Florida’s Sweet Spot

By Hillary Latos

Though Ft Lauderdale has long been associated with Spring Breakers, there is much more to this sunny destination extending beyond the beach and sun. As a favorite destination for Northeast snowbirds looking to ditch arctic subzero weather for summer weather, there's no better excuse to head South this spring to the oceanfront Ft Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort where you can simply get away from it all.

Spend the day lazing by the pool in the landscaped garden, soaking up the sun along the idyllic private beachfront, or enjoying an adrenaline pumped water activity offered by Aloha Watersports. Or relax and rejuvenate in their 22,000 square foot state of the art spa with a private lap pool. The oversized rooms offer the utmost in comfort and luxury for your vacation with a contemporary South Floridian décor and private balconies to enjoy the balmy sea breeze. Choose from rooms with a floor to ceiling ocean view or dazzling intercoastal view facing the vibrant lights of downtown Ft. Lauderdale.

By day, refuel with light South Floridian fare at the Sea Level Restaurant and Ocean Bar, a casual outdoor bistro overlooking the glorious ocean and beach. Taking advantage of the fresh local ingredients the menu features seafood dishes and farm to table produce. Healthy and delectable specialties include a super food salad, fish tacos, blackened grouper Reuben, crab cake sandwich or a mixed seafood salad.

For formal dining try the romantic 3030 Ocean which serves stylish yet modern American cuisine with a locally sourced seafood centric menu and specialty steaks. At the helm of the critically acclaimed kitchen is Executive Chef Paula DaSilva whose passion and creativity allowed her to survive on Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen. Her signature dishes include smoked duck breast with blue cheese and curried pecans, seared scallops with a lemon thyme sauce, crispy pork belly tacos with kimchee, Brussels sprouts Caesar, or little neck clams in a Blue Moon beer broth, roasted corvina or butter roasted lobster.

As Ft Lauderdale is known as "The Venice of America," enjoy a sunset cruise along the scenic canals and waterways with Gondolas West. Captain Chris McCoy will take you on a tour of the breathtaking mansions of the rich and famous along the waterfront as you admire their manicured and expansive abodes to see Ft. Lauderdale in a way that can't be navigated by auto.

Explore the trendy Las Olas district lined with art galleries, trendy boutiques, late night bars and restaurants. Dine at the hip Sweet Nectar that offers hand crafted cocktails, microbrews and creative small plates that combine the flavors of a charcoal grill with Japanese cooking techniques. Tasty libations include lamb lollipops, Korean style dinosaur beef short ribs, teradactyl wings, and smoked BBQ pork wings.

In just 2 and half hours paradise awaits in Ft Lauderdale as a welcome respite from New York's polar vortex.

For more information:
marriott.com/hotels/travel/fllsb-fort-lauderdale-marriott-harbor-beach-resort-and-spa/