Sometimes, the best weekend getaways are right in your own backyard—especially when you live in South Florida. Lifestyle has selected a variety of such getaways, resorts with so many inspired amenities that you might never want to go home.
Costa Hollywood Beach Resort
Why go: The newest oceanfront hotel on Hollywood Beach, the Costa boasts a colorful, minimalist style, with 307 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites bathed in earthy tones and natural woods. Floor-to-ceiling windows make sure you never miss a sunrise or sunset. Catch more of the ocean beauty from the 25,000-square-foot rooftop pool deck with sweeping Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway views (pictured above). Unlike many beach hotels, there are no resort fees. The hotel is about to introduce Argentine cuisine inside Piegari, the first U.S. location for the Buenos Aires-based restaurant.
Summer specials: To celebrate its opening, Costa is offering two special packages: “Coasting Through Summer” and “Vacation Like a VIP.” The Coasting package (through Sept. 30) includes a water taxi trip for two along the Intracoastal Waterway, from Hollywood through Fort Lauderdale and back; a $50 resort food and beverage credit; complimentary valet and two welcome cocktails upon arrival. Valid for Sunday through Thursday night stays through Sept. 30, the VIP package includes a room upgrade, complimentary valet parking, a $100 resort outlet credit, a $25 American Express gift card and a summer savings 2-for-1 card.
Contact: 777 N. Ocean Drive, Hollywood, 954.613.3700, costahollywoodresort.com
Boca Raton Resort & Club
Why go: Even if Boca is your home base, or if you go there only to shop at Town Center mall, maybe it’s time to discover (or rediscover) Addison Mizner’s 1920s pink stucco wonderland. The 356-acre resort never fails to inspire with its lush gardens and tropical flora, sophisticated ambience, world-class dining and five-star service. Exquisite dining options abound: Morimoto Sushi Bar, with a menu curated by the “Iron Chef” himself; Lucca, with its renowned Tuscan cuisine; the new American vibe at The Blue; and 501 East, with its craft brews and views of the resort golf course. Guests also have access to Boca Beach Club—with its private half-mile stretch of beach, chic pool areas and five-star amenities. It’s just a short ride to the Beach Club aboard Mizner’s Dream shuttle boat.
Summer specials: Receive up to $500 in resort credit as part of this summer’s “Discover Boca” package; earn a $100 resort credit for each night stayed (up to five nights) through Sept. 30. Complimentary children’s dining is offered at select restaurants. Also, Florida residents enjoy 10-percent off best rates for arrivals through Sept. 30.
Contact: 501 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton, 561.447.3000, bocaresort.com
Circ Hotel
Hollywood
Why go: It’s been almost 50 years since a new hotel was built in downtown Hollywood, and that was a Ramada Inn, which remains on Harrison Street. Circ Hotel, which opened in February, has positioned itself as a boutique, luxury hotel in the heart of Hollywood. There is something to be said about its location, across the street from ArtsPark at Young Circle, a 10-acre park with an amphitheater that frequently hosts free outdoor concerts. The hotel invites patrons to immerse in Hollywood’s burgeoning arts scene, especially the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project, which began in August 2012, where colorful murals on the sides of two dozen buildings are the subject of a walking tour. The art continues inside Circ’s lobby and meeting spaces, where a half-dozen works by local artists, selected from a competition hosted by the hotel, decorate the lobby and meeting spaces. Despite the downtown attractions, Circ makes it difficult to leave the resort: There are plush robes in each room, skyline views from its rooftop pool bar, and a private dining room, The Cellar, which features a wall of more than 800 bottles of wine.
Summer specials: The “Summer @ Circ” package, starting at $189 a night, is available for stays through Sept. 1. The special includes a $25 Publix gift card to create your own picnic in ArtsPark, plus complimentary valet parking.
Contact: 1780 Polk St., Hollywood, 954.500.1780, circhotel.com
Acqualina Resort & spa
Sunny Isles Beach
Why go: This luxury oceanfront resort gives visitors ample reason to kick back and enjoy a vibe that recalls a Mediterranean villa by the sea. The spacious 98 rooms range from 750 square feet to 2,300-square-foot, three-bedroom suites. In the go-big-or-go-home category, the 46th-floor penthouse (pictured below), a 7,725-square-foot masterpiece, can host 12 guests and comes with a personal butler. Acqualina is one of those hotels where you feel as if every activity has been tailored for you. The resort capitalizes on that idea with its new Acqua Experiences. The delectable Culinary Journey treats patrons like VIPs at some of Miami’s Michelin-starred restaurants; or permits exploration of the Cuban food scene in places like Little Havana, all accompanied by a culinary expert. Another experience involves creating your own original painting by the sea—with help from a Miami-based artist. Or, learn how to scuba dive; beginners start their underwater lesson in Acqualina’s pool, before heading off on a boat and diving into open waters. Other experiences include etiquette lessons for the kids, and, for the ladies, developing the “look,” aka Miami Beach style, with a fashion expert.
Summer specials: The “Ultimate Staycation” invites Florida residents to reserve a special weekday rate, which includes daily buffet breakfast for two, complimentary valet parking, complimentary access to the AcquaMarine Children’s Program for kids 5-12, and a welcome amenity upon arrival.
Contact: 17875 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach, 305.918.8000, acqualinaresort.com
Trump National Doral Miami
Why go: Here’s where to go for a dream golf getaway weekend. After a welcoming arrival through the resort’s grand gates, visitors are whisked away to one of eight villas, each paying tribute to a great golf legend. The ultra-luxurious Jack Nicklaus villa is the largest on the property with 172 rooms and suites. The main attractions, though, are its four uniquely designed courses, none more intimidating than the legendary Blue Monster. Bragging rights go to whoever can beat the Blue’s 476-yard 18th hole, one of the most daunting finishing holes in golf and ranked by Golf magazine as one of the Top 100 holes in the world.
Summer specials: With the “Master the Art of Relaxation” package, Floridians receive 20-percent off the best unrestricted rate. Travel must be for three or more consecutive nights and contain a Sunday stay. Good through Sept. 3.
Contact: 4400 NW 87th Ave., Miami, 305.592.2000, trumphotels.com/miami
