I just recently returned from a trip to Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., where I stayed at the lovely Lodge & Club. The property is a short drive from Jacksonville International Airport and is easily one of the best hospitality choices in the area. The most impressive aspect of the entire resort is the overall beauty of the grounds. Needless to say, I was snapping plenty of pictures everywhere I turned. After all, where else can you step out of your guestroom and see this? You’ll be hard-pressed to find a spot where you can’t see the beauty of the ocean or the surrounding palm trees. Even the golf course is home to some great scenery, where I captured the sunset while sipping a cocktail and admiring the course’s resident gator. My Ocean Suite was lovely as well. I have unfortunately been witness to too many oceanfront guestrooms that have become prey to gaudy tropical and palm prints and other glaringly bad décor choices. There was no worry of that here. My room’s décor was elegant and sophisticated, accentuating all of the little luxury details. A small kitchenette with a microwave and mini-fridge was located on the right upon entering. A sitting area boasted a fireplace, an amenity not always easy to find in Florida. The bed, walk-in closet and bathroom were all extra-large for extra comfort and convenience. I was thrilled that the bathroom contained a separate water closet, two sinks at the oversized vanity and a garden tub in addition to the standing shower. Hidden behind the light drapes, though, was one of the best features — a windowseat filled with pillows, perfect for looking out over the ocean. The food was as delectable as I expected from the property. Guests to The Lodge & Club can also take advantage of dining options at the nearby Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, which I was more than happy to do. I found that my favorite restaurant was the Innlet Dining Room, where I greatly enjoyed both the tuna tartar with sriracha marshmallows and the cast iron New York strip with black garlic jus. I also highly recommend The Seahorse Grille, where I loved my course of lamb chop with eggplant confit, hemp salad and red pepper fondue. I had the chance to explore some of the property’s recreational opportunities as well, including The Spa at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club (which you’ll read about in a later print issue of Global Traveler), the clay tennis courts and the variety of leisure activities on the beach. During one morning of my stay, I indulged in a short tennis lesson, which was tremendously helpful. “Maybe one day,” I thought to myself, “I might actually be decent at the sport — with enough lessons, of course.” I also loved the variety of beach equipment available for rent. It was a bit chilly during my stay, so I opted for a bike ride and logged several miles without even realizing it. Time flies when you’re taking in such perfect scenery! It’s easy enough to say that three nights were not enough at The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach! — Holly Riddle, assistant editor