ST. AUGUSTINE + PONTE VEDRA
St. Augustine is a timeless reflection of how America’s oldest city, founded in 1565, reveres its Spanish roots while embracing its future. Trolleys vie with horse-drawn carriages along brick streets lined with preserved iconic hotels, cathedrals and civic structures constructed during revival periods of Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean architectural eras.
“We attract meetings that appreciate St. Augustine’s history and unique venues,” says Kristi Hansman, conference sales manager for St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra.
Located in the magnificent central square, St. Augustine’s historic 4-diamond Casa Monica Hotel, a Marriott Autograph Collection property, recently completed renovation of 138 guestrooms and public areas. The square is lined with early 20th century buildings constructed during the earliest days of tourism development in Florida as a winter refuge for wealthy northeasterners.
Glamorous group venues with historical significance include the Lightner Museum, the former Alcazar Hotel across the street, and the Sala de Montiano with its lovely courtyard in the St. Augustine Government House. Nearby, new reception spaces, The White Room (250) and The Loft (150), showcase waterfront views of Matanzas Bay.
Considered one of Florida’s premier golf regions, the area plays host to numerous PGA golf tournaments every year, both along the waterways and among the protected hammocks and Live Oak trees. The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort & Convention Center added La Terrazza Plaza, a 16,000-sf outdoor patio overlooking the Slammer and Squire courses (1,000 pax). The Renaissance is the largest hotel and conference center between Atlanta and Orlando and is adjacent to the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum. Ponte Vedra’s Sawgrass Marriott Golf & Spa Resort shines with 50,000 sf of function space and nearby private beach club access.
Hansman says, “The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass with its famous 17th Island hole, and the PGA Tour Academy at Ponte Vedra Beach are at the top of any golfer’s bucket list.”