Not long ago, my friend Robin and I escaped to Palm Beach for a few days of R&R&S&S.
Wait – R&R&S&S?
Yes! Rest, relaxation, spa and shopping – and did we ever have a blast!
When we arrived at our two-bedroom condo-style room at the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Resort, we were ready to move in! In addition to two huge bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, there was a living room and full kitchen, not to mention wraparound balconies providing views of the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Intercoastal Waterway to the west – the perfect spot to watch both sunrise and sunset!
Though it was tempting to stay in our room the entire time, we did venture out and enjoyed time at the hotel’s two pools. The slide at the family pool was tempting, but the oceanside infinity pool beckoned as well. In the end, we decided not to choose between the two, but enjoy them both!
Just steps beyond the infinity pool lies an ultra-wide beach, complete with chaise lounges and umbrellas. We spent some time there, too, relaxing under the warm sun, the sound of the waves lapping the shoreline. Pure bliss!
Speaking of bliss, that’s just what I found at the hotel’s Si Spa, named one of the 2014 Top 100 Spas in the US by Condé Nast Traveler. I went “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”-style with a hydra-facial and wrinkle-free enhancement. What’s best, though, is that my technician applied sunscreen so that I could get right back out to the pools and beach without missing a beat!
It was time to get out and do some shopping, and shopping we did at the nearby The Gardens Mall. With loads of stores to pop into and look around, there was little doubt we’d find something to fire up our cards. I mean, who can resist Anthropologie? To refuel, we lunched at Brio’s Tuscan Grille and sipped on a specially-created cocktail, The Gardens Delight, which was crafted to celebrate the mall’s 25th anniversary. Cheers!
All of that resting, relaxing, spa-ing and shopping sure can work up an appetite, and fortunately there are plenty of options in and around Singer Island. 3800, within the hotel, serves up delectable dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an oceanfront view. What better way to enjoy a meal?
Nearby, newly-opened The Cooper Craft Kitchen & Bar fills its dining tables with sustainable, environmentally conscious food that is as delicious as it is beautifully presented. The menu changes regularly, focusing on fresh, local ingredients, and truly the best way to taste it all is by sharing plates. Dig in!
Both Robin and I are turtle lovers and passionate about marine life, so we stopped by the Loggerhead Marinelife Center for a look around with CEO Jack Lighton. What a time we had, and what wonderful work the staff and volunteers are doing for turtles!
After a few short days, it was time for us to return back to our homes and daily lives. But Robin and I can’t wait to visit Palm Beach again soon, and maybe we’ll even invite a few of our other girlfriends to join us for the fun. Maybe…
DIY Garden Delight
1½ oz. Malibu Rum
½ oz. Midori Melon Liqueur
3 oz. Piña Colada Mix
1 oz. Prosecco
6 oz. ice cubes
1 palm frond or pineapple leaf, for garnish
Combine all ingredients except Prosecco in a blender. Puree. Pour into a glass. Float Prosecco on top. Garnish with a palm frond or pineapple leaf. Cheers!
Susan B. Barnes is a travel writer and photographer. A proud Army brat, she was born on a military base in Belgium and has been on the go ever since. While Susan has traveled across the United States and into Canada, she has also managed to visit such European cultural hot spots as Paris, London, Ireland, Athens and Rome, and has even explored the second largest reef in the world off the coast of Belize and the cloud forest of Venezuela, among many other exotic locales. Having learned to rock climb in Yosemite National Park, surf in La Jolla and swim with whale sharks in Mexico, she’s always looking forward to her next adventure. Be sure to follow Susan on Twitter to keep up with her latest adventures @travlin_girl.