Amelia Island Plantation Resort - Florida's Best Kept Secret.

Talk about a refreshingly beautiful place to go on vacation. Yep, that will be the one and only Amelia Island Plantation Resort, right on the coast of Florida. Never thought such tranquil was possible, though nothing close to being in the presence of the Creator Himself.

But here I was in the State of Florida (just about 4 hours from where we live in Georgia), in a place I never heard of before until my husband and I received an invitation to a beach wedding (from a dear friend and colleague). The wedding would take place on one of the beaches on Amelia's Plantation Island Resort, Florida. So we planned a weekend getaway.

This would be my second trip to Florida. My first was just a short drive into the port to ship a vehicle we owned to Nigeria. There was no sight-seeing, it was a hot day, and I couldn't wait to get back to Georgia. So I was a little skeptical about this second trip, didn't really know what to expect. But, boy was I surprised!

When we arrived at the plantation, It was breathtaking! Noticeable was, the fresh air, the cool breeze, and the calming sound of the rustling leaves on the countless palm and oak trees that surrounds the plantation lodgings.

We checked in and headed to our room. As we came out of the elevator and walked down the hall into our room, all I could hear was the songs of the clapping ocean waves. As I pulled on the sliding door and stood in the balcony overlooking the ocean, I heard it even more, so vividly.

The waves are clapping, the birds are singing, the rustling leaves are waving, and the ocean glows with the rays from the sun. Heaven came down. It was a beautiful sight!

It was a beautiful day at the beach, and a great day to have a wedding. The bride wore the traditional strapless white gown, while the groom and the groom's men each wore white shirts and tan/khaki theme suit/pants. The couple walked down the beach isle barefooted to take their vows.

Walking barefooted on the beach; That was a brave thing to do. Don't think I would have done that though. Had an unpleasant experience once on a beach in Senegal, in West Africa, with tiny crabs popping up everywhere and sort of nibbling or snapping at everyone's feet. I think I'd rather keep my shoes on.

Dinner on 'The Veranda' or 'Ocean Grill' was spectacular. We had a burger meal that I could hardly get my mouth around, had to use a knife and fork. And their seafood combo, delicious!

It was an added treat and very relaxing watching vacationing kids and youths in the pool nearby. As the night moved in on us, we took a drive around the island. It was spectacular, and I especially loved seeing the night lights reflecting on the ocean. What a great way to end the day!

On returning from our short weekend getaway, I went to Amelia's Plantation Website. I could not believe how much this place has to offer. There are countless other vacation packages that I wasn't even aware of while we were there. There's definitely something for everyone, families, couples, newly-weds, seniors, golfers, and even corporations and religious organizations that might want to have, say, a conference.

Family Package

If you're thinking of a vacation package to include your little ones, there's a Kids Camp where your kids can spend the day playing games and partying on while you have fun. The plantation offers Spa Services, Tennis, Tours around the island, Bike Rentals and more. On the beach, there are chairs and umbrellas for rent. And the rental service personnel's are waiting to attend to your need, so you don't have to hurl yours with you.

Wedding Package

Just got engaged, and looking for a place to tie the knot? Look no further, Amelia Island Resort is a great wedding destination. The wedding I attended had the feel of a wedding right out of a holly-wood movie. It was a beautiful wedding.

The ceremony, which included the couples exchanging vows right on the beach, the reception, the dance (outside by the reception hall's balcony, overlooking the beach), and the relaxation after the reception (at the pool-side) was all organized by the staff at the resort, with input, of course, from the bride and groom, and their family.

If a beach wedding is not your thing, but you love the idea of a wedding with a nature theme, you'll find other beautiful scenery's and landmarks all over the island for a perfect wedding back-drop.

Honeymoon Packages

For newly weds who are thinking of a great place to have their honeymoon, if you're reading this, you don't have to travel far and spend big to have a great honeymoon. Amelia Island is a great honeymoon destination for any newly wed couples. And you'll find great, inexpensive vacation package for you with a great number of different activities that will ensure your return to the island for subsequent anniversaries.