Thanks to a generous invitation from the folks at the luxurious Sandpearl Resort, we recently had the opportunity to experience the true beauty and relaxed sophistication of Florida’s Gulf Coast first hand.  The elegantly appointed hotel sits right on one of the most pristine beaches along the coast in a town most appropriately named, “Clearwater.”  Boasting majestic sunsets that are not to be missed, the beaches in Clearwater are not affected by the recent oil disaster and due to the way the Gulf current flows, they will not ever be (barring any unforeseen hurricane disaster).

 As we entered the four diamond resort, we were greeted with a warm welcome and offered chilled champagne along with a cool noeroli scented “decompression cloth” to refresh our weary faces after a morning of travel.  Then left to unwind and relax the rest of the day, we were treated to a poolside cabana where we enjoyed refreshing frozen lemonade and a juicy burger with crispy homemade potato chips.

A relaxed, beachfront welcome dinner was held out on the Gulf Lawn where sun, sea and sky magically come together to color the heavens in radiant tropical sunsets that one usually only gets to see in fine oil paintings.  It was in this splendid setting that Chef Matt fashioned mouthwatering delights on his grill, custom created for our small group of professional planners.  Every detail was carefully thought out right down to the blazing fire pit where we gathered to roast marshmallows and make s’mores, rekindling the simpler, bygone days of our childhood.

 The following day was filled with educational information where Josh Hall from the St. Petersburg /Clearwater Convention and Visitors Bureau filled us in on the statistics and the importance of social networking and the impact it has on businesses in today’s ever changing high-tech world.  We also learned a little about some of the points of interest that surround the Clearwater area that might be entertaining or just plain useful to our clients agenda.  We had time to stretch and do a brief Zumba dance-workout with Michael Welch from Welch Fitness before receiving an interesting walking tour of the hotels “back of the house” learning a bit about what gives the Sandpearl it’s LEED (leadership in energy and environmental design) certification.  After taking a crash course in sushi rolling, we all enjoyed a group lunch together dining on our very own creations!  To top off the day, everyone was treated to not one…  but two of his or her desired spa services before retiring to our rooms to rest prior to the evening’s elegant dinner and wine pairing. 

 The Sandpearl is a true gem on Florida’s Gulf that houses indoor and outdoor meeting/banquet spaces, a magnificent white sandy beach, luxurious accommodations and the most amazing, accommodating staff bar none.

Even though you are “away” at the Sandpearl, they do all they can to make you feel at home!  Whether you’re a meeting planner who has a group in need of multi-functional conference space, planning an elegant or casual wedding or you just want to take some time to get away to rejuvenate, regenerate and recharge your mind, body and soul, the Sandpearl Resort is the perfect escape.  Check out their web site at www.sandpearl.com for more information and to make reservations.  You’ll be glad you did!