It’s going to take most of a day, I think, to get to a tropical island, so if I were you I’d wait til you have more time. Just my two cents. I love Charleston! Great food, art galleries, historic homes, beaches... Key West is great and a totally different vibe. It depends on what you’re looking for.

Go to Orlando. I’m not big into the parks but it’s mostly due to the never ending lines. This will be about the best time ever to go as the croud is limited comparied to usual. You could relax around the pool part of the day and go to the parks later when there are less families. Then, a nice romantic dinner. There is also a botanical garden near.

Or, explore some nearby towns.

ETA: I'm not sure but there could be a shuttle from airport to hotel. There is a shuttle from hotel to the theme parks I think . You could eliminate all that time at the car rental or just rent for a day of nearby exploring . Easy peasy.

SC has relaxed ALL restrictions and neve had a statewide mask mandate, so I'd probably avoid going there during some peak travel times such as Easter Week. Same thing with Florida.

Maybe look atPuerto Rico? You could fly from PHL pretty easily I bet. Looks like the Ritz Carlton is undergoing renovation, but many Marriott properties.

I did the Ritz Puerto Rico a few years ago. It was fun but not so fun that I would go back.

I lived outside of Orlando for three years. Never really took to it. Puerto Rico El Dorado looks appealing. We love cultural vacations, but maybe in this case we just need a beach.

Yeah I never loved Orlando but I haven't seen the newer Harry Potter so I'm thinking about it myself. Less crowds is a big seller for me.

As you know we were just in St John mid January, and I thought it was very lovely. I was kinda surprised. I did not, however, care for St Thomas. Where is the Ritz is the USVI?

I've been to a bunch of Ritz C for conferences, to me they all sort of blend together. Not to say they are not very pleasant! I like Amelia Island and then maybe a trip to Cumberland?

I do like Beaver Creek a lot, but not sure if you want warm or would like to ski? I my keep looking at PR but IME natural disasters and vacations don't mix; it takes a very long time for things to look good again.

I'd start by looking at the Marriott subbrand, is it Autograph? to see if they have anything you like. My gosh they have a ton of brands under their umbrella. I mentioned Autograph because they see to have design-forward and or historic properties. But they Marriott also has a luxury collection?

I was going to suggest the Cloister in Sea Island, Ga. It’s one of my very favorite places...utterly gorgeous everywhere on the Island and the service at the Cloister is impeccable. I’ve never been in April, but I can only imagine how gorgeous everything would be with the azaleas and jasmine blooming.

(Just realized you need a Marriott! Maybe save this for another trip!)

For beaching in Florida, The Ritz in Naples or on Amelia Island are both excellent. Depending on the exact dates, Spring Break crowds may still be in the Keys.

Naples has 2 Ritz Carltons, be sure to book the Beachfront one.

The Marriott on Marco Island is also nice. The strip it’s on is busy, but once you are inside the resort you forget about the outside traffic.

Mid April is school vacay week around here, at least during normal times. I’d stay away from FL and Disney.

Outer Banks? That’s on my personal bucket list.

Chiming in to second the recommendations for Amelia Island and The Cloister at Sea Island. Was at The Cloister in late February for a "girls" golf trip. Wonderful resort.

I've been thinking along the same lines and one place I've never been is Chincoteague and that area...but that may not be far enough for you. I've always wanted to see the ponies since I was a little girl...

Many years ago we went to Charleston in April. The day there was sunny and in the 70s. The next day a front moved in and it was rainy and in the 40s. We were so glad we stayed at the Wentworth Mansion https://www.wentworthmansion.com/  with our 2-man whirlpool tub in front of the fireplace in the bathroom...and another fireplace in our bedroom. Very cozy despite the weather! (I looked at the website and it looks like they've since remodeled the baths...no FP.)

Charles Kuralt for his book on a month in each of the best places was going to spend April in CA but then he decided to stay in CT instead to watch spring spring. CA might be nice though...I've never been to the Getty(s) and always wanted to go. I'd have to check if Jetblue is still flying nonstops to Long Beach ... so much easier and nicer than LAX.

ETA: Just checked...Jetblue no longer flies to Long Beach. :(

I second the recommendations for Amelia Island and The Cloister at Sea Island. We love both these. Ya'll know I love Charleston and April is a GREAT time to visit. Savannah is good too. Both these places will heat up (and humidity) late spring. We never visit either area May, June, July and September can be iffy. Chincoteague and the ponies are lovely - may still be cool in that area in April. Outer Banks is nice and should be fairly quiet (meaning less crowded) in April also. If you consider that area, you may want to check as they open and shut down for a pretty specific tourist season. Outside of that, many restaurants, etc. are closed.

I, personally do not recommend Orlando. Just not my cup of tea. Nothing special and I am not one for the parks. I would also think about spring breaks and virus levels wherever you visit.

Enjoy and keep us posted! We hope to be able to do this sometime this summer, once we are both vaccinated! Then a nice LONG trip come fall!

So there is one other consideration that I should mention: My in-laws are in Fl, near Sarasota, so Im feeling that unless we go to a remote Florida destination, like Key West, then we should just go to their area. Otherwise, it might feel like a snub. If we do that, ie, go close to them (Longboat Key), it would be a different trip, not just dh and I but with obligations to meet up with them regularly.. Don't get me wrong, they are absolutely lovely, but I'm not necessarily looking for a trip with obligations. Oh, and dh was there two weeks ago to see them (finally!),

So that sort of takes out Amelia Island (which looks amazing, btw). I'm now leaning towards the St Regis Bahia resort in Puerto Rico. Direct flight (vs. expensive and long flights to Key West) and lush, rainforest type setting. Drawbacks are that the food could be better, but that is subjective.

The other choice is the Ritz Carlton in St. Thomas. Also quite beautiful, but not great food reviews either and the only place to get a drink (outside of the restaurant) is a pool bar. Both are easy to get to from Philly.

Neither of us has been to St. Thomas before. I was in PR 25 years ago, so that barely counts and Dh got his scuba certification in PR. We're hoping to do some snorkeling while we're away.

I vote PR, but I will say this from experience. The resort itself will prob be restored to most of its beauty, but I'd expect to see a lot of detritus everywhere else. Dead vegetation, abandoned cars (there was some of the even on St. John which was not as hard hit), and plain old trash. I remember going to N Captiva like 7 years after a hurricane and still piles of mess. To me, it is not a deal breaker tho esp for a getaway likely spent mostly on site. Also, it is nice to help the economy where it is badly needed.

When we went to St John 2 months ago, we landed in St Thomas and took a ferry (no airport in StJ). YMMV, but I was turned off by St T. Driving around St J is picturesque. We drove 40 min to the ferry, and then on our way back we hired a driver to see some site. St T is very developed and a lot of it is not too pretty. Also, it is set up to disgorge cruise ship passengers and caters to them.... albeit now entirely empty. I am sure, like everywhere, there are nice spots. But if I were to go to UVSI it would only be to StJ.

Mtn, unfortunately StJ is sold out for the dates we want (unless we want to pay instead of using points.)All I saw was the St John's Westin which is a Marriott points property. I'm leaning more towards PR.

You all had such great ideas. My husband loves Savannah and Charleston. Outer Banks would be cool and is definitely on our must see list, but probably not this trip. And oh, wow! The Cloisters! Maybe our GWGTG trip??

We went to The Greenbrier in April 2019. It is gorgeous and the food is great! The Bunker Tour was fascinating! https://www.greenbrier.com/

I have never been to Blackberry Farm, but I’ve always wanted to go. https://blackberryfarm.com/

@bbstx Blackberry Farms is practically in my backyard. Scrumptious food and spring will be at its peak in April. However, we wont be quite warm enough for water activities then.

OK now I want to go to The Cloisters and Greenbrier! Both look amazing and I'd never heard of them before.

Word of warning on PR food. Often meals are served with mofongo. Limit intake, or, just say no. I’m not giving details to why. Bad optics!

Update: Dh and I just chatted. We've decided to save the points and go to Longboat Key where my in-laws live. The resort there is beautiful, and my in-laws will make sure we have time to ourselves too. We'll use the points on a trip to Hawaii next year.

Keep me in mind for Hawaii thoughts. That trip is a definite.

For Hawaii

Grand Hyatt Resort Kauai

We did a family trip to Hawaii several years ago. DD and DSIL went off on their own to Kauai for several days. They loved it. Apparently there is lots of good hiking from there.

Hotel lobby:

Hiking sights:

Hotel grounds, I think

omg, bbstx! That is beautiful! Starting a file...

Sarasota has more charm and culture than some other parts of florida and it has blue water also. The Ringling house is fabulous and I think they'll be doing outdoor theater then.

I loved charleston but it's mostly gardens and restaurants.

I loved charleston but it's mostly gardens and restaurants. @lisaam if that's what you thought of Charleston, you missed so much! There are historical sites, plantations, beaches (within 10 minutes - nearby islands), waterfront park and area, museums, antiquing, Charleston City Market, tours (we particularly have enjoyed the horse and carriage and love the harbor tour!), Aquarium, and some wonderful hotels (we mainly prefer to stay on one of the islands) and much more.

Here’s were I’m going in Florida. Just a quicky but it’s on my list of pretty, small and charming towns in Florida to visit. . My husband loves a good breakfast when on vacation. The owners of this Inn are both chefs originally from Miami.

Looky how cute this town is.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEQ-LFtwkxo&feature=youtu.be

Jojoco, I see you’ve made a decision, but if you consider Amelia Island again, it’s pretty far from Sarasota. :). Definitely several hours drive.

Terrilynn, my mom was born & raised in Mt Dora, and my uncle still lives there. I’m not far away, in Winter Garden. (Which is pretty dang cute, too!)

Donna

Msmeow, I think we are going to hit WG on the way. I’m on the east coast, for years we only went to beach/ocean areas. I have been most everywhere along entire east coast and everywhere from Tampa down on the west coast. Now that I’m older and have done the beach bit I’m ready to explore some of the real Florida charm. I mourn for old Florida. I miss the way it was. Once I find a place that pulls at my heart strings I’ll concentrate on finding a little retirement home. Something small where I can walk to town.

Terri, Mt Dora and Winter Garden are both like that...small, with housing in or near downtown. Enjoy your trip!

Thanks Donna! Who knows I may contact you this summer for realtor recommendations. Houses in my neighborhood are selling very fast as I’m close to everything, luckily my son has a townhome I can temporarily live in while I look for the right little house or land. I’m not looking for fancy, I’m looking for location. I can fix the rest.

I've heard great things about Mt. Dora from my SIL in Tampa, always wanted to check it out. OOhh, Jterri, that sounds like fun!

Thanks Mtn, although we wouldn’t live in a new house full time for another year or two the Mount Dora area is only a little over 2 1/2 hours away. I want a smaller community where I could maybe volunteer at some of the festivals and be around other artists. I have gotten incredibly stagnant over the last few years.

Donna, small world. I lived in Windermere for three years.

Jojoco, I worked at a church on the edge of Windermere (Apopka-Vineland Rd & Conroy-Windermere Rd.) for many years! It is a small world.