Under the Floridan Sun: Fort Lauderdale

By: Alicia Chambers

Beaches, botanical gardens, beauty, boats, and bliss are a few words that can sum up Fort Lauderdale, Florida. With 23 miles of coastline, opulent spas and hotels, visionary scenery, and vibrant culture it is easy to get carried away into the life of relaxation, wellness, and luxury— especially if you’re a creature of the concrete jungle whose beaches are lakes (often man made) and who surf the waves of congestion while commuting to work.

From nightlife to daytime activities Fort Lauderdale offers something for everyone making it a great family-fun hot spot. During our visit earlier this year, trading in Canada’s icy and extended winter for 30-degree weather and sunshine, we stayed at the incredible Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.

During our time at The Hilton, we were spoiled with authentic and memorable customer service that catered to our every need and desire. We had a beautiful 2-bedroom deluxe suite with gorgeous décor that was beyond comfortable, and most importantly, clean (though the rooms could have been up-kept a little more frequently for our liking). The hotel is positioned on an organic oceanfront that makes it worth the rave and worth visiting. Not only do you get easy beach access to spend some downtime laying out in the sun, building sandcastles, and going for a dip in the ocean but The Hilton also offers a ton of amenities to help keep you relaxed and entertained in the most luxurious way possible.

For instance, their European inspired spa is a great way to de-stress and refresh your skin from the pollution we often absorb in heavily populated cities like Toronto. Note, the spa is an additional cost to utilize which was a little off putting because we have been to resorts in Europe where spa amenities were fully included in the service fees. None the less it is a beautiful spa and a great relaxation activity. Also, for the wellness buffs, The Hilton hosts morning yoga classes, has a gym, and does bike rentals. To add they have a wonderful pool you can use for a more controlled water environment. Other features of the hotel include gift shops, children activities, lavish restaurants and tasty buffets (We’d never leave the breakfast buffet if possible), and more. To see a full list of The Hilton’s amenities, click here or check out their Instagram or Twitter pages: @hiltonfllbeach.

Also, while in Fort Lauderdale we were able to get a bit of the sandy city’s historical side at The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens as they accommodated us with passes to explore the grounds. The Bonnet House originates from the 1920s an era of art, luxury, and lavishness. Its founder, Frederic Clay Bartlett, was a Chicago artist who loved art and nature—especially orchids. The Bonnet House is a non-profit physical form of preservation for the arts, creativity, environment, and culture.

Our experience here was breathtaking as the orchids, hibiscuses, and tropic plants demanded attention for their natural beauty. The garden grounds were highly maintained, beautifully structured, and grand. It is a great place for taking photos, getting in exercise, and connecting with nature. The garden also hosts beautiful ponds and water fountains, migratory birds like swans, and has dunes, a freshwater marsh, wetlands, and more.

As for the museum it is filled with unique art and décor. Some of the displayed works were crafted by the founder, Frederic Clay Bartlett, and his third wife, Evelyn Fortune Bartlett, while others are acquired from their art collections. These displayed pieces can be found all throughout the house. No matter if you have all the art history knowledge in the world or very little knowledge of art, you’ll be able to appreciate the beauty in these works that makes The Bonnet House a charming place filled with historical roots.

We had an amazing time at the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. It is a great place for a fun, creative, and educational day…and if you want to take some poppin’ Instagram posts to flex your style… we wont judge you! To learn more about the Bonnet House click here or visit their Twitter or Facebook pages: @bonnethouse.

Next time you’re considering a vacation add Fort Lauderdale, Florida to your list. It is a place where you can find great hotels, like the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, fun activities to do like the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, and endless beaches, boats, and sunshine!

Want more information about the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort?
Check out their Instagram and Twitter: @hiltonfllbeach

Want more information about the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens?
Check out their Twitter at: @bonnethouse