On April 22, the natural world takes center stage as humans around the globe pause to reflect on the importance of protecting and enhancing the ecosystems we share with all other living creatures. Here, a colorful little red-eyed tree frog from the rainforests of Costa Rica serves as a visual reminder of the diverse, beautiful and sometimes-fragile nature of the planet Earth and its inhabitants.
Photo: iStock
Forever Wild
Seen from above, the shores of Sandy Cay are a study in the primary colors of green, white and blue. This small island in the British Virgin Islands will remain forever wild and unspoiled, thanks to its designation as a national park. And to the delight of many, protection doesn’t mean exclusion. Visitors can arrive by boat, and are welcome to walk the pristine sands and swim in the clear waters. Photo: Christian Wheatley/iStock
Liquid Assets
In the bright azure waters of Curacao, a sea turtle glides in for a closer look at the camera. It’s been almost 25 years since a large section of the island’s southern coast was designated as an underwater marine park. Today, the vibrant reefs and abundant fish life continue to attract divers from around the world. This in turn creates a sustainable economy based on eco tourism, and serves as proof that the protection of natural resources can pay real dividends. Photo: Thomas Campos/iStock
Natural Benefits
On the island of Dominica, a swimmer is dwarfed by a cascade of falling water flowing down from green-clad mountain slopes. A majority of the island remains in a natural state, and small farms scattered through the hills supply rich harvests of fresh foods. The people of Dominica have been identified as among the longest-lived and happiest in the world. Proof, perhaps, that living close to nature can pay dividends in both physical and mental well-being. Photo: Richard Goldberg/Shutterstock
Springing Back
Not too long ago, it seemed that the West Indian Manatee was on a one- way route towards extinction. Sweeping conservation efforts in the state of Florida halted and then reversed that slide, and today the manatee population is on the rebound, and off the endangered species list. Swimmers who abide by accepted rules of engagement can meet up with these gentle giants, which often spend winter months resting in the clear waters of the state’s freshwater springs. Photo: Amanda Cotton/iStock
The Big Picture
When placed against dramatic natural settings such as Hawaii’s Waipio Valley, the trappings and challenges of our everyday life often seem to loom less large and daunting. Events such as Earth Day serve to remind us of the importance of preserving these landscapes, not based on some nebulous altruistic whim, but on our understanding of the very real need to keep such places intact for human well-being and balance.
Clearing the Air
On an island in the Maldives a thousand miles from the nearest factory, the rising sun paints clouds with a warm and vivid reminder of just how clear air can be. We owe some of this clarity to the actions of trees, which act like living air filters, removing pollutants and carbon from the atmosphere. On Earth Day, groups around the world will collectively plant more than a million new seedlings. Photo: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Nature’s Waterpark
Wind, waves and lots of time are the elemental forces that sculpted the unique rock formations that adorn the beaches of the Seychelles Islands. As the world ponders the possible effects of climate change such as sea level rise and coastal erosion, it becomes increasingly obvious that we need to do everything possible to prevent unique landscapes such as this from being lost to future generations. Photo: Gerard Larose/STB
A Path to Wellness
Studies have confirmed that a walk in the woods can not only create a sense of calm and well-being, but also actually change the workings of the human brain in ways that improve mental health. As seen in this photo, the island of St. Vincent provides a natural remedy for stressed-out city dwellers, as much of its elevated interior is covered in lush tropical rainforests where the only calls you receive are bird songs. Photo: Flavio Vallenari/iStock
Immersive Experiences
In the sun-dappled waters of Tahiti, a diver joins a flock of graceful eagle rays. Unique and inspiring encounters such as this serve to remind us of the importance of maintaining the health of our water planet. The oceans are home to more than 90 percent of all living organisms on the planet, and the source of more than 70 percent of our global oxygen supply. Photo: Yves Lefevre/Tahiti Tourisme
A Natural Balance
A bird’s-eye view of Tonga’s Eua Island reveals a landscape where low-level human activities such as artisanal farming create only modest and easily reversed impacts on the natural order. As high-rise resorts and gated golf course communities continue to spring up on wild coastlines around the world, it’s nice to know that there are still many places that remain off limits to the bulldozers. Photo: Tourism Tonga
On April 22, the natural world takes center stage as humans around the globe pause to reflect on the importance of protecting and enhancing the ecosystems we share with all other living creatures. Here, a colorful little red-eyed tree frog from the rainforests of Costa Rica serves as a visual reminder of the diverse, beautiful and sometimes-fragile nature of the planet Earth and its inhabitants.
From a simple observance in 1970, Earth Day has grown into the world’s largest secular civic event, involving more than 17,000 environmental groups and drawing support from more than 190 countries. Events are staged in major cities around the globe, but small islands and other tropical destinations also get in on the act.
1. On the Bahamian Out Island of Eleuthera, the One Eleuthera Foundation will sponsor a daylong celebration of the earth and ocean that includes musical performances, dance, art, cultural events and environmental education programs, plus plenty of good food.
2. Each year on Earth Day, the Sandals Foundation, which is sponsored by the Sandals Resort group, partners with environmental organizations across the Caribbean to help volunteers plant more than 1,000 trees.
3. The month-long Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival will kick off on Earth Day. At dozens of islands throughout the region, organizers from the Birds Caribbean foundation will stage presentations, bird walks, art competitions, clean ups, and more.
4. On the big island of Hawaii, volunteers will head to Ke‘ei Beach to remove trash that could pose a hazard to turtles and other marine life. The cleanup is sponsored by the Kona Brew Pub, and will end with a beach barbecue.
5. In the Puerto Rican beach town of Rincon, the Liga Ecologica will stage an Earth Day Fair. Here, forums and talks with an ecological theme mix with a street fair offering local arts, crafts and foods. A highlight is the human-powered shaved ice machine.
6. The Florida-based Xtreme Adventures group will stage their third annual Earth Day Adventure Race, which will send participants biking, trekking and paddling across the central part of the state to spread the message: “reuse, recycle, and repurpose.”
7. If you can’t make it to Costa Rica’s Sloth Sanctuary to participate in Earth Day observances, you can sponsor a sloth with a donation to restore its natural habitat, and plant more of these animal’s favorite almond trees.
8. The Maldives are revered for their natural beauty, and a number of resorts across the island chain stage special Earth Day activities such as tree plantings and reef cleanings. Kurumba Resort will follow their annual lagoon cleaning with a party, while the Constance Resort has created a “Low Carbon Foot Print Menu,” and will observe an hour- long power shutdown.
9. On Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Merida Verde is staging a series of free cultural and musical events for Earth Day, including a slow foods festival and street dances in the historic district of Merida.
10. In the South Pacific, citizens of the small nation of Kiribati will come out in force to restore the mangrove forests that are essential to protecting their coastlines from erosion.
The pinks, oranges and yellows of a South Florida sunset are all the more spectacular when they are reflected in water, and silhouetted against the Miami skyline. The best places to take in these views are from the west side of Miami Beach, where a select number of bars and restaurants front the waters of Biscayne Bay. Here are the top places to chill and watch the light show.
Want to get away from the tourist scene at Ocean Drive, and start the evening in chill fashion? Then the place to be when the sun goes down is The Standard Hotel & Spa, which is tucked unobtrusively into a corner lot on Belle Isle. From a table at the Lido Grill, you can watch the colors play across the waters of the bay and soak up the hipster-calm vibe of this spa-centric resort. The scene changes on Sundays, when the weekly BBQ pool party draws a crowd of in-the-know locals, who come to celebrate with DJs and rosé wine slushies, aka Frosés.
The scene is serene at The Standard Hotel & Spa, set on a small island between downtown Miami and South Beach. The energy escalates during weekend pool parties. Photo: The Standard
At the west end of 11th Street, the sleek and trendy Mondrian South Beach is a favorite with young, upscale professionals and SoBe’s glamour crowd. The epicenter of the sunset scene is the indoor/outdoor bar, with groups and couples spreading out to the expansive waterfront pool deck and gardens, where lounges, hammocks and private cabanas are tucked into the landscape. Monday to Friday happy hour tempts with “bites” by Executive Chef Dustin Atoigue. Nibble on chicken lollipops or tuna tartar with one of their signature cocktails. For elevated views of the sun sinking below the downtown Miami skyline, take your drink to the second story terrace.
An upscale crowd of South Beach locals is joined by in-the-know visitors to enjoy sunset views from the pool deck at the Mondrian South Beach. Photo: Mondrian South Beach
Staying in South Beach, but want to pretend you are in the Florida Keys? Monty’s Sunset pairs the barefoot-and-boat-drinks vibe of the Conch Republic with the glitz of high-dollar yachts parked next door at the Miami Beach Marina. This long-time favorite recently received some renovations to the restaurant and pool areas, but what hasn’t changed is the four-to-eight-o’clock happy hour, which pairs fresh seafood favorites from the kitchen and raw bar with drink specials from the Tiki Bar. There’s usually live music and a great mix of locals, boaters, fishermen and tourists.
The pool deck at Monty’s Sunset is a slice of the Florida Keys set in the heart of Miami Beach, complete with a tiki bar and a marina filled with sport fishermen. Photo: Monty’s
Easter is a great time to shake the last of winter by taking the family to Florida for a few days of sunshine and relaxation. And if rabbits and eggs are still a thing for the youngsters, there are resorts that can add an extra dimension to the stay, while also giving the adults a full-spectrum vacation experience. Here are five properties across the sunshine state that makes the Easter weekend special.
In addition to their regular range of family friendly activities and amenities, this popular beach resort hosts an annual “Eggstravaganza” celebration over the Easter weekend. Children receive treat baskets delivered by the big bunny, and can take part in coloring contests and an egg hunt. There’s a special Sunday brunch and the on-site Serenity by the Sea Spa is offering Easter spa baskets for mom, and golden eggs with a prize or discount inside.
The Hilton Sandestin Beach offers Easter extras for the entire family. Children receive treat baskets, adults can indulge in spa specials and the entire family can enjoy a holiday brunch. Photo: Hilton Sandestin Beach
Centrally located just minutes from the Disney parks, the Bonnet Creek resort is an ideal home base for taking in a number of Easter centric events staged by the theme parks. In addition, the resort is the site of the Give Kids the World Easter Village, which is presided over by Mayor Clayton. A six-foot tall rabbit is available to pose for photos, and share gingerbread bunny cookies as a thank you for those who support this charity.
While area theme parks offer a wide range of Easter activities, families staying at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek can also meet the big bunny at the property’s on-site Easter Village. Photo: Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
Easter themed fun kicks off with the resort sponsored Bunny Hop 5K and a children’s fun run on Saturday. Next comes the annual Easter Parade, where visitors are encouraged to decorate a rental bike and join the locals in a festive pedal. The rest of the day is devoted to the Easter Carnival, with egg relay races, beach fires, magic shows, and an Easter Bunny tuck-in at bedtime. Sunday begins with a non-denominational sunrise service, followed by an Easter egg hunt and a special brunch.
On Easter weekend, the pool deck and grounds of the Omni Amelia Island Plantation will host a variety of special activities, including egg hunts, magic shows and appearances by the Easter Bunny. Photo: Omni Amelia Island Plantation
The two-bedroom suites at this oceanfront property give families plenty of space, and easy access to area Easter events. Jungle Island’s Mega Eggs features 50,000 eggs, 800 pounds of candy, and visits with the Easter Bunny. The Miami Zoo adds egg safaris, a petting zoo and special treats for the animals, while Bunny Palooza returns to the Miami Seaquarium with continuous egg hunting, South Florida’s largest Easter Parade and five acres of rides, slides and bounce houses.
The spacious suites of the Newport Beachside Hotel and Resort provide families with a comfortable base for excursions to a number of Easter- themed events in the Miami area. Photo: Newport Beachside
If the kids have outgrown the Easter Bunny, but are still part of a family Easter break, a good alternative is a Keys getaway for water sports fun. Parrot Key Resort is a five-acre waterfront oasis away from the revelry of Duval Street, but is still close to Key West’s prime attractions. For a unique and memorable Easter tradition, book passage with Fury Catamarans for their Easter Sunday Ultimate Adventure to a private island for PWC, parasailing, kayaking and waterpark fun, plus a special holiday lunch menu.
Family-friendly Parrot Key Resort is ideally located in the heart of Key West, conveniently located to attractions, but away from the crowds and late- night revelry of Duval Street. Photo: Parrot Key Resort
The historic pink hotels that grace beaches in Florida and the Caribbean harken back to the palazzos built by wealthy Italian families in the 19th century. When pink crossed over to the New World it was embraced by builders of the 1920s and beyond.
Bermuda is a destination that is all about pink; there are pink sand beaches, pink mopeds, pink Bermuda shorts and pink buildings. Here, the pink Fairmont Southampton stands out among the green landscape of Southampton Parish.
Once known for its rowdy spring break crowds, Fort Lauderdale Beach has grown up to become one of the most scenic and sophisticated waterfronts in North America. The centerpiece of this three-mile swatch of golden sand is the Promenade, a ribbon of brick walkway that runs between US Highway A1A and the ocean.
For much of its length, the Promenade is shaded by coconut palms, and flanked by an undulating white concrete barrier known as the Wave Wall. Bikers, joggers, rollerbladers and walkers share this path, and benches and public showers accommodate beach goers. If a dip in the emerald waters of the tropical Atlantic isn’t on the schedule, there’s also an eclectic array of cafes, galleries and boutiques that sit just across the road.
Any trip to the Florida Keys is a visit to the islands. At the southern tip of Florida, U.S. Highway 1 takes to the water to become the world’s longest overseas highway, where drivers leapfrog across 31 islands and 40 bridges on a 110-mile journey to Key West. But for every island that can be reached by road, there are many more that can’t. Most are small and unsettled, but a select few hold boutique resorts and secluded private homes that can only be reached by boat. Here are three of our favorites.
Just a quarter mile across the water from the bustle of downtown Key West, the Sunset Key Cottages offer a very different resort experience. This 27- acre private island is home to a vacation village made up of 40 individual cottages, each immaculately finished in classic island styles. A motor launch shuttles guests from the affiliated Westin Key West Resort & Marina to the island’s dock. Ashore, there are no cars, just bikes and golf carts. Shaded pathways connect the community and lead to beaches and resort amenities such as the pool, fitness center, and the waterfront restaurant Latitudes, which is known both for fine food and one of the best sunset views in the Keys.
The view from a four-bedroom cottage at Sunset Key. Here, guests enjoy the perks of private island living, but are just a short boat ride away from all the attractions of Key West. Photo: Sunset Key Cottages
The Sunset Key guest cottages are designed to be self-supporting, with fully equipped kitchens, living and dining areas and modern amenities. Larger cottages also feature private plunge pools. Guests are provided with a range of resort services and amenities, including 24-hour room service and concierge grocery shopping. Books, games and movies are available through the concierge, and children’s fishing poles are provided for use off the dock. Among the island’s unique perks are morning breakfast basket delivery of fresh fruits and pastries, and fresh-squeezed juices placed in cottage refrigerators at evening turndown. A favorite with youngsters is the ice cream cart that makes daily rounds with complimentary frozen treats, while adults are also indulged with evening rum tastings.
The contemporary Key West decor of a Sunset Key Cottage is designed to showcase expansive water views and blur the line between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Photo: Sunset Key Cottages
Coconut palms rustle in the sea breeze. Clear waters lap against a white sand beach. Thatch-roofed bungalows sit surrounded by flowering tropical plants. If you arrived blindfolded, you might think you’d been transported to the South Pacific. These scenic similarities weren’t lost on the film crew that once used the site as a stand-in for the Solomon Islands when filming the movie PT109. Now named as one of the world’s best small resorts, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa has seen its share of CEOs, celebrities and even former presidents. But there’s nothing pretentious or exclusionary about this five-acre oasis of barefoot luxury, where sun, sand and good living set the tone.
The shores of Little Palm Island are ringed in swaths of white sand and shaded by tall coconut palms. Coral reefs and blue waters lie just offshore. Photo: Sammy Todd Dyess/Little Palm Island
Guests arrive aboard the resort’s launch, and follow paths of crushed seashells through a garden environment to their private bungalow suite, where chilled champagne awaits. The West Indies-inspired decor invites relaxation and intimacy, with vaulted ceilings and a custom king bed set under draped netting. There are no phones or televisions to distract, and the emphasis is on features such as private terraces, outdoor bamboo showers and boudoir tubs. As would be expected from a world-class resort, there is an on-site spa and an award-winning restaurant. Guests can also opt for in-room dining and private meals served in beachside settings. The concierge staff can coordinate a wide range of activities such as fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing and birding, but many guests are content with a book and a hammock.
Bungalows at Little Palm Island include separate sitting rooms, many with direct water views. Additional en suite amenities include private decks, outdoor showers and soak tubs. Photo: Little Palm Island
This is the ultimate in private island living. A five-minute boat ride from the town of Marathon brings guests to a ten-acre island occupied by a single island-style home. The interior is finished in rich natural woods, with large windows to bring in water views. Each of the four bedrooms opens to a private deck, and there are additional porches for relaxation and ocean view dining, plus a rooftop widow’s walk that is a favorite spot for taking in sunsets. The owners of Seabird Key are dedicated to sustainable practices. The entire island is off-grid, employing a sophisticated solar energy system for electricity and hot water, rainwater capture and grey water irrigation and both organic and inorganic recycling programs. But going green does not mean giving up creature comforts, as the home offers all the expected amenities of modern living.
Though just minutes from civilization by boat, Seabird Key provides a sequestered natural environment that can become a refuge or a starting point for water sport adventures. Photo: Seabird Key
With coral reefs, back country lagoons and blue water all just a short cruise away, guests at Seabird Key can take advantage of the island’s complimentary flotilla, which includes kayaks, a sailing catamaran and a 19- foot powerboat. There is also room for guests to tie up their own boat. Ashore, pathways throughout the island’s wooded interior lead to sandy beaches and shaded hammocks. The landscape is a haven for nesting pelicans, herons, ibises, cormorants and ospreys. Complementing this natural setting is easy access to services. A dedicated offsite manager is on call, and guests who opt for additional services can enjoy perks such as pre- stocked foods and scheduled visits from private chefs and yoga instructors.
Rich natural woods are showcased in the master bedroom of the home on Seabird Key. This private residence can accommodate eight guests, who have a ten-acre island all to themselves. Photo: Seabird Key
A waterfront table under a thatched roof; a chilled drink and island music carried by a soft sea breeze. This is what many seek when they head to the Florida Keys, and they soon find it in the open-air tiki bars scattered across this drive-to chain of islands. There are many to choose from, but for purists, the best feature direct water views, a unique atmosphere and a colorful cast of patrons. Here are ten that shouldn’t be missed, so designate a driver and follow along as we count down the mileposts on U.S. Highway One on our way to Key West.
Before setting out on the final hundred miles of America’s southernmost highway, pull in for a refresher under the thatched roof of this revitalized Key Largo landmark formerly known as Coconuts. The elevated canal side deck provides a front row seat for the comings and goings of fishing charters and dive boats in the adjacent marina. But there’s more to the story than a new name and new ownership, as the kitchen now turns out meals that are as memorable as the views.
Skipper’s Dockside is perched on the wharf above Key Largo’s busiest marina. When fishermen and divers return from a day on the water, this is often their first stop. Photo: Skipper’s Dockside
This open air bar overlooking Whale Harbor has sated thirsty patrons since the 1950s, and is known as the home of the Rum Runner cocktail. Many locals still refer to the hotel and marina complex where the bar is located as “Holiday Isle,” but new ownership in 2014 resulted in a name change and some major upgrades to the vintage hotel rooms. But the resort’s Tiki Bar was spared gentrification, and continues to serve up its signature cocktails in an unabashed atmosphere of island-style revelry.
The longstanding landmark property now known as the Postcard Inn is still home to Islamorada’s famous Tiki Bar, which has hosted generations of revelers. Photo: Craig Denis/Postcard Inn
Look to the right as you cruise through the fishing village of Islamorada and you’ll know you’ve arrived when the giant mermaid signboard comes into view. If you’ve timed it right, you’ll score a table on the water a bit before sunset. It’s a daily ritual for fishing guides, happy hour locals and in-the- know travelers, who gather for the evening light show set against the backdrop of Florida Bay. Sit back; order some fish dip and a key lime piña colada, and then watch for the fabled green flash as the last rays of the sun sink below the horizon.
Spectacular sunsets, drink specials and live entertainment provide a trifecta of enticements for patrons at Islamorada’s Lorelei Cabana Bar. Photo: Tom Lynch/Lorelei
As you move south through the middle Keys, the town of Marathon provides a trifecta of tiki bars that kicks off with a stop at Mile Marker 54, where the longest open air bar in the keys perches on a sand spit that juts into turquoise waters. It’s a popular stop, and bar stools are often filled by midday. But libations aren’t the only attraction, as the kitchen turns out some excellent seafood fare, and the atmosphere is lively yet still family friendly.
Marathon’s Island Fish Company boasts the longest tiki bar in the Florida Keys, but it is more than just a waterfront watering hole, as it is also known for good food and entertainment. Photo: Island Fish Company
For a taste of Marathon’s local maritime vibe, get off U.S. 1 at 15th Street and make your way to the boatyard at Burdines Waterfront. Set in a working waterfront of lobster traps and dry-docked workboats is a second-story tavern that enjoys big views across the anchorage of Boot Key Harbor. A steady stream of dinghies come and go from moored boats, and crews climb the stairs of the Chiki Tiki to enjoy reasonably priced food and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere that is missed by tourists who remain on the highway.
Tucked into Marathon’s working waterfront, the Chiki Tiki Bar & Grille is a favorite with local boat crews, who come ashore for signature items such as fried key lime pie. Photo: Chiki Tiki Bar
Since opening in 2010, this final stop before the Key’s famous Seven Mile Bridge has quickly become a favorite hangout for the bare feet and bathing suit crowd, thanks to the oceanfront pool and palm shaded sands that flank the thatch-roofed bar. Patrons are welcome to settle in for an afternoon of swimming and sunning in a beach party atmosphere. The sunset is always a big draw, and those who come to dine can choose from a broad array of offerings that includes sushi, fresh fish, every manner of shellfish and even a Caribbean paella entree.
Patrons at Marathon’s Sunset Grille & Raw Bar can watch the sun sink low over the famous Seven Mile Bridge, and can also enjoy a quick dip in the on- site pool. Photo: Sunset Grille
Travelers on the Overseas Highway often breeze right past the Sugarloaf Lodge in their eagerness to reach Key West. Those who do pull in to this old school fishing lodge will discover a thatch-roofed waterfront bar, where happy hour stretches into an all-day affair, and nightly entertainment draws a laid-back local crowd. The drinks are stout and reasonably priced, as are the burgers and pizza. Though most of the business is local folk and lodge guests, the atmosphere is welcoming to all.
Though just a stone’s throw from the Overseas Highway, the Sugarloaf Lodge Tiki Bar is missed by most travelers. Those who do stop discover an inviting local atmosphere. Photo: Sugarloaf Lodge
A GPS or a stop for directions may be needed to find this hidden gem, formerly known as the Geiger Key Smokehouse and Tiki Bar, which is tucked away in a small marina and RV park, well off the main drag. The entrance sign proclaims “on the backside of paradise,” and the quiet setting is certainly reminiscent of an earlier era. The kitchen opens early to accommodate a fishing crowd who come for hearty breakfast favorites such as fish and grits. Many will return after a day on the water to enjoy fresh seafood favorites, tall drinks and live entertainment. The Sunday afternoon barbecue is always a big draw.
Anglers often begin their day with breakfast at the Fish Camp, and tie up at the tiki bar’s dock after a day on the water to celebrate their catch. Photo: Geiger Key Marina
Another out-of-the-way find on the outskirts of Key West delivers an authentic serving of local flavors, both on the menu and with the views. A tasty local species is the signature ingredient in the bar’s most famous offering, the Killer Hogfish Sandwich. Picnic tables set under the palm-thatch roof of a large chickee hut look out over a working waterfront where shrimp boats unload fresh catches. Opt for a table by the water and you can keep the kids amused by tossing scraps and shrimp tails to resident schools of fish that swarm in anticipation of a handout.
Seafood served at Stock Island’s Hogfish Bar and Grill often come fresh from the boat, as this local landmark sits in the heart of the town’s commercial fishing district. Photo: Hogfish Bar
True to its catch phrase, “where the boardwalk ends and the sunset begins,” the waterfront bar at the Galleon Resort delivers unobstructed westward sight lines from a prime overwater location. Purists might suggest that the bar’s tin roof precludes tiki status, as there is no palm thatching in sight. But any such quibbles are soon overshadowed by expansive water views and a tempting collection of signature libations. In recognition of Key West’s party town atmosphere, the Sunset Tiki offers not only an evening happy hour, but also two-for-one specials on Bloody Marys from ten till noon.
The Sunset Tiki Bar perches on the western tip of Key West. As the name promises, the over-water sunsets are spectacular, but patrons also come for morning-after libations. Photo: Sunset Tiki Bar
Resorts all across the sunshine state roll out the bubbly and the rose pedals in anticipation of Valentine’s Day. Couples seeking a romantic getaway have many options, as numerous properties offer special perks and incentives on romantic getaway packages. From this rendezvous roster, we’ve selected a sampling of unique, memorable and even decadent choices that go beyond the expected, and elevate the getaway experience to new heights.
No time for a trip to Tahiti? Book a Love, Island Style package at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in the Florida Keys. This private palm-shrouded island once doubled as a South Pacific movie location, and still looks the part. Receive a dozen long-stemmed roses upon arrival, sip champagne in a soaking tub on the deck of a thatch-roofed bungalow, enjoy a private sailing trip in tropical waters, and cap the day off with a private beachfront dinner. The program is available through the month of February.
The bungalows of Little Palm Island are nestled into a garden landscape, and feature private terraces with soak tubs and outdoor showers. Photo: Sammy Todd Dyes/Little Palm Island
The Amelia Amore package at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation packs in enough togetherness elements to create a rom-com movie montage. Start with a horseback ride on the beach, a couple’s paddleboard session, and a sunset cruise on a luxury yacht. Linger over a private dinner, and then toast your memories at a custom champagne station. This special pairing is offered through Feb. 25.
Amelia Island Plantation sits on 1,350 acres on a barrier island off the Northeast Florida coast, offering oceanfront accommodations, championship golf and a full-service spa. Photo: Omni Amelia Island
In addition to romantic getaway staples— strawberries, champagne, rose petals and robes— the Plantation at Crystal River can offer an additional enticement to a romance package: sparkling water. This liquid isn’t served over ice however, and instead bubbles up from underground reservoirs to fill spring basins that become wintertime havens for manatees. Guests of the Plantation can come face to face with these gentle aquatic giants on a personalized in-water encounter cruise. Romance and encounter packages are ongoing, but manatee encounters are more likely in winter months.
Get rock star treatment in Miami’s fabulous South Beach district with the Lovers Rock package at the Nautilus. You will be picked up by private limo, and find personalized his and hers spa robes and a refresher of Perrier-Jouët champagne waiting in your ocean-view room. Enjoy a couple’s massage on the balcony, take in the sights on a helicopter tour of Miami, and linger at a personal poolside cabana with spa service. End the evening with an in-room dinner with wine pairings, rose petals and candles. This ultimate splurge is offered only during Valentine’s week.
The heated saltwater pool at Nautilus hotel offers luxurious poolside lounge and cabanas, and is just steps away from the sands of South Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Photo: Nautilus
Check in to a water-view suite at the Edgewater Beach Hotel during the Be Mine at the Beach promotion and you and your significant other can toast on Veuve Clicquot while dressing for an intimate dinner at the resort’s signature Coast restaurant. Next morning, a luxury beach bed and umbrella are reserved for your exclusive enjoyment. After two nights and days of romance and indulgence, you can sleep in to enjoy a late checkout. This package is available for stays between February 10-19, 2017.
The pool at the Edgewater Beach Hotel in Naples. This all-suite property is located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, fronting a seven-mile stretch of powder-fine beach. Photo: Edgewater Hotel
There’s no need to compromise with the Valentines Weekend package at Palm Harbor’s Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort. After the champagne and sweets that await in your executive suite, you can decide whether to start with 18 holes at one of the resort’s four golf courses, or indulge in the complimentary couple’s massage. Whatever comes first, the day will end with a special dinner at the property’s acclaimed Packard Steak House. The package can be booked for one or more nights during the week of Valentine’s Day.
Spend a special weekend in the nation’s oldest city at one of Florida’s most iconic hotels. Casa Monica Resort & Spa offers Love, St. Augustine Style, which begins with the requisite romantic essentials such as in-room flowers, chilled champagne and chocolate-dipped fruits, adds in gourmet breakfasts and makes the evenings memorable with a romantic carriage ride through the heart of the town’s historic district. The package is offered well beyond Valentine’s Day, just in case.
Built in 1888, the Casa Monica Resort & Spa is a St. Augustine landmark. Following a complete renovation, it remains the area’s premier luxury resort destination. Photo: Casa Monica Resort & Spa
Fulfill that promise to give your special someone the world at Orlando’s Mystic Dunes. The resort’s Valentine’s Day Deal includes two complimentary tickets to the Disney theme parks, including the Epcot World Showcase, which features the culture and cuisines of 11 different countries. Back at the Dunes, a luxurious one-bedroom condo provides a haven for relaxation in a private hot tub, or becomes a base for recreation on the 600-acre property, which includes a championship golf course and a water park. Enjoy this special during the month of February.
Fireworks have become a staple of New Year’s celebrations around the world. Be it backyard pyrotechnics or lavish municipal shows, the skies are sure to erupt in starbursts and showers of multi-colored sparks on the night of December 31st. These aerial displays are even more dramatic when mirrored in a body of water, as is the case of the Florida Keys. Here are three prime waterfront locations to welcome the New Year with a flash and a bang.
In the heart of Islamorada near mile marker 82, the palm-lined beach at Morada Bay has long been a favorite gathering place to watch the sun sink beneath the calm waters of Florida Bay. On December 31, this same vantage point provides unobstructed views of a large-scale midnight fireworks show staged by Pierre’s Restaurant and the Morada Bay Beach Café. An evening of live music leads up to the main event, and those who wish to atone for a long night of revelry can stay up or wake up early for the annual 5k Run, Walk and Crawl at Founders Park.
Homes and resorts on the western shore of Key Largo face the body of water known as Blackwater Sound. This waterway becomes a reflective palette for the largest New Year’s Eve fireworks extravaganza south of Miami. Sponsored by a consortium of local businesses, the show can be seen from all across central Key Largo, as well as from boats anchored on the sound. Prime waterfront viewing can be enjoyed free of charge at a number of bayside restaurants including Sundowners, Señor Frijoles, Cactus Jack’s, Gus’ Grille at the Marriott Key Largo Beach Resort and the Caribbean Club, all of which are located around mile markers 103 and 104.
Though much of Key West’s energy is focused on the huge street party that envelops Duval Street, there are plenty of aerial displays launched from points all across the island. One of the best ways to take it all in, and to take a break from the downtown crowd scene, is from the over water platform at the Edward B. Knight Pier, which is located at the southern end of White Street at Rest Beach Park. From this vantage point some 900 feet offshore of the beach, the entire island’s skyline comes into view, and as midnight approaches, a wide swath of sky lights up in dazzling colors as rockets and mortars are lanced from homes and businesses from the southernmost point to Stock Island and beyond. As an added bonus, viewers who parked in the free lot nearby can avoid the congestion of downtown when the show is over.
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