Presenting

A n exquisite example of meticulous historic preser vation combined with modern amenities and design, e Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club seamlessly marries the past with the present. e impressive pink palace perched on the edge of Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg has weathered a tumultuous 20th centur y to provide visitors and locals alike with a destination unlike any other on the west coast of Florida. e wide veranda welcomes guests reminding me of the gracious times I associate with the past and yet, once through the ornate entr y doors I am immediately aware that I am indeed in contemporar y times. Bold artistic motifs and strik ing turquoise and gold colors set the stage for an engaging , comfortable respite from hectic modern lives. e impressive main floor was recently redesigned and expanded by the award- winning architecture and interior design firm of Leo A . Daly. With grand 25 foot ceilings, various siing areas and a bar, it is the ideal seing to linger with a book or share a cocktail with friends. e exposed decorative cy press beams were part of the original design and painstak ingly saved during renovations. Just off the lobby is the grand ballroom that looks ver y similar to its original design albeit the stunning 1,250 pound Chihuly "Isla de la Luna" chandelier made of 750 individually hand-blown glass pieces that was added as part of a renovation in 2009. My guest room located in the tower offered spectacular panoramic views of the marina, a spacious floor plan, a marble bathroom, Free luxur y linens and a lighted makeup mirror with colorful decor that is inviting and seemingly brand new. Dining is another delight at the Vinoy with five restaurants on site ranging from the casual A lfresco's, adjacent to the resort pool, to the signature restaurant, Marchand 's Bar & Grill, k nown for its "early bird " three-course dinner (a bargain at $19.25) and exceptional Sunday brunch. Continued A ThE VINOy RENAISSANcE RESORT & GOLF cLUB ELITE TRAVEL by Jules Lewis Gibson

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