VISIT FLORIDA > St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra
Discover Florida’s Historic Coast
A wellness hub for more than a century
By Michele Sponagle
Florida’s Historic Coast has a long history of welcoming those who crave a slower 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 rejuvenation. 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, combining 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, paddleboards 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 properties of water at the Poseidon Spa where a Detox & Renew Body Treatment includes dry brush exfoliation, 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 inspiration 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 experiencing 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 showcases 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.
TRAVEL PLANNER
For more travel information about Florida’s Historic Coast, visit FloridasHistoricCoast.com