Turquoise Place

From first glimpse, the exterior architecture of the sky-high, shiny Turquoise Place looks as if it belongs in "2001: A Space Odyssey." Its once-futuristic, but now slightly dated (but still sleek) towers rise against the blue sky above a clever wave-like design hiding the parking garage. The immaculate, gorgeous, gigantic lobby has a similar retro-futuristic vibe. The ceilings and the shiny tiles have large swirl patterns, and the curved mosaic reception desk reflects the complex's upscale color scheme (gray, white, black, cream and -- of course -- turquoise).Silver metal, glass and leather fixtures and furniture enhance the lobby's elegant feel while large columns aid the in overall feeling of grandeur (although the turquoise carpet lends a sort-of cruise ship vibe). Chandeliers and feathery candelabras hang above the numerous chic seating areas and koi fish swim in a small rock pool backed by a large mirror. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels encase the ground floor, while elevators with metal spirograph interiors and one-sided glass walls overlook the tennis courts, empty grounds next door, and nearby inlet. Some interior carpeted hallways run along glass walls for great views. Outdoor areas mainly center around the two pools (with surprisingly few lounge chairs), which separate the towers from the white sandy beach behind the property. Somehow the property seems a bit bigger inside than out. The property feels surprisingly quiet (and private).

Turquoise Place has a spot on Orange Beach's main thoroughfare, Perdido Beach Boulevard. While nearby neighbors include a mix of condos and hotels, restaurants, private homes, and public beach access points, the condos are immediately surrounded by empty lots (as of 2014) being saved for possible future development of the property. Though not directly off the highway, the area is a convenient base close to arcades, all types of fishing boat charters, mini-golf courses, a variety of water sports, and local points of interest. Guests can stock up on groceries and sunblock less than a mile away at Publix or make a splash at Adventure Island water park.

The Turquoise Place's incredibly spacious condos range from 2,600-square-foot three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom units (sleeping up to eight guests) to 5,600-square-foot, five-bedroom, five-bathroom penthouse units (sleeping up 14 guests). All units face the Gulf of Mexico and include very spacious, private balconies with four-person jetted hot tubs and barbecue grills; most units have balcony access from each bedroom.Inside, all units feature Wolf stoves and Sub-Zero refrigerators, gas fireplaces, and high-definition flat-screen TVs. They've even got a wet bar with dedicated wine coolers. Each of the condos is individually owned, meaning the decor and floor plans will vary, but guests should be able to count on most (if not all) units reflecting the upscale and stylish vibe found throughout the property. However, to be safe, make sure to ask for pictures of your exact unit before booking.Families with kids wanting to be near the action should look for rooms on the fourth floor, where the lazy river, indoor pool, gym and saunas can be found (note that this proximity can also lead to some noise). For the best views of unspoiled beach, seek out rooms in the eastern section of the C Tower.

The plethora of features available at Turquoise Place gives it a real advantage over other nearby resorts. While nearby properties may have pools, kids' activities, beach access, and tennis courts, Turquoise Place battles the prospect of overcrowding by providing at least two of everything. Each tower has its own indoor pool; state-of-the-art fitness center complete with multiple cardio machines, weight machines and free weights; and separate steam room and saunas. At the D Tower, there is also a seasonally heated outdoor lazy river with nearly half-acre deck (although it is mostly in the shade) and a kids' playground.Outdoor tennis courts in numbers to rival a racquet club are located on fourth floor of the C Tower. Of the five on-site swimming pools, two are indoor while the kiddy pool, zero-entry pool, and large main pool (with bridge) are outdoor. There may not be much room to lie poolside at any of these (perhaps to make room for the poolside entertainment), but there is no shortage of outdoor shaded and sunny seating throughout the property. An assortment of over-sized hot tubs are located by the indoor pools and one larger spa tub is also available.The Turquoise also has an array of spa treatments and massages to pamper guests. Treatments can be given in the Cabana area or guests can take advantage of a relaxing in-room massage. The only downside to the property is that the one restaurant and bar area, the Tiki Bar and Grill, is only open seasonally between March and October.One of the biggest draws, of course, is the beach. The white sand and warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico are in the Turquoise's backyard, and guests have direct, private access.