We arrived at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in the late afternoon, after a quick 90-minute drive from our homes in busy Northern Virginia to the decidedly unhurried Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Our girlfriend getaway has evolved from a one-time desperate escape from kids and spouses (we love you, kids and spouses!) to a semi-annual retreat with dear friends, all brought together by a single cooperative preschool nearly 16 years ago.
We checked in just in time for our facial and massage appointments at the Sago Spa at the resort. We all enjoyed the indulgence, a great kickoff to our retreat, followed by several rounds of steam room, shower, and sauna. The spa offered much more than we expected, and two of our group booked further services while we were there.
Evenings at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, are kind of magical: fires on the beach with beverages, or s’mores over the massive outdoor fireplace, or family movie night at the indoor pool.
For us, the indoor/outdoor hot tub was calling our names, but we were so sleepy from our spa treatments we just couldn’t rally. We were all asleep by 9:30pm, an absolute anomaly for us.
After a sunrise walk along the waterfront and around the golf course on Saturday morning, we made for the huge breakfast buffet.
Two of us went back to the spa for mani/pedis while the others went to check out the newly renovated rooms in one wing of the resort. Though the old rooms were fine, the new rooms have an updated blue and white color palette and more natural wood, reflecting the waterfront location of the resort.
Warm weather offers tons and tons of activities for all ages, particularly water activities. There are canoes, kayaks and paddleboards available, jet skis, fishing, and several pools. We were there in cold weather, so we stuck to the indoor activities, and nearby parks we could explore by car.
We packed up and headed a few miles south to drive through the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, home to thousands of migrating birds. The manicurist had told us that “The swans are in!” We marveled at large flocks of white birds we later learned were snow geese, not swans, and saw some unfamiliar birds in the marshy waters. At last we saw a pair of swans, majestically oblivious to our presence.
We stopped for lunch on the way home at T at the General Store, a lovely bright teahouse in a former general store in Easton, Maryland. The aroma of the teas filled the space, and the farm to table menu offered lots of great options. For the coffee drinkers, a stop for coffee at the wonderful Rise Up roasters in town is a must. I may have to plan another trip to pick up more of the delicious dark roasted coffee I bought there.
It’s a quick trip from DC or Baltimore, but a world away from the hustle and burnout of both cities.
Insider Tip
Ask for a Bay view!
Higher floors offer a quieter experience, especially in summer when pools are busy.
Pet-friendly (with deposit).
Details
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina
The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina is a four-diamond resort of the Chesapeake Bay. The property is nestled on 342 magnificent acres along the Choptank River, and features 400 rooms and suites. There a six dining options; an award-winning, 18-hole championship golf course; the 150-slip River Marsh Marina; the Sago Salon & Spa; multi-level indoor and outdoor swimming pools; a fitness facility, and a children’s recreation center.
For more information on the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, please call (800) 633-7313 or visit www.chesapeakebay.regency.hyatt.com.