As co-founder of Jacksonville Moms Blog, I see ALL the questions that pop up in our Neighborhood Groups. Here are some examples of a few from this week:
“So, my husband and I want to get away for the weekend. Somewhere close, but really nice. Where should we go?
“I am planning a little family getaway but need some ideas. We have little ones so don’t want to go too far. Any suggestions?”
“Please help! We want to book a family trip, somewhere close to Jax that has pools for the kids and close to the beach!”
You can’t get any closer than Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa –a well-known local resort, but sort of a hidden gem when it comes to family staycations in the Jacksonville area. What do we think of when we hear Sawgrass? TPC, of course. Let me tell you–there is more to this luxury resort than just golf!
I was lucky enough to be invited and hosted for a weekend away with my family. My kids, ages 6 and 4, were just as excited as me to head out for a mini-vacation. We had an amazing weekend that included a little relaxing, pool time, beach time, fantastic food (and drinks for the adults), and plenty of fun for the kids. When friends and family asked where we were going, well, Ponte Vedra Beach, of course!
5 Reasons Why You Should Book Your Next Family Getaway at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
The Refresh
If you haven’t visited this resort in awhile (I had been to the Spa many times pre-kids), you’re in for a big surprise. Sawgrass Marriott is nearing the completion of a resort-wide, $25 million “refresh.” Enhancements can be seen throughout its 511 guestrooms/villas, resort pool area, hotel façade, the Sawgrass Spa and Cabana Beach Club. The Spa (yes, I am mentioning the spa again, hint hint), should very well be included in this top 5 list. When you do book your trip, please oh please book yourself at least an hour in this gorgeous space. They even have a brand new couples room if you happen to get away sans kids.
Another exciting part of the refresh project is The American Gator Club. The American Gator Club, formerly the 100th Hole, opened up for Spring Break this year. You can enjoy enhanced views of the 13th hole of the TPC® Sawgrass’ legendary golf course The Stadium Course while enjoying food from an innovative new menu, including lighter, healthier options and local flavors, as well as Gator Club events and activities for adults and kids.
This is where our weekend kicked off! Audrey was spoiled with some blue lemonade and the best bento box she’s ever had from Chef Tanya White (everyone calls her Mama T). The blue lemonade was a hit with the kids, not only because of the adorable mason jar but because as the (blue) ice melted, the lemonade turned blue! Check out the recipe here from a fellow blogger and guest.
We loved The American Gator Club! It is a great place to grab a snack or meal with the kids as it is next to the pool and has some impressive nature watching!
The Guest Rooms and Villas
I know what you are thinking–the Spa, the food, why am I bringing the kids again? The Villas, the Villas and guest rooms are why you can let the kids tag along (heck you can even bring the dog, yep, pet-friendly too). We got a chance to tour the brand new suites that feature two bedrooms, a living room, and kitchenette. The scenery isn’t too shabby, either.
We opted for the also newly renovated guest rooms with a connecting door, so we also had a little privacy. These are bigger than average rooms with new bedding, linens, carpet, lighting, and modern bathrooms. This is the moment I decided I needed a Marriott bed in my life. A king-sized cloud where even if a tiny person crawled in it wouldn’t even bother me.
The Cabana Club
If you’ve been living at the beaches here in Jax, you’ve probably seen the Cabana Club on PVB Boulevard. It was also a part of the big refresh project and another reason why Sawgrass Marriott is a great choice for the family. As a guest, you can grab a shuttle (that comes around every 10 minutes) and head to this private oasis. We had a great time running from the pool down to the beach and back again.
Don’t forget about lunch at the Sea Porch! This kid and his lobster roll!
I know, I know, we live at the beach. But this is a RESORT! The club is fully outfitted with both beachfront pool and a shallow toddler pool. There’s casual dining both indoor and out, plus wireless Internet access, shower and changing rooms, chairs and umbrellas, and a wide range of beach and watersports rentals—including kayaks, boogie boards, surfboards and sail craft. That’s a vacation! The Cabana Club also offers memberships to locals!
The Culinary Experience (yes, the FOOD).
We were a little spoiled as special guests, but you will never be disappointed with the amazing culinary team at the variety of dining options at Sawgrass. And best of all, they go out of their way to accommodate the kids. Feast your eyes on some of the meals you can expect from four signature restaurants.
As a special treat, the Chefs brought the kids back to the kitchen for some “pastry” making. We had a lot of comments about this on our Instagram account (check out #onlyatsawgrass). If you have a group, chances are they will accommodate! It was definitely the highlight of the trip for the little ones.
Even more special than the “Littlest Chef” was the dinner out on the lawn. The Culinary team went above and beyond make the most fabulous meal, including a Pizza Bar for the kiddos.
And Finally, the Kids Program
There are MANY activities on property for the kids (putt putt, pool, beach!) but the new Mighty Oaks room was the highlight. Mighty Oaks at Sawgrass Marriott is designed for children ages 4 to 12. Mighty Oaks is the place where parents and kids can spend quality time together in a venue designed for the littlest guests. Mighty Oaks is the place where kids can channel their inner superhero, express their creativity through arts and crafts, take a walk on the wild side while stringing shark tooth necklaces, and search for treasure on summertime scavenger hunts.
Mighty Oaks is an open play area–perfect for rainy days and kid-sized fun. While Mighty Oaks is staffed by trained associates who are available to monitor and guide guests through activities, parents should be on site with children at all times, as Mighty Oaks does not operate as a babysitting service. HOWEVER, after our weekend of fun we may have talked them into it (wink, wink). While bringing the kids along is awesome, how awesome would it be to dine at Vernon’s sans kids?
Thank you so much to Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa for inviting us and hosting our staycation! Happy Kids = Happy Parents!
It wouldn’t be a JMB review without a giveaway! Check the JMB Facebook page Sunday night for a chance to win a 2 Night Stay at the newly renovated Sawgrass Marriott and two 50 Minute Massage treatments – a $600 value.
Thank you to Sawgrass Marriott for sponsoring this review. All opinions are still my own.
Calgon—I mean Sawgrass Marriottt—take me away!!
Sawgrass the bomb!!
The toughest summer with my son who struggles with bi-polar.
Some r and r is always required for mom!!
did someone win this already? im following the post for couple of weeks now =)
Yes, we announced the winner on facebook a week ago.