[ajbrown]

I have been working at a company for 10 plus years. For my 10 year anniversary, I was given a very nice and unexpected gift. They called it a getaway weekend, the company will reimburse me up to $2500 for expenses. Does not have to be just a weekend, it can include hotel, air, new clothes, almost anything you buy when on a trip. The only restriction is you get what you spend, you do not get cash. I like that because knowing me I would put cash in our savings and go nowhere.

I am swirling around many ideas, but I bet there is some good expertise on this site for one idea in particular. Since I am in FL for much of the year, I was considered a drive-able trip in FL to not waste money on airfare. I know almost nothing about FL. I wonder if folks have been to a place that was something special where my wife and I can relax, be pampered and spend someone else’s money. Maybe a little island somewhere or special place on the coast to get the sand between my toes….

The kind of place I may never go because I am too …ummmmm… thrifty. The kind of place where the rooms are a bit too expensive, diners a bit too pricey, etc. I imagine there are some amazing places down past Naples and through the Keys….

I can obviously do some googlin’ but I bet there is a lot of expertise right here…. I would love to hear of any special places you have been. Your stories do not have to be limited to FL, I brought that up as an idea so all of my money spent could be at our destination.

Thanks in advance,
Alan

PS. I am also perusing other threads in the travel forum……

[gomoho]

Check out Amelia Island.

[Phanatic Luvr]

Consider a cruise. For $2,500. you could do a nice week long with a guest. We like Royal Caribbean which leaves out of Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. The Newer ships like the Oasis and Allure are wonderful. A lot to do, shows, entertainment, visits to different islands, good food and RELAXATION!
Whatever you do ... have a great time.

[Lbmb24101]

I second Amelia Island
We have stayed several times in room 309 on Amelia Island Plantation, faces the golf coyrse AND is also oceanfront
This resort was renovated but we have not stayed there since; it is probably even nicer.
The property has gorgeous trees
Enjoy your search and congrats!

[JeffAVEWS]

I think the most bang for the buck would be a cruise. Lot's to choose from and you get more then just some sand in your toe's, great food, entertainment, shopping, and gambling. Take your pick. The downside is that you must have a passport, if you don't have one then that is an additional expense you would have to pay. Also, there is always The Mouse House, Mickey would be glad to have you drop by!

[collie1228]

I'd recommend Key West, which is about eight hours away from TV by car - it's pricey and VERY different. It's not a beach town, but there are lots of restaurants, bars and all kinds of water activities available. People watching on Duval Street in the evenings is like nothing we've ever seen. Fun place.

[l2ridehd]

Take the ferry from Fort Myers to Key West and stay in the Pier House. Get a Suite for 4 or 5 days, about $300 a night, great restaurant, great views, and lots to see and do.

[jnieman]

The Ritz Carlton Beach Resort in Naples. Right on the beach. So awesome.
Take the city trolly tour also. The trolly will pick you up and drop you up at all kinds of places to shop and sight see.

[jnieman]

Originally Posted by jnieman

The Ritz Carlton Beach Resort in Naples. Right on the beach. So awesome.
Take the city trolly tour also. The trolly will pick you up and drop you up at all kinds of places to shop and sight see.

Forgot to mention they have an outdoor restaurant right on the beach that has great food. Semi-casual. They have really nice pools also and give you huge towels and serve fresh fruit or you can be waited on at your beach chair for a burger or sandwich or cocktail. A sure way to be pampered.

[gpirate]

Go to Marco Island stay on the beach such as the Marriott. Take the Ferry to Key West 3 hour trip and spend a couple of nights in Key West and then Ferry back to Marco Island. No need for a car in Key West just rent bikes to get around.

[ajbrown]

I am not around much today, but just checked in on the thread quickly between activities. My first reaction is... love it... I want to go to all the places. Thank you for taking the time to post an idea. I look forward to learning more details later when I research your suggestions.

If someone else has been somewhere special, please add your place, I am an blank canvas and I have OPM to burn .

Thanks again.

[mikeandnancy1112]

Our friends have recently been to Siesta Key and rave about it. Check it out.

[gomoho]

Originally Posted by gpirate

Go to Marco Island stay on the beach such as the Marriott. Take the Ferry to Key West 3 hour trip and spend a couple of nights in Key West and then Ferry back to Marco Island. No need for a car in Key West just rent bikes to get around.

I like this suggestion the best - change my Amelia Island recommendation.

[DougB]

Originally Posted by Phanatic Luvr

Consider a cruise. For $2,500. you could do a nice week long with a guest. We like Royal Caribbean which leaves out of Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. The Newer ships like the Oasis and Allure are wonderful. A lot to do, shows, entertainment, visits to different islands, good food and RELAXATION!
Whatever you do ... have a great time.

Royal Caribbean also leaves out of Port Canaveral. Much closer.

[YouNeverKnow]

Originally Posted by mikeandnancy1112

Our friends have recently been to Siesta Key and rave about it. Check it out.

Where did your friends stay on Siesta Key?