June 28: 1 Day Vacay

My afternoon on Sunday at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale seemed like that. A 1 day vacation. It was so memorable, in fact, that I need both blogs this week to do it any justice at all. And to help you experience it through me as much as possible. You see, I'd arranged for one of the Ritz-Carlton's new Oceanfront VIP Cabana packages. Fort Lauderdale's only Five Diamond hotel has created a chance for both its guests and the general public to sit by our beautiful, clear beach in decadent luxury. By the time we left, Gwendolyn and I were so relaxed that just making our way to the car was an effort. But let me back up to the beginning of this story. It starts with our drive along a very busy beachfront crowded with swimmers and sunbathers, parasailers and kite flyers. 

When we pulled in to valet park at the Ritz-Carlton, though, things felt different immediately. I had that pleasant sense of arriving in a luxurious oasis - and, honestly, every Ritz in my experience really is that. A tasteful, tranquil oasis. I've stayed in this hotel chain's properties from Florida to South America to Asia and each one was top notch.

Once inside Fort Lauderdale's Ritz-Carlton on Sunday, we met our delightful hostess, Glenda, who walked us through the pool deck to a private VIP area tucked below. Ten cabanas are set up on a curved, secluded patio that overlooks the sea - an oasis within an oasis. Our cabana was ready for us, with rose petals strewn across a circular lounger and a dozen roses in two vases. Along with anything else we could need, including a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne chilling in a silver ice bucket. Yep, we were impressed. Our attentive Cabana Captain, Jason, introduced himself as Gwendolyn and I settled in for a comfortable day. We had arrived shortly after noon on a typically hot, sunny South Florida summer weekend. Glenda poured us glasses of water from a pitcher filled with ice, cherries and oranges. The water was pink and refreshing. At some point around this time, Gwendolyn and I looked at each other and laughed. "This is amazing," I said. Before our day ended, we would mention another word that I used earlier in this blog, "decadent." That word would come after we ate from an iced platter of clams, mussels, shrimp and King crab. And from another plate of artful chocolates. And after we finished off that entire bottle of fine champagne. Like I said, I need two blogs to do this experience any kind of justice. I'll give you the rest of our "decadent" details on Wednesday. See ya then!