We all want to feel like a princess, or prince, from time to time. Vacations give us that opportunity. The daily grind is wearing, and it’s nice to really “go all out”… on occasion.
We had the pleasure of staying at the Sandpearl Resort, or what I like to call “The Castle of Clearwater”. The Opal Collection is notorious for its extravagant and luxurious escapes, where hard working people can live out the vacation of their dreams. Clearwater’s pristine sand and blue water, with plenty of surrounding activities and restaurants, makes for an ideal getaway wether you are traveling with your love, or the entire family.
A Grand Entrance
As with all Opal Resorts, the entrance is nothing but spectacular, complete with welcome champagne, sea shell chandeliers and a grand piano. Adjacent to the lobby is a small coffee shop and store with an assortment of beach accessories and “take home” goods. Center stage is a large window, looking out toward a cascading waterfall and dual staircase, tropical lagoon pool, and of course, views of the glittering ocean. It’s astounding, and we’ve only discussed the lobby.
Courtesy
Every where we turned, someone was willing to lend a hand; from the valet that unloaded and reloaded our luggage ( I don’t see how they fit everything into the back so neatly, because we had bags stuffed all around us on the way there), to the sweet guy who brought all of our luggage up to our room, we didn’t lift a finger.
While poolside or lounging under our umbrella covered beach chairs, attendees regularly checked on us and offered any assistance such as towels, or toys for the nieces; it was pleasant to be in such a high end place that is also willing to accommodate children.
The Pool
The pool is out of an island getaway commercial, with a beach entry, palm trees, comfy chairs, complimentary fruit water and a bar and grille steps away. Naturalistic surroundings, in addition to sugary sand beaches, creates a literal paradise. Instead of chlorine, the pool uses a more environmentally and skin friendly filtering system, which also preserves the color of swimwear.
The Room
Plush beds, beach view porch, luxurious and modern bathroom, room service…need I say more? We spent more time on the wooden lounge chairs than we did in the actual room, but our time in there was comfy and cozy.
Breakfast
I’ve had my fair share of awesome breakfasts while traveling, and will soon be to the point where we just need to do a compilation. Sandpearl’s breakfast buffet is “fine dining meets family friendly”. Pancakes, French toast, smoothies, antipasto, smoked salmon, omelet station, smoked salmon, fruit, bacon, sausage, rich coffee, fresh juices…hungry yet? Did I mention smoked salmon?
The nieces were mesmerized with the plentiful assortment of every delicious breakfast choice imaginable. While not complimentary, the substantial meal lasted us until dinner; we weren’t the least bit hungry all day.
A Stay Fit for a King
Vacationing at the Sandpearl was like living the life of Kate Middleton for three days. Completely relaxing, accommodating, luxurious and picturesque, we experienced a true getaway in a AAA Four Diamond Resort, with kids in tow! As a quick note, you have to try a Frenchy’s Rum Runner, which is a cute, open air beach restaurant, steps from the hotel. Now get out there, relax, and feel like royalty.
*Waterfall and lobby photos are credited to Sandpearl Resort*