For decades, Fort
Lauderdale was “the place” in the sun for the rich and famous and for
yachtsmen in the know. Then South Beach Miami became the “hot” destination
for celebs, and Daytona for the big college breakers. But Fort Lauderdale is
better than ever, perhaps because the spotlight is elsewhere.
The grand dame of Fort Lauderdale is Lago Mar, a posh Fort Lauderdale resort
– not contemporary like other hotels on the beach strip, but classy and
confined with its own private stretch of sand. From the
moment you enter the
gracious lobby, you are transported to a fanciful old-world Florida, a trompe l’oile ceiling and a grand chandelier above, and a sensational mosaic
tile sea scene at your feet set the mood. The Lago Mar staff is trained to
know your name and anticipate your whim, a credit to the Banks family who
have owned the resort since 1959 and continue to polish their four-diamonds
and Condé Nast Gold status.
Lago Mar Resort offers ten lush seaside acres, with two gorgeous swimming
pools draped by tall palms, a Promenade poolside bar, a full-service spa,
tennis courts, mini-golf and playground, and 500-feet of private
uninterrupted beach. Most of the 200 Floridian décor guestrooms, picture
Tommy Bahama’s bedroom, at Lago Mar are suites and ours overlooked the
beach and ocean with a generous balcony.
I could have been content just
sitting on our fabulous deck, watching the cruise ships come and go to the
Bahamas, listening to the surf.
But there is plenty to do at Lago Mar, with daily activities scheduled, live
music by the pool and fruity drink specials, plus fabulous dining – formal
or casual. And you can stroll the sun soaked beach, read a book under a
resort umbrella, or simply bob in the crystal blue 85° sea.
As you walk Fort Lauderdale beach to the north, you arrive at the high rise
hotels, The Sheraton, The W, The B Ocean, The Ritz Carlton, The Atlantic, and
The
Westin. These big properties are on the busier strip and the more popular
stretch of beach, where Lago Mar is more private and protected near the end
of the beach peninsula and breakwater.
If you wish to leave the luscious grounds of Lago Mar by car, there is much
to explore in Fort Lauderdale, still considered the yachting capital of the
world.
We drove the strip, savored native conch fritters at the waterfront Bahia
Cabaña – which is a fun, funky waterfront bar – nothing fancy except the
view of the boats tied up at the docks. Then we strolled the boutiques and
bistros of Las Olas Boulevard – some great upscale resale shops.
But the
best way to see Fort Lauderdale is by boat, the Water taxi or a tour boat
from Las Olas Riverfront Plaza. This way you get to see the incredible
yachts and homes of the rich and famous, multi-million dollar mansions and
mega-yachts belonging to Miami Dolphin players and movie stars. I called it
the “I feel poor tour,” but it was fun getting on the water to see why Fort
Lauderdale is called the “Venice of America” – featuring a labyrinth of
200-miles of inland waterways.
Back at Lago Mar, we took turns lounging at the lagoon pool, the marvelous
private beach, and our scenic deck. We even played a game of shuffleboard on
the manicured grounds.
Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for a Florida beach vacation, and
Lago Mar is a classic resort with the trimmings of a modern resort and spa
and exceptional staff.
