Luxury in Style

A shore (or off-shore thing) in Palm Coast

Wedding? Honeymoon? Second honeymoon? Maybe you’ve just been listening to too much Jimmy Buffett lately?

You don’t need a reason to whisk away on a yacht vacation. You don’t even need a captain’s license. All you really need is a picturesque stretch of open water and a boat. Which is where Palm Coast and Latigo Yacht Charters come in.

Palm Coast is a quiet piece of paradise situated on the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway. The area is perhaps best known for its spectacular golfing opportunities at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Ocean Hammock Course (six holes overlook the Atlantic; the last four holes comprise the challenging “Bear’s Claw”). But an entirely different – yet equally spectacular – drive can be found along the seven-mile A1A Ocean Shore Scenic Highway in nearby Flagler Beach.

And though the mainland has charms all its own, one of the best ways to experience the Palm Coast area actually happens offshore.

Step aboard the 60-foot Latigo for a relaxing three-day, two-night (or longer) cruise on your own private, crewed yacht. Meals are taken care of, and fruity drinks are at your beck and call, so there’s nothing left for you to do but enjoy the scenery. Remote golden-sand beaches and pristine nature preserves dot the shore. Myriad wildlife, from songbirds and shorebirds flying overhead to sea turtles, dolphins and manatees swimming just off the bow, will be your only companions.

You can do as much or as little as you like: Kayak to remote barrier islands, go waterskiing, fish for your dinner or do nothing but toast the sunset with a cold margarita. It’s almost like living out the lyrics to a Jimmy Buffett song.

Side trips:
Ponte Vedra Beach: A quiet country-club community on the beach just minutes away from the historic attractions of St. Augustine. The Sawgrass Marriott Resort and Spa welcomes golfers and their families with 99 holes of championship golf, including the famous TPC Stadium and Valley Golf Courses; a 20,000-square-foot spa; private Cabana Beach Club; and The Sawgrass Grasshopper Gang supervised children’s program.

Daytona Beach: This classic beach vacation spot also bears a romantic side. The Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort offers a “Do Not Disturb” romance package with sparkling wine, health club access and breakfast in bed. The Plaza Resort & Spa will pamper you both with its Beautiful Spa or Spa Sampler packages.

Nearby shopping:
St. Augustine: Shopping isn’t confined to St. George Street these days. Wind through the brick-lined streets for art, gourmet goodies and other finds.

St. Augustine Premium Outlets: A collection of 85 designer and name brand outlets such as Brooks Brothers, Coach, Tommy Bahama and more.

Ocean Walk Shoppes @ Ocean Walk Village: Colorful shopping/dining/entertainment complex on Daytona Beach. Enjoy fine dining and brand-name shopping oceanside.

For more information on the Flagler Beach/Palm Coast area, visit the Flagler County Tourist Development Council’s web site at http://www.visitflagler.org/.

By Erin Marvin (Erin Marvin is an editor and freelance writer who has spent almost all of her life in Florida. She has been writing for VISIT FLORIDA® for more than five years.)

Courtesy of  visitflorida.com