My fellow Americans, you deserve a break. The U.S. Travel Association claims we have a reputation as a “no-vacation nation.” Their recent study revealed that more than half of working Americans reported that they do not use all of their paid vacation days. As we approach the end of the year, just say GO!
Make the most of the coast
To de-stress, Richard Hughes, the busy owner of St. Pete’s Clear pH Design agency, swears that travel is good for the soul. He has a go-to destination in the western Caribbean called Palm Heights. The all-suite hotel is located on Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman and attracts celebrities from around the world for good reason.
“The interior design is next level, as (is) the spa and fitness facility. Their personal service is phenomenal. My fiancée and I make it a goal to go there every year to unwind, stay healthy and escape from the day to day of our work lives,” Hughes said.
Talk about an escape: Hotel Three Sixty invites travelers to an adults-only destination in Ojochal, located on the southwest coast of Costa Rica. This tropical hideaway overlooks the coastline, islands and beaches. Indulge in the very best of the land’s bounty with the hotel’s coffee sunrise and chocolate sunset package, which offers “a deep dive into the rich flavors of the region.” Meet a local coffee farmer and expert barista, and end your adventure with a sweet turndown amenity, handcrafted by a local chocolatier. Ask about the chocolate wrap and coffee scrub spa treatments at the hotel’s Jungle Spa to exfoliate and enrich the skin.
Once a month, the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino offers a full moon dinner experience. As guests arrive, they’re invited to follow their intuition at the crystal bar and select the crystal that resonates most with their soul. A guide walks attendees through the meaning of their crystals before they enjoy a five-course, prix-fixe dining experience inspired by the moon. The Hunter’s Moon dinner takes place on Oct. 17, followed by the Beaver Moon dinner on Nov. 15.
Fall in New England
Discover the beauty of New England this fall. Head to Midcoast Maine and the off-the-beaten-path region called Damariscotta. You might know this culinary destination as the “Napa Valley of oysters.” Annie Pathik, executive director at the Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce, reminded us to check out the internationally known Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta Oct. 12-14. She said thousands of visitors will enjoy the weather and the historic charms of Maine.
New hotel openings on Florida’s west coast
2024 is the year of new hotel openings, especially for Marriott International, opening its 9,000th property with The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. It’s the largest development on the island in over 50 years, offering 800 feet of private beach plus multiple pools and cabanas. After visiting the 21,320-square-foot oceanfront St. Regis Spa, have fun in the one-of-a-kind saltwater lagoon with stingrays, tortoises and tropical fish. Throw in numerous chef-driven culinary outlets, and this destination is next level for discerning travelers. The average nightly rate is over $1,000.
Explore Tampa Bay’s sights and bites
Subscribe to our free Do & Dine newsletter
We’ll serve up the best things to do and the latest restaurant news every Thursday.
Loading...
You’re all signedup!
Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? Let’sgetstarted.
Explore all your optionsThe Moxy St. Pete opened in August on Central Avenue with a ribbon-cutting party and a “who’s who” guest list during the local celebration. The hotel offers 163 guest rooms and suites, and the lobby boasts lots of unique spaces for working and socializing, including a podcast booth. In fall, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Sparrow, will open, offering Asian cuisine and a new destination for rooftop dining in the Edge District.
Florida on a tankful
St. Pete resident and business owner Phil Yost reminds us that sometimes simply driving across the state on a tankful of gas and jumping in the Atlantic Ocean is an adventure. He often drives 3.5 hours to the east coast for a change of scenery and checks in to the newly renovated Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa on Highway A1A.
“Dine at Ke’e Grill in Juno Beach, visit Guanabanas waterfront restaurant and bar and visit the Food Shack in Jupiter,” Yost shared.
The family-owned Parisian Café des Artistes is on the water, within walking distance of the resort. Love golf? Name drop and visit The Woods Jupiter, Tiger’s flagship sports bar at Harbourside Place.
For those heading to South Florida on Oct. 18-20 to catch Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, W Fort Lauderdale promises a Swiftie-filled few days, with a tailored package for concertgoers that includes themed cocktails and VIP transportation to and from the venue. The hotel will offer pop-up activities throughout the weekend like Eras stations for photo ops, a Swift-themed karaoke and drag brunch and “Midnights” post-concert after-parties.
Jazz fans can skip the drive and enjoy beautiful Sand Key when the 34th annual Suncoast Jazz Festival returns to the beach in Clearwater, Nov. 22-24. Enjoy your Tampa Bay staycation with live performances by dozens of musicians inside the Sheraton Sand Key Resort overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
