Marriott's Grande Ocean

This was our third time staying here at the Grande Ocean. We rented a week through RedWeek. First of all, this is right on the beach--you don't have to cross a street. Second of all, there are two big pools, plus some smaller pools, whirlpools, and tot pools, in addition to the lifeguarded beach right there. Third of all, there's the Dolphin Grill which serves sandwiches and snacks; Poolbar Jim's which makes terrific drinks/smoothies (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and has some live entertainment; and the Marketplace, where you can get coffee and pizza in addition to sandwiches and a few groceries. Fourth, they have so many activities that the whole family can take part in that will REALLY make the week fly by. Fifth (and these are not in any particular order), the grounds are so lovely, with the palmettos, foliage, attractive grounds, the canals which have frogs, yellow-bellied slider turtles, koi, etc., and the grilling areas, swings, beauitiful magnolias and other trees. And last but not least, it's just shy of a mile from Coligny Plaza, a nice area for shops, restaurants, snacks, entertainment, etc., and also a grocery store (another store across from Pope Ave.). Bicycle and beach rentals also available from the front desk, along with golf specials. Everyone on the staff is so nice and friendly. The villas are very nice and the kitchen sure is handy. This time, with the whole Eastern coast/midwest under a sweltering record-setting head advisory, it was too hot/humid to spend much time on the balcony (as we'd done our previous visits), it was still nice to be in the villa, which is beautifully furnished.

Just spent second week this year at MGO. We love MGO. Oceanfront is unbelieveable. Terrific vistas, dolphins, wide and low sloping beach is great for kids of all ages. New decor and TV with DVD players are awesome! As always 5 star and more.

Wow! Our family & friends feel like we have died & gone to heaven everytime we return to Grande Ocean. During our 2 week stays, we have several different sets of friends & family coming & going at our villa. Our typical day starts out on our villa''s balcony overlooking the dolphin pool & ocean, while drinking our coffee & reading a good book.

At 8am we are at the tennis clinic having our usual good laughs with the pro "REM" & other vacationers. We return to the villa in hopes that others have now gotten out of bed & made blueberry pancakes. And while those are cooking we will jump in the pools & hot tubs. Ahh!

Now if it is not a picked golf day, after breakfast we jump on our bikes & head down the trails probably towards the lighthouse in Sea Pines. At Marriott's Grande Ocean location they give you a free pass into the gated Sea Pines. The much shaded bike & walking paths take you past lagoons, ponds, golf courses, woods, homes, resatuarants, stores... or you can ride along the ocean's edge on the hard sand. You will probably see a variety of birds, gators, turtles, dolphin, starfish, shells, & relaxed humans. Once in Sea Pines we walk along the marina to admire the yachts, go down to the end of the pier to decide whether we will later jet ski, parasail, crab off the pier, or just hang out. Time to eat... do we want to eat at an indoor or outdoor restaurant. Hmmm?

Part 2 of the day is spent bouncing back & forth from the pool, to the hot tub (talking also with new friends we met in the hot tub), to our beach chairs (where there is almost always always a good breeze), into the ocean, back to the pool, up to the villa for a cool drink or snack, & then repeat. So simple. Will catch a cat nap either on under an umbrella or in the plush King bed in the villa... & will finish a couple of good books during the week.

Then the troops get riled & it is time for hors dorves & & good laughs in the villa. We take turns cooking... a few head to the grill to hang out with other grill masters, a few stay in the kitchen preparing for dinner, & everyone else scatters to the beach, the fitness center, or to play ping pong.

The evenings are filled with playing bocce or our own version of putt putt on the beach, watching fireworks, listening to outdoor music/bands, going to the outdoor shops & getting custard ice cream while we stroll, playing cards, & hanging out in the pools until late.

Day 2... Repeat... except tonight we are eating either at New York City Pizza or a good seafood or steak place. Day 3... Repeat & go for sunset sail with group on the Pau Hana in the sound. Day 4... Drive into Savannah, Ga or Beaufort, SC.

After a year of working, this trip makes it all seem worth it... & will repeat another hard year of work to return to the ocean... & the Grande Ocean, & let our hair down...