Editor Pick
Sawgrass Marriott
- February 3, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
BijanBayne from Washington, District of Columbia
Located in a region that has drawn visitors for rejuvenation since Ponce DeLeon, the Sawgrass Marriott is a popular convention site. Undergoing lobby renovation, the property boasts atrium-style recessed balconies. The sun-splashed lobby looks out ceiling height glass walls to a man-made pond with waterfall and palms. The lobby features lofty palms and has a Starbucks shop. This is the host hotel for the PGA's Players Championship ("The Fifth Major"). Should you visit the spa at the Sawgrass Marriott, ask for Muriel Hattori, the Bud Powell of massage therapists. PGA star Fred Couples swears by her, and you will understand why. When she applies hot stones, the stones are as part of her swift-moving hands. Hattori is unique in that she sometimes applies a different motion with one hand than the other--think of a pianist simultaneously playing melody and chords. Her 20 years of experience, and study of Asian technique, are evident, as her pressure is perfect and her combination of movements assure ultimate muscle stimulation.
This is where the PGA comes to relax. Vijay Singh and Jim Furyk are among the golfers who reside here, as do some NFL Jacksonville Jaguars. At World Golf Village, home to the Golf Hall of Fame, the PGA Tour Academy, and Caddyshack restaurant, devotees may pay homage to the greats or improve their own games. There are two courses, The King and Bear, designed by Messrs. Palmer and Nicklaus, and the Slammer and Squire (based on the nicknames of designers Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen).
The youngsters will enjoy the highly interactive Hall of Fame, from the video monitor where visitors can click on various aspects of members' careers to the locker room, where there are actual lockers for each inductee. Top it off with a sandwich at Murray Brothers' Caddyshack, owned by Bill Murray and his brothers, who host charity tournaments here. ESPN's "Cold Pizza" filmed live at Caddyshack prior to the Jacksonville Super Bowl. The salads at Caddyshack are hefty but healthy starters en route to the decadence of desserts, such as the Sloppy Sundae, Baby Ruth Cheesecake, or the Hot Brownie.
Laterra Resort & Spa features condominiums perfect for couple or family stays or golf vacations. Windows look onto the swimming pool, and the one-bedrooms have full kitchens, comfy living rooms, a balcony, and cable TV in both the bed and living space. There are washers and dryers. The resort opened in December 2004, just in time for the Super Bowl. Only 15 minutes from historic St. Augustine and 20 minutes from Jacksonville, February and March are the busiest months. Guests also have access to the Serenata Beach Club.
No other American region opens its doors to 500 years of anti-aging remedies, from natural springs to Flagler's palaces, and the high-tech treatments of today. Golf's rich heritage also beckons, as a vacation to St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra is full of facts, food and fun.
From journal 500 Years of Spas in St. Augustine