Within Palmetto Dunes Plantation and behind a guarded entry, this vast complex edges the ocean. This relaxed low-key resort encompasses privately owned units, ranging from hotel rooms to four-bedroom villas, which are widely spread out and individually furnished under management's supervision.
Registration is in the small often-crowded circular structure at the entrance. A deluge of facilities is at guests' disposal: numerous restaurants, 28 pools (one in each complex), a tennis center with 25 lighted courts of assorted surfaces, three golf courses, 3 miles of beach, a 10-mile lagoon for canoeing, a 200-slip marina, and a conference center seating 200 delegates. A car is helpful for guests who wish to enjoy all that the grounds have to offer. If this is not enough, guests can pay to use the facilities at the Hilton and the Marriott, both within the plantation's grounds. Championship golf courses, a putting green and a driving range are in the nearby Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Golf Center.
The charming one- to four-bedroom guest villas offer balconies or patios with views of the ocean, harbor or links. Windsor Place is the newest section. The one- and two-story sections, known as Huntington, exude a more residential feel, and
groups usually take over villas in the Center Court and Fazio sections. Traditional rooms are in Moorings and Villamare, which are nearer the ocean. There is a two-night minimum on all rentals here.
Though this place can be hard to find for those unfamiliar with the area, the ever-smiling staff helps make this an ideal choice for families seeking recreation galore amid the comforts of home.
