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10 Fly-In Beach Resorts
by Janice Rosenberg
Imagine landing your airplane just steps from the ocean.
What could be more relaxing than a sunny day at the beach? How about several days at a full-service, beachside resort with its own airstrip, or easy access from one very close by?
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Photo: Courtesy of Eckert & Eckert
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We’ve selected 10 top destinations in the Caribbean and coastal North America that are perfect retreats for GA pilots and their families, offering amenities for every taste, from golf links to kids’ wading pools, scuba diving to game fishing, shopping to magical sunsets.
Our selections reflect a desire for variety, both in location, activities and atmosphere. Bahamian and Little Cayman resorts tempt us with their sea breezes, white beaches, underwater wonders and barefoot-casual ambience. The coastal North American resorts boast unique regional landscape and attractions. Spas, golf, tennis, boating and special kid-friendly activities are all part of the mix.
For the most part, once you’ve settled in at any of these destinations, there’ll be no need to leave your cozy retreat.  At resorts where local attractions beyond walking distance might pique your interest, options include bicycling, public transportation or car rentals. Whichever direction you choose to navigate, have fun!
The Islands
If your Bahamian or other Caribbean destination is not a port of entry, you may need to make a stop in Nassau to go through customs. Note: Not all island airstrips have fuel. AOPA members can consult www.aopa.org or call 800.USA.AOPA for help with international flights and Cuban fly-over regulations in conjunction with trips to the Cayman Islands.
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Staniel Cay Yacht Club
Exumas, Bahamas
Just 75 miles from Nassau sits a remote, unspoiled island, less than two square miles overall, that’s been home to the Staniel Cay Yacht Club and its 18-slip marina since 1956.  Casual, comfortable and blessed with gorgeous turquoise waters and brilliant sunshine, the resort couldn’t be further removed from any reminders of the daily grind. Seven charming oceanfront cottages are all newly renovated and redecorated, each with one bedroom and a balcony overlooking the water. The Clubhouse restaurant serves three meals a day in a mix of Bahamian and Continental cuisine. Sample the conch fritters, homemade island bread and key lime pie. A stroll along the beach takes you to a tiny Bahamian village with about 80 full-time residents, a church, post office, library, three small retail shops and a marine supply store. There are no golf courses on the island, but there are golf carts for trips to secluded beaches and coves where you can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. Experience the excitement of deep sea fishing or gently paddle a kayak along the shore. Scuba enthusiasts can bring their own equipment and hire island guides for diving adventures.
Airstrip: 3,030 feet (MYES), a half-mile from resort with complimentary pickup by golf cart. Pilots who fly in receive a 20 percent discount.
Contact: www.stanielcay.com, 954.467.8920
Pittstown Point Landings
Crooked Island, Bahamas
Pittstown Point Landings boasts some of the best scuba diving in the Bahamas. Coral reefs, dramatic 600-fathom drop-offs and current-free waters showcase a fascinating variety of sea life. Snorkelers head for the gently sloping fish-filled reef, where kids can take lessons right off the hotel’s beaches. Be sure to bring your underwater camera. If you prefer to catch fish, professional guides will take you bonefishing,
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Share your secret destination hideaways with other pilots at our Stuck Mic. |
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or test your deep-sea fishing skills against the grouper, snapper, marlin, tuna and wahoo that inhabit the coral heads of Pittstown. For immediate gratification, join the Spearfishing Picnic: You catch the fish and the resort’s guides grill it for lunch over an open fire. Landlubbers can comb the white sand beaches (stop to inspect tidal pools for seashells), rent bicycles for a ride to Bird Rock Lighthouse or Albert Town, the island’s "haunted village," play volleyball or shuffleboard, go birdwatching, or just laze the day away in a hammock slung between two palms. Twelve tropical, recently renovated oceanfront cottages await your stay. Enjoy Bahamian/American cuisine in the quaint mid-18th century dining room that once housed the oldest post office in the Western hemisphere.
Airstrip: 2,000-foot strip at the resort, or Crooked Island International (MYCI), a 3,500-foot strip 25 minutes away with complimentary pickup service.
Contact: www.pittstownpointlandings.com, 800.752.2322
Little Cayman Beach Resort
Cayman Islands
Located in the Caribbean Sea, 480 miles south of Miami, Little Cayman and its sister islands, Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, were discovered in 1503 by Christopher Columbus. Little Cayman is just one mile wide and 10 miles long; the Beach Resort is its only full-service vacation accommodation. Pristine waters surrounding Little Cayman make it one of the world’s great dive spots. Reef Divers, the dive center owned and managed by the resort, maintains a fleet of modern, custom-designed dive boats, and a complete inventory of tanks and scuba gear. Seasoned guides and professional instructors assure exciting, safe dives in a magnificent underwater world that includes Bloody Bay Wall, a 6,000-foot vertical cliff crest that begins abruptly a mere 18 feet below the ocean’s surface. Aprés dive, hang out at the freshwater pool, unwind in the nearby Jacuzzi or stop by Beach Nuts Bar for cool drinks. The Bird of Paradise Restaurant serves fresh seafood and island specialties at both indoor and outdoor tables. Little Cayman also boasts the third-largest bird sanctuary in the Caribbean, home to hundreds of herons, egrets and frigate birds. Winter months offer excellent deep-sea fishing opportunities.
Airstrip: Grass field at resort.
Contact: www.littlecayman.com, 800.327.3835
 Stella Maris Resort Club
Long Island, Bahamas
Pilots have it made at this tranquil, unspoiled Caribbean classic. Land at Stella Maris International Airport, check in at Stella Maris Resort for a first-time stay of three or more nights, and receive one night free. A “Come Back Special” gives returning pilots 10 percent discounts on every visit. Air-conditioned accommodations, sheltered in a palm grove, range from simple cottages to luxurious villas with private pools. But special treatment is only the beginning. Interested in learning how to dive? This is the place for lessons. Already an experienced diver? Try the Shark Dive, one of the resort’s most popular sites. Less adventurous? Numerous and varied snorkeling areas give you a chance to see giant tarpon, brain and Elkhorn coral, angelfish, Nassau grouper and a host of other sea specimens. Anglers at all levels can join James “Docky” Smith, Long Island native and local bonefishing guide par excellence, for a fishing excursion. Evening activities include guitar playing and singing, dancing to Bahamian music, cookouts on the beach, moonlight cruises, nature slide shows, and movies in the resort’s game room. Stay a few days, then use the airport as a jump-off point for flights to nearby islands.
Airstrip: Stella Maris International Airport (MYLS), 4,050 feet
Contact: www.stellamarisresort.com, 800.426.0466
Coastal North America
The San Luis Resort and Conference Center
Galveston Island, Texas
With amenities ranging from a river adventure ride to a 4,000-square foot glass-enclosed promenade complete with baby grand piano, this 22-acre resort complex has it all. The Treasure Island Kid’s Club entertains guests ages four through 12 safely for $10 per hour. Adults can head off to the Spa San Luis to indulge in massages, facials, body scrubs, wraps and baths; a complete fitness center, boutique and full-service salon are also at your disposal. Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the resort’s pool area includes a Jacuzzi spa, swim-up bar and broad sunning areas as well as a 50-ton, 12-foot-high rock waterfall over a heated grotto. Adults and kids gleefully glide down the 40-foot custom waterslide through lush tropical plants into a separate heated pool. Lounge chairs await guests at the beach, which is just a five-minute walk from the resort’s front door. Swim in the ocean or arrange complimentary transportation to one of two nearby golf courses. After a day in the sun, visit The Steakhouse for fine dining with a distinctive Texas accent, or try The Cafe, Landry’s at the San Luis, or the on-site International House of Pancakes for a more casual atmosphere and menu.
Airstrip: Scholes Field (KGLS), 6,000 feet. Arrange for complimentary pickup when you make your reservation.
Contact: www.sanluisresort.com, 800.445.0090
The Inn At Resort Village
St. George Island, Florida
Relaxation is the order of the day at this laid-back resort. Fanned by gentle breezes, the Inn sits on a secluded island off Apalachicola. Adults and kids alike will enjoy soaking up the sun on the white sand beach, swimming in the ocean or sharing fun in the 9,500 square-foot pool.  Stroll along a raised catwalk to experience Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Pause under a shady canopy and take in the view, or stop by in the evening for an exquisite sunset. All rooms at the Inn are equipped with private balconies overlooking the ocean where you can lounge away the day reading or sipping iced tea. The Inn serves a complimentary continental breakfast. Rooms with kitchenettes are available. Rent a bicycle for a short ride to town where numerous oceanside restaurants serve fresh seafood. The island has tennis courts, but no golf course. Numerous charter fishing, boat rental and guide services for hire -- plus a mix of bays, wetlands, riverways and the ocean -- provide a varied environment that will thrill even the most experienced seafarer.
Airstrip: Plantation Airport (F47), within walking distance to inn.
Contact: www.resortvillage.com, 800.296.9518
Dana Inn & Marina
San Diego, California
Located on the shores of Mission Bay, just a short walk from San Diego’s famed SeaWorld, the Dana Inn offers pilots and their families an excellent place to settle down for a few days’ recreation. Choose a Bayside room with a view of the Inn’s private marina. Dine at the full-service, family-style Red Hen Country Kitchen or stroll to five nearby restaurants offering seafood, Japanese treats, and Southwestern or continental cuisine. Relax in the tropical courtyard surrounding the Bayview pool and spa, or head off to the bay itself for all sorts of water-related activities. Sailboats, motorboats, pedal boats, aqua cycles, kayaks and wave runners are all available for rental. Take advantage of sailing lessons and water ski packages. Some 27 miles of bayfront trails are perfect for biking, jogging, roller blading or a leisurely walk. The Inn provides discount coupons to SeaWorld, the 150-acre marine life park alive with attractions, shows, aquariums, marine life habitats and more. The park is just 10 minutes away on foot, or take advantage of the Inn’s free shuttle service. A children’s playground is within walking distance, as are ocean beaches (one mile). Local golf courses are within easy reach via public transportation.
Airstrip: Complimentary hotel shuttle from San Diego International Airport-Lindbergh Field (SAN)
Contact: www.danainn.com, 800.326.2466
Hotel Serenidad
Mulegé, Baha California Sur, Mexico
Just 620 highway miles south of San Diego, soak in the tranquil ambience of Mexico’s Old Baja. Hotel Serenidad, with its well-maintained, dirt-packed, graded, 4,000-foot airstrip, has been a favorite fly-in destination since the 1960s. Enjoy the hotel’s amenities, including the pool and poolside bar, or visit nearby Mulegé to explore
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Want to know what else is at these great beach getaways? Visit our Concierge. |
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Mexican restaurants, sports bars, taco stands, curio shops and churches. Daily activities around Mulegé include adventure tours that will let you explore archeological sites, cave paintings and petroglyphs by the Cochimi Indians that date back to before the 13th century. Take your pick of activities including scuba diving, boating, snorkeling, clamming, swimming, horseback riding, shopping, volcanic island tours, kayaking and hiking, surrounded by spectacular views of the Baja desert. Located on the Sea of Cortez -- known as one of the world’s greatest fish traps -- Mulegé provides unparalleled fishing experiences. Try sport fishing for dorado, yellowtail, grouper, sailfish, pargo, amberjack and a host of other hard-fighting game fish. The resort offers 50 traditional Mexican-style rooms, cottages and a number of new luxury villas. An RV Trailer park adjacent to the hotel is open all year round. The Serenidad’s kitchen is closed in September, but the hotel and bar remain open.
Airstrip: 3,700-foot packed dirt strip at the hotel. AvGas is sometimes available.
Contact: www.serenidad.com
The Inn at Cape Kiwanda
Pacific City, Oregon
Rustic indulgence awaits visitors to this Northwest beach resort, where 35 guestrooms come equipped with gas fireplaces and command magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. The Inn’s ground floor offers an espresso/book shop (this is the Northwest, after all!), as well as a gift shop, dory boat chartering service and day spa with a full array of services, including in-room massage. Cross the street for family-friendly meals at the Pelican Pub & Brewery, which serves three meals a day as well as some of Oregon’s best handcrafted brews. Pilots and their families will be happy to learn how easy it is to enjoy Cape Kiwanda on foot. Shops, galleries and other restaurants are all within strolling distance of the inn. Outdoor activities unique to the area beckon energetic visitors. Walk along the Big Nestucca River or hike to spectacular Cape Kiwanda. Watch whales cavort just off shore around Haystack Rock or comb the beautiful beaches for sand dollars. Consider a thrilling day of surfing, kayaking, hang gliding, paragliding or jet skiing. As the wild Pacific sweeps across the beach, return to your room for a soak in your private, ocean-view Jacuzzi tub. Sip a glass of wine and watch the sunset for a perfect day.
Airstrip: Pacific City State Airport (KPFC), 1,875 feet, one mile from the Inn. Phone to arrange complimentary transportation on the day you plan to fly in.
Contact: www.innatcapekiwanda.com, 888.965.7001
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
St. Simons Island, Georgia
Luxurious amenities in an historic setting lure visitors to St. Simons Island. A unique resort, located at the ocean’s edge on Georgia’s Golden Isles, the King and Prince began life as a dance club in 1935 and opened as a hotel in 1941. The hotel served as a naval facility during World War II and reopened as a resort in 1947. Today, it features an atrium lobby complete with indoor pool and hot tub.
Choose from among oceanfront, poolside or ocean view rooms, or treat your family to a two- or three-bedroom beach villa. Chow down at the Southern Style breakfast buffet, sample oyster po’ boys for lunch and polish off some steaks for dinner. Four outdoor swimming pools, two rubico clay tennis courts, bicycles, kayaks or sailboats will keep you busy. Test your stamina with jet skis, parasailing or wind surfing, or swim in the ocean or fish from the resort pier. The Hampton Club at Hampton Plantation offers golfers unparalleled challenges, including four holes located on small marsh islands off the mainland accessible by 800 feet of elevated cart bridges. Golf pro instruction, a complete pro shop, locker rooms and showers, a putting green and driving range, and a dining room and grill complete the picture.
Airstrip: Complimentary transportation from Malcolm McKinnon Airport (KSSI), Brunswick, Ga.
Contact: www.kingandprince.com, 800.342.0212
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