contemporary dishes of freshly-caught seafood and luscious tropical produce. Here, gourmet food means local treats such as Florida stone crabs, red snapper, Gulf shrimp and Apalachicola oysters. Spas originated with the healing powers of water and the Atlantic Ocean yields sea salts and minerals used in massage oils, detoxifying steam rooms and hydrotherapy baths.
HYATT REGENCY PIER SIXTY-SIX RESORT & SPA IN FORT LAUDERDALE
SPAS ON EVERY COAST Spa life is flourishing in every region of Florida. The legendary Golden Door at the Naples Grande Beach Resort is where the southern Gulf Coast meets a Japanese Zen ambiance, heightened by mesmerizing waterfalls and a meditation labyrinth. At the WaterColor Inn & Resort, on a magnificent stretch of white sand in the northern Gulf, you can sample an all-Florida pineapple-papaya skin moisturizer. The northwestern-most Emerald Coast is a secluded, laid-back gem with sugar-white sand and jewel-toned waters that are a fisherman’s paradise. The Spa at Emerald Grande uses an Indian rainstick in its signature therapeutic water treatment. Across the state, the Ocean Waters Spa in Daytona Beach synthesizes Atlantic salts and lavender for its aromatherapy glow. Psst! Did we mention the secluded, romantic SpaTerre on Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys, which offers a unique “cougarto-kitten” sensuality treatment? Among a wealth of spas in the Gulf Coast city of Clearwater Beach, the spa at the waterfront Sandpearl Resort focuses on relaxation, renewal and restorative wellness. In the neighboring community of Tampa, Spa Jardin has been voted “Best of the Bay” for several years. Florida’s Gold Coast, a shimmering Atlantic oceanfront strip of sand, sun and glamorous destinations, is home to one of the highest concentrations of luxury spas in the world. The classic resort hotels in the posh communities of Miami Beach, Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale all have major spas with world-class exercise specialists and aestheticians. The sunsetpink Spa Palazzo at the Boca Raton Resort & Club is an opulent fountain of youth with manicured gardens, waterfall whirlpools, Moorish baths and a signature facial that uses Sevruga caviar. In legendary oceanfront
SPA POOL AT REUNION RESORT AND CLUB, ORLANDO
surroundings, insiders opt for the Moonlight Massage at The Spa at The Breakers, an iconic resort.
MARVELOUS MIAMI The city is mad for the therapy baths and fitness programs at the stylish, sexy RikRak Spa and Salon (named for trendsetters Ric and Raquel Watters) in the world’s first JW Marriott Marquis Miami. Chic and cool, the
TIP Watch for Spa Week deals. Imagine affordable manis and pedis, massages or facials at various Florida resorts and day spas. Spa Week (spaweek.com) takes place annually during April and October and many of Florida’s best beauty, body and relaxation centers will offer indulgent treatments for $50.
2012 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA
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