Long a popular destination with yachting enthusiasts and pleasure seekers, Greater Fort Lauderdale – especially its magnificently restored beachfront – has become one of the nation's leading luxury destinations of late, thanks to a crop of opulent new resorts and swank restaurants. Here, your beach chic experience extends beyond the shoreline to one-of-a-kind boutiques and see-and-be-seen eateries along Las Olas Boulevard and downtown's up-and-coming Riverwalk. And in nearby communities such as Hollywood and Sunrise, still more cosmopolitan accommodations and attractions await.

The city has spent more than $25 million in a major facelift, adding bike lanes, pedestrian promenades, landscaped medians and a curvaceous "wave wall" that runs for some two miles along the main stretch of sand.

High-end Hideways

If you haven't sauntered along Fort Lauderdale's sandy beachfront in a few years, you're in for some surprises. The city has spent more than $25 million (over a period of years) in a major facelift, adding bike lanes, pedestrian promenades, landscaped medians and a curvaceous "wave wall" that runs for some two miles along the main stretch of sand. Visitors of all ages swim in the azure seas (which have been touted for cleanliness by the Clean Beaches Council), play volleyball, windsurf, jet-ski and captain every variety of watercraft.

Along the main beach drag, Route A1A, soaring new high-rise resorts afford unobstructed ocean views. The flurry of lodging activity began with the 2004 opening of the Atlantic Resort & Spa, an elegant boutique property with a 10,000-square-foot European-inspired spa. More recent additions have included the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, whose 374 handsomely appointed rooms have whirlpool tubs and flat-screen TVs, and the St. Regis Fort Lauderdale Resort, which has fast become one of Florida's hottest resort and spa destinations.

And there's more to follow: In October, the super-chic W Fort Lauderdale will take the city by storm, and the super-snazzy Trump International Hotel & Tower Fort Lauderdale – designed by vaunted architect Michael Graves – is slated to open in early- to mid-2009. These dramatic new resorts join existing high-end hideaways, such as the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Lago Mar Resort and Club (home to the largest private beach in Fort Lauderdale), Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six and Fort Lauderdale Grande.

Just south, outside the city center, is the charming beachfront city of Hollywood – home to the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, a 39-story beauty that opened in 2002.


Fort Lauderdale Fare

Of course, with posh digs come trendy eateries. The Atlantic's Trina restaurant earns kudos for its creative Mediterranean fare and colorful Trinatini cocktails (they're infused with lemon, lavender and pomegranate). At the St. Regis, Cero serves ultra-fresh regional seafood, and there's fine nibbling and sipping to be had at the resort's Wine Bar. Nearby along the Intracoastal Waterway, sample tantalizing seafood at the aptly named Fish and head to China Grill for superbly crafted Pan-Asian cooking (try the lamb spareribs with sesame glaze).

Drive from the beach along palm-lined Las Olas Boulevard, the city's own version of Rodeo Drive or Via Condotti. Amid the distinctive shops, keep an eye out for legendary eateries such as Johnny V, which features the innovative kitchen wizardry of chef Johnny Vinczencz. At stylish Tommy's Las Olas, you can enjoy your first-rate Continental fare to the dulcet tones of a jazz trio.

This elegant boulevard leads right into Fort Lauderdale's shiny downtown, which fringes the beautifully renovated Riverwalk and is home to such laudable restaurants as Jackson's Steakhouse and Riley McDermott's (both known for choice steaks and Maine lobster) and the century-old River House, with its fragrant gardens and tree-shaded patio.

Inland about 15 miles, Sawgrass Mills mall and its adjacent Colonnade Outlets are home to such iconic retailers as Kate Spade, Michael Kors, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Nordstrom Rack, Hugo Boss Factory Store and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th.


Beach-worthy Summer Savings

Lest all this talk of opulence frighten away travelers on slightly tighter budgets, keep in mind that summer can be a great time for taking advantage of big savings. During the city's Summer of Discovery (www.sunny.org/summer) promotion from June through September, visitors receive two-for-one entry to many attractions, and many hotels run budget-friendly deals. During September's Spa Chic Lauderdale (www.sunny.org/SpaChic), the top spa resorts in the city offer $99 treatments, which offers patrons a saving of up to 50 percent.

With all these great seasonal deals, you may just save enough money to justify the eye-popping, mouthwatering signature dish at Riley McDermott's: the ($65) 24-ounce Wagyu beef rib-eye steak with truffle shoestring potatoes, swimming in a rich soy reduction. Yes, luxury has truly arrived in Fort Lauderdale. And by every indication, it's here to stay.

For more information on planning your beach getaway to Fort Lauderdale, call 800-22-SUNNY or visit www.sunny.org.