COASTAL PARADISE

Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort is just what your pre- or post-cruise calls for.

THE ULTIMATE WAY TO UNWIND BEFORE a cruise out of Port Everglades is nestled on a quarter-mile of private beach just around the corner from the cruise terminals, the airport, and the Las Olas Boulevard shopping district. In fact, the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort and Spa is like a microcosm of the best of South Florida.

Whether it’s jet skiing in the Atlantic, watching the boats go by on the Intracoastal, taking advantage of the spa’s lap pool (or a relaxing body wrap), or indulging in locally caught and creatively prepared seafood, there’s something here to suit every taste.

COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATIONS _ The rooms — which include 31 recently redesigned suites — have inspiring views of the glowing city skyline and Intracoastal Waterway, or the tree-lined pool and golden-sand Atlantic beach. The pool area is spacious, and leads out to the Ocean Terrace, a beachside boardwalk with comfy seating areas and fire pits. Drinks are available at the beach bar. Active guests aren’t limited to water sports, though it’s hard to resist taking a dip in the ocean or the inviting lagoon pool, or taking advantage of the resort’s snorkeling, boogie boards, kayaks, sailing, and more. There’s also a sizable fitness center equipped with stationary bikes and treadmills, basketball and tennis courts.

PLEASANT REPAST _ For a quick pick-me-up, there’s a Starbucks in the resort itself. On the other end of the spectrum, Barefoot Dining is a reservations-only beachside experience that lives up to its name, with paired wines and the option to add glow-inthe-dark sand painting and live musicians for a special evening. Sea Level Restaurant and Ocean Bar features indoor and al fresco seating, and a menu focused on fresh seafood, high-quality produce, and choice cuts of meat. The upscale restaurant and bar at 3030 Ocean shows off modern American seafood such as Florida flounder and softshell crab as well as meat dishes including hickory-rubbed pork chops and wagyu bone-in ribeyes served with yucca fries and black-garlic truffle butter. Desserts of tropical fruit tarts or pistachio-crumbed dark- chocolate budino cake are no less indulgent — a delicious end to a delicious evening in South Florida.

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