Georgia Physician Magazine

Head South to the Relaxing Shores of Amelia Island

For those who are lucky enough to be familiar with its allure, just saying the words "Amelia Island" can conjure images of relaxing afternoons on the beach, peaceful sunsets and ocean waves.

With a colorful history that spans more than four decades, Amelia Island is named for Princess Amelia, daughter of England"s King George II. The island is the only territory in the United States to have been ruled under eight flags of sovereignty. Now one of the most productive shrimping and fishing centers in the South, nearby Fernandina Beach was once a headquarters for pirates and rumrunners who ruled the seas.

Downtown Amelia remains a Victorian showcase, with a number of homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here, cobblestone walks lead visitors from one delightful stop to another.

The best way to soak up the island"s rich ancestry is a visit to the Amelia Island Museum of History, located in the Old Nassau County Jail. At Florida"s only oral history museum, tour guides narrate the island"s intriguing history while visitors peruse the collection of museum artifacts.

Deciding where to stay on Amelia Island is easy. The island - located just 29 miles northeast of Jacksonville, Fla., offers a variety of bed and breakfasts, hotels, camping areas and private beach rentals. But the ideal home base for exploring the island is the luxurious Amelia Island Plantation, called "one of the best places to stay in the whole world," by Conde Nast Traveler.

Though the 1,350-acre resort property offers 17 types of lodging - from hotel rooms to oceanside villas - sleep will be the last thing on your mind when you realize all there is to do there. Rates range from $181 per night for a room in the hotel to $4,179 per week for a three-bedroom villa with ocean view. Numerous packages are available, such as all-inclusive recreation, unlimited golf or tennis, romantic getaways and spa experiences.

Traveling with children? They"ll keep busy with Kids Camp Amelia on the Plantation, where kids aged 3 through 10 can enjoy hours of special supervised activities designed just for them. Nature activities, beach games, swimming, arts and crafts, even golf and tennis clinics are all part of Kids Camp. A full day session is $45 or a weeklong pass is $225. A second camp, Teen Explorers, offers great activities for kids aged 11 through 19.

Meticulously preserved for more than 25 years, this natural development includes beaches, boardwalks, sand dunes and live oaks, all of which provide a sanctuary for plants, animals and birds. A luxury spa, award-winning golf, tennis, fishing, shopping, fine dining and beachside attractions are all here. You"re only dilemma will be deciding what to do first.

Recreation and rejuvenation
Golfers love Amelia Island and can tee up on any of the property"s three 18-hole championship courses as waves crash nearby. In fact, the Plantation boasts more holes directly on the ocean than any other Florida resort. The carpet-like fairways are designed by preeminent golf architects of the modern era, including Pete Dye, Tom Fazio and Bobby Weed. Framed by a maritime forest and stately live oaks, the courses capture the natural elements of the island"s terrain while carefully preserving the pristine habitat.

Long Point, one of the three courses, features a signature hole that is pure Fazio - a 540-yard par five winding between numerous deep, narrow bunkers. For those who need to improve their game, Long Point is also home to the Amelia Island Plantation Golf School. Ron Philos" School of Golf offers personal instruction from PGA professionals under the direction of Ron Philo.

Off property, Amelia Island has a couple other courses for golfers, including North Hampton, a 72-par layout designed by Arnold Palmer. The Golf Club of Amelia features an 18-hole championship course adjacent to Summer Beach Resort and The Ritz-Carlton, and was designed by PGA Tour veterans Mark McCumber and Gene Littler. All in all, visitors won"t fall short of places to hone their game on Amelia Island.

Of course, not everyone comes to Amelia to wear themselves out on the golf course, the 23 clay tennis courts or the miles and miles of wide, beautiful beaches. Some prefer to be pampered and it doesn"t get much better than the Spa and Shops at Amelia Island Plantation. Miles away from the hectic pace of everyday life and just footsteps from the ocean, this is one place where indulgence is encouraged.

Built in the Old Florida architectural style, the Spa is a natural fit in its island environment. The world-class facility features 25 treatment rooms, a full-service salon, a meditation garden and sweeping views of lagoons and moss-draped oaks. For those who prefer to spend their time out and about, exploring the island can be an endless adventure and the Plantation offers a number of guided nature tours offering hands-on experience to both children and adults. Choices include the Beach Bounty Tour that shows guests the best places to collect shells, shark"s teeth and other beach "treasures," and Flora and Fauna Phenomena, which spotlights the marsh side of the island. The Timucuan Walk gives a fascinating introduction to the Timucuan Indian culture. Participants are guided on an exploration of a genuine burial mound and learn about the island"s original inhabitants from more than 400 years ago. Other programs are available for kayaking, fishing, sailing, bird watching, stargazing and beach bonfires.

Recognized as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System, Amelia Island Plantation is a recent recipient of several environmental awards. For those who prefer to enjoy nature on their own, more than seven miles of bike and jogging trails meander through the property.

For a truly unique sightseeing adventure, you might want to consider Segway of Amelia Island. Available in different sizes for children and adults, you can experience guided tours onboard this "human transporter." Prices range from $40 for a 30-minute tour designed for kids to a 90-minute family Sea Side Safari for $80.

On foot or by car, you"ll discover all the island has to offer, including Fort Clinch State Park, a must-see for history buffs. Built in 1847, Fort Clinch was occupied during the Civil War by Confederate forces and also served as a training site for U.S. troops during the Spanish-American War. Guided tours are available and rangers re-enact the 1864 occupation on the first weekend of every month. nGP