Chic at the Shore

Near the grand entrance, a mother waited with her young son – his navy- and white-striped broadcloth tucked out of white pants (crisp, all things considered); his baby-brown locks teased by the wind – a hint, in miniature, of the barefoot elegance embodied by Clearwater Beach's Sandpearl Resort & Spa.

The lobby reveals the resort's persona in panorama: ample windows frame its rollicking Gulf of Mexico beachfront, while Christopher Still's oil on 14' x 7' canvas, Beneath the Waves, magnifies the scene in a precise underwater tableau. (Beneath the Waves hangs behind the concierge desk, where a brochure details the nearly 40 objects Still, a Clearwater native, painted into the piece.)

Fittingly, the Spa at Sandpearl gifts an organic experience – the Healing Waters treatment, for example, transforms from mineral bath to marine salt scrub to Vichy shower

As Still's art suggests, Sandpearl stands not for "look – don't touch" luxury. Rather, it's the kind of place you wish to weave into family tradition – a touchstone of friendly refinement. Perhaps that explains the resort's initiative to earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Though its August 2007 opening marked Clearwater Beach's first new resort in more than 25 years, low-emission construction materials, an ozone pool sanitizing system for virtually chemical-free swimming and plantings of sea oats demonstrate Sandpearl's intention to endure.

The aesthetic is elegantly natural, with softly sunny walls, gauzy white drapes and informal arrangements of "Oceana" balancing the lobby's rich woods. On the guest floors, white wainscoting conjures a classic beach retreat. Accommodations, ranging from standard rooms to junior and condominium suites (with one and two bedrooms, respectively), welcome couples and families alike.

Enrichment programs echo the theme. Marine Discovery boat tours engage guests in discussion with Sandpearl's resident naturalist and specialists from Clearwater Marine Aquarium over findings from the day's net pull; Artists in Residence allows guests to observe a featured artist at work, and in some cases, create something of their own. Younger guests can join Camp Ridley. For days less structured, the Gulf of Mexico and water sports await, but I prefer the pool. Lagoon-style, it's edged with beach sunflowers and sand to one side and private cabanas (each with a flat-screen television and mini fridge) to the other. You can always rejoin the group later for a moonlight nature walk or Astronomy Night, also hosted by the resort.

For edible enrichment, cooking demonstrations and wine tastings are presented by the staff of Caretta on the Gulf (Executive Chef Stephen Jordan prepared celebrity chef Tyler Florence's wedding banquet). At lunch, the restaurant's sushi chef walked us through his ceviche tasting's crunch, spice and sweetness. Save room for the Layered Cheesecake, a striation of vanilla, espresso and dark chocolate served with a pot of caramel for drizzling (or unabashed dunking, in my case).

Fittingly, the Spa at Sandpearl gifts an organic experience – the Healing Waters treatment, for example, transforms from mineral bath to marine salt scrub to Vichy shower. As for ambience, imagine a generously sized couple's treatment room, linens with the feel of ultra-suede and a cool color palette.


Chic in the City

From the shore to the city – what's the buzz about in downtown St. Petersburg? Take some time to discover for yourself.

The AAA Four Diamond Renaissance Vinoy Resort exudes luxury and is within easy reach of downtown amusements. The Museum of Fine Arts, just a short walk away, recently unveiled a new wing featuring works rarely (if ever) displayed inside the museum, including those of Renoir and Matisse (Unveiled: Rarely Seen Art from the Collection runs through August 26).

Loll away the rest of your afternoon amid local art galleries and boutiques. Try Accents by Josie for fashion and home décor and Florida Craftsmen Gallery for artisan finds.

Or, spend your day at Aquastone Well Spa (also within walking distance of the Vinoy), where the Caviar and Champagne Package includes a caviar facial and pedicure along with a hydrotherapy bath of aromatic seaweed and champagne.

Be sure to save room for dinner (and nightlife). This city's on a culinary fast track, with a restaurant/lounge concept fronting the pack. Jeannie Pierola of Bern's Steak House fame has recently moved into the kitchen at De Santo Latin American Bistro, and John Travolta was recently seen at the restaurant's companion bar, Push Ultra Lounge. Swing a private table on the rooftop patio for well-into-the-night DJ sounds.

Or try Tastings, a bar where the wines are literally "on tap." A block away, the ambience and tapas at Ceviche channel Spain. Do as the Europeans do and reserve a late-night table.

For more information on planning a luxury getaway to St. Petersburg/Clearwater, call 877-352-3224 or visit www.floridasbeach.com.