Great Romantic Getaways: Amelia Island, FL

 If you’ve never heard of Amelia Island, I’m not surprised. It’s one of Florida’s best-kept secrets! Luckily, I discovered it as a child and have continued to return to its natural beauty and charm time after time. It has a colorful history, mouth-watering fresh seafood, great accommodations, delightful shops and boutiques, and miles of sandy beach.

The island is just 22 miles north of Jacksonville, but it’s a world apart. The pace is slow, and the atmosphere is laid back and friendly. It’s the perfect venue for a romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, a honeymoon, or a sensual rendezvous!

Below are some of the most romantic lodging sites on the entire island:

 This is a charming replica of a Chesapeake Bay lighthouse, and it’s located right on the beach! It has a full wrap-around porch – perfect for watching the sun rise over the Atlantic. You’ll have plenty of space and lots of privacy here, and the master bedroom features a unique captain’s bed.

The house features a washer and dryer, beach chairs, a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, and cable TV and VCR. Linens and towels are included.

Romantic getaway and honeymoon packages include champagne, goodies, and a dozen roses when you arrive. Also, breakfast at nearby Elizabeth Pointe Lodge is included each day of your stay.

Katie’s Light is not far from historic downtown Fernandina, Fort Clinch State Park, and Old Town. You’ll find plenty to do!

 This restored inn is the oldest operating hotel in Florida. It’s been welcoming guests since 1857. It houses twenty-two rooms, and ten of these have working fireplaces. In addition, six of the rooms have large Jacuzzis, and two rooms feature romantic claw-foot tubs – perfect for a nice long bubble bath!

The inn is located in the historic downtown area, so you’ll be within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, the wharf, and nighttime entertainment. Florida House also has its own wonderful restaurant, where country fare is served boarding-house style, from heaping platters. The inn also has an intimate pub, and the beach is just a short drive away.

 This is an absolutely breath-taking lodge, voted the #2 small hotel in America by Conde Nast Traveler in 2008. It’s reminiscent of a sprawling turn-of-the-century Nantucket Inn, nestled right on a pristine section of beach.

Amenities include comfortable rooms with oversized tubs, a wide porch complete with rocking chairs, daily newspapers, round-the-clock room service, and a library with books and games. An amazing breakfast is served each morning in the oceanfront sunroom, and each evening, hors d’oeuvres and wine are served.

When you’re ready to hit the beach, you’ll be provided with beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels. You’ll also be near shopping, restaurants, historical sites, and other activities.

Elizabeth Pointe offers creative package deals like “Babymoon,” “Surprise Your Partner,” “Rendezvous,” and “Island Honeymoon.”  Some of the amenities included in these packages are champagne, fresh strawberries, romantic dinners, late desserts, roses, and massages.