Updated: 6:41 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Posted: 6:38 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, 2012
SUNSET KEY: Tiki hut cabana spa seeks to deliver calm
A new spa cabana on Sunset Key Beach opened this spring and offers guests a variety of massages while indulging the senses in the surroundings of an island oasis. The thatched-rood, tiki-hut-style spa cabana can be found at Sunset Key Guest Cottages, a Westin Resort just a 10-minute air-conditioned boat ride from Key West. The cabana has floor-to-ceiling canvas drapes that can be pulled closed for privacy and massage tables that rest on a wooden platform above the sand. The Sunset Romance package promises to indulge couples in a romantic experience culminating with a private candle-lit dinner on the beach just as the sun sets. Priced at $1,200 per couple (no one said luxury would come cheap!) includes all services (like an 80-minute massage and personal attendant), amenities (like champagne and dinner and other goodies) and taxes. call (800) 937-8461 or visit WestinSunsetKeyCottages.com.
MIAMI BEACH: just call this historic South Beach hotspot “iMarlin”
On the outside, The Marlin Hotel, just steps from the beach, still flaunts all the Art Deco grandeur it had when it was built in 1939. But when you step inside, you’ll discover a technological wonderland. The new owner of The Marlin at 1200 Collins Ave. wanted to complement the hotel’s rich history with 21st-century renovations, including a luxury smart-home experience, and they turned to Hyannis, Mass.-based Savant Systems to make it so. Savant Systems fashioned the first complete Apple-based home automation and commercial control system on the market. those who use the system can operate all electronics in their home (or suite) by using an iPad, iPod or iPod Touch as an interface. Guests receive an iPad at check in, so that they can control the lighting, climate, shades/drapes and audio/video in their suite. using the iPad, all audio and video content can be displayed on a 60-inch flat-screen TV, or heard through speakers in the bedroom and bathroom. before drifting off to sleep, guests can use a one-touch, “All Off” button to quiet the speakers, shut down all the suite’s lights and automatically turn off the TV. call (305) 695-3000 or visit www.themarlinhotel.com.
LAKE PLACID: Blueberry Festival at Henscratch Farms
Are you ready for some country fun? Take a car trip to Lake Placid for the Blueberry Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday . The event is held at Henscratch Farms Vineyard & Winery with its 10 acres of native grape varieties, a hydroponics growing system for strawberry production, and a high-bush blueberry patch. of course, the real attention-getter is the 200 American breed laying hens, which wander about the vineyard freely and also supply the winery’s country store with fresh eggs. The Blueberry Festival is free and includes music (say hello to Fiddle Pickin’ band ) and wine tasting. The winery will be open for tours, wine tasting, and nibbles. call (863) 699-2060 or see www.henscratchfarms.com.
ORLANDO: Gaylord Palms pumps big money (and oceans of H2O) into water park
You’ll be able to splash in a state-of-the-art family water park with nonstop entertainment, explore a treehouse, party around the pool with Shrek and friends, go on a scavenger hunt, see a “splash ‘n’ screen” movie and watch sports on a 37-foot screen. Everything is included in the price of an overnight stay. Johann Krieger, the resort’s senior vice president and general manager, says the new outdoor leisure experiences offer guests the best of all worlds, as “the best of Florida all in one place” and a “perfect alternative to staying in the theme parks,” which are a short shuttle ride from Gaylord Palms Resort. call (407) 586-2000 or visit gaylordpalms.com.
NAPLES: Stay four nights, get fifth night free
The Tuscan-inspired Bellasera Hotel in Naples is offering guests who stay four nights a fifth night free. The special is called “Gimme 5.” Bellasera (which means “beautiful evening” in Italian) is a condominium resort with a romantic courtyard, fine restaurant and a heated outdoor pool. Its grand lobby looks like something you’d see in an Italian palace.
Bellasera’s downtown location puts it within easy walking distance of fifth Avenue South galleries, shops and restaurants. The beach is a short drive away. The promotion is good until Dec. 20. call (888) 612-1115 or visit www.bellaseranaples.com.
Weekly hotlist: Recharge your batteries at Sunset Key spa cabana