For decades, Greater Fort Lauderdale was the place for college students across the country to spend their spring break, from beach bars and pool parties to downtown Fort Lauderdale’s restaurant scene. While this is certainly true, as of late, the spring months have also brought a more grown-up crowd to the area.
Springtime is still a prime time to visit, but the style of vacation has changed from party central to luxe escape—think less sugary drinks and more classy, Zen cabanas.
Before you assume an overcrowded beach is what’s in store for your trip to South Florida, take a look at the elevated vacation experience of present-day Greater Fort Lauderdale.
High-End Resorts Bring the Luxe Life
Swaying palms. Rooftop decks. Fine dining. These are what you can expect at several accommodations in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Each hotel sets the tone for a seamlessly elegant spring vacation.
The W Fort Lauderdale is a stylish luxury hotel in the center of A1A with an upscale lounge and breathtaking swimming pool that guests can walk beneath. Be sure to explore the eclectic array of restaurants and bars at the hotel, curated by famed restaurateur Stephen Starr. Go for sizzlin’ tacos at El Vez, innovative cocktails at James Beard Award winner Stephen Starr’s Steak 954 or poke bowls at the Sushi Bar. Pets are also welcome to join in the fun and are provided a doggie bed, BarkBox, and a pet menu by Starr.
Guests won’t want to miss the sweeping panoramic view from the sixth-floor sky deck at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, also the perfect spot to snag a lounge and soak up the sun. This all-suite hotel has been hailed as the “new beacon of luxury” on Fort Lauderdale’s exclusive North Beach, and it definitely shines a light. Choose a luxury or premium suite and enjoy the expansive living room area, an Italian marble bathroom with a deep-soaking tub and exclusive balcony. For dinner, dress to the nines for a reservation at the new Vitolo, an Italian restaurant with three unique dining experiences: the cucina, lounge, or outdoor trattoria.
Take advantage of the perfect springtime weather at Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale. The resort’s lazy river is a hit for all guests—it’s the only one in Greater Fort Lauderdale—so grab a tube and float down the winding path while taking in the sea breeze. The views from the rooms are so pristine, the hotel’s 10-floor penthouse has hosted the official watch party for the Fort Lauderdale Air Show for years.
Impeccable views can also be found from the outdoor pool at AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach. At this modernist beach hotel, visitors can sunbathe by day and return in the evening for a nightcap at the alfresco bar. The hotel is also known for its sleek European design, found from the lounge to each guest room.
Situated on 10 lush acres on the oceanfront in Fort Lauderdale, Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club offers luxurious rooms and suites, manicured gardens and two tropical pools. This secluded property is located on the area’s largest private beach with a full-service European spa and modern American bistro, Aquario. An attractive setting with colorful flowers and bubbling fountains, views of Lake Mayan and a light-filled, airy ambiance.
Live the yacht life at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale, where guests can charter a four-hour ride through the Intracoastal or enjoy water sports from the luxe hotel’s private beach area. There’s also daybeds for rent for those who want to lounge by the swimming pool, and a concierge is on hand for private tours of the Museum of Discovery and Science and other unique experiences in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Lavish Spas Leave You Feeling Like Royalty
Even the spring breakers of the present-day deserve some rest and relaxation, and nothing helps with recharging than a day at the spa.
Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach offers you a Zen state-of-mind with its intimate Spa Treatment Suite. You can soak in the coastal ambiance of your room as you get a customized spa experience. Take a side of pure serenity with Swedish and deep tissue massages, hot stone therapy, reflexology, Thai on the Table, aromatherapy, or hydrotherapy tea bath soaks. Your tension will melt away with every rose petal, essential oil and minute.
Spa guests will really be in their “element” at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood. The Diplomat Spa’s treatments embody the eight elements of fire, water, earth, air, nature, ice, light, and darkness. You can wander through the waterfront sanctuary, a Eucalyptus steam room, a nail salon, a fitness training studio and an O2 oxygen chair. Enjoy the signature services and breathe in the ocean air. It’s safe to say that the Diplomat Spa is a full-on retreat from reality.
EVARA Beach Spa at the Auberge Beach Residences marries the earth, ocean, and breeze with sea salt, sand, and sound in its array of spa and beauty treatments. This includes massages, facials, body scrubs, treatments for couples, and hair and nail services. To truly indulge, take advantage of EVARA’s all-encompassing experience with three hours of a garden cabana, beach lounge chair and umbrella, a massage, access to spa amenities, and a free spa wellness lunch with a bottle of bubbly.
The amenities at the Heavenly Spa by Westin are, well, heavenly. There’s a Swiss rain shower, jacuzzi, heated treatment beds, and even a seaside yoga class. They have an extensive menu of revitalizing treatments that immerse your mind and body in an atmosphere of complete tranquility. Water therapy is one of their specialties: your journey to relaxation starts with a private bath and continues with a hydrating coconut eye mask, chilled towels, and spa elixir to stay hydrated. The Sea Salt Soak detoxifies and replenishes minerals, leaving you with a sparkling afterglow.
Hospitality is Blooming
Spring is a popular season to visit Greater Fort Lauderdale, thanks to the pastel sunsets, vibrant flowers, and gorgeous weather that make for a delightful time of year. Trade in the days of sloppy college raves for the season of posh pleasures. With all the luxe hotels and spas to choose from, they’ll have visitors rethinking what it means to spend spring break in Fort Lauderdale.