20 minute read

Southern States

Places to Go Grand Hotel Golf Resort

Treat yourself to a memorable and luxurious experience at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection. Located near Fairhope, Alabama in the picturesque beach hamlet of Point Clear, this resort offers guests opportunities for both relaxation and entertainment. Challenge yourself at one of two renowned golf courses at the Lakewood Club, or spend the day finding balance at the 20,000 square foot Spa at the Grand. Bring the kids to their stunning pool complex. Break a sweat at one of ten tennis courts, or explore the white sand beaches of Alabama’s famed Gulf Coast.

When not exploring the myriad of activities available at our resort, guests can relax in their well-appointed hotel rooms and suites. Experience coastal living at its best at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa.

With 550 acres of scenic property on the Mobile Bay, our hotel is an ideal destination for a romantic getaway or family vacation to the Gulf Coast. In addition to being a proud member of the Historic Hotels of America, our Gulf Coast resort is part of the prestigious Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

Enjoy Bucky’s Lounge nightly with patio fire pits, great sunset views.

You will not go hungry either. There is an array of dining opportunities, which include casual dining at the Bayside Grill and local chef inspired farm to table fare at Southern Roots.

Bayside Grill

Bayside Grill’s relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere makes it the perfect place to share lunch or dinner. Please your palette with mouth-watering local fare including sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas while sitting on our patio enjoying live entertainment. Open for lunch and dinner Dress code: Casual / Phone: 251-9906300

Bucky’s Lounge

Enjoy light appetizers and handcrafted cocktails alongside stunning Fairhope, Alabama sunsets at Bucky’s Lounge. Nightly entertainment adds to the ambiance and makes for a fun evening to remember long after you return from your getaway.

Open for lunch and dinner Dress code: Casual /Phone: 251-928-9201; ext= 6500

Fuel up before teeing off or recharge after hitting the links at the Lakewood Golf Club Restaurant. Our clubhouse menu features freshly-prepared sandwiches and burgers that can be paired with refreshing beverage options and sports on our flat-screen TVs.

Southern Roots

Southern Roots combines a picturesque Point Clear ambiance, exceptional service and chef-driven menus featuring seafood. Our high-quality cuisine is focused on locally sourced and estate grown farm-to-table fare to create a chic yet casual experience.

Reservations are required. Open for dinner Dress code: Smart Casual Phone: 251-990-4300

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Go, See, Do: Sugar Ridge Resort

Sugar Ridge, a Beaver Lake Resort, has the best of both worlds. It sits atop a mountain ridge on 75 private acres in the Ozarks-vast Beaver Lake sprawls at its feet, and the historic town of Eureka Springs stands at its back. Beaver Lake Resort Cabins are close both to outdoor recreation and the art and culture of Eureka Springs.

There is no need to leave Sugar Ridge Resort once you arrive, as there is a variety of wildlife, walking trails, and spectacular views of Beaver Lake and beyond. Sit on the porch and count the various bird species that visit the feeder, and stay up late to see raccoons feast on the sunflower seeds they left behind. Scan the skies for Bald Eagles during January and February. Gaze at the Milky Way on clear nights throughout the year. Enjoy just being together in this lovely setting – watching the sun set over Beaver Lake, cuddling by the fire, and soaking in a jetted tub for tw Six Beaver Lake Cabins and four Lake View Suites set the mood for luxury, with glorious sunsets, jetted tubs, and wood-burning fireplaces. Make arrangements for an in-room massage and feel the stresses of everyday life dissolve.

On a separate part of this Eureka Springs Resort, two new two-story cabins comfortably house up to 14 people. They have a fully equipped kitchens, dining areas, and two living rooms each. These beutiful cabins are perfect for family reunions, gatherings with old friends, and even weddings.

Whether you’re looking for a special place to pop the question, host your wedding, or for a home base from which to explore Beaver Lake and the Ozarks; look no further than Sugar Ridge Resort! All Beaver Lake Arkansas Cabins at Sugar Ridge Resort enjoy 180 degree views of Beaver Lake and the lush surrounding Ozark Mountains. The location feels remote, but is approximately twenty minutes from the Victorian town of Eureka Springs. Your getaway can be made even more special with the extra availability of Special Services.

Learn about additions to the Beaver Lake Cabin Rentals to make your stay even more luxurious. Flowers, Chocolates, and Cozy Blankets? Select items to be placed in your accommodations prior to your arrival. A Bouquet of Flowers or Roses, Chocolate Truffles or Chocolate Covered Strawberries, and even a Soft Blanket can be ready for your arrival. “You thought of everything!”

For reservations or more information, visit https://sugarridgeresort.com

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SINGER ISLAND - Located on an exclusive stretch of The Palm Beaches lies the next great wellness retreat: Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences. This property is centered on five pillars: mindfulness, nutrition, fitness, relaxation, and sleep, all of which will aid you on your own personal wellness journey. Intimate guest rooms with incredible ocean views of the Atlantic is the perfect luxury wellness setting during your stay on Singer Island.

First and foremost, savor the day and all of its blissful options. At Amrit Ocean Resort, your experience is your own. So make the most of it. Experience the Float Tank. Take a windsurfing lesson. Learn to follow a juice cleansing regimen. Meet like-minded friends at our evening Satsang Gather At Amrit, we are passionate about better living, and our 100,000 square feet of wellness amenities reflects just that. That’s why our personal wellness coaches are in place to help you design an individualized program that benefits your personal needs. Perhaps that means trying a new therapy, like Acupuncture, IV Therapy or Sound & Light Therapy. Maybe you would enjoy our invigorating group fitness classes, the individual attention of personal training or the soothing nature of yoga or meditation classes. You, with the advice of your coach, can choose the path that best suits your individual needs.Besides an individually curated wellness experience and fabulous spa, the Preferred Hotels & Resorts property will offer five spectacular dining options, cooking classes, an array of outdoor sports, and a sleek rooftop pool for an unforgettable vacation. The good news: Residences are available if you never want to leave. Amrit Ocean Resort is nestled on the area’s most expansive stretch of pristine beach where you can play in the waves or relax on the sand, as the peaceful sounds of the ocean overtake you. For your comfort, our beachfront offers private cabanas, umbrellas and chaise lounges, as well as beachfront food and beverage service. If you’re feeling energetic, head out for an ocean adventure, whether it’s a peaceful kayak or paddle board ride, snorkeling or a scuba tour, the ocean is your paradise to explore. At the resorts pool, the glistening, aquamarine water beckons as you approach Amrit’s third-level rooftop pool. Dive in for a refreshing swim or lounge poolside on a comfortable day bed or in a private cabana. With lush, tropical landscaping and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll never want this day to end. Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences is expected to open on April 1, 2021, with rates starting at $525 per night.

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Things to Do: Luxe Valentine Dining

ORLANDO - For an unrivaled Valentine’s Day indulgence, enjoy a prix fixe, four-course dining adventure at Rosen Shingle Creek’s AAA Four Diamond A Land Remembered. While not the traditional gemstone, the coveted AAA Four Diamond designation promises an unforgettable evening of distinctive fine dining, impeccably served in an upscale, romantic ambiance.

The special menu showcases a commanding culinary prowess sure to spark an evening of amor. Choose two from tempting starters like Lobster Bisque with creme fraiche or Orlando’s most talked-about A Land Remembered Crab Cake with jumbo lump crab. Then relish an extravagant Surf and Turf entree with prime cuts of Filet of Beef and Scallop Spiedini, creamed spinach and fingerling potatoes with parmesan and truffle butter. Finally, save room for the smoldering Candice’s Kiss, a melange of white chocolate, sweet strawberries and mascarpone cremeux. All served with unlimited complimentary champagne and in exquisite style.

Uniquely situated on the banks of historic Shingle Creek, headwaters of the Florida Everglades, Rosen Shingle Creek’s 255 panoramic acres envelop guests in elegant, natural surroundings, charming diners with scenic, picturesque views. The idyllic setting easily instills after-dinner romance with a stroll under the stars, exploring the lush grounds including the hotel’s fragrant rose garden. Or extend the evening with a glamorous overnight escape, where posh accommodations and all of the plush comforts of your home away from home transport couples to a dreamier place and time.

Reservations are required and include complimentary self-parking. The special Luxe Valentine’s Dining is $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Available Feb. 11-14, 5:30 - 10 p.m. at the AAA Four Diamond Land Remembered, onsite at the AAA Four Diamond Rosen Shingle Creek. Call 407-996-3663 or visit RosenShingleCreek.com/ Valentines.

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Go, See, Do Cold Weather Fun - Ellijay

From cozy wineries to a Black Bear Plunge, find warm inspiration for experiencing this North Georgia destination When Jack Frost comes nipping at your nose, make plans to bundle up in beautiful Ellijay where both forests and fireplaces beckon, about 80 miles north of Atlanta. 1.) Snuggle up in a cabin by the fire or in a hot tub. Ellijay offers an array of affordable rentals for couples or families of any size. Our choice is Coosawatee River Resort. 2.) Sip your favorite latte at Georgia’s cutest coffee shop. The Ellijay Coffeehouse is as warm and friendly as it is inviting. Start the day right and curl up on the couch with an Appalachian Sunrise sandwich and fresh-roasted espresso. Afterwards, head to In the Woods where you can take pottery lessons or try Whistletree Pottery and add your own touch of creativity while painting an earthenware bisque pottery piece to take home. Or, purchase a piece of pottery crafted by regional artists. 3.) Take advantage of the winter view. Gilmer County and its surroundings are home to 11 mountain hiking trails, 59 mountain bike trails, several impressive waterfalls and some of the best trout waters in the Southeast. This time of year, take in all of the scenery when you hike the Bear Creek Trail or climb the path to Amicalola Falls. 4.) Cozy up with a glass in a toasty tasting room at Chateau Meichtry, Cartecay Vineyards or Engelheim Vineyards.These vineyards rest in the beautiful foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, which provide the ideal location for growing quality wine grapes. Each winery is set in the picturesque countryside, surrounded by orchards of all varieties, making it impossible to just visit one. 5.) Feed the soul with Cantaberry Restaurant’s famous tomato bisque.There’s nothing like fresh soup on a cold day, and Cantaberry’s tomato bisque is legendary in these parts. 6.) Shop small with Georgia-made wares. Find pickled products, candles, textiles, soaps and more at New Ground Market or Green Willow Soap. 7.) Ellijay is home to heirloom apple orchards and produces some of the world’s best cider.

Then make plans to return as Ellijay-Gilmer County is a great year-round destination. www.ExploretheMountains.com

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Go, Do, See Suite Dining

NEW ORLEANS, PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio Collection by Hilton introduced a special dining opportunity with French Chef Virgile Brandel of Higgins Hotels Café Normandie and Rosie’s on the Roof. The Suite Dining with a French Chef experience will allow guests to enjoy a carefully curated gourmet meal in a Presidential Suite on the penthouse level of the Higgins Hotel featuring views of downtown New Orleans. Imagine taking in the amazing views of this historic destination while enjoying some of the finest cuisine found in the Big Easy.

Ideally located in the heart of the city’s vibrant Arts & Warehouse District featuring more than 25 art galleries, a variety of museums, and visionary chefs, the hotel is conveniently situated across the street from The National WWII Museum. Recognized as the “Official Hotel of The National WWII Museum,” The Higgins opened in early 2020 with a conference center, exceptional dining options and a distinct 1940s theme.

The Suite Dining with French Chef Virgile Brandel experience will not only allow for eight guests to dine comfortably, but the parlor in your luxury suite offers the perfect pre-meal space for cocktails. Whether its Crab Beignets with Herb Aioli and Blackened Red Fish, or a myriad of other choices from the Higgins Hotels renowned Chef, expect to be impressed. Hilton Honors points are awarded for each eligible stay. Guests can also choose to enjoy the Higgins Hotel Fish & Dine option, where you can bring the fresh catch from your charter fishing excursions, and Chef Virgile Brandel will prepare it for your dining delight - broiled, sautéed, or fried, with added sides, salad and desert for up to 10 guests. Didn’t catch enough fish? No worries. Chef Brandel will supplement your catch while you savor cocktails at Rosie’s on the Roof, Higgins Hotel’s view bar. Then, enjoy your dinner with friends casually served in a semi-private socially distanced environment of Café Normandie.

With New Orleans moving into Phase III of its “open for business” protocol, travelers are again able to enjoy all that makes vacationing in this historic destination so appealing. To find out more about the Suite Dining or Fish & Dine options, visit http://www.higginshotelnola.com/new-orleans-restaurants.

For more information on The Higgins Hotel, or for reservations, visit higginshotelnola.com.

Named after Higgins Industries shipbuilder Andrew Higgins, The Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio Collection by Hilton is located on The National WWII Museum’s campus in the heart of the New Orleans Arts and Warehouse District. The art deco-style property features 230 guest rooms, a full-service restaurant, rooftop bar, and 18,000 square feet of high-tech meeting and event space. The hotel offers full Hilton Honors program points, a convenient parking facility and is located at the St. Charles Ave. exit ramp of Interstate 10. For more on Louisianna >Click Here

Things to Do: Try Your Luck

Bask in the plush comfort of tastefully decorated rooms and the oversized luxury of a marble guest bath at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino. Ask for an oceanview King room or suite where southern comfort meets luxury.

Find sanctuary in a room designed to renew, recharge and refresh. These Stay Well rooms combine the latest wellness technologies from Delos, the Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Deepak Chopra—all to help make your stay everything you want it to be.

You can treat yourself to breakfast in bed or dine in the atrium lobby at the Terrace Cafe. Terrace Café serves consistently pleasing meals any time of the day. Surrounded by the garden-like interior plantings that enhance the entrance of the hotel, diners enjoy a prime view of the hustle and bustle without being in the middle of the fray. Savor a traditional breakfast of eggs and bacon, pancakes, French toast and other classic favorites. Lunch and dinner include oversized salads, sandwiches, fish, pastas and contemporary American bistro style entrees that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. And for those who’ve played late into the evening, Terrace Café is the place to kick back with a post-party midnight snack.

When you’re in the mood for maximum fun and games, stop by the Arcade. Or take an exhilarating spin with more than 1800 slot games in the casino. Table games include baccarat, blackjack, craps and roulette. Is poker your game of choice? Then the poker room is the plaee to go, whether you are an experienced player or an old hand at upping the ante.

Experience the undeniable glamour of high stakes gaming at the High Limit Lounge. Apparent from the moment you step through the grandyet-discreet entrance, our newly designed, ultra-luxurious High Limit Lounge is unlike any other outside of Las Vegas. This beautifully appointed area features its own exclusive lounge and full service bar, stocked with fine wines, premium spirits and irresistible hors d’oeuvres. Players also enjoy the convenience of their own cashier and access to private restrooms.

The dedicated, professional staff is available around the clock to provide an array of personalized services, including room and restaurant reservations, confirming travel itineraries and assisting with casino credit. For reservations, visit https://beaurivage. mgmresorts.com/

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Places to Go: Ambassador Hotel Tulsa For a Romantic Getaway

Luxury reigns supreme at Ambassador Hotel Tulsa, Autograph Collection. This boutique hotel offers exceptional accommodations near Cherry Street attractions and sits close to the Tulsa Arts District.

Step into European style with a contemporary feel in each of the Ambassador’s 55 rooms, featuring large, double-paned casement windows, Italian stone tiles in the bath and marble-topped vanities. Some rooms feature two-person bath tubs or whirlpool tubs. Relax with amenities including triple-sheeted, pillow-top mattress, dual line phones with data port and voicemail, flat screen televisions, personal safes, refrigerators and more. Guests of the Ambassador will also enjoy luxurious bathrobes, same-day laundry valet, access to the on-site library and a fully equipped fitness room.

Reminiscent of an Italian Renaissance villa, this property is nestled within the heart of Tulsa’s uptown district. Enjoy over-sized luxury accommodations, spacious non-smoking rooms and grand suites. Perfect for romance or business, the Ambassador combines classic elegance and modern technology. Featuring just seven rooms to a floor, this Tulsa hotel creates an ambiance that is more residential than hotel, with each room offering a unique layout. Visit the on-site Chalkboard Restaurant, located within the hotel, for the best of Tulsa fine dining. This European-style bistro features an ever-changing menu of tantalizing specialties. The Chalkboard offers a blend of seasonal European continental dishes such as beef wellington and porterhouse pork chops, paired with an extensive wine list. The Ambassador is located near everything uptown Tulsa has to offer. Guests will enjoy complimentary transportation to Utica Square, Brookside and Cherry Street restaurants and boutiques and Tulsa’s Performing Arts Center. The hotel is also conveniently situated near downtown, historical neighborhoods and major expressways. For reservations, visit https:// www.ambassadortulsa.com/

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Places to Go: The New River Walk Retreat

SAN ANTONIO, /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The brand new Thompson San Antonio will soon be open for guests. Situated in a luxury mixed-use development, The Arts Residences on the banks of the San Antonio River, Thompson San Antonio is expected to redefine the city’s skyline and bring modern sophistication to the Texas Hill Country when it opens on the celebrated River Walk.

Steps from Tobin Center for the Performing Arts and within walking distance to The Alamo, the new 20-story property captures the contemporary spirit of this historic Texas city. City and Hill Country views will be a hallmark of the guestrooms.

Public spaces will include a signature restaurant helmed by one of San Antonio’s most celebrated chefs who will be (to be announced soon), a soaring rooftop bar inspired by the Greek goddess of the moon, an expansive pool deck with a bar and cabanas, a full-service spa, and 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

The New River Walk Retreat

“We are proud to bring a fresh take on contemporary, tailored hospitality to the San Antonio market, where an elevated lifestyle experience like Thompson San Antonio will be the first of its kind,” said Ted Knighton, general manager, Thompson San Antonio. “Thompson San Antonio will offer tailored luxury across residential-style indoor and outdoor spaces.” • Arrival & Lobby – Guests will arrive at Thompson San Antonio through a vestibule that establishes the hotel’s dramatic interior ambiance, serving as a refreshing and unexpected contrast to the sparkling River Walk. A sculptural staircase leads to the lobby where a dynamic setting unfolds: dark floors with abstract rugs; wood, black granite and rusted corten steel paneled walls in a chevron pattern; intimate lighting; mix-matched furniture with rich textures and bursts of color; wood case goods including a bookcase that accompanies a fire pit; and circular columns will tempt all who enter to stay. • Guest Rooms & Suites – The hotel’s 162 guest rooms, including 33 suites, will offer a striking sense of place with floor-to-ceiling views of the San Antonio skyline and the Texas Hill Country. Ranging from 350 to 2,400 square feet, rooms will feature contemporary furnishings such as custom sofas; sleek equestrian touches, including brown leather and buckle pillow back headboards in some rooms and a row of wooden closet doors; entirely bespoke case goods including thoughtful entertainment centers; handsome wet bars in suites; and spacious stone and glass bathrooms with rainfall showers plus sculptural soaking tubs that stand outside bathrooms in suites. Upscale in-room amenities will include D.S. & Durga bath products, an espresso and coffee bar, a locally curated beverage and snack bar, as well as advanced smart technology. Designed for entertaining, the Penthouse Suite includes a pool table and private terrace, offering an unmatched accommodation in San Antonio. • Dining & Nightlife – Four restaurant and bar destinations will offer unmatched culinary and beverage options. A signature restaurant will be guided by a local celebrity chef and honor the pastoral beauty of foods that can be traced back to the land where they are naturally shepherded over time. It will offer a distinctly independent mood with a light color palette and walls of floor-to-ceiling windows offering beautiful natural sunlight and views of the River Walk. A rooftop restaurant and bar serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine will captivate guests from its 20th-story perch with indoor-outdoor seating, twinkling city lights and all the magic of starry San Antonio nights. Here, some of the city’s best live music will also elevate the mood. Lobby and pool bars will round out the dining and drinking venues.

• Pool Deck Experience – An expansive pool deck on the fourth floor will offer a serene oasis exclusively for hotel guests and residents of The Arts Residences at Thompson San Antonio. Features will include a pool, inviting lounge areas, a pool bar, lively music on weekends and private luxury cabanas with lush greenery, a private water ledge, TV and dedicated VIP service. • Spa, Wellness & Fitness – A full-service spa will feature five treatment rooms, relaxation areas, a sauna and steam room. Highlights will include off-menu bespoke spa experiences created with local partners that showcase experimental artistry, the use of spa palettes for crafting skincare treatments artistically by hand, a range of wellness modalities, and fitness integrations including Drop the Beat yoga which pairs mood-elevating yoga with rhythm and sound. A 24-hour state-ofthe-art fitness center will also be available to guests. • Meetings, Events & Celebrations – A collection of curated artwork will anchor 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor flexible event space – complete with floorto-ceiling windows and sweeping views of the scenic River Walk.

For more information or to book a stay, call 210.876.1234 or visit www.thompsonsanantoniohotel.com.

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