When it comes to St. Augustine, Florida, there’s almost too much history to recount.

In 1565 Spanish ships carrying a caravan of 600 people landed on U.S. soil, and Captain Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés named the city St. Augustine. For those of us who need a brief jog of the memory: That’s a full 55 years before the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock!

Then, roughly 320 years later, St. Augustine was selected by Henry Flagler to become the new American Riviera. As co-founder of Standard Oil alongside John D. Rockefeller, Flagler had the means to build beautiful hotels for wealthy Americans, and by connecting the railways to those living in the Northeast, he established a pipeline of worthy visitors.

That’s where we begin.

I recently enjoyed two evenings at Casa Monica Resort and Spa in St. Augustine. As part of Marriott’s Kessler Collection (of which I’m starting to become quite fond), Casa Monica was originally built by Flagler’s competitor, Franklin Smith. However, Flagler was the more established hotelier in the area (with his elaborate and successful Ponce de Leon Hotel literally across the street), and Smith needed the cash. Flagler ultimately purchased Casa Monica, renaming it Cordova Hotel.

When I arrived, everything felt fresh and clean with a distinct nod to Moorish architecture and Spanish Revival design. The bright colors, arched frames and complex tilework instantly drew me in. The staff mentioned its recent renovation and how much they liked the update, saying it gave a modern touch to such a historic space.

While staying two nights at Casa Monica, I had a few moments to enjoy Cordova Restaurant and Bar. I ordered an appetizer of tuna tartare with plantain chips; and a vodka, St. Germain, grapefruit, basil beverage named Greyhound to Vilano. Both were delicious and came recommended from the friendly and astute bartender.

My room was equally pleasing and best described as Spanish conquistador meets modern luxury. I was upgraded to a king suite on the second floor, giving me a room with a full dining table with leather chairs, separate bar area and living room with more leather seating. The bedroom featured a king-sized bed, large bathroom and a stunning view of the former Ponce de Leon Hotel (now Flagler College) as well as the final hotel in our American Riviera story: the former Hotel Alcazar (now Lightner Museum and St. Augustine City Hall).

To be honest, I know I haven’t begun to touch the amount of history within St. Augustine. It feels like a “Smithsonian of Cities” with tales and stories that can’t be covered in a single weekend. Although I learn a little more with each visit, I can also sense it beckoning me to return.

Next time I need to see the 70-plus original Tiffany stained-glass windows inside Flagler College (valued at $3.5 million) as well as Presbyterian Memorial Church (again, built by Flagler and also adorned with dozens of Tiffany windows).

My thanks to Casa Monica Resort and Spa and specifically to concierge Charlene for a warm and wonderful stay. It seems my personal history with St. Augustine has only just begun.

— Carrie Cox, account executive