Here’s the fantasy! Despite a host of health problems, and stress my exercise routine would render me svelte enough to hit the pool this summer.

Here’s the reality! This summer that fantasy must be generously supplemented by a bathing suit that “minimizes”.

No matter, I promised to do a story about the H20 Ultra Lounge at the San Luis and I kept my promise.

Paradise within a Paradise!

If you’ve never been to the H20 Ultra Lounge at the San Luis Experience, I would strongly encourage you to mosey on over there and jump right in

There are swim up “pool bars” in a lot of cities. But none of them are designed to complement the genuine beauty of the Gulf of Mexico as this one does. This particular pool is landscaped and laid out to provide an “inner cocoon” of natural beauty and elegance as you peer out onto the Gulf of Mexico. It is an unparalleled and unusual experience.

Valenica Thomas, a Houston physician and her friend Michele Thompson of Portland, Oregon were just getting started as they comfortably nested in the cabana chairs and enjoyed their snacks.

“We just, love this,” said Michele “they have really good food and drinks”.

When asked how they found out about the San Luis Resort and why they decided to stay in this particular hotel, Valencia, explained that they came on the recommendation of several “Galveston Proud” residents.

The San Luis Resort, Spa and Conference Center now covers 30 acres of the Island. The H20 Ultra Lounge was designed to provide the same kind of “sleek and stylist luxe” concept that have proven to be successful in spots like LA and South Beach.

“H20” was part of a multi-million dollar “facelift” to the San Luis as it continues to provide modern and upscale amenities,” said Paul Schulz, Vice President of Hospitality for Landry’s Hotel Division.

Rather than to “ooh and ahh” my readers to death, once again I sacrificed myself in order to provide you with a firsthand account of goings on at the H20.

The staff here was very cooperative. Terry and Ryan of the San Luis staff were only mildly amused as I handed them the camera – after I realized that standing in water while taking my own photo wasn’t going to be an option.

The bar is “swim up” but for those of you who, like me, who have never been able to afford South Beach – that’ doesn’t mean you have to stand in the middle of water with a glass in your hand. Actually there are not only some really cool, “swim bar stools” and the edge of pool has ledges all over , so you can swim, sit and sip and then swim around some more.

There are really gorgeous cabanas that surround the pool, names aptly with exotic locations like Key West, Fiji, Bali and Aruba. They offer the ultimate in privacy and comfort. This is the same cabana experience you’d find in the Jimmy Buffet Resort in Jamaica outfitted with overstuffed lounge chairs while snacking and lounging in palm trees. However, unlike that resort these cabanas have personalized flat screen TVS – a touch that bows to our modern inability to completely “unhook” from our ‘tech - tether’: even while on vacation.

Shana Thoede and Charles Scott dropped in for a mini-vacation from Willis, Texas. Shana works as a Medical Assistant and Scott is a busy Assistant Manager from Walgreens. Both agreed that Galveston was the perfect spot for “just a break” in this economy.

“Galveston is really affordable and convenient”, said Scott, “it’s a great value.”

The H20 wisely understands that not everyone feels like swimming after a tough day at work, or even after a long day shopping. The H20 comfortable lounge area features a “fire pit”, overstuffed comfortable cabana seating, great drinks and a striking view of the Gulf.

The food and drink here are certainly worth the drive from Houston or from your neighborhood in Galveston. I had my Yellow Cab ready and waiting, so I could actually enjoy my “Cosmopolitans”, swim and enjoy the view.

Hot Tip: If you visit the H20, don’t forget to try the waterfall - if you can nudge the young folks out of the way for a moment. And DO NOT forget to jump into the Hot Tub. Unlike other Hot Tubs this one is Palm Tree draped with an utterly spectacular view of the waves hitting the beach.

H20 is open Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m – 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 2 am. And Sunday from 12 p.m. – 12 a.m. The San Luis Resort Spa and Conference Center is located at 5222 Seawall Boulevard. Call 1-800-445-0090 or 409-744-1500 or go to: http://www.sanluisresort.com/

Upcoming Events!
The bad news is that things are reopening so fast that I don’t have the time to get over there fast enough for each opening. The good news is my regular food supply is beginning to reappear as well some other “favs”.

Luigis’ Ristornante Italiano on the Strand is back! That means homemade pasta, everything authentically Italian from Luigi Frere is open for business. Di Bella’s has reopened on 31st, after both surviving Ike and a devastating fire.

AND both the Tremont House and the Spa at the Hotel Galvez has reopened. We’ll be giving you the tour next month. However, I’ve provided you with a photo this month, that will give you a hint as to what new luxury awaits those who wish to be pampered at the Hotel Galvez.

Let’s All Hang In There!
A year after the “I word”; we’re all still struggling here on the island. Getting back to business, while trying to get back home has not been easy. Money is tight and we’re all feeling the stress.

A trip to the H20 might be a reminder that we all still live in Paradise and maybe that’s worth fighting for. It’s a brief trip that might cheer up you up and help you to move forward.

Marsha is a local author and writer who will stop making “Isle Malhaldo” jokes because Christine Hopkins of GPM, Inc informed us that Marsha and Bernardo de Galvez have the same birthday. Happy Birthday this month to Marsha and Bernardo! .