North America Onsite Review: Plantation Resort on Crystal River

Recommend Standard Image TemplatePlantation Resort on Crystal RiverBy Paloma Villaverde de RicoLooking to book a magical and laid-back trip for clients wanting to celebrate a romantic anniversary? Recommend a 3- to 4-night stay at Plantation Resort on Crystal River and make sure to include a manatee tour that will have your clients swimming with these docile creatures—that’s where the magic happens. We recently took on this adventure ourselves and headed to Crystal River, Florida, to swim with the manatees and kick-back in the leisurely resort. Mythical MermaidsIt’s 6 a.m., the birds are chirping right outside our guestroom’s balcony doors, water vessels are sailing down the narrow canals that lead to Kings Bay, the sun is peeking out and we’re ready to make our way to the Adventure Center at Plantation on Crystal River for the day’s highlight—a swim with the manatees. Recommend clients book an early morning tour as Kings Bay is less crowded, meaning more of an opportunity to get as close to these gentle giants as possible. (Our captain told us that the best time to visit the area are the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas as there are less visitors.) As we settle into the pontoon boat that will make its way to Kings Bay, the excitement among the tour participants is palpable—we’re all outfitted in our requisite wet suites and have our noodles and snorkeling gear in hand. Here, manatees are not shy—we start spotting them as soon as we sail off. Once we get to Kings Bay, our captain looks for just the right spot, and our fearless water divemaster leads us into the bay, which is fed by Florida’s second largest springwater system. We swim gently in the 72-degree waters, no kicking of the feet to not scare off the manatees. In fact, our divemaster tells us that the best way to attract these creatures—which sailors once confused for mermaids—is to relax because these animals can detect a fast heart rate. So, we simmer down and allow the tranquility of the natural surroundings to take over. As soon as I become one with the water, an enchanting thing happens—a manatee suddenly appears at my side and blows me an air kiss. Okay, so maybe it was just coming up for air, but in this moment I like to think the manatee wanted to say, “Hi.” After gliding alongside manatees for an hour or so, we head to Three Sisters Springs, located along a natural inlet on the east side of Kings Bay. Here, we swim through the spring’s crystal-clear turquoise waters and come face to face with an abundance of fish. We cap off our mesmerizing morning with a hot cup of coffee as our boat slowly makes its way back to the Adventure Center. To seep even more romance into the getaway, recommend your clients book a sunset cruise, during which the captain provides fun details about the stellar homes dotting Kings Bay. The ResortPlantation Resort sprawls across 232 acres offering 196 comfy rooms and suites. Clients can choose between king, queen or doubles with water or garden views. There are even 2-story golf villas with kitchenettes. Our king waterview with balcony doors leading to a small patio area is perfect for couples, with easy access to the onsite pool deck—embraced in greenery and overlooking Kings Bay—the lively tiki bar and the onsite casual restaurant. For golf enthusiasts, make sure to mention the resort is home to an 18-hole golf course and of course, water enthusiasts can make their way to the Adventure Center for scallop and fishing charters, kayaking, paddleboarding and scenic cruises. Contact InformationAdventure Center at Plantation on Crystal River: plantationadventurecenter.com Plantation Resort on Crystal River: plantationresortoncrystalriver.comPRINCESS CRUISES COVERPRINCESS CRUISES IFCCOVERSANDALSTable of ContentsSANDALS SPREADEditor's NotesEDU HOUSE ADAdvisor Speak: What’s Trending in the LGBTQIA+ MarketIndustry Insights: Tips You Can UseCruise: Cruise Landscape—Abloom with New Offerings for Romantic GetawaysCUNARD SCCUNARDDISNEY SCDISNEYEXPLORA JOURNEYS SCEXPLORA JOURNEYSPRINCESS SCOnboard Review: Queen Anne—Cunard’s Newest Queen Starts Her ReignOnboard Review: Cruising the Canary Islands on Windstar’s Star PrideCaribbean/Mexico: Destination Romance—Trends for TwoPALLADIUMPOSADOSBAHAMAS SCBAHAMASCAYMAN ISLANDS SCCAYMAN ISLANDSOnsite Review: Luxe Intimacy at Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach ClubEurope Onsite Review: Exploring Turkey in the Footsteps of AeneasNorth America Onsite Review: Plantation Resort on Crystal RiverTURKISH AIRLINES