Fri Nov 1

Discovering the Vinoy

Written by Jason Feinberg
Published in Travel Articles
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The Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club brings modern chic amenities together with retro architecture, history and hospitality of the 1920s. Its old-school Hollywood vibe is set in the picturesque pink and blue paradise of St. Petersburg, Florida.

As a fan of the Roaring ’20s – the history, the glamour and opulent lifestyle – I was ready for the celebrity treatment. There is so much to be discovered at The Vinoy.

The resort has an interesting history. It began with a bet. Aymer Vinoy Laughner was hitting golf balls at his home with famed 1920s golfer Walter Hagen, and a crystal pocket watch, golf ball, club and an unsuspecting piece of land all played a part in the inception of the hotel in 1925. It’s a bet that is still played at the hotel; you don’t get a hotel but it sure is fun!

The Vinoy was carefully restored in 1992. The architecture is a Mediterranean revival style and the origins of the hotel can still be clearly seen in the façade and the lobby. The façade stands out against the tropical skyline of St. Pete. The pinkish-coral paint color that was customized and named “The Vinoy” in the 1920s still echoes in the colors of today’s restored resort. The modernized lobby is the perfect mesh of restoration and modernization.

Additional restoration can be seen at Marchand’s Bar & Grill where Pompeian frescos that had been hidden for more than 88 years were uncovered when local artists restored them for the 20th anniversary grand re-opening. The mastery of the restoration has marked the Vinoy as a Historic Hotel of America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The Vinoy gives off an old Hollywood feel and the staff treats each guest as a Hollywood star. And why not, considering guests have included Paul Newman, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt and one of my favorite stars, the iconic Marilyn Monroe. For a star guest, the amenities fit old Hollywood charm to a T, with two amazing restaurants (Marchand’s Bar & Grill and Fred’s Steakhouse), the 12 championship tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course, Vinoy Marina, a fully staffed VIP pool and incredible spa experiences at the Vinoy Salon and Day Spa.

Marchand’s Bar & Grill is a must for Sunday Brunch. Why? As a star, what’s better than mere champagne but a Bottomless Bellini Bar with artisanal fruit purées paired with Italian sparkling wine. And it gets better. After creating my own berry blast Bellini (my own concoction of raspberry, blackberry, strawberry and blueberry), I was offered several indulgent culinary choices. I opted for the Florida lobster omelette. It was filled with the amazing flavors of local lobster, asparagus and Havarti cheese. Brunch is served on Sundays only from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. but if you can’t make it to brunch, you can always order room service; most of the menu is available.

If you’re more of a Rat Pack kind of star, I would suggest dining at Fred’s Steakhouse, reminiscent of a Polo Club, where Vinoy guests or club members have a private hideaway with a meticulously attentive staff. If Gwyneth Paltrow was in town, I’m sure she would also love Marchand’s Farm-to-Fork six-course dining experience where each dish features local seasonal cuisine that is paired with a complementary wine curated by the Vinoy’s sommelier. A sucker for appetizers, I favored the roasted beet salad served with deviled egg and arugula. The meal’s presentation was picturesque and divinely indulgent.

A star needs to keep her or his physique trim and the director of tennis, Hans Gallauer, has got you covered with early morning clinics. A veteran teacher with more than 30 years experience, Hans works with each individual player to strengthen form, ’cause if you don’t have form, you don’t have game. The Vinoy has a unique amount of courts with 12 HarTru green clay surfaces. You can play day or night to burn off the calories from either brunch or dinner. If you feel the need to burn more or sweat more, I suggest the resort’s state-of-the-art fitness center with a variety of classes.

The Chairman of the Board, Frank Sinatra, was an avid golf connoisseur, so tee off at the Vinoy’s 18-hole, par-71 course on Snell Isle, the ideal spot for a round of golf with your own pack of friends. The course is great for newbies, kids and the serious golfer. It’s a sight to see, with wild birds, beautiful ponds and a breathtaking water fountain on the 16th hole. After a day on the course, discover the Vinoy’s Clubhouse overlooking the back nine. Enjoy their signature BBQ kettle chips created with local Ybor City gold lager cheese mixed with kettle chips, smoked bacon and scallions, and golf-inspired cocktails like the John Daly.

Working out and eating gourmet cuisine can put a strain on any star guest’s body, but have no fear, the experienced hands at the Vinoy Salon and Day Spa are there to work out all of the kinks in your lower back, shoulders and neck. The Vinoy’s Signature Manicure and Pedicure comes highly recommended. It’s not your typical mani/pedi. Both include a paraffin wax treatment to hydrate your hands and feet, a quick massage, hot towels and warm hand mittens and booties to intensify the hydration. The Spa also prides itself on using all organic, vegan and gluten-free products. A star should always be concerned with the ingredients used on his or her skin and so should you.

Come Sail Away for the Day on the Meow, a 44-ft. Hunter catamaran from Sailing Florida Charters & Sailing School. Enjoy the day in VIP style with the St. Petersburg skyline as your backdrop – sail the seas, soak in the air and maybe spot dolphins. The Vinoy Marina has 74 boat slips to accommodate up to 130-foot yachts. Guests of the marina have access to the hotel amenities as well.

As I experienced each feature of the Vinoy, I felt the urge to put on my cat-eye sunglasses, lounge poolside in my black and white polka dot retro bathing suit and tell onlookers, “No photographs, please!” Poolside at the Vinoy is definitely part of the experience. The pool is heated and has the best view of the marina. As you relax, the Vinoy’s staff will cater to your every need. Pool boys that look like they could be movie stars themselves arrive with cooling towels infused with eucalyptus to cool you down as you heat it up with a drink. Try the Skinny Strawberry Mojito.

As I discovered the Vinoy, I also discovered St. Pete. The Vinoy is the local navigator to everything cool about St. Pete. As you step outside the resort, you have the marina, the Vinoy Park and up the block is Beach Drive. Along Beach Drive you have a multitude of cuisines. The hotspot at night is The Canopy atop the Birchwood Hotel with a glorious view of the marina and the Vinoy. The Canopy is a place of eclectic drinks, dessert shooters and the cool vibe of hipsters.

American Style magazine ranked St. Petersburg its top mid-size city in 2011, citing its ‘vibrant’ arts scene. The art scene is very much apparent, with two internationally recognized museums. Along the pathway of the marina is the Dali Museum, a tribute to the master of surrealism, Salvador Dali. The architecture of the museum is outstanding as a whole, with reflecting windows and a spiral staircase at the core. The museum takes you through the artist’s works as a whole. The Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center, located off Beach Drive, offers beautiful signature pieces from renowned artist Dale Chihuly. The glass is transparent and works seamlessly well with the lighting, making the artwork come alive. Along with the collection, the art center offers glass-blowing seminars for visitors to view or join in.

At the end of the day, the Vinoy brings to light all the things that one can desire as a guest: wonderful food, top-notch amenities, plush and lush rooms with beds that swallow you up and a city that offers more to explore. Whether you are the VIP or just a guest with a VIP or celebrity mindset, the Vinoy is truly a star experience to discover.