If you work in the tourism business, chances are that from time to time, you enjoy some perks on the job. If you work as a travel journalist, those times tend to come more frequently. This week on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, I’m enjoying the perks in spades.
I arrived today at my accomodations for the weekend. I’m being hosted by the Alabama Gulf Coast CVB and partners at Turquoise Place, a beautiful high-rise condo development right on the beach. This building was complteed just last year, and features modern decor and luxurious appointments.
I was shocked when, after checking in at the front desk, I walked into my ‘room’ — turns out I’m spending the next four days in a 2,300-square-foot, three-bedroom condominium, outfitted with a full kitchen, three and a half baths, and a beautiful balcony looking out over the sugary sands and emerald waters of the Gulf Coast. This is the smallest unit in the development, but it’s bigger than my house, and around every turn, there’s a surprise — the gas range and massive side-by-side refrigerator in the kitchen, the multi-jet shower in the master bathroom, and the gas grill and full-sized hot tub on the balcony overlooking the ocean.
It’s feels somehow shameful that I’ll be enjoying such a big place all by myself this weekend — a condo like this would be a perfect place for a big family or group of friends to enjoy some quality time together. But the feeling will pass. The appointments and decorations are luxurious, and I plan to take advantage of as many as I can. All that stands in the way is the list of things I’m slated to do and see during my stay here.
