Luxe Lauderdale

By Chelsea Greenwood
Published: July 15, 2008
Last Updated On: March 09, 2011

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Resorts

Fort Lauderdale

Luxury

Lago Mar Resort and Club offers the very best of land and sea in Fort Lauderdale.

Thanks to its winding waterways laced throughout the city, Fort Lauderdale lives up to its nickname as "The Venice of America." But Venetian-esque charm flourishes in one of the city's landmark properties, too. The classic Lago Mar Resort and Club blends sophisticated Mediterranean flavor with its own tropical twist.

Nestled on 10 lushly landscaped acres between Lake Mayan (part of the Intracoastal Waterway) and the Atlantic Ocean, Lago Mar literally means "lake and sea" in Spanish. Besides the area's largest private beach, this family-owned resort offers Floridians posh amenities and top-of-the-line service, creating a luxe experience that only feels far from home.


Sophisticated City

One of the best things about this South Florida resort, located about 30 minutes north of Miami, is that it puts you within easy reach of all of Fort Lauderdale's charms. And, if you haven't been to this city recently, you'll be surprised by how much it has grown. Its identity is now less "spring break" and more "sophisticated city" filled with some of the best luxury hotels, upscale shopping, fine dining and pulsing nightlife in South Florida.

While Lago Mar serves as the perfect jumping-off point for exploring a grown-up Fort Lauderdale, the resort is also a world within itself, an exclusive enclave where guests and club members are treated like royalty.

Visitors flock to entertainment-packed areas like sophisticated Las Olas Boulevard, laid-back Beach Place and the high-energy River Walk Arts and Entertainment District (or Riverfront, as locals call it). Plus, the city's cultural scene is thriving with award-winning venues like the Museum of Art and the Museum of Discovery and Science and AutoNation® IMAX® Theater.

Cruise down the city's legendary stretch of oceanfront A1A; stroll along the palm tree-fringed, brick-lined beachfront promenade and "wave wall" for scenic people-watching; or stake a spot on the sand.


A World Within

While Lago Mar serves as the perfect jumping-off point for exploring a grown-up Fort Lauderdale, the resort is also a world within itself, an exclusive enclave where guests and club members are treated like royalty. In fact, the property has garnered the AAA Four Diamond Award for nine consecutive years.

Details like mosaics, columns and open courtyards lend a Mediterranean vibe to the resort. Each of Lago Mar's spacious guestrooms (up to 1,800 square feet) have been recently refurbished. Modern touches complement the rooms' tropical-chic decor, allowing you to relax in front of a flat-screen TV and take advantage of free Wi-Fi. For a truly panoramic view of the Atlantic, book a multi-room penthouse suite – you'll be amazed by the view from its expansive balcony.


Do and Dine

When you're not cozying-up in your room, you can check out the many activities offered right at the resort. The heart of Lago Mar is its pool area, landscaped with lush, tropical plants that give the spot a sense of oasis-like serenity. The 9,000-square-foot swimming lagoon is a popular spot for families, while the nearby Olympic-sized pool is great for those looking for a peaceful dip. Just steps away are four tennis courts, shuffleboard, mini-golf, beach volleyball, hammocks, a giant chessboard and a playground.

Stroll down the winding pathway under the shade of 300 palm trees to reach the 500-foot private beach, where guests lounge under cabanas and enjoy frosty drinks from the tiki-style Promenade Bar.

For the ultimate in pampering, book a treatment at The Spa at Lago Mar, including massages, wraps, scrubs, facials, manicures and pedicures. Children can even indulge with special packages like the "Glam Girl," featuring kid-centric services like the Green Apple Mani or the Peppermint Patti Pedi. Plus, the nearby fitness center will help exercise buffs keep their bodies in peak form – even while on vacation.

No trip would be complete without enticing your palate at Lago Mar's many diverse dining venues. During the day, the Palm Garden Dining Room serves up gourmet breakfast and lunch; at night, it turns into the upscale Acquario restaurant, offering a menu of Northern Italian delights. In the nearby Wine Cellar Lounge, guests kick back on cushy chairs and sofas while sipping vino and listening to live piano. More casual restaurants like the Soda Shop and Ocean Grill offer grab-n-go fare for those who don't want to miss a moment in the sun.

For more information on planning an in-state getaway to Lago Mar Resort and Club in Fort Lauderdale, call 800-LAGOMAR or visit www.lagomar.com.