Enchanted in Mexico
The finest spot in my thatched-roof bungalow was a white crochet hammock on the wooden porch. Only 10 feet from the sparkling Caribbean Sea, I was within constant earshot of crashing waves. Every free moment was spent swaying in the hammock, where I read my book or nodded off, stirring only to reach for a
The Diplomat
As impressive as The Diplomat Beach Resort’s $100 million transformation seems on paper, it’s nothing compared to the sights and experiences awaiting travelers at a property that encompasses more than 1.6 million square feet. Everything about the renovation—including reimagined guest rooms, world-class restaurant additions and a sprawling, visually striking lobby area—speaks to a level of
Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach
A cut above: Since opening in October, the Conrad quickly has distinguished itself as a sophisticated addition to the resort scene along State Road A1A, perfect for travelers looking for more of a boutique hotel experience. A sixth-floor Sky Deck covering more than 10,000 square feet seems destined to become one of the more popular
Seminole Hard Rock
As difficult as it might be for high rollers and penny-slot enthusiasts to steer clear of the gaming offered at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, there’s far more to the Hollywood-based complex than electronic craps, Diamond Lotto and Texas Hold ’em. Yes, the AAA Four Diamond-rated resort (1 Seminole Way, 866.502.7529, seminolehardrockhollywood.com) features table
New Place to Be
CityPlace Doral brings a central entertainment district to Miami-Dade A large, neon-lit fountain sparkles near the center of CityPlace Doral, delighting crowds with its programmed water shows. Everything about CityPlace Doral, from its sleek and modern design to its assortment of retail, dining and entertainment spaces, is striking. The highly anticipated mixed-use complex, created by
Hollywood Beach
When Joseph Wesley Young founded Hollywood, Florida, nearly a century ago, he envisioned a coastal city that could rival California’s glamorous counterpart. That vision included the Theater Under the Stars, a three-sided wooden bandshell that was destroyed during the 1926 hurricane (and years later rebuilt). Construction during that era also included the Hollywood Beach Hotel
Bigger is Better
For three straight summers during my grade school years, our family traveled from Dayton, Ohio, to the same hotel on St. Pete Beach, a quaint oceanfront property called the Normandy Inn. Though I had relatively little to complain about growing up in the Midwest—outside of winter waits for the school bus and being recruited to
Magic, Madness or Marvel?
Historic Coral Castle just might be a little bit of each The Coral Castle is the kind of place locals can pass dozens of times and never stop to visit. It always seems a little too kitschy, too old-fashioned, as if maybe it’s just another quirky sideshow on the long list of Florida’s infamous tourist
Tee It Up
Tom Watson doesn’t have the golfing résumé of Jack Nicklaus (eight professional major victories to the Golden Bear’s 18) or a devoted army like the one that followed Arnold Palmer throughout his career, but as I’m standing over a tap-in birdie putt on an overcast afternoon at Reunion Resort in Kissimmee, my judgment is final.
Walk in the Park
Back in the 1940s, Gulfstream Park drew winter tourists to Hallandale Beach for the South Florida weather and what Miami florist and landscaping millionaire James Donn Sr., called “the most beautiful race course under the tropic sun.” Today, locals and tourists alike flock to the famed thoroughbred racing destination to do more than just place
Wynwood
WYNWOOD Once a neglected neighborhood overrun by dowdy warehouses, the Wynwood Art District is now a mecca for Miami’s cultural movement. Known for its graffiti-clad streetscape and multicolored murals, the neighborhood stretches from 36st Street to 20th Street, and Interstate 95 to NE First Avenue, making it one of the largest open-air street art installations
Continental Christmas
What you need to know about European holiday markets Sparkling ornaments. Christmas carols. Gingerbread. Spiced hot wine. If you love the sights, sounds and fragrances of Christmas, add a European Christmas market trip to your bucket list. Markets vary by theme, size and style, ranging from the spectacular to the historic. Larger cities often have
