Pumpkin, while the Ghoul School offers games and even a mad scientist’s experiment. And parents will especially love slipping into the Wicked Brews Spookeasy for some creative craft cocktails and special holiday artwork.

Four Seasons Resort Hualālai—Trick or Treating

A last second jaunt to the Aloha State is obviously a tall order, but anyone who will be visiting the island of Hawai’I during the holiday should consider accommodations at the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai. This goes for any time of the year, seeing as the experiences here are second to none in the state and possibly anywhere in the world. Knife-making, anyone?

But when it comes to guests of all ages, the Kids for All Seasons program spoils the youngest among us, and Halloween is no exception. Kids ages 5-12 who are signed up for this beneficial program will enjoy a variety of spooktacular activities, including trick-or-treating on property and goodie bags with some special souvenirs.

The Crystal Coast, North Carolina—Beaufort Ghost Walk

What’s Halloween without some ghost stories? Better yet, what about a ghost tour? Head to the Southern Outer Banks of North Carolina and sign up for the legendary Beaufort Ghost Tour, on which a pair of guides will escort your group back in time, sharing the stories of ghost pirate ships, haunted houses, and even the one and only Blackbeard.

Don’t let the chilling tales and weather scare you too much, though. This is a tour for all ages, so kids who want to imagine their own Goonies adventures will love hearing about the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” before stopping at the Old Burial Grounds.

Savannah, Georgia—Mansion on Forsyth Park

What’s Halloween without a haunted house? Savannah is inarguably one of the most fascinating cities in the U.S., as it seems like every home, street, and person has an entertaining story. Heck, if the story’s good enough, there’s probably a thrilling tour or at least a pub crawl for it. The Mansion on Forsyth Park is no different, as this hotel has been giving guests and visitors the shivers since it was completed in 2005.

But how can a place that’s only 16 years old be so frightening? The on-site restaurant, 700 Drayton, has been around far longer and was, in fact, once the town’s go-to mortuary for elite residents. So, be sure to tip a cap to the ghosts, or they might be very offended.

Tallahassee, Florida—The Grave of Elizabeth Budd-Graham

By all historical accounts and records, Elizabeth Budd-Graham was not a witch. Gone way too early at the age of 23, this wife and mother of two became famous in the years following her passing in 1889, as the magnificent headstone at her grave became the inspiration for rumors and fabulous tales of witchcraft, as the engravings chosen to celebrate this woman, known to her friends and family as Bessie, were plucked from Edgar Allen Poe’s Lenore.

Of course, anyone who didn’t know the lines surely might have been enthralled by the references to “the queenliest dead” and “a dirge for her the doubly dead,” the latter of which contributed to her other nickname, “The doubly dead white which.” More than 130 years later, her grave is still the most visited spot in Tallahassee’s Old City Cemetery, and visitors to this special Florida destination can always enjoy a self-guided walking tour to see for themselves if there’s anything truly magical here.

Fairmont El San Juan Hotel—Black and White Masquerade

There’s no better way to reopen and reintroduce the Lobby at the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel in Puerto Rico than with a party—that is, unless it’s a Halloween party. On October 30, guests can attend the spectacular Black and White Masquerade Halloween Celebration, and while costumes aren’t mandatory, they’re highly recommended. The only catch? You guessed it—they must be black and white.

On the big day, visitors can kick back and dip their toes in the water at the Cruella Halloween Pool Party, which runs from 4 pm until 1 am, so be sure to snack or it’ll be an early night. Fortunately, there will be delicious BBQ to enjoy while a pair of DJs drop the spookiest beats.

The post Festive and Family-friendly Halloween Destinations for Travelers who Want More than Tricks and Treats appeared first on Islands.

Known for its charming, rugged style and spacious cottages that are ideal for nature-oriented family getaways, The Lodge on Little St. Simons Islands in Georgia offers an all-inclusive visit with seed-to-table meals cultivated by Executive Chef Renée Rigaud Everett. Her team pulls fresh produce and herbs right from the property’s organic garden, while the other ingredients are obtained from a variety of local companies, farms and fishermen. The result is a southern island culinary experience unlike any other.

Some chefs, no matter how generous they might be in sharing recipes, are reluctant to give away their best-kept secrets and special ingredients. That’s not the case here, though, as sous chef Mike is more than willing to gift us the recipe for a chimichurri sauce that the Lodge’s chefs use on pretty much anything.

Mention chimichurri and most carnivores picture a mouth-watering hanger or skirt steak (or both if it’s before dinner and I’m hungry enough) or maybe a juicy pork tenderloin. But the Lodge’s chefs love this sauce so much they’ll put it on fresh-caught Little St. Simons redfish, flounder and trout, or even a plate of grilled vegetables, like eggplant, squash and as asparagus. And they must be right, because just thinking about it makes me eyeball the clock for dinnertime.

The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island’s Chimichurri Sauce

Ingredients (for one cup):

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil (Canola, soy, etc.)
• 6 tbsp olive oil
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/3 cup chopped dill
• 1/3 cup chopped parsley
• 3 tbsp chopped oregano
• 1 lime juiced
• 2 tsp sherry vinegar
• 2 tsp soy sauce/tamari
• 1 tbsp agave
• 1/4 to 1/8 tsp chili flakes

How to Make It:

1. Add vegetable oil and olive oil to a mixing bowl.
2. Finely chop cilantro, dill and parsley. Add to oil mixture.
3. Add lime juice, sherry vinegar, soy sauce, agave and chili flakes to bowl.
4. Stir to combine ingredients.
5. Store in a mason jar or similar container. Keep refrigerated.

The post How to Make the Chimichurri from The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island appeared first on Islands.