Palmilla Beach Resort: Pristine and Peaceful

PALMILLA BEACH RESORT: PRISTINE AND PEACEFUL

A couple of years ago, our family was looking for a working vacation spot in Texas. We were seeking a destination that was a car trip away from our home. In addition, we preferred a destination that allowed us the option to combine some remote work with our leisure time. We learned of the Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf community in Port Aransas, Texas. On the web, it looked nice, so we booked a few days.

LOVE AT FIRST SITE

Upon arrival, we pulled off of Highway 361 into the well-manicured planned community. The streets were lined with palm trees and bordered with sidewalks that seemed to beckon with an invitation to take a stroll. Next, we took in the visually serene pallet of the homes painted in the shades of the sea and their landscapes were lavishly appointed with picture-perfect detail. Furthermore, the wrap-around white porches enticed home owners and visitors alike to take time to relax and enjoy a bit of respite, perhaps to glimpse a sunrise or enjoy a pause at the end of the day while the sun sets over the Gulf.

The resort’s website entices visitors and homeowners. Provoking the promise of pleasure, it announces, the resort overlooks “the Gulf of Mexico and is nestled near the historic beach town of Port Aransas. Palmilla Beach’s DNA combines the relaxed personality of a beach town with the beauty and elegance of a luxury resort.” We found this promise to be true.

Palmilla Beach resort – GUEST SERVICES intended TO SPOIL YOU

On the property, we found the Guest Services center. Immediately, we checked in and began to learn about the special events that would take place during the week we were there for our combined work and relaxation. The center was replete with Palmilla swag – t-shirts, visors, sunglasses, swimsuit coverups, beach bags and, to our delight, there was a freezer in the corner with ice cream. In addition, it was here that we could rent a golf cart for the day or for the week. If we wanted, we could make arrangements to have a setup at a prime spot on the beach with chairs and a beach umbrella to make our day by the sea more enjoyable. Or, if the beach wasn’t to our liking on a particular day, we could rent a private cabana beside the community pool and enjoy a little pampering from the Guest Services staff and the Agave Poolside Cantina.

The resorts’ OUTSTANDING FOOD OPTIONS

Also, sure not to disappoint, there were many other amenities we discovered at the resort. First, there was the food. The resort is home to the award winning Black Marlin restaurant. Next, also found on property is REDS. REDS has been called Port A’s best kept secret. Serving casual foods with a sophisticated island patio bar. The third option on property is the Agave Poolside Cantina. The cantina’s grill serves up the right delicacies and drinks. And don’t forget, at the resort, you can order food to be delivered to your chair – right on the beach! All three of these establishments are open to homeowners and guests at the resort.

FABULOUS FUN OPTIONS for staying fit

Not to worry, you can work off that scrumptious food by engaging in a variety of exercises and workouts. Undoubtedly, it goes without saying that there is swimming, walking, jogging, and playing golf. But, there is also scheduled Yoga classes and a fully equipped fitness center on property that is available for us 24/7. The facility’s equipment included Peloton, Echelon, a touch-screen elliptical, and a rowing machine.

Finally, at Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf community, there is the 12-hole True-Links-style golf course, originally designed by Arnold Palmer. The course, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, is “fun for beginners and yet challenging for experts.”

palmilla beach resort has THE PERFECT VACATION RENTALS FOR WORK AND for PLAY

Delightedly, we made our way to the home we rented for the week. Upon entering, we found it was immaculately decked out with high-end appliances and plush island-themed furnishings. Undeniably, it was the perfect place to put in a few hours at the computer before hitting the beaches where we could leave our work far behind. The porch was complete with chairs for lounging and a table for dining. We would end up using the porch with its inspiring view as our work space of choice.

which is the icing? The resort or the beach?

Excitedly, we readied to make our way to the beach, we hopped in the golf cart we rented from Guest Services and made our way to the bridge – the Dunes Crossover. Beautifully crafted, the crossover is a nature boardwalk to the beach that is private, and exclusively for the use of homeowners and guests. Soon, we crested the top of the bridge. The beach came into view. It surely did not disappoint. As fabulous as the resort is, the Gulf at Port Aransas also delivers!

Looking from West to East, the perfectly clean beach stretched out its invitation as far as we could see. Families and couples dotted the shoreline, throwing frisbees, building sandcastles, gathering seashells, and splashing through the surf. Many people had driven their cars and golf carts onto the sand, turning the north side of the beach into a welcoming thoroughfare. If one were to continue driving east down the beach, he could drive all the way in to town.

LEAVING THE RESORT AND HEADING TO TOWN

When we arrived in town, we found the grocery store where we stocked up on breakfast and lunch-type items to prepare in our rental. Continuing around the circle, we located the ferry landing and paused to watch a few boats cross over to the other side. Then, we discovered many locally-owned restaurants that we sampled during the week. Among our first favorites were Fins Grill and Ice House, Virginia’s on the Bay, and the Trout Street Bar and Grill.

PALMILLA BEACH RESORT: AN INTERESTING BACKGROUND

Palmilla Beach Resort in Port Aransas is developed by the legendary Red McCombs and backed by McCombs Properties. McCombs was born in Spur, Texas, and gets the name “Red” from the color of his hair. Perhaps you have heard of McCombs from one of his many well-known ventures. He is the founder of “Red McCombs Automotive Group in San Antonio, Texas, a co-founder of Clear Channel Communications, former chairman of Constellis Group, a former owner of the San Antonio Spurs, San Antonio Force, Denver Nuggets, the Minnesota Vikings, and the namesake of the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. Plus, he is on the Forbes 400 list of richest Americans.” (source: Wikipedia)

According to the Palmilla Beach Resort website, “what lies at the heart of every decision at McCombs Properties is to create a lasting, positive legacy for generations to enjoy.” Having experienced the resort multiple times with three generations of our family members, I can assure you that McCombs’ dream will easily be a reality.