FABULOUS FLORIDA FINDS
THERE ARE PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES TO CRUISE FROM THE PORTS IN FLORIDA. When setting sail from the Sunshine State, luxury abounds for pre- or post-cruise hotel options.
ROOMS WITH A VIEW AT INTERCONTINENTAL MIAMI _ If you’re cruising from Miami, you can’t beat the luxurious InterContinental Miami to get you in the mood for your upcoming cruise. Featuring panoramic views of the ships docked in port, the adjacent Bayside Marketplace, and the blue waters of Biscayne Bay, the hotel is perfectly situated on the downtown waterfront and only a five-minute drive to PortMiami.
The 641 Luxury Guestrooms, 103 Club InterContinental rooms, and 34 Suites boast a picture window to the world of Miami, whether to watch the activity below of boats, yachts, and kayaks, or to gaze at the nighttime vista of the stunning skyline. Be sure to spend time at the hotel’s rooftop pool and relax with a Dragon Berry Mojito or a Bright & Sunny cocktail as you take in the views. Here, the Bluewater Café also serves up light bites such as cheese, nuts, and fruit platters as well as a variety of flatbreads, salads, and paninis.
In the evening, book a table at Toro Toro for a culinary spin on South and Central American ingredients showcased in amazing small-plate dishes designed for sharing. The flavorful Latin American dishes are all delicious, so ask your server for suggestions based on your tastes, but be sure to save room for the signature dessert: La Bomba, a chocolate sphere filled with fresh berries; dulce de leche and strawberry ice cream; cream cheese mousse; almond cookie crumbs; caramel, vanilla, and berry sauce, all cracked open and prepared tableside. An extensive wine list covers the world and includes a magnum wine list as well as a list of distinguished vineyards that are poured by the glass using a special Coravin wine system.
Other amenities include a 24-hour fitness center and a 15,000-square-foot, full-service MySpa with 10 spa treatment rooms, including a unique SpaJet2 hydro capsule and a couples suite. icmiamihotel.com
FUN FOR ALL AGES AT THE FOUR SEASONS RESORT ORLANDO _ If you want to add on a fun, luxury stay before or after your cruise from Port Canaveral, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort boasts something for everyone, from couples to families to kids at heart.
Golfers can tee off at the tranquil Tom Fazio– designed Tranquilo Golf Club, which showcases Florida’s unique landscape and abundant wildlife. In fact, the course is even certified Audubon sanctuary. Kids can spend time in the Kids For All Seasons, a complimentary camp open eight hours daily.
The resort’s Explorer Island offers a family pool, splash zone, lazy river, water slides, climbing wall, and more. There’s also The Hideout, with video games, pinball, billiards, interactive touch screen tables, and the latest in gaming. Select evenings feature Dive-In movies by the pool.
For relaxation, couples can retreat to an adults-only pool or to the 13,000-squarefoot Florida Everglades–inspired spa for a selection of treatments. In the evening, romantic dining awaits at the rooftop steakhouse, Ca pa, which serves Spanishinfluenced cuisine in a contemporary setting. Other dining venues include Ravello for Italian dishes, the casual lakeside PB& G for Southern-inspired Florida fare, and Plancha for flavorful Cuban-American cuisine.
Of course, as a Disney resort, the hotel also offers opportunities for character breakfasts, in-room celebrations, and tickets and transportation to the Disney theme parks. FourSeasons.com/Orlando