Girls Getaway to the Beaches of South Walton - Day 1

Who knew you could have one of your best Girlfriend Getaway experiences with complete strangers? That’s exactly what I did during my Girls Getaway to the Beaches of South Walton. A few months ago, I received a wonderful, heartfelt letter from Jennie Ann Dean (no relation to Paula although upon meeting her you may think otherwise) explaining that her best friend Sondra (aka Rooster) was in desperate need of a Girls Getaway but they had limited budgets to work with. Jennie Ann simply asked, “is there anything you can do to help us?”

I get a lot of random emails, but this one was different. As I read more about Rooster, I couldn’t help but want to help her. Rooster’s only son recently passed away after a multi-year battle with cancer. Weeks after the funeral her husband left her for another woman. Then came the torturous stalking and harassment from the husband’s girlfriend, which eventually led to the woman’s arrest. Yes, Jennie Ann was right....Rooster needed a fabulous Girls Getaway.

Jennie Ann and I communicated only via email and agreed to celebrate Rooster’s birthday at the Beaches of South Walton during one of my upcoming Girls Getaway press trips.

Not knowing anything about these “new” friends of mine, I was reluctant to travel with them by myself. So my friend Tanya and I flew the new Southwest Airlines route from Orlando to Panama City, FL and rode with Roy about 45 minutes to Seaside, which is just outside Destin. Seaside is where the movie The Truman Show was filmed and is every bit as quaint and charming as depicted in the movie.

Once we arrived in Seaside, FL (www.SeasideFL.com) at Seaside Cottage Rental Agency (www.CottageRentalAgency.com), we were greeted by our three new friends; Jennie Ann, Sondra (Rooster) and Becky who are all from Marianna, FL. Rooster has had some hard times the last few years, and her friends decided she needed a Girls Getaway, so we met up in Seaside to help Rooster have the time of her life as she celebrates her 44th birthday! We checked in to our “cottages” and Michelle gave us not only our entry codes, but also four bottles of wine! This is going to be one great trip!

We got settled in to our new homes for the next few nights... the Marianna girls stayed at the three-bedroom Sisters Three-by-the-Sea. Tanya and I stayed at the two-story Mahogany Fun. The accommodations are super cozy and decorated really well. We all decided we weren’t going to leave.

With our stomachs growling after the travels, we walked to the town center to eat at Bud & Alley’s Restaurant (www.BudandAlleys.com), a 15-year Seaside tradition named after a dog and cat. I had THE BEST pork chop I have ever eaten, while the rest of the group loved their Grilled Grouper, Crab Cakes and Salmon. During dinner we laughed and laughed so much that my cheeks hurt. It was so great to finally meet the Marianna ladies, and I could already tell we were going to have a great time together.

Girls Getaway to the Beaches of South Walton

Looking for a relaxing beach getaway in Florida? Travel to Northwest Florida and experience a complete escape in the Beaches of South Walton, an upscale yet casual place to unwind, rejuvenate and recharge. Charm and scenic beauty define this stretch of Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast, and these sugar-white sand beaches and emerald green waters offer a natural setting for a soothing retreat. Follow my getaway on Twitter (@GetawayGirl) or on my Facebook Fan Page (Girls Getaway Guide).

Girls Getaway to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes - Goodbye

Our last day at the Ritz-Carlton started with a peaceful, guided eco-tour via kayak down Shingle Creek, which is the headwaters to the Florida Everglades. For Grande Lakes guests who want to explore the resort’s natural surroundings, they can take advantage of morning rows and private guided eco-tours of Shingle Creek either by kayak or canoe. During our tour, Carlos pointed out the different flora and fauna and how Grande Lakes is working with nature conservation efforts to properly restore the ecosystem.

It was the perfect ending to a perfect trip. Grande Lakes is proof that you can still enjoy the natural wonder Central Florida has to offer. Thank you to the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes staff and Laura Davidson Public Relations for coordinating such a wonderful and insightful trip in my home state of Florida!

Girls Getaway to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes - Day #2

After breakfast at the Club Room, we made our way by van to the Adventure Course (for adults) and Exploration Course (for kids). The Adventure Course was designed a few years ago to cater to groups who wanted team building activities. It now accommodates all types of traveler and includes a zipline, ropes course and giant swing. The staff ensures a “safety first” approach is always taken, so you never feel too uncomfortable. We zipped and swong (is that a word?) to a terrific first part of the day. I did scream as I dropped straight down for the first few seconds of the giant swing. I wasn’t quite ready for that and will not be jumping off the platform next time.

After building up quite an appetite, we had lunch at Fairways Pub and then made our way to the driving range for our PGA Tour Academy Golf Lesson at The Ritz- Carlton Golf Club with Gol Pro Kim Healey. While none of us had any golfing experience, we got a full lesson in the basics of golf, from stance to grip to terminology. With laughs and giggles along the way, we all improved 100% and were hitting the ball well. Annika Sorenstam....look out!

Although we were sad to leave Kim and the course, we were eager to get to our spa appointments at The Ritz-Carlton Spa. I had my first ever Ashiatsu Massage. In this ancient form of bodywork, utilizing a pleasantly hypnotic essential oil of peppermint, specially trained therapists use bars set in the ceiling to balance themselves while their feet perform broad, deep compressions to bring about structural change in chronically tight muscle tissue, while invoking a state of deep relaxation. I could not believe Joanne was using her feet to massage me. It felt just like someone’s hands. It was very cool!

That evening was a five-course dinner at Norman’s Restaurant in The Ritz-Carlton, which is the award-winning restaurant featuring celebrity Chef Norman Van Aken's acclaimed New World Cuisine as the culinary centerpiece. I started with the Creamy Cracker Conch Chowder, which was out of this world. Then the Pan Cooked Fillet of Key West Yellowtail was absolutely perfect.

PHOTO: Casey Wohl jumps off the platform and swings on the Adventure Course's Giant Swing.

Girls Getaway to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes - Day 1

While driving the winding entrance to the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes you automatically get a sense of the sophistication and elegance this property has to offer. One often thinks theme parks and cartoons when they think of Disney, but the Grande Lakes property, which include the Ritz Carlton Orlando and the JW Marriott, will prove that theory wrong.

From the moment I arrived at the front door, I was greeted with the personal touches that the Ritz-Carlton brand is known for. Megan greeted me at the reception desk with a bottle of water and escorted me to the elevators. I opened the door into my Club Level room to find a fruit basket, welcome letter and assortment of goodies to enjoy during my stay. Best of all, I had an amazing view of the golf course and lakes that make Grande Lakes so special.

We started our festivities with a Garden Party at Primo Garden. Here Chef Juan grows many of the herbs and spices used in his restaurant. The hotel is very dedicated to using locally-grown produce and meats, which only enhance the freshness and taste of their cuisine. In the garden we found tomatoes, herbs, spices, lettuce, potatoes, okra and edible flowers.

During our dinner at Primo, we sat at the Chef’s Table and faced the active kitchen area. I fully enjoyed my Pan Roasted Atlantic Mahi w/crab risotto & fava beans (no chianti), and the desserts were as delicious as they were artistic. They make all of their own bread at Primo, so bread could honestly be your dessert as the sweet aroma fills the air as soon as they place it on the table. A great way to end a great first day.

PHOTO: Garden Reception in Primo Garden at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes.

The Getaway Girl Brings "Sex" to Orlando

For 125 lucky ladies, the highly-anticipated Sex and the City 2 Movie Premiere & VIP Pre-Party will remain one of their best Girls Night Outs (GNO) ever! The May 28th evening started with an exclusive pre-party at Neiman Marcus at the Mall at Millenia in Orlando, which included martinis, Manolos and makeovers. The women also got a sneek preview of Neiman Marcus‘ summer shoe sale, enjoyed participating in the Rearview Art and tried on the fabulous Neiman Marcus apparel.

After the pre-party, the attendees moved on to Universal CityWalk where The Getaway Girl® Casey Wohl rented an entire theater (complete with bartender) just for this GNO event. While the women watched everyone’s favorite NYC girlfriends jet set to Abu Dhabi and deal with life’s ups and downs, the group laughed and cried yet were thoroughly entertained for more than two hours.

Many thanks to Blue Martini for the cocktails, CRAVE for the food, Pinkberry for the dessert, and our location host, Neiman Marcus.

“Maybe some women aren't meant to be tamed. Maybe they just need to run free til they find someone just as wild to run with them.” - Sex and the City

The Getaway Girls Talks Travel with Better TV

Want to know some of the best destinations to travel to with your gal pals? Watch my interview on Better TV re: Great Girls Getaway Destinations athttp://www.better.tv/videos/m/31547516/girls-getaway-guide.htm

What are your favorite Girlfriend Getaway destinations and why?