On Aug 14, President Obama along with First Lady Michelle Obama and daughter Sasha enjoyed a short stay at the Bay Point Marriott hotel overlooking St. Andrews Bay in Panama City Beach, Fla.

President & Sasha Obama go swimming in Panama City Beach

The President was trying to show his support for the Gulf Coast in light of the BP oilspill. That he did, by going out for a father-daughter swim at Alligator Point.

But the reason they stayed at the Bay Point Marriott is because the hotel is famous for it’s golf vacations. In fact, the golfing at Bay Point is so good that even 9-yr old Sasha Obama managed a lucky hole in one, in full view of the cameras.

Bay Point has a Golf Club with two spectacular championship 18-hole golf courses – the Meadows Course and the only Nicklaus Design Course in NW Florida. Marriott guests get a 20% discount at both courses, and there’s no need to haul your clubs all the way to Panama City Beach. The hotel has new Nike sets that guests can use for free.

They also offer stay and play golf packages, and there’s an Autumn Golf Escape offer valid through Oct 31. Includes accomodations starting from $159, a $25 gift card for food or merchandise at Club 19 or the Bay Point golf club’s pro shop, and free shuttle from the Marriott Hotel to the Golf Club. Use promo code GFP.  Read More »

All-inclusive resorts are not just for the Caribbean. On the east coast of Florida, mid-way between Orlando and Miami, you’ll find Club Med Sandpiper All-Inclusive Resort. Situated along the Saint Lucie River and just 6 miles to the beach, Sandpiper offers numerous amenities including golf, tennis, swimming, and wellness center.

Sandpiper All-Inclusive Resort Deluxe Room, St Lucie, Florida

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The Colombi Hotel is family owned and quite elegant

The Black Forest is named as such for the surrounding fir and pine trees along it’s mountainous region.  It attracts mountain bikers and cross country skiers alike but there is more to see than just the terrain.

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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

As this recent Uptake blogger noted, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a fantastic place for the whole family to visit – there are so many things to see and do! There are wide, sandy beaches with beautiful water perfect for swimming, surfing and wake boarding, tons of stores and boutique shops for shopaholics and golfers can’t hit a ball without hitting another golf course or even a miniature golf course. During the summer, Myrtle Beach is hot, crowded and expensive, three things I really dislike. Yes, the water is gorgeous, but what fun is it if you have to fight through the crowds to get there?

We went to Myrtle Beach this year for New Years, and while it was pretty empty and dead, we had a great time! No crowds, no heat to deal with, and prices were low, low low.

Sounds great, right? Here are some hotels to consider in Myrtle Beach for your winter getaway this year:

Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa

Even if the gorgeous pools are too chilly to swim in, this property is still lovely to walk around, and it’s right on the beach. Casual elegance and top notch amenities.

Island Vista

Gorgeous property with three indoor and outdoor pools, one of which is heated in spring and summer (just wait a couple more months!). Great golf packages available.$70/night in winter!

Prune Village

Brand new hotel and condo complex, right on the ocean. Indoor and outdoor pools and large rooms.

Photo: jelene