Five Ways to Enjoy Laid-back Luxury in Ponte Vedra Florida

Ways to Enjoy Laid-back Luxury 5 in Ponte Vedra, Florida

By Robin O’Neal Smith

A bad day in Florida is still better th茐 a good day 茐ywhere else.

~ W茐der Florida

Ponte Vedra Sunset ©Robin O'Neal Smith

Are you looking for a luxurious, laid-back vacation destination? Look no further than Ponte Vedra, Florida. I visited a few months ago while participating in a group press trip with six other food, wine, and travel writers. The trip was sponsored by IFWTWA and hosted by Florida's Historic Coast. We received the royal treatment in a very relaxed atmosphere. I fell in love with the luxurious amenities, and Ponte Vedra became my new favorite destination.

This gorgeous seaside town offers beautiful beaches and world-class golf courses to fascinating history and delicious cuisine. There's definitely something for everyone in Ponte Vedra.

Here are five ways we enjoyed the laid-back luxury that Ponte Vedra offered.

Enjoy Decadent Food

I and my fellow writers savored fresh seafood and coastal cuisine at some of the best restaurants in Northeast Florida.

Photos, from left: Nineteen Pork Belly Bao Buns ©Robin O'Neal Smith; Champagne ©Robin O'Neal Smith; Grilled Octopus White Bean Salad ©Robin O'Neal Smith; Charcuterie Board ©Robin O'Neal Smith

Our group enjoyed delectable meals at The Seahorse Grille, NINETEEN at TPC Sawgrass, and Palm Valley Fish Camp.

We tried new dishes at each restaurant and each of us typically ordered something different. It was my first time tasting grilled octopus and fried alligator tail. And my favorite appetizer was the Pork Belly Bao Buns.

The food at all three restaurants was delicious, and service was impeccable.

Stay at the Exquisite Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

Ponte Vedra Inn is a luxurious place to stay in the area that provides over-the-top service. Entering through beautiful wooden doors, past well-manicured lawns and breathtaking views, you step into an enchanting world of luxury. Staying at this resort made me feel like a princess.

With over 300 acres of lush landscaped gardens, a gorgeous private beach, three pools, two seaside golf courses, a racquet club, spa, shopping, and ten restaurants, the Inn is one of Florida's few AAA Five Diamond Properties.

The rooms were gorgeous and overlooked the Atlantic Ocean. Shortly after check-in, a bottle of sparkling wine and charcuterie board arrived in each of our rooms as a welcome gift.

Fluffy robes and slippers were waiting in the closet, and the in-suite powder room was spacious with both a tub and walk-in shower.

Walk on Pristine Beaches

The Beaches in Ponte Vedra are absolutely gorgeous. Whether you choose to swim, sunbathe, paddleboard, or take a stroll on the pristine sand beach, you’ll love it. At the time of my visit, it was too chilly to swim in the ocean, but I enjoyed several walks on the gorgeous halfmile of private beach.

There are both public and private beaches along the coast to enjoy. One visit here, and you’ll

clearly understand why CNN included Ponte Vedra Beach in its list of "22 Can’t-Miss Beaches.”

Mickler’s Beach in Ponte Vedra is an excellent place to hunt for unique shark teeth.

Visit TPC Sawgrass

World-class golf courses designed by worldrenowned architects abound in the Ponte Vedra area.

If you’re a golfer, you can tee off at one of the most challenging golf courses in the world! The Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass Stadium Course, home to PGA Tour headquarters and host for The Players Championship, is an experience like no other.

Whether you're looking for a challenging course with world-class amenities or want to experience a course designed by world-renowned architects, TPC offers it all!

Our group also toured the clubhouse and enjoyed a delicious lunch at Nineteen at TPC Sawgrass.

Experience History

We learned about a fun piece of history they didn't teach us in history class. The first European to set foot in Florida was a Spaniard named Ponce de Leon. He arrived at 30 degrees 8 minutes north of the equator on April 3, 1513, and claimed "La Florida" for Spain. We visited Ponce de Leon's bronze statue, marking the spot where he first set foot on American soil.

As one of Florida's most sought-after destinations, Ponte Vedra, Florida, is a beautiful, historic town and a fantastic place to visit. This beautiful beach town offers something for everyone. One visit, and I’ll bet it will be one of your favorite destinations ,too.

Photos, from top, left: Lap Pool ©Robin O'Neal Smith; Spa ©Robin O'Neal Smith; TPC Sawgrass Hole 17 ©Floridashistoriccoast.com; Ponce de Leon Statue ©Robin O'Neal Smith; Ponte Vedra Beach ©Robin O'Neal Smith