Page 32 - Dreamscapes Magazine | Winter/Spring 2025

Discover Florida’s
HISTORIC COAST
A wellness hub for more than a century
BY MICHELE SPONAGLE
of welcoming those who crave a slower
Florida’s Historic Coast has a long history
pace. Back in the 1880s, oil magnate
Henry Flagler built Hotel Ponce de Leon
in St. Augustine, recognizing the area was ideal
for making unforgettable vacation memories.
His legacy lives on through stunning seaside
resorts and spas catering to guests seeking reju-
venation. Couple this with cultural attractions
like the Lightner Museum and the Castillo
de San Marcos, impressive venues like the
St. Augustine Amphitheater, renowned dining,
winery and distillery tours, and remarkable
natural beauty, and realize that Florida’s Historic
Coast remains a favourite destination.
Wellness at the Forefront
Begin a journey rooted in self-care with a health-
minded resort. Take the luxurious Ponte Vedra
Inn & Club, for example. It features an elegant
spa with over 100 beauty and body treatments.
Drift away during a Signature Ceremony, com-
bining indulgences like a coconut sugar body
scrub and a full-body massage with organic
essential oils and Florida honey. Continue the
relaxing vibes with a walk on the beach or a
round of golf.
At Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa,
achieving a state of bliss happens in a tranquil
oasis surrounded by mature oaks and palm trees.
After a glow-enhancing facial or a CBD-infused
massage, unwind further in the steam room,
whirlpool or by the outdoor pool. You’ll find at
the resort’s Cabana Club an array of kayaks, pad-
dleboards and surfboards for ocean adventures.
Meanwhile, Casa Monica Resort & Spa, part of
the Marriott Autograph Collection, puts guests in
the heart of St. Augustine’s art galleries, unique
shops and historic attractions along St. George
Street. Post-exploration, tap into the healing prop-
erties of water at the Poseidon Spa where a Detox
& Renew Body Treatment includes dry brush exfo-
liation, a clay mask and a hot stone massage.
Later, listen to live music performed by local
artists and wander through the resort’s art gallery.
The St. Augustine Salt Spa takes its inspira-
tion from the famous Wieliczka salt mine in
Poland with treatments that focus on salt’s
therapeutic properties. Unwind in an
infrared sauna, quiet a busy mind in a
flotation tank, or ease muscle tension
with a Himalayan salt stone massage.
Feeling Good Naturally
A healthy getaway on Florida’s Historic
Coast wouldn’t be complete without expe-
riencing nature first-hand. Earth Kinship
showcases the beauty of the region
through guided kayak tours, hikes and
birdwatching walks. Learn the “language”
of local birds with a naturalist, discover
wild edibles and medicinal plants, or
search for owls in their habitat.
The GeoTrippin’ Adventure Company show-
cases wild Florida with excursions that give
guests close-up views of dolphins and turtles.
Or take a trip to see the bioluminescence of
comb jellyfish that generate a light in the water
as they move. It’s a bio tour unlike any other.
DS
TRAVEL PLANNER
For more travel information about Florida’s
Historic Coast, visit FloridasHistoricCoast.com
32
DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2025
PHOTOS: FLORIDA’S HISTORIC COAST | GEOTRIPPIN’ ADVENTURES