Beach Club Bound: Gulf Shores, Alabama
When it’s time for a quick rejuvenation, I head to the beach. Everyone needs a place that is a short enough drive to be close, but feels like an escape from their everyday life. Mine is Gulf Shores, Alabama. About a three hour drive from my home, this laid back community beside the Gulf of Mexico is lined with condos overlooking the white sand and blue-green waters.
The area has plenty of attractions, restaurants, and shopping. If I want a relaxed no stress get away, I make a reservation at the Beach Club. The property is on the same road as Fort Morgan, situated between two golf courses, and past the 7,000 acre Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge. Driving the winding road thick with pine trees, I start to de-stress.
My husband and I arrived earlier than the 4 pm check-in because I signed us up for the “Alert.” On the morning of our stay, I called to ask when the condo would be ready. The Housekeeping staff inspects the accommodations and notifies guests by an automated phone call–announcing when the room is ready. Our call came at noon. Even if the condo had not been available upon arrival, we would have been allowed to start using the property’s amenities.
After a quick check-in with the friendly Spectrum Resorts staff, I popped in to the Village Creamery for a strawberry smoothie, a magazine, and milk. I saved ten percent off the price of everything I bought. Guests who book with Spectrum Resorts receive a 10% discount off all food, beverage, and gift shop purchases.
Before leaving home, I packed coffee, tea, oatmeal, and fruit. The condo has a fully stocked kitchen–fridge, stove, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker, tea kettle, toaster, and blender. We didn’t plan on doing much cooking, but breakfast on our private balcony is a treat. For guests who don’t want to cook, a continental breakfast is available seasonally at the on site restaurant.
Condos at the Beach Club range in size from one to five bedrooms. You can see pictures online. I’m partial to the corner units, with a balcony on two sides of the unit.
The centerpiece of the resort is the 25,000 square foot Clubhouse where you will find the Fitness Center, a heated indoor pool, full-service spa, and the Coast restaurant. Each of the four condo towers has its own outdoor pool and hot tubs. In addition, there is a heated pool beside the Clubhouse.
While my husband got a workout on the treadmills at the Fitness Center, I indulged in an hour long Signature manicure at the Spa. The treatment includes a hand massage, paraffin dip and hydrating shea butter mask. Because we booked our stay through Spectrum Resorts, I snagged a priority reservation. After Jim’s workout, he is took a dip in the pool beside the Club House. This year, the resort has added a seasonal Bar and Grill. Just raise a flag, located on the back of the lounge chair, and the wait staff takes your order.
Another option for lunch is the Village Hideaway. Their motto is, “Grille, Games, and Good Times.” There’s an arcade at the back of the sports themed restaurant with a bank of video games, billiard tables, a shuffleboard table, and the popular golf simulator. You can also dine on the large outdoor patio. The menu offers a mix of man-pleasing hardy dishes like Baby Back Ribs or Beef Bolognese while lighter selections include Vegetarian Pizza or a Gulf Shrimp Salad.
Afternoons at the Beach Club can be spent on the tennis courts or on the beach. Every day, there is a list of activities available. Some are crafts and games for children, but others include tennis instruction and Pilates classes for adults. I forgot my sun screen and ran inside the Village Mercantile. The store has tons of resort wear, games and toys, jewelry, and even an assortment of beach-themed gift items.
Our last night, we dined at the property’s Coast restaurant. The large veranda overlooking the Gulf of Mexico is the ideal place to enjoy a leisurely glass of wine. It’s the perfect ending to a mini vacation. Where’s your favorite escape for a short getaway?
To book a stay at the Beach Club, call (855) 762- 6875.
