Guests of the Eiko’s Beach House in Treasure Island often ask about unusual or off-beat places of interest near their luxury Florida resort. While you of course have the obvious choices like the Orlando theme parks, we thought we’d offer something different. Sacred Lands is one of our favourite experiences and we’re gonna tell you why!
Where is Sacred Lands?
A must visit is Sacred lands situated at 1620 Park Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida with tours are held weekly on Sunday at 4 pm.
This patch of authentic Florida is located next to The Jungle Prada in one of St. Petersburg’s oldest neighbourhoods. The Jungle is a short five minute drive from the Eiko’s Beach House and can be reached by crossing Treasure Island bridge, which connects the mainland with Treasure Island.
Why Choose Sacred Lands?
Once you arrive and park, you feel as if you are transported into another time and place. Upon entering Sacred Lands ,you may be greeted by Mac Perry, who has lived on this land since 1969. Mac’s personality resonated warmth, sincerity and dare I say it, ancient knowledge as he gently makes you comfortable on this property.
Amongst his academic background in horticulture and Native American history, Mac is an excellent storyteller and he takes you on a magical tour of the land and slowly reveals to you why it is sacred.
Throughout the tour Mac weaves gracefully through history as he explains about the Native Americans who lived here prior to the arrival of the Spanish explorer Panfilo de Navaez in 1528.
The story continues as it becomes clear why the ancient Tocobaga Tribe chose this area because of its access to food resources and an abundant supply of edible and medicinal plant life. This in not a lecture only, Mac encourages his guest of try eating some of the fruit (if in season) and sampling tea made from the local flora.
Tocobaga Village
A highlight of the tour is a visit an ancient Tocobaga village and an accurate reproduction of an ancient sweat house where Native Ameicans meditated and held council.
This part of the tour is moving as most visitors feel a positive energy as Mac points out possible areas where the ancient people buried and honoured their dead. Mac allows visitors to spend a few minutes silently , with their own thoughts and feelings before moving us to the final wrap up.
As the tour concluded, all participants can learn about planned meditation events scheduled at this location and purchase specialty literature about the area. Donations are welcomed and are used to help preserve this unique and spiritually moving part of an old Florida.
Conclusion
Who should attend this experience?
Just about anyone who has a desire to learn, experience and touch a part of Florida which has vanished in the 21st century. As you leave the Sacred land preservation site, you are gently transported back to the present time.
After another short five minute drive you return to Eiko’s Beach House and can continue your reflection of today’s experience in the front and rear tropical fruit gardens of your luxury beach house. Afterwards, a cool dip in the swimming pool or a short time in the hot tub is an appropriate way to end today’s journey to Sacred Lands, during your stay at the Eiko’s Beach House.
