Just across the Everglades is a world so very different from South Beach. The nonplussed lower southwest coast is laidback, affluent, and features splendid hotels just perfect for that special get-away.
MARCO RESORT OFFERS ELEGANCE, SUPERB CUISINE
It was the best Italian meal my wife and I had savored since we lived in Rome 20 years ago. We asked Albert Varretto, the Marco Beach Ocean Resort’s talented young chef, if he could create some of our favorite dishes. Con piacere (with pleasure)," he laughed. The next evening in the romantic Sale e Pepe dining room beautifully decorated with tapestries, marble floors, and hand-painted frescos, we feasted to exhaustion.
That’s just one of the highlights at this all-suites resort located on Marco Island, an easy two-hour drive via Tamiami Trail (US 41) or Alligator Alley (I-75). The hallmark of great hotels is attention to detail and small touches. This one has them in abundance. Italian Renaissance antiques and art adorn public areas. Its beautifully furnished 85 one- and 15 two-bedroom suites have full kitchen; large living room with entertainment center and dreamy beds with 300 thread-count linen. Expansive patios provide breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. For the chronically active, there are water sports, tennis, golf and fishing excursions from the Tarpon Club, the private marina. The 24-hour concierge arranges anything, including airboat or canoe tours into nearby Everglades National Park.
Opened just 4 years ago, this gem has already garnered numerous prestigious awards for overall excellence. It is one of only two Florida hostelries (the other: South Beach's National) that are members of the exclusive Preferred Hotels and Resorts.
NAPLES’ LAPLAYA IS OLD FLORIDA
Just north of Marco Island is Naples, the heart and soul of the Platinum Coast, home for more millionaires per capita than anyplace in the country. Its luxurious, casual ambiance is epitomized by LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort on serene Vanderbilt Beach. This informal, yet elegant facility has a satisfying "Old Florida" feel: not glitzy, trendy or pretentious; just a traditional, comfortable oceanfront hotel. Most of the 189 well-appointed rooms are a nanosecond from the wide, shell-ladened beach. Earth tones abound, creating a warm, tropical environment. “Think of the mood and colors of a Tommy Bahamas advertisement," jokes Sales Director Scot Hamilton, "and you've got it!"
Relaxed resort life revolves around the meandering pool complex engulfed by swaying palms and mini-waterfalls. Butler service is available on the beach. Baleen, the gourmet dining room, is superb with indoor and outdoor service overlooking the ocean. For reasons no one adequately explained, there's a primate fixation here! It features “monkey on the beach” cocktails; "monkey bread”; and "monkey in the middle" desert. Monkey statuettes and pictures are omnipresent. Excessive maybe, but guests seem to love this delightful monkey business! To burn off calories, don’t miss the spa, which my wife says is scrumptious (she should know, based on all the money she spends in them!). LaPlaya is on Conde Nast Traveler’s coveted “Gold List.” It’s also one of Travel & Leisure’s “500 Greatest Hotels.”
ST. PETE’S “PINK LADY” IN A CLASS BY HERSELF
I love Tampa--St. Petersburg. Spiffy clean. Delectable restaurants. Lovely beaches. Marvelous attractions. Vibrant cultural activities. But there is a glitch. This fast-growing metropolis has a dearth of fine hotels. Fortunately, one of them is world-class and well worth the four-hour drive from Miami. The 360-room Renaissance Vinoy Resort is located on 14 palm-filled acres smack on Tampa Bay just four blocks from quiet downtown St. Petersburg. A classic example of 1920s Mediterranean Revival architecture, it has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Once a winter playground for the wealthy, the Vinoy fell into such disrepair, it was almost torn down. Instead, city fathers opted for a $93 million facelift, which faithfully restored this “grand dame” to her youthful beauty as well as adding a modern guest tower. Dubbed “the pink lady”, the only luxury resort of its type on Florida’s west coast, it boasts a private 74-slip marina; 12-court tennis complex; championship golf course; huge heated swimming pool; five yummy restaurants (Fred’s is my favorite); an extensive fitness center and spa.
Despite its size, the Vinoy evokes the feel of a small hotel from an earlier time, especially on the veranda just outside the stunning entranceway and lobby, where guests sit in wicker rocking chairs sipping drinks at sunset. The resort’s closest neighbor is “Old Northeast,” one of the city’s most exclusive enclaves. Strolling through the shaded brick streets filled with immaculate historic homes, I was reminded of New Orleans’ Garden District. The Renaissance Vinoy is on many “world’s best” lists and for 12 consecutive years, it has been awarded the AAA Four Diamonds Award. So what do you think... Worth a trip?
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