By Nanette Wiser
While I am still dreaming of my Airstream adventure, these drivable getaways in Paradise are the perfect vacation at resorts practicing safety and cleaning protocols so important to all of us. Innisbrook Golf Resort just north of us is a favorite local destination for a couple who wants to combine golf and spa adventures. Closer to home, Rumfish Beach Resort and Tradewinds Island Resort, Don CeSar and Opal Sands’ Sandpearl offer romantic rendezvous for February and beyond. Who says Valentine’s Day must be celebrated February 14th!
CALADESI ISLAND STATE PARK
Not far from Dunedin is one of the most pristine beaches, perfect for picnic and shelling and a Top Ten Beach in 2018. In the 1880s, Caladesi Island was a private island. Today, it’s one of America’s most amazing, untouched beaches with pristine sands and a draw for swimmers, sunbathers, and beachcombers. Getting there is tricky, so visit Honeymoon Island State Park first where you can pick up a 20-minute ferry ride to this barrier island. Or take the Jolley Trolley to the northernmost stop on Clearwater Beach, for a half-hour walk at low tide. You know you’re almost there when you see the Seashell Tree with mementos from thousands of visitors during the years. If you’re ambitious and experienced, you can kayak from Clearwater Beach or Honeymoon Island.
FLOCKING FUN
Enjoy an exclusive animal experience at Orlando’s Discovery Cove® “Flamingo Mingle,” where groups of eight guests can feed and learn about the flamingos on a private stroll. A professional photographer captures the experience as animal care specialists answer questions and share fun facts about these amazing creatures and how they are cared for with guests six and older.
Guests can also enjoy the stunning all-inclusive day resort where they can experience nature and animals like never before; swim with dolphins in the Dolphin Lagoon, snorkel among thousands of tropical fish and rays in The Grand Reef, hand-feed exotic birds in the Explorer’s Aviary, float along the soothing currents of Wind-Away River, bask on a sandy beach, and more. Visitors to Discovery Cove can also enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and all-you-can-eat snacks throughout the day, plus unlimited gourmet coffee, ice-cold beverages, and beer and wine (for guests 21+). Parking, lockers, wetsuits, and swim gear are also included.
KEY WEST FAMILY STYLE
The all-new Barbary Beach House Key West has a special Work. Play. Stay! package offering families an opportunity to trade their work- and learn-from-home environments for a lush, tropical haven with a little seafaring swagger. Starting at just $350 per night, the package includes a stay four nights/get the fifth night free offer; daily complimentary adult beverage (guests ages 21+) from Shipwrecker’s Pool Bar; and access to a unique outdoor workspace at The Shanty, and authentic tiki hut complete with desk chairs and coffee/tea set-up.
For the month of February, there is a special artist-led Sailor’s Valentine class in its February lineup of couples’ activities. Offered at 11am each Wednesday in February (3, 10, 17 and 24), the class is free to overnight guests and will include the instruction and materials to create an original version of this 19th-century shell craft.
Families can order to-go lunch from Drifter’s Cove Restaurant for a beach picnic at Smathers Beach, located directly across the street from the resort’s front doors. With more than 150 spacious one- and two-bedroom suites, the resort offers plenty of room for children and their working parent(s) to spread out together, and still accomplish their daily tasks for work and school. At the end of the day, there are a number of complimentary children’s and adult activities to enjoy, which includes everything from pool games and campfire gathering.
Guests enjoy an array of amenities, including a lagoon-style pool, lounging hammocks, bicycles, complimentary shuttle service to Duval Street and the Downtown Seaport Harbor, and full-service restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and pool bar. Across the street at the Barbary Beach Club, guests may enjoy Hobie Cats, paddleboards and kayaks. The resort is located just one mile from Key West International Airport.