My assistant Nancy, an avid golfer, recently enjoyed a stay at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa, which we won in the Passports with Purpose Giveaway.

Living in the central United States means experiencing a variety of weather changes. Spring brings storms, followed by the hot and humid summer. Autumn offers mild temperatures and colorful leaves, but winter arrives suddenly with cold, sleet, and snow. During these harsh winters, many Midwesterners look for a warm escape.

For us, the perfect getaway was sunny Florida. My husband and I were thrilled to receive a two-night stay for two at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa. Located in Ponte Vedra Beach, near the Atlantic shore, it’s an ideal winter retreat.

The Marriott Sawgrass resort is nestled in a natural oasis, just off the scenic A1A highway. The peaceful setting immediately put us in a tropical mood. After checking into our room with a lovely pool view, we explored the Audubon-rated grounds.

We walked around the lake, bordered by cozy villas and lush plants, with a gazebo offering a wide view of the main hotel building. Crossing the lake bridge, we reached a large outdoor deck. After grabbing a drink from the outdoor bar, we relaxed and watched ducks paddle around a distant waterfall. Although signs warned of possible alligator sightings, we didn’t see any. The setting was perfect, with gentle breezes, a bright blue sky, and Spanish moss-draped oak trees.

Continuing our tour, we wandered around the two pools surrounded by colorful plants and sun loungers. Although it was still a bit cool for us, some brave souls were swimming.

Near the lobby, we found one of Sawgrass Marriott’s “Selfie Spots,” where guests can take photos against picturesque backgrounds and share them on social media with the tag #onlyatsawgrass. Complimentary wireless in the lobby and public areas made this easy. This spot also offered the chance to hit a golf ball to a green on a small island in the lake. As avid recreational golfers, we decided not to try, imagining the employee who would have to paddle across the lake to check for a hole-in-one might not mind.

As evening approached, we enjoyed complimentary cocktails, the signature Sawgrass RumRunner. We found a spot around the outdoor fire pit and toasted to a wonderful first day in paradise.

The next morning, we took the complimentary shuttle to the resort’s beach access. The Cabana Beach Club, located on Ponte Vedra Beach, features fine white sand, an Olympic-size pool, and beachside dining. We only rolled up our trousers and walked at the edge of the surf but took another selfie with the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean in the background.

Back at the resort, we took a chauffeured cart to the nearby TPC Sawgrass clubhouse, where a Marriott volunteer “Storyteller” gave us an intimate guided tour of the elegant facility, rich with golf history, artwork, and memorabilia.

After browsing the pro shop, we toured the Stadium Course by golf cart. We marveled at hole 17, perhaps the most recognizable hole in golf, with its heart-shaped island green. The many thousands of balls retrieved each year from the surrounding water prove this hole’s challenge, even for the best golfers. The course was closed in preparation for the famous Players Championship held annually in May, so we didn’t hear anyone call “fore.”

Golfers of all levels will find plenty of courses nearby. The resort is a short drive from the Atlantic Coast beaches and St. Augustine, America’s oldest city. It’s also conveniently located just 40 minutes from Jacksonville airport.

Thanks to Marriott for providing our stay at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa through their donation to Passports with Purpose, a travel blogger initiative raising funds for various global causes.