Travel Florida: King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

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King & Prince Newly Renovated Lobby

Travel Florida: King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

Castle by the Sea on St. Simons Island

By Diane Leone

It’s almost impossible not to feel a bit like Royalty while staying at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort (circa 1935) and the holidays are a perfect time to experience this special place.

The resort began in 1935 as a private dance club, only to become the King and Prince Hotel in 1941. The resort is on the National Register of Historic Places and a member of Historic Hotels of America. It’s a must experience place that will make you want to come back again and again.

The beauty of this trip was experiencing the transformation of the resort. The makeover is complete and it is a first-class transformation. The restaurant, Echo, gives a nod to St. Simons’ brief naval history during World War II when the US Navy purchased the local airport in 1942 and established the “Naval Air Station St. Simons.” The King and Prince was in the center of it all as it housed officers, classrooms and towers used to amplify the new radar signals. This “Echo” became a heartbeat of the War’s impact on St. Simons Island.

The current day Echo, newly remodeled, serves classic coastal cuisine and handcrafted cocktails, the atmosphere is casual and friendly… perfect for drinks after a day at their new pool area or even a night out on the island.

Executive Chef John Palacio, who sources what he can locally, created a delightful dinner the first evening of my stay: Fresh Arugula Salad; Wild Georgia Shrimp & Grits; and Chocolate Ganache Cake. The next morning, the breakfast table was a work of art, so beautiful, the group hesitated to “dig in” but the food was scrumptious. Chef Palacio had prepared the breakfast version of a “low country boil” for us with shrimp and fresh sautéed vegetables, eggs, and the infamous King and Prince muffins. Don’t miss breakfast at Echo’s. Don’t miss a chance to watch the sunrise over the ocean before you make your way to the culinary delight that awaits you for breakfast at Echo’s.

The remodeling of the lobby atrium includes a welcoming fireplace with comfortable and attractive furniture, perfect for great conversation with friends after a day exploring the island or a walk on the beach. The pool area also underwent a re-design and is impressive with three pools; you can spend the day outside swimming and lounging by the pool, even ordering lunch poolside.

The rooms are beautifully appointed and the resort meanders along the coast, boasting rooms in the main, historic building; the North Villas; the South Villas; and several stand-alone buildings and houses with anything you need to meet the needs of your stay.

Whether you choose to play a game of tennis or get a massage at the Royal Treatment Cottage, there is an endless list of experiences on site and around the island. And if golf is on your list, the King and Prince golf course celebrated 25 years in 2014 and is a must-play course for golf lovers. The Joe Lee designed course includes 4 salt marsh island holes connected by 800 feet of elevated cart bridges. In 2009 noted golf course architect Billy Fuller lead a full restoration of the golf course utilizing the original Joe Lee drawings. Fuller stayed true to the integrity of the original design while adding a few new bunkers, a 5th set of tees and utilizing four new grasses on the tees. The course is full of beautiful nature views and wild life, adding to the wonderful experience of this amazing course.

There is much to do on St. Simons Island. Catch a trolley tour with Cap Fendig whose family has resided on St. Simons since the 1800’s. The Lady Jane tour, “Let’s Go Shrimpin” is a must. Everything caught is put back after guests get to touch, hold and photograph the catch, except for the shrimp because the trademark white shrimp are boiled up for guests to dine on before departing the Lady Jane. On this trip, our group had the amazing experience of meeting local artist Peggy Buchan, who was born and raised in Brunswick, Georgia, paint a work of art while on the Lady Jane. It was a beautiful experience. Peggy paints the marshes, wildlife and such peaceful images-all in her signature style. Peggy can be found creating tiny masterpieces on petite canvasses at the Pier, the Johnson rocks and Epworth-by-the-Sea.

There are many amazing restaurants on the island. For a truly local feel, consider experiencing Southern Soul Barbeque, a casual place with benches outside. The restaurant has been featured on shows such as Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.

Don’t miss a visit to Palmer’s Village Café where you’ll find delightful locally sourced dishes with a beautiful backdrop of local artists paintings. The art makes the café feel light and airy and it’s for sale if you find a piece you just have to have.

While on the island, you simply cannot afford to miss a meal at the newest restaurant-Del Sur. Co-owners Fernan Stutzer and Chef Alberto Llano serve a rustic Argentinian/Italian artisan cuisine. Everything is made with love and care and some stand out dishes include the short ribs, the Polenta and the homemade Empanadas.

At the end of the day, The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort along with St. Simons Island, are worth experiencing. You’ll find yourself on island time in no time at all.

If You Go:

King & Prince Beach and Golf Resort
201 Arnold Road
St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522
800-342-0212
912-638-3631

Palmer’s Village Café
223 Mallery St.
St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522
912-634-5515

Southern Soul Barbeque
2020 Demere Road
St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522
912-638-SOUL

Del Sur
321 Mallory Street
Saint Simons Island, Georgia 31522
912-638-1223

Let’s Go Shrimpin Aboard “Lady Jane”
1200 Glynn Avenue (Hwy 17)
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
912-265-5711

BIO:
Diane Leone is a freelance travel and lifestyle journalist and photographer who lives in Florida. Diane travels nationally and internationally. She is the author of two published books, is an award-winning Interior Designer, and a professional speaker. Diane usually travels solo and her travel blog is called One Woman’s Travels. You can follow Diane on the following social media sites:

www.OneWomansTravels.com
www.Twitter.com/OneWomansTravel
www.Facebook.com/OneWomansTravels
www.Instagram.com/DianeLeone

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