Retreat Insider

AAR owners, Dawna and James Foreman, were recently guests at AAR Member facility, Villas by the Sea in Jekyll Island. Were we “hiding out” (get it?) or on retreat from the cold Vermont winter? Both! And, it was refreshing to feel the fine white beach sand between our toes and the warm southern sun on bodies that have been layered in fleece these past 5 months!

Meeting planners from all organizations and businesses will want to take a close look at Villas by the Sea. The conference facilities and professional management give new meaning to ’southern hospitality’! Our one bedroom villa was just paces from the ocean, protected from ocean breezes by a generous windbreak of native flora and fauna. Villas is a complex of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom condo-type apartments, thoughtfully appointed and well-designed for optimum comfort and privacy. The villa kitchen is well-equipped and as chefs on vacation, we gave it an approving nod. These days, there are more and more folks who prefer to prepare their own meals while traveling or on retreat, given diet preferences and, in our case, a high maintenance gluten, soy and corn-free diet (dawna’s). Whether your group is interested in cooking their own meals or the food services available at the conference center or Villas’ own restaurant, Saydee’s, this venue is the right choice. The comforts and beauty afforded by Villas and the charm of the entire Island come at a price, though we think it reasonable given the amenities and meeting facilities just a short walk from any villa.

We asked Sales and Marketing Director, Ryan Merritt, what kinds of groups book their meetings at Villas: “All kinds, even craft groups and women’s church retreats. If they fill the beds in a 3 bedroom villa, the per person cost is quite affordable. Most of our groups are from Georgia and North Florida. Folks from everywhere else must not realize that Jacksonville International Airport is an easy 1 hour drive from Jekyll Island.”

Jekyll Island is rich in history, dating back to it’s French colonization in 1735. Did you know that the island was purchased by an elite group of industrialists at the turn of the 20th century? They were known as the Jekyll Island Club, and their namesake hotel is located in the heart of the beautifully maintained historic district. There are myriad activities all around the island for young and old visitors, without the hubbub of a mainstreamed, overbuilt, beach vacation destination. A generous bicycle path meanders the island and, as a guest at the Villas, you can rent a fat tire bike for an hour, a half day or longer, and take a tour, getting to know the delights and secrets of Jekyll. Like us, you’ll wonder why you never visited before. If you are planning to travel and are looking for a laid back, user friendly place to stay for a holiday in the sun, individual travelers and couples are welcome to lodge at Villas by the Sea, too! We definitely plan to “come back” to Jekyll soon!