Editor's Top Picks

We dedicate the Jacksonville Luxury Living special 6th anniversary edition to celebrating friendships. In honor of our anniversary, we narrowed our selection to six ultrachic, fun things to do in and around town in order to celebrate your friendships and create fabulous memories. From a luxurious day at the spa to creating a gourmet Mediterranean meal or a luxe girl's night soirée, one of our creative ideas is sure to inspire you to create your own unique experience. We hope we inspire and encourage you with our top picks as much as we enjoyed experiencing them ourselves. Friendships deserve to be relished, cherished and, most important, celebrated!

Best in Engaging in a New Experience
One Ocean Resort- Beyond Cooking Basics- Cooking Classes

Renowned executive chef Ted Peters of One Ocean Resort Hotel & Spa is sharing culinary secrets for the foodie in you. Enjoy an interactive cooking class at Azurea that takes you beyond the cooking basics and brings you a delightful culinary experience.

Julie, from the book and movie Julie & Julia, inspired me with her devotion to become a great cook by learning recipes from one of the leading culinary legends of all time Julia Child. Inspiration grew to admiration as she not only became a great chef and blogger, but she overcame obstacles that hold each and every one of us back everyday — excuses. Excuses, that are usually imaginative, prevent us from getting out of our daily ruts and embracing a new hobby or interest. Embracing new experiences must be a part of our everyday lives in order for us to have balance, joy and fulfillment — and make us better for those who count on us everyday. Often, this search requires venturing off on our own, which can frighten even the strongest of souls. A new hobby or interest, like learning to become a better cook, is the perfect opportunity to embrace with friends who share your passion. Not only will you become better cooks, you will find the experience more meaningful because it was shared — just like the meal.

Several of my girlfriends were very excited to join me and I enrolled all of us in the Mediterranean Cooking Class offered by executive chef Ted Peters of One Ocean Resort and Azurea. With a strong desire to learn to cook and a husband who reminds me with regular teasing that I have a whopping five recipes in my repertoire, I am eager to learn how to create this Mediterranean culinary masterpiece from One Ocean Resort's cooking class that will impress even my worst critic. My girlfriends were eager to embrace this challenge with me — seeking a wonderful experience in this class and enjoying the process. More important, my friends wanted to share in a terrific experience as well a senjoy some much-needed girl time.

We arrived at the class recognizing we were in the presence of an acclaimed instructor, an executive chef whose credentials include being a graduate of the notable Johnson & Wales University in Providence experienced with AAA four and five diamond resorts, such as serving as executive chef at The Ritz-Carlton hotels in both Boston, Massachusetts, and Amelia Island, Florida. "We are truly excited to be able to engage guests by sharing knowledge that will allow them to appreciate cooking," said Peters.

The staff welcomed us with champagne and canapés while we learned more about them and chef Peters' biography. After a brief tour of the kitchen, we were outfitted in chef's aprons and hats and assembled behind "the line" to begin the preparation of our four-course meal. We all listened attentively to chef Peters' philosophy about Mediterranean cuisine as he explained the simplicity of this style — this region is proud to showcase only the highest quality ingredients (one herb alone cost $25 for a handful), freshness, flavors, colors, aroma and taste.

The execution of the menu was perfectly timed, and we all felt confident with our cuisine. We celebrated our creation by relaxing and enjoying our delicious labor of love while chatting about the cooking process and sipping flavorful preselected wine pairings.

The experience was so enjoyable and engaging that we all agreed we can't wait until spring for the next class to keep learning and take pleasure in more girlfriend time. We embraced the experience and simply loved the mild-mannered, calm strength chef Peters exhibited while teaching us the pleasure of cooking. He made us all feel at ease with his natural mentoring ability. Keep in mind, when you take your cooking class, chef Peters will stop during any portion of the recipe to make sure everyone is on the same page and comfortable with the cooking pace — and please don't be afraid to ask questions. Chances are, others in the class will be happy you did. Bon appétit!

Best in Girl's Luxe Night Soiree
Girls Night In

How could our list be complete without a girls' luxe night soirée? We began by hiring the area's top professionals in event planning to create our signature girl's night in. Our goal: to inspire our Jacksonville Luxury Living readers to host their own luxe girls' night in for a truly unique party and an evening full of fun, giggles, laughs and chats — at any age.

All Things Pretty

Ultrachic décor and stunning flower arrangements are a must for a girls-only bash. Our editor's pick for one of the top in florals in Jacksonville, when only the best will do: Liza Chung Style. Liza captured the seaside visual appeal with her exquisite floral arrangements from the moment our guests stepped indoors. Stunning arrangements of white and yellow calla lilies showcased in one-of-a-kind handmade fish and shell vases created the perfect ambience for our seaside celebration.

All Things Yummy and Delicious

Take the stress out of being the hostess, and enjoy your precious time with your girlfriends by hiring a professional caterer who will create and serve your guests in style. It's actually more cost-effective than most realize when you consider the time, effort and cost of ingredients.

The Perfect Pear Catering Co. designed the perfect palate-pleasing menu, from signature cocktails, delicious tapas and yummy desserts, all of which delighted the guests' appetites. Our night was made absolutely special by the catering company pampering each and every one of us to the fullest. Service staff greeted each guest at the door and offered a selection of ginger pear martinis, watermelon mojitos or blackberry bellinis.

While the guests mingled and chatted, butlered margaritastyle grilled flatbread with aged balsamic reduction, Asian lump crab cakes with a mango poppy seed vinaigrette, and shrimp and caramelized leek bruschetta with buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil pesto were offered, creating a seamless flow for the girls to enjoy their precious time together.

The Perfect Pear Catering Co. provides service for an intimate dinner for two to a full luxe affair for hundreds — all delicious, seamless and with ease, taking the worry off of the hostess and bringing pure joy to the event.

Best Experience on the Water
Now & Zen

We set sail on the luxurious Now & Zen for an exciting sunset celebration. Toting our favorite wine and champagne, we stepped aboard the stunning 42-foot catamaran ready to feel the wind in our hair and toast the women we love.

The excursion began with a warm welcome from the owners — Captain Leslie, who is also a gourmet chef, and her husband, Ralph, the skipper, who has been sailing since he was 9 years old. They were gracious hosts who knew how to pamper. Both prepared fresh, sumptuous fl avors that left us asking for recipes, like the decadent mussels topped with a colorful pineapple salsa and splashed with a little tequila. Homemade limoncello dazzled the senses and kicked off an evening full of fun and great conversation.

Time seemed to stop as we silently glided along the St. Johns River. The downtown Jacksonville skyline was sparkling in the distance as a big, red sun slowly began to set. The clouds were radiant with bursts of pink, and the sound of the vessel slipping through the water was perfectly soothing. We relaxed on trampolines at the bow with comfy pillows while we sailed, sharing secrets and delicious libations. Taking snapshots of each other, we realized how important each moment is and, together, we relished each one.

Here, there are no fi xed schedules or constraints. You are free to create the experience you want. You can bring your own music and even your own photographer. It's your tailor-made voyage.

Now & Zen can accommodate a party up to 10 and sleeps four for an overnight experience. Once we saw the spacious private cabins with their pristine Egyptian linens, we made a mental note to book an overnight weekend charter. It is the lap of luxury and the hosts feel like your favorite aunt and uncle.

The dinner is prepared with love, creativity and southern fl air. Organic ingredients are used with prime meats, locally caught seafood, fresh cheeses and baked breads.

As the moon rose and the night sky fell on the distant city, we began to sail back. It was a glamorous party and we were the VIPs. Of course, it was over too soon, but we all said we would do it again and bring even more friends. Moments become unforgettable when spent out on the water with friends, the wind and the setting sun.

Best Spa Day
The Spa, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

We feel lucky to have The Spa at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club to escape to. A source of the sublime, it's one of Jacksonville's most distinctive hideaways, offering a wellness retreat second to none. It was the perfect setting for an all-girls soiree centered around well-deserved spa treatments and champagne sipping surrounded by tranquil pools, trellises and waterfalls.

While we reconnected and surrendered to relaxation, we learned that personal indulgences are just as rewarding to everyone around you, because when you take care of yourself, you overflow with joy for everyone else. It's one more reason not to just talk about having a spa day with your girls, but actually book one.

This is the place to unwind and revive in style while savoring togetherness. It is a place where pampering is the priority. Surprises of freshly made chocolate-covered strawberries, cocktails by the pool, and gift bags filled with exquisite Pure Fiji body oils, lotions and scrubs made us feel like stars.

The beach-inspired ambience beckons you to dip in the therapy grottos of the relaxation pool; release toxins in the warming sauna where natural light pours in; lounge in comfort on the long, southern-style patio where salty breezes blow; and taste flavorful cuisine that's light and memorable. The modern allure is on a grand scale.

There is something so special about having lunch with best friends wearing pillowy, white bathrobes between facials and massages. The 30-foot ceilings; soft, comforting hues with limestone, bamboo and granite; and the sound of the sea horse and mermaid bronze patina water sculpture all converge to invoke tranquility.

The vibrant, nutritious menu changes often and dishes are presented as works of art. We savored the best of summer with bites of watermelon gazpacho, seared ahi tuna, grilled vegetable quesadilla, stir-fry and strawberry shortcake. We realized everything tastes better when enjoyed with good friends.

Some of our spa menu choices were the aromatherapy massage, orange blossom body facial, organic facial, old world salt scrub, spa manicures and pedicures, and the reflexology massage.

The orange blossom body facial returns the body back to balance with a mandarin orange exfoliation followed by a stimulating orange blossom protein mist and an application of facial-quality orange blossom massage lotion, while your hands and feet are cocooned in hot towels. Peppermint glycolic cream is the final process to further refine and nourish the skin.

The organic facial is a combination of cleansing milk, revitalizing mist, organic serum and gentle masking that turns your face into a flawless canvas.

When we met in the stunning reception lobby, we were giddy and excited for the day. After having our spa treatments, we entered into a mood-altering calm. Our journey to serenity was a success. It was truly a celebration package.

Best in Boutiques and Bites
emly benham & 'town

The Jacksonville Luxury Living list of top picks for celebrating friendships would not be complete without claiming an ultimate in designer shopping and dining. Imagine yourself slipping into a stunning Prada shoe while enjoying a glass of Antinori Cervaro, Umbria 2007 Chardonnay and a delicious cheese from southern Georgia's Sweet Grass Dairy. Balenciaga, Jimmy Choo and Valentino look better with tasty bites of truffle tater tots, pork belly "popcorn" and blue crab beignets. The hip, new upscale designer shopping and dining experience — called emly benham & 'town — is the Jacksonville girl's new BFF. And for this experience, I encourage you to go ahead and bring the boys too. While you girls shop 'til you drop, the boys are welcome at 'town to enjoy one of the many international beer selections and "bar bites." No impatient men waiting around here, just an enjoyable shopping and dining experience with a little happier wallet opening too.

The concept of joining two great forces is nothing new in shopping and dining experiences, but for Jacksonville it's the first of its kind. Located in the heart of Avondale on St. Johns Avenue, the freestanding boutique and restaurant is literally the talk of the "town." Locals are flocking to the new, eclectic and fresh establishment that offers exciting, thought-provoking menu options inspired by both proprietor Meghan Purcell and chef Scott Ostrander, which includes Fudge Farms pork cheeks (the newest and hottest ingredient trend), popular guest selection lobster gnocchi and the extraordinary burger with house-smoked bacon, farmhouse cheddar, pickles and an unexpected ingredient of foie gras spread. You won't want to get too comfortable with any of the menu offerings, as chef The concept of joining two great forces is nothing new in shopping and dining experiences, but for Jacksonville it's the first of its kind. Located in the heart of Avondale on St. Johns Avenue, the freestanding boutique and restaurant is literally the talk of the "town." Locals are flocking to the new, eclectic and fresh establishment that offers exciting, thought-provoking menu options inspired by both proprietor Meghan Purcell and chef Scott Ostrander, which includes Fudge Farms pork cheeks (the newest and hottest ingredient trend), popular guest selection lobster gnocchi and the extraordinary burger with house-smoked bacon, farmhouse cheddar, pickles and an unexpected ingredient of foie gras spread. You won't want to get too comfortable with any of the menu offerings, as chef

New at 'Town!

Soon after the Labor Day weekend, 'town will be expanding their hours to include lunch, making for a great shopping and lunch escape on both weekdays and weekends.

Forces Joined

emly benham is not new to us here in Jacksonville, as this fine upscale designer boutique made a name for itself years ago by bringing the latest in New York fashions and trends to us here in our hometown. emly benham now has three locations, including Jacksonville Beach and Atlanta, where designer shoes, handbags and accessories have been the specialty. The Avondale location has expanded to include apparel — literally bringing fashion week to Jacksonville. Owner Benham spends as much time here in Jacksonville as she does in New York, taking the legwork out for us and keeping us ahead of the fashion trends and styles. You may get lucky and find Benham on location, but if not, be confident you will always be treated special by the friendly and fashion-forward staff. Fall is approaching and the new arrivals for the season are already available. So come on, girls! Have some fabulous retail therapy and indulge all of your shopping senses, from the inside and out!

Best Weekend Getaway
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Only a short 45-minute drive from Jacksonville, the fabulous AAA Five Diamond Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island awaits you and your girlfriends for a truly magnificent getaway. It's all about special girl time to relax, dine, reflect and play.

Relax

Enjoy a sleepover with just the girls. Put on your comfy pj's, grab the popcorn and enjoy one of the many movies offered in-room; stay up late chatting and sharing old stories; order breakfast in bed; and sleep in late. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island has 444 guest rooms to choose from, including 42 suites, 43 Club rooms and two Presidential suites. All guest rooms feature luxurious Egyptian linens, Bulgari toiletry amenities, marble baths, 37-inch flat-screen televisions, and private balconies with either ocean or coastal views. Girls, for a minimal upgrade, spoil yourselves with Club level, which offers complimentary breakfast, snacks and wine throughout the day; cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the afternoon; and cordials and dessert in the late evening.

Dine

When celebrating your friendships, you and the girls deserve the best in fine dining. Salt, named for the restaurant's signature ingredient, is a continuous recipient of the AAA Four Diamond designation. Salt offers over 40 selections of uniquely flavored salts, which are harvested from every corner of the world and some are even created in house. The salts serve as a garnish and are also incorporated into the dishes. Salt is frequented by both guests and locals alike — and with 120 seats, the restaurant fills to capacity most weekends. Salt's lounge offers signature cocktails, an expansive wine list and a wide selection of tapas should you and the girls prefer a fun light menu option. Salt's main dining menu changes weekly to reflect the season and also includes a special Chef's Tasting Menu and wine pairing that is designed daily.

Reflect

The Ritz-Carlton Spa is a beautiful and intimate space that creates the ideal experience to unwind with the girls. Sea glass-colored palettes help you and the girls immerse into relaxation from the minute you step inside. Every spa service begins with a complimentary "opening ritual," a brief citrus salt scrub, which your therapist applies with the halves of a fresh orange. The spa offers full services head to toe and a variety of signature treatments, such as Heaven in a Hammock, a massage that gives you the feeling of weightlessness; and the Amelia Island Honey Butter Wrap, which begins with an aromatic scrub and rich emollients to exfoliate the skin, and finishes with a full butter body massage.

Play

Challenging your girlfriends to a fun game of tennis is not only great exercise, but bond building. John Watson, the director of tennis for The Ritz-Carlton, will create a lesson for you and the girls that is both fun and challenging. The tennis club offers numerous types of adult tennis clinics daily, as well as full hour and half-hour private and semiprivate lesson instruction.

If you and the girls can't get away for an overnight stay or weekend, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is also a great option for a girl's day trip. Schedule your day trip with the resort's amenities to include a therapeutic spa treatment, tennis with the pro and a delicious lunch poolside. Girl time has never been so much fun.