Want extra perks, extra services, and upgrades galore – and sometimes even the whole place to yourself? Travel in the off season.

Today, I ventured to one of my favorite spots on the island, and I pretty much had the spot to myself. Some may find this a bit lonely… others may find it heavenly. I am one of those who enjoy the peacefulness of winter beach days.

That is the nature of resorts… they run in seasons, just as nature does. The spring and summer are abundant with buds, bees, and beautiful blooming trees AND packed coastal resorts. Everyone is ready to shed their winter gear and chill out in the sunshine.

But in December, the birds remain at the ocean, and those 70 degree temperatures make many days a glorious day in the sunshine. Today was such a day as I walked on the beach.

Don’t get me wrong, I love winter resorts as they offer some really cool adventures (which I will be sharing this winter.) I don’t shy away from them, even though I love the warm weather resorts.

You may have to wear a light sweater over your suit, but it is a delight to be sunlight and walk barefoot on the sand, Resort Girls – just like the tiny birds!

Many of your favorite sunny spots may be closed, but others remain open, and they will take extra care of you… and remember you when the crowds come once again!

To me, there is something cozy about seeing the sunset at the ocean while bundled up around a bonfire, or having a party at your resort clubhouse deck around an outdoor blazing fireplace heating up all the fun. It makes the crowds come closer and the conversations too.

And many times, the chefs will treat you to something extra special, Resort Girls. The off-season gives them time to make it up JUST for you! From past experience, I can tell you this holds true for me!

So, walk with the winter birds this winter Resort Girls and write your name in the sand….

What’s it like to play like a PGA Pro? I’m not sure about that, but I did get to experience what it’s to relax like one.

As I was finishing my breakfast, Megan the hostess at the Harbour Town Links, invited me to a private tour of the (now fully operational) men’s locker room. If you play the historic Harbour Town course at Sea Pines Resort in S.C., both men and women get access to the beautifully renovated new Clubhouse — and locker rooms.

As blogged earlier, I got to sneak into the men’s locker rooms after hours. But this time, I got to live the life of a PGA Tour Pro – for 15 minutes. Many thanks to Mr. Dave Thompson, one of the many who run this impressive relaxation area, for letting this Resort Girl experience it – and boy is it the man cave of all man caves!

First, the view is spectacular from the second story deck overlooking the fairways, putting green and driving range.

That’s what the pros are here for, as well as the everyday golfers… to enjoy the historic Harbour Town golf course. I played it long ago when I lived at Sea Pines. In fact, Sea Pines is where I first took up the game of golf and got my first lesson.

But today, I was Resort “Guy” relaxing. First, Mr. Thompson showed me the delicious menu offered in the locker room featuring everything from delicious chicken wings and bison sliders to fried white cheddar pimento bites. Also, there are big canisters of free treats to just snack on while relaxing in the room.

While eating or just relaxing, a Resort Guy can play cards, watch the big screen TV or even have a putting contest. He could also chill with a cocktail on the rocks (or whatever a RG likes), watching others practice and play from the impressive second story deck.

Resort Guys can relax like Resort Girls do in our spas, in a comfy white robe after showering in some pretty impressive marble showers. The most spectacular place for some relaxation and rest is in the impressive sauna. The blue tiles and manly size makes it a pretty awesome site for the eyes and, I think, for the body too… but remember I am a Resort Girl, so will have to just imagine that experience.

It was fun imagining I was a PGA Tour Pro for the day! Mr. Thompson and the entire team at Harbour Town made it an experience for even the amateur Resort Guy golfer.

I am just not sure which PGA Pro locker I would like to imagine using….and, you know, it was not much different than being a Resort Girl amateur player for the day on this beautiful golf course and relaxing in the awesome women’s locker room.