July 18th, 2010

One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa, Atlantic Beach, Florida, First Coast, North Florida Beaches

This is one of those experiences that are unexpected but leave you pleasantly surprised.

I was looking for a different type of hotel while I was staying in the Jacksonville area.  I made a reservation at One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa because it was in a small beachtown and it was ocean front.  Little did I know that this hotel is known for its individualized service.  It exceeded my expectations; location, service, rooms, and of course, the beach.

“Luxury is not just a lifestyle.  It is an art form, and only the most skillful of artists can bring it to light.  One Ocean is the first masterpiece in a collection of individualized luxury resorts known as The Gallery.”

Yes, that’s where I ended up and at the end of my stay I hated to leave.  But, soon I will be back.

The hotel is owned by Remington.  This is an independent hotel management company.  They build hotels, operate them or perform asset management duties.  The company is based in Dallas, Texas and for more information, please visit www.remingtonhotels.com.

The Gallery, under which One Ocean Resort falls under, is a signature collection of luxury resorts.  They have world class accomodations, dining, spas and recreation.

The One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa is located at One Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, FL 32233.  Tel. 904-249-7402.  They have a great website, so if you want more info. please visit www.oneoceanresort.com.

The feeling I got when I entered this hotel was of serenity, the one brought by being in touch with the ocean.

I believe the hotel only has about 6 floors.  It is, really the only high rise, if you consider that a high rise on Atlantic Boulevard.  The valet guys were great and friendly, just like the staff I encountered.  My room information was ready as I gave the valet my keys; no need to stop at the reception counter.

They want to cater to all your needs.  One of the things that caught my attention was the Pet Menu.  Yes, you heard me.  Your pooch or cat might want to accompany you on this vacation.  They have appetizers, entrees for either one and beverages.  Plus, walking services can be arranged, as well.

Here goes the menu.  I had to blog about it.

Appetizers:  Science Diet Canned Selections, Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Paw’s Kitten Treats. Price?  $3 and $4.

Entrees for Dogs:  Schnauzer Spinach Salad with Corn and Chopped Beef, Chihuahua Chicken and Rice, which is diced chicken and steamed rice, and Open Faced Beagle Burger.  $10 each

Entrees for Cats:  Feline Tuna Carpaccio which is thinly sliced Ahi grade tuna, Siamese Salmon Filet, that being medium rare for the finicky feline, and last but not least, the Foie Gras Pate, made for only the finest breeds.  Those entrees fluctuate from $8 to $14.

Beverages for both:  Voss or Pellegrino waters.  Or, milk.

I am not kidding you, it is true.

For the humans they have a great restaurant called Azurea.  This restaurant is able to cater to all your needs, as well.  You may dine indoors, outdoors, by the pool or in the privacy of your own room.

I hope you have had a great week-end.  Too hot, isn’t it?  Talk to you later…

Note:  I think my Addy and her friends, Tucker, Bay, Mizzen or Aaron would love it here.

July 18th, 2010

Atlantic Beach, Florida, North Florida, First Coast, North Florida Beaches

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I have been moving around a bit this summer; Delaware Beaches, Boulder, Colorado, Puerto Rico, South Florida and for the past few days I have visited Atlantic Beach, Florida. 

Atlantic Beach is the first town in the First Coast.  It is located in Duval County, next to Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach.  Around 13,500 people reside in this unique beach town. 

The city of Jacksonville has the esteemed honor of having the largest urban park system (over 80,000 acres) in the U.S.  Approximately 50,000 acres have been acquired and placed into conservation parklands.  Local communities, like Atlantic Beach, and Jacksonville Beach have partnered in order to secure the acquisition of vital salt marshes that meander through the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

Atlantic Beach exudes small town charm and intimate seaside tranquility.  The beach is unbelievable; wide and gorgeous, never ending.

Throughout that northern coast I could not believe how accessible the beaches were to the public.

 Atlantic Beach is really small; the center of town is just a few blocks long.  Restaurants, shops and bars welcome its visitors. Guess what? No parking meters.

As I walked around the streets of this beach village I could not help to think of the term I hear people mention that have resided in all these coastal towns of Florida; “it was like old Florida used to be”.  I finally saw what they meant.

The towns is simple and attractive.  The ocean front homes on Atlantic Beach are classic beach homes.  Life along the coast; “laissez faire” kind of living. Breathing that salt air, early morning walks, riding bikes, getting a suntan; just thinking about it puts me in that kind mood.

I met Sophie on the beach.  She was just strolling with not a care in the world.  Sophie was a ferret.  She was so friendly and definitely, cute.

I am back in Delaware now, but cannot forget the feeling that Atlantic Beach gave me.

Talk to you later…..you know I will…

Note:  Some information for my post was taken from www.preserveflorida.org.