FROSCH Insider » Florida

Salt Tasting at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

janna.schulze — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:47:38 +0000

You might have had a wine tasting lesson or hosted a cheese tasting party at your home. The lucky among us have even experienced chocolate tasting, a true delight for each and every taste bud involved.

At the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, you can expand your culinary horizons with a complimentary salt tasting class. Salt, the essential mineral that has shaped the course of human history, takes on a new flavor in this coastal setting:

Join us for a complimentary class on infusing herbs, citrus and other flavors into gourmet salts. These salts are prepared by the chefs in our fine dining restaurant Salt. Participants can taste a diverse array of salts from all over the world and learn the secrets of cooking on a salt platter that’s 250 million years old. Via.

Salt is also the name of the hotel’s oceanfront restaurant, which offers seasonal menus based on the simple elements from the earth and sea. (We’re dying to try the Key West Pink Prawns with Georgia Grits…! Best of all, you can even go behind the scenes with cooking lessons from the chef himself, Rick Laughlin. You’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for cuisine, from the most basic food element to sophisticated culinary creations!

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is part of our Milestone Vacations collection, featured as an ideal spot for an idyllic wedding or romantic honeymoon. Check out the special offers available at this destination!

Pirate tuck-ins at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

admin — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:19:00 +0000

Shiver me timbers! Where in the world will a pirate, a princess, and a parrot tuck your little ones into bed? Nowhere but the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, where a bedtime story with milk and cookies and a real blue-and-gold macaw is one of many cool activities for kids.

One of the Sea Islands, Amelia Island’s white sandy beaches and idyllic charm are merely a backdrop to the region’s exciting history. As long ago as the year 1000 A.D., the island was populated by Native American groups. In 1562, French explorers were the first Europeans to reach the island, followed in quick succession by Spanish, then British, forces. Georgia’s founder and colonial governor named the island after Princess Amelia, the daughter of King George II.

Meanwhile, thanks to the Embargo Act and the abolition of the slave trade in the early 1800s, Amelia Island was a hotbed for pirates and smugglers. Along came Gregor MacGregor, an itinerant adventurer who wanted to invade the United States through Florida, starting with Amelia Island. He ultimately failed, but his buddy Louis-Michel Aury, leader of a Galveston Island pirates’ gang, took over MacGregor’s troops. After taking over Amelia Island, Aury (under the Mexican flag) got a legislature elected, set up a constitutional committee, and rallied Florida to rebel against Spain.

That plan didn’t last too long, as the United States soon took the opportunity to send over a naval force to capture Amelia Island and put an end to the brief republic.

Now, your kids probably won’t get the full, detailed history of pre-statehood Florida with their milk and cookies, but they’ll hear a cool & age-appropriate pirate-themed story, along with a treasure chest full of booty! What could be better than that?

An Artists’ Haven in the Magic City

janna.schulze — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 02:30:05 +0000

When most people think Miami, they think South Beach. But if you’re ready to take a break from the sandy beaches, there are other neighborhoods within the city that are definitely worth a visit. If you’re an artist at heart, a fashion maven, or just have an eye for style, head to the Design District. It’s a refreshing escape from the beach crowds and surf shops. Just a 20 minute drive from the heart of South Beach, it’s lined with funky clothing boutiques, artsy antique stores, and architecture and interior design firms.

Regular art and design events where you can peruse local artists’ works at Miami’s art galleries take place each month. As night falls, a lively and trendy club scene picks up. Dine at one of their many fabulous eateries, or just spend some time people watching (and celebrity-spotting!) over a drink while enjoying the warm breeze.

(Photo: Janie Coffey on Flickr.)

Acqualina Winter Promo | Ending soon!

admin — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0000

This week, one lucky winner will win 3 nights and 4 days of oceanside relaxation at the Acqualina Resort and Spa in Miami, Florida!! Make sure you register for a chance to win by joining us on Facebook and clicking on the “Sweepstakes” tab. Even if you’re not the lucky winner, you can still receive the following Signature amenities when you book through FROSCH:

Continental Breakfast Buffet for two Daily
Welcome Amenity
$100 Credit at Costa Grill, per Room per Stay

What to do in Miami

admin — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:38:00 +0000

This week we’re giving away a 3-night stay at Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach, Miami’s only five diamond resort (see below for contest entry details). Although you could spend your entire time there lounging on the beach or in the hotel’s award-winning spa… there’s so much to do in the area, you’ll need to get out at least once or twice!For starters, there’s the legendary nightlife of Miami Beach, where actors, models, rock stars and other celebs come to play. For those new to the scene, here’s a handy guide of how to get into Miami nightclubs. If you’re looking for a slower pace, Miami’s shopping is world-class, as are the area’s golf courses.

Just south of Miami lies Biscayne National Park, a prime spot for snorkeling, diving, boating, fishing, and catching a glimpse of some of the incredible local wildlife. You can even take part in a guided canoe tour or a fishing seminar. The whole area is spectacular for sailing, whether you charter a private yacht or rent a small dinghy.

For those with an eye for art, fashion, and design, there’s the Miami Design District– check out the website for info on special events, such as the Gallery Walk that takes place the second Saturday every month.

We’re giving away a 3-night stay at Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach to one lucky Facebook fan this week! Join us on Facebook & click on the Sweepstakes tab to enter!

Acqualina Hotel & Spa Partnership with FROSCH

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:13:00 +0000

Acqualina Resort & Spa is giving away 3 nights exclusively to one lucky FROSCH Facebook fan! Make sure you check out our Facebook page and click on the sweepstakes tab to enter. If you don’t win this amazing deal, we have put in place a wonderful opportunity to stay at this property with great amenities!

FROSCH proudly brings you two waterfront locations, from the scenic San Francisco Bay to the pristine white sand beaches of Miami. Stay three nights or more at either hotel – Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach and The Vitale – and enjoy a $100 hotel credit per stay and complimentary continental breakfast. For more information, please visit our website.

Valid Stay Dates: January 3 to April 3, 2012. Subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply. Discounts and special offers cannot be combined. Local taxes and service charges additional. Certain restrictions may apply.Exclusive Amenity: Welcome Amenity, Continental Breakfast for two, $100.00 Hotel Credit and Complimentary Internet Access available at each hotel when placing a reservation for a 3 night stay or longer.Rates: Signature rates/Best available rates will be guaranteed.

To learn more, check out FROSCH Vacations!

Acqualina Winter Giveaway

admin — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:29:00 +0000

Great news! We’re excited to launch another giveaway, one that’s just the cure for the late-winter blues. The grand prize? A 3-night stay at Acqualina Resort & Spa in Miami Beach. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit this property in the past, here’s what one of our top New York agents had to say about it during his recent visit:

Stunning and absolutely the perfect accommodations – modern Italian décor and just one of the nicest in this class of hotels. One-bedroom suites come with a fully-equipped kitchen stocked with top-quality goods. Gorgeous double sink shower and tub bathrooms and the finest towels and bath products. The balconies are fairly large and overlook either the bay or the beach and pools area. The grounds are very pretty and the beach area is quite wide and offers three pools, one of them for adults only. The service overall is truly impeccable, probably the best you can find in South Florida. The spa, Acqualina Spa By ESPA, is quite modern and very sharp looking. The scene at the main entrance is rather impressive with an incredible car collection of Ferraris, Lamborghinis and even a few Bugattis.

All you need to do to register is join us on Facebook, then click on the Sweepstakes tab for the entry form. Good luck!