Hi everyone!! Happy New Year! I hope your 2024 is off to an amazing start!!
I kicked off the New Year with a trip to Fort Lauderdale for my 5-year wedding anniversary. It was my first trip without the kids, so I wanted to make sure my husband and I were making the most of it, yet, still have time to relax.
My FAVORITE YouTuber, Sam Ozkural (@samozkural), actually personally recommended these places when I DMed her. Have to give her a shout out – amazinnnnng recs!!! Check out her IG/YouTube. She’s the best. Everything we did was a 10/10, so I think this will be super helpful if you’re planning a little trip to the area, or at least give you some inspo! Just to be transparent, none of this is sponsored.
We stayed at the W Fort Lauderdale and it was incredible. This wasn’t our first W hotel stay, so we knew what to expect – a wonderful stay. We stayed in an upgraded ocean view room with a terrace looking over the beach and pool and it was so luxurious and beautiful. Waking up to the waves crashing truly gave me a sense of tranquility and relaxation. It looked like most rooms had incredible views, so I don’t think you can go wrong. The hotel is so trendy and modern. Marriott Bonvoy and the W really think of all of the extras with their designing. It feels like it’s “the place to be”, but I feel this way about all W hotel stays to be honest. There were two pools on the premises and we were able to check out both. They were both very nice, with bars, great views, and lounge areas. The hotel also has a private beach across the street, along with chaise lounges, umbrellas, towels and beachside wait service. The weather was about 75 degrees, but really windy, so we hung out at both the beach/pool, but we were in clothes, not bathing suits – both were extremely relaxing experiences, despite the 15mph winds.
The staff at the W are so beyond accommodating – anything you need, they will make happen. The hotel has one steakhouse and one Mexican style restaurant on site. There is also least one bar/lounge, a grab and go stand (for wraps, coffees, yogurts, drinks, etc.), a great gym, and a spa. To say the least, they have plenty of amenities and everything is top notch. I am going to talk about the restaurant and grab and go stand shortly, but the spa was incredible. The aroma as soon as you walk in is so fresh and calming. The massage itself was so amazing. Before my massage, I sat in a comfortable lounge chair, and had some tasty cucumber water and an RX bar while I waited.
Our first morning we did beach yoga, which was included in the resort fee. We were expecting a nice gentle flow, but instead we had an intense workout haha. 4 days later and we are still sore. The instructor was great though and it was so beautiful being on the sand just after sunrise with the waves crashing.
The hotel is right on Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd and is really walkable. There are so many shops and restaurants to window shop, or you can enjoy a nice beach walk on the other side of the road. I actually really love this about Florida – the two places I have visited (Jupiter & Fort Lauderdale), have walking paths along the beach.
We got a hotel credit and used that towards room service. I got an acai Greek yogurt bowl with homemade granola, honey and fresh fruit, a croissant on the side, and an iced coffee. My husband got smoked salmon eggs benedict. Everything was soooo good. Like way better than your normal room service.
For restaurants, we went to a few, and I can HIGHLY recommend each of them. El Vez is attached to the W, but you don’t need to be a guest to go. I had some of the best chicken tacos OF MY LIFE here. I’m not being dramatic. My husband tried too and agreed. So good! We also got some mango-jalapeno guac to share and that was really good as well. The dessert we got was one of the most unique desserts we have ever had. It was called the El Vez Sundae and it was spicy and sweet – the description says “Mexican vanilla bean ice cream, chili chocolate brownie pieces, cajeta, and crunchy peanuts”. We literally almost went back the next night just for this dessert again.
The other restaurant we went to for dinner was Dune by Laurent Tourondel. It was so posh and it was incredible for people watching. The wait staff offered amazing recommendations and everything was delicious. They start you off with a freshly baked baguette with a butter, garlic, and parsley spread. Our appetizer, a parmesan truffle soufflé, was unlike anything we have ever had before. It was so so so good and my mouth still waters thinking about it. For dinner, I got chicken diablo and my husband got rigatoni lamb Bolognese and both were “exquisite” as my husband says lol. We finished up with a comforting cappuccino and slice of their key lime cheesecake. Also worth mentioning, the restaurant is right on the beach. We didn’t notice because there was a torrential downpour occurring lol. Apparently the happy hour there is amazing. The restaurant is also attached to a hotel that looks really nice.
Lunch we kept light both days, we got a wrap from the grab and go at our hotel (delicious) and we also stopped by Coconuts. Coconuts is right on the intercoastal and is straight relaxed beachy vibes. Service was quick and attentive and the food was incredible. Get the coconut shrimp, trust me.
The final food recommendation I can give is for PuraVida Miami. This shop is only in south Florida (but fingers crossed they expand to Long Island) and is all about health & taste. My husband and I only got smoothies, but we swore we would be coming back to try their food. Everything looked so delicious and fresh. The aesthetic of the shop was incredible too. Whoever designed it, paid attention to every single detail. Also, get the Coco Azul smoothie and thank me later.
For things to do in FL, keep reading!
My husband and I don’t drink, so I can’t recommend bars, but there is plenty of other things to do. While we were there, there was an oceanside farmers market. It was so cute and beachy. The farmers markets by me are essentially glorified flea markets, often lacking fresh fruits and veggies, bread, etc. This one had all of it – in fact, it had more fresh fruits and veggies than any other farmers market I have been to. There was a cute coffee stand, fresh coconut water (literally out of a coconut), and beautiful handmade jewelry.. along with so much more.
Las Olas Boulevard was another fun thing we did. We took an uber to PuraVida (which is at the end of the boulevard) and walked all the way back. The road is about 2.5 miles long. We walked along the river, admiring the gorgeous homes and yachts. The road has a pretty large pedestrian only section made up of local artist’s work. It was fun to look at all of the art because that isn’t typically something we would do. Las Olas Blvd has tons of great shops to go in. It was a fun walk and a good way to get our steps in!
We were there for 2.5 days and wanted to make the most of our trip, but also just enjoy our time relaxing with one another, and we did just that.
Have you been to Fort Lauderdale or are you planning a trip? Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time,
Lauryn xo
Beauty and the Mama 