TRAVEL
WHERE TO STAY: Eau Palm Beach
Formerly a Ritz Carlton, this is the ultimate destination for a romantic getaway. Lanai rooms have private patios, so you can step directly out to the pool or ocean without walking through the lobby. The spa is a wonderland: relax in the steam room while soft lights change color, or lie on a hammock over a little pond in the outdoor lounge. Eau Resort-100 South Ocean Blvd. Manalapan; 561-533-6000 www.eaupalmbeach.com
Brazilian Court
New Yorkers will feel right at home with a Café Boulud and Frederic Fekkai salon on premises. The chic boutique hotel is also a shopper’s paradise. When you are done lounging by the pool in the lush courtyard, stores, galleries and restaurants are just steps from your door. Brazilian Court- 301 Australian Ave., Palm Beach; 561-655-7740 www.braziliancourt.com
Four Seasons Palm Beach
The oceanfront pool scene is perfection: servers even come around with frozen fruit to cool you off. Book a massage on the beach, then check out new modern Italian restaurant, Jove. Four Seasons Palm Beach-2800 South Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach 561-582-2800 www.fourseasons.com/palmbeach
Boca Raton Resort and Spa
There is something for everyone at the resort designed by legendary Addison Mizner. Spend the morning playing golf or tennis, take a yoga class at the fitness center, jump into one of the five pools and end the day with a ritual bath at the spa, modeled after Spain’s El Hombre Palace. At night dine at new “elevated American’’ spot The Blue, or head to the resort’s beachfront and enjoy the freshest catch at Sea Grille. Boca Raton Resort and Club -501 E Camino Real, Boca Raton; 561-447-3000 www.bocaresort.com
118 • Resident May 2014
PGA National
A haven for golfers, this property also has a pool area at the spa where you can soak in salts from different areas. Dead Sea healing today? Pyrenees stress relief tomorrow? A new glass enclosed piano bar brings an upbeat mood to the Ironwood steak house. PGA National Resort and Spa-400 Ave. of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens; 561-627-2000 www.pgaresort.com
Ritz Carlton Ft. Lauderdale
Situated across from the ocean, the resort has rooms that open on to the pool deck, a club floor overlooking the sea and Intracoastal, and service so caring and personal you will know the staff by name when you leave. Facials at the spa use premium SkinCeuticals products, along with high tech micro current for a lifting effect. Seaside restaurant Villa Luna has local cobia that will impress any fish lover. Ritz Carlton Ft. Lauderdale -1 North Ft. Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale; 954-465-2300
Acqualina
With just four sweeping suites per floor, this hotel close to the Bal Harbour shops offers some of the most elegant accommodations in South Florida. There is a magical spa and four swimming pools just steps from the ocean, as well as an outpost of Il Mulino that has waterfront vistas. Acqualina 17875 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach; 305-918-8000 www.acqualinaresort.com
Turnberry Isle
If you like to accomplish something over your vacations, this resort is the place to go. Check out the golf and tennis clinic, or if you are really ambitious, the tri-athlete training. It’s not all challenging: stop in for a “Detox and Revive” treatment at the spa which includes a scalp and foot massage, then check out Bourbon Steak House with star chef Michael Mina, or the Mediterranean Cascada Grill, where much of the produce is grown on property Turnberry Isle 19999 West Country Club Drive, Aventura; 305-932-6200 www.turnberryislemiami.com