FA S H I O N
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L E I S U R E
WINTER ON
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND
WORDS Andrew Chalk
Trace the Texas coast around the Gulf of
Mexico to the point just a dozen miles from
Mexico and you reach South Padre Island, the
only tropical town in the state and the home
of beautiful golden beaches, a warm respite in
winter, and easy island living.
I had the good fortune to visit, courtesy
of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Leaving
Dallas, there was a steady drizzle and tempera-
tures that required a coat. Arriving in South
Padre the sun was out and the temperature
was seventy degrees. That pretty much set the
stage for the trip!
Marriott has just opened a new Court-
yard hotel on the Gulf side of the island and
opposite Sea Turtle, Inc. the sea turtle conser-
vation center, and the South Padre Island Bird-
ing and Nature Center.
Being new, the electrical sockets are all
at the height you need for electronic acces-
sories and the room floors are tile rather than
carpet (thank goodness). There are two TVs
in each room which are designed like suites
without a divider.
As a result, my room was the longest
hotel room that I have ever stayed in. I will land
my private jet in it next time I visit. Specify a
room away from the beach end if you want to
avoid the noise of live (and piped) music in the
nightclub Bar Louie.
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