In the summertime, there’s no doubt that travel is on the mind, but not everyone will go backpacking across Europe or on a trek through all 50 States. So instead, opt for a Staycation at one of these breathtaking resorts! Prep your GPS, have your camera handy, and get ready to embark on a getaway towards relaxation!
ENCORE RESORT AT REUNION
I spent two days at this incredible master-planned resort, and not only did I give it an applause, but I also found myself asking for an “Encore!”
Dan Marino, NFL Hall of Famer and former Miami Dolphins Quarterback, recently signed on to become Encore Resort’s Official Brand Ambassador, and it’s no secret as to why. It’s a luxury vacation home rental community that is supremely located in a quiet area, away from the infamously touristy International Drive. The best part? It still manages to be only seven miles away from Disney World, Seaworld, and Universal Studios, and provides countless activities. The community is already significantly widespread, at about 500 homes over 963 acres, and they’re currently aiming to raise the number of homes to 800.
On my first day at Encore, I quickly learned that nearly every house on property is unique. Details vary by distinctive paint color choices, furniture and décor options, the size of the kitchen and the pool…each home has a design that is special. The bedroom count can range from four to thirteen, but all homes come with a two car garage, complimentary Wi-Fi, a private pool, keyless door entry, child safety alarms, washers/dryers, and a fully equipped kitchen area. Each and every bathroom comes with three sets of towels, and specialty Spa Therapy Gilchrist & Soames bathroom products. I entered my home-away-from-home to discover an expansive six bedrooms by six bathrooms, with a charming backyard, pool, Jacuzzi, and oversized living/ dining area. The flat screen TVs (some Netflix-enabled) in every room was also a satisfying plus.
After unpacking my bags, I decided to check out the clubhouse, which was a short trip away from my new home. I received a quick tour from a “Guest Ambassador,” Stanley, who matched the kind attitude of every staff member at Encore— they make you feel right at home! I saw familiar faces at the Concierge desk each day, where they were always quick with the information I needed. The Concierge desk is a helpful feature; tickets to the Disney World and Universal Studios theme parks can be purchased here, sometimes for discounted rates depending on the time of year. Additionally, you can ask for the shuttle times, so you can take an available shuttle to and from Disney, Seaworld or Universal Studios. You can also ask about their additional services like grocery delivery, in-home spa treatments, on-site babysitting and more.
Stanley led me around the resort’s outstanding clubhouse, starting with the Hang Ten Hideaway first. Just from a quick peek inside this kids’ entertainment center I could see drawing boards, toys, the latest video game systems, and TVs—plenty to keep the kids satisfied. There is also an arcade by the pool area with various old school and new games, and outdoor facilities for the active sports type, with tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, as well as a soccer field. Next up were the restaurants; there are three on the property: Finn’s Restaurant, Shark Lounge, and The Bis Grill. Finn’s is the best on site, serving anything from stuffed avocado to Salmon BLT sandwiches to appetizing flatbreads. I learned that Finn’s had just started to offer breakfast as an option, and I was eager to try it out, which I did the very next day.
The tour continued on as I was led to the The Aqua Park. There is no other resort in Orlando that I can think of that has four water slides (including a tall, adrenaline-rushing drop slide), a spacious pool with a poolside DJ, and a “Surfin’ Safari” children’s waterpark area. It was here where my tour ended, as I was ready to dive in! My family and I acquired a pool cabana and it was definitely a highlight; the fan helped with the heat, and the mini fridge came stocked with bottles of Voss water, sunscreen, and small wet towels to keep cool. We also were assigned a waiter who constantly came by to make sure we had everything we needed. We ordered drinks, and soon we were sipping on frozen Mango Colada Twists and ice-cold Blue Agave Margaritas. Talk about paradise!
On my second day, it was all about food. We excitedly hurried to Finn’s to order breakfast, and it was everything we had hoped for. My boyfriend’s steak and eggs were cooked to perfection, and my crispy breakfast potatoes were so addicting that I had to ask for more. After the delectable meal, we spent some more time by the pool (it never gets old), and before we knew it, it was 5 p.m. Time for dinner!
Encore is also one-of-a-kind in the fact that it offers a “Private Chef Experience.” Right on time, Chef Brian and Server Daniel arrived at my home, and set up in the kitchen. Not only were they professional and clearly skilled at their jobs, but they were both such a joy to converse with! They cracked jokes as they cut up peppers, sprinkled seasoning throughout, and fried the chicken, steak, and fish. In impeccable timing, dinner was served! Chips, salsa, and the most delicious guacamole I’ve ever had graced my taste buds. Next was a display on the dining table of all of the ingredients needed to make to-die-for fajitas. I made myself three hearty fish fajitas (They accommodated my Pescatarian ways with no issue), complemented by cilantro rice and black beans. When we were done, I was surprised when Salted Caramel Cheesecake made its way to my table. I was so full that I had forgotten there was dessert! The cherries on top of it all were the two bottles of Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon that we were gifted at the end, which we enjoyed right away! When you first check in, do not hesitate to book this as it is truly something that you have to experience at least once—but I guarantee you’ll end up making it a tradition.
On our last day, we savored breakfast at Finn’s once more before checking out at 10 a.m. As we began the drive back down to SoFlo, we shared our favorite memories, and expressed how great of a time it was. Surely I will be back again, before the year is up!
encorereunion.com
LAGO MAR BEACH RESORT & CLUB
This beachfront oasis is unmatched in all areas, whether it’s dining, spa treatments, or renowned shopping.
For more than 50 years, Lago Mar has prospered on Fort Lauderdale’s beaches. It boasts 204 rooms, numerous restaurants, a full-service spa, and 500 feet of alluring sandy beach, making it one of the largest private beaches in Broward County. An extra incentive to spend your staycation here? They’re offering 15% off the Best Available Rates for Florida Residents from June 3rd -September 27th (valid Sun-Thurs only)!
When staying here, expect the best, and nothing less. Not only do they make your stay convenient with complimentary Wi-Fi and free valet parking, but they also don’t add on any surprise resort fees—finally! The beauteous property has two clear sparkling pools. One is an Olympic pool, and the other is a 9,000 sq. ft. lagoon style pool that snakes around the property, lined with tropical plants and tall palm trees. Additional amenities include live entertainment, beach volleyball, four tennis courts, a putting course, shuffleboard, an oversized chess board, and a children’s playground!
Forgot your swimsuit at home? The resort’s shop has got you covered with their selection of resort wear, jewelry, accessories, Lago Mar apparel, home accents, and gifts! It was voted “The Best Boutique in Fort Lauderdale,” and with good reason. The different styles and designer brand options like Ralph Lauren, DKNY, and LaBlanca allow you to shop ‘till you drop all while never leaving the remarkable resort.
When you’re done spending a day full of shopping and swimming, retreat to The Spa for some soothing downtime. It combines contemporary European elegance and commitment to age-old spa traditions to cover everything from massage and reflexology treatments, to facials, manicures and pedicures. It even has a special spa package for men—pampering isn’t only for the ladies, guys!
When the sun has set, cruise over to satisfying dinner selections. Elegance is Lago Mar’s forte, and you will quickly realize this as you contemplate where to eat for the evening! Acquario is the main restaurant with American bistro prepared by Executive Chef Phillip Damien Kahn. There are four other eateries: Ocean Grill, The Soda Shop (cutesy gift shop, bakery, coffee bar, wine/cheese shop and deli), Promenade Bar, and Palm Garden Dining Room and Seagrape Terrace. After your scrumptious meal, delight in a cozy nightcap at The Wine Cellar Lounge, where mellow tones will welcome you to wine down!
Lago Mar outdoes itself in more ways than one. It’s a slice of bliss right in Fort Lauderdale, waiting to make your weekend a heavenly one…Don’t hesitate to book it this summer!
lagomar.com
THE MOORINGS VILLAGE
Walk across powder white sand, take a beachside nap in a hammock, and feel the ocean breeze on your very own deck at this tranquil utopia.
The Moorings Village accentuates the laidback lifestyle of the Florida Keys while simultaneously providing loads of fun activities to keep you busy. This 18-acre wonderland in Islamorada is home to over 800 coconut palms and 18 elegant private villas. They have one, two, and three bedroom options, with some placed near the beach, and others located in the garden, surrounded by lush tropical fauna. All of the roomy homes are fully furnished with differing décor that were actually collected during owner Hubert Baudoin’s travels. In some villas, black and white fishing photos cover the walls, while others have books, warm wood floors, and dark bamboo accents. The one bedroom villas are ideal for couples wishing to have a secluded, romantic escape. The Honeymoon Villa spans 950 sq. ft., and has a special design and exclusive inclusions for you and your sweetheart! The wrap around deck allows for serene sea views, and the door-to- ceiling French doors provide an intimate glimpse of natural light.
The Moorings was built in 1936, and since then, it has been renovated, expanded, and bettered over time. When you step into the peaceful village for the first time you’ll understand why so many people flock to this spot for their staycation. 1,100 ft. of natural white sand beach will serve as your bed during the daytime, as you lie in the sand and listen to the waves crashing onto the shore. Then, you can chill poolside, with The Moorings’ 82 ft. lap pool; hammocks are scattered all throughout, making a quiet nap accessible anywhere. Other features include a state of the art fitness center, a tennis court, dockage to accommodate boats, spa services and yoga classes, stand up paddleboards, kayaks and bicycles on-site, concierge service, and complimentary housekeeping.
The site also has two shops: Mayu Beach Boutique and Mayu on the Bay for those who wish to dress according to the islander lifestyle. Both stores carry resort wear, swimwear, sandals, jewelry, beach bags, books, and much more; providing everything you need for a weekend on the beach. Popular brands include Roberta Freymann Roller Rabbit, Letart, Eberjey, Calypso, and Linnea’s Lights.
When it comes to hard-to-resist eats, the “Oceanfront Chef’s Table Package” will be the supreme choice. With this convenient option, you can book a private chef to cook all of your dishes! If you wish to sit down and eat at a restaurant, further choices are only a street away. Beachside restaurants Pierre’s at Morada Bay and The Beach Café allow for sunset views to accompany your meals.
A drive down to the Keys will be worth it when you are welcomed into The Moorings Village. Let the ocean waves embrace you, and calm engulf you as you dream all of your stresses away!
themooringsvillage.com
By Aaliyah Pasols