Summer 2020, or all of 2020 in fact, is the perfect time to enjoy a staycation! Being a tourist in your own city can be exciting, and everyone needs to recharge over the summer. I recently enjoyed a coastal-chic waterfront retreat in sunny Fort Lauderdale at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort, part of the Noble House Hotels & Resorts collection. They are currently offering amazing deals, especially for those looking for a fun staycation. Here are the best reasons why you should book a stay at the oceanfront Pelican Grand…
An Ideal Location
While Miami, Key West or Palm Beach might be at the top of your list, Fort Lauderdale must not be overlooked! There’s plenty of boutique shopping, chic cafes, fine art museums, gardens, historic homes, nightlife and more to keep anyone interested. Pelican Grand Beach Resort is perfectly situated on the water, overlooking a pristine and private stretch of sand. This gorgeous property is one of the only beachfront, boutique resorts on Fort Lauderdale Beach – without busy roads and traffic between the rooms and water! Trust me, it’s a slice of paradise.
I particularly love Pelican Grand’s sweeping, oceanside veranda with relaxing rocking chairs for guests to enjoy in the shade. The public lounge spaces throughout the hotel, inside and out, are focused on comfort while remaining chic and elegant.
After a multi-million dollar expansion, there is no better place in Fort Lauderdale to host a meeting or event than at Pelican Grand. With over 10,000 square feet of space with their two ballrooms, outdoor spaces, penthouse suites, meeting rooms and more, you have such a variety to choose from. I particularly loved their gorgeous ballrooms which overlook the ocean.
Spacious Accommodation
With such a perfect location on the beach, I definitely wanted a room with a balcony to make the most of the views! Our Seaside Suite with a King bed was the perfect option. The rooms are light and airy with unique artwork and cool, coastal tones throughout.
My spacious suite has not only a plush king sized bed, but a separate living room with a loveseat sofa bed as well. I was happy to see both a rainfall shower and a bath tub, with plenty of counter and storage space. But my favorite aspect of my suite at Pelican Grand was definitely the stunning panoramic ocean views on my furnished balcony!
Spa with a View
A staycation, especially at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort, is not complete without a visit to the spa! PURE Spa, a Scandinavian-inspired space, offers some of the best views of any spa I’ve been to in Florida and beyond.
Located on the 11th floor, you are sure to be amazed by the sparkling Atlantic Ocean right before you. It is the perfect space to enjoy recharging your batteries and indulging in self-care. There’s almost 3,000 square feet of space at PURE Spa with relaxation rooms featuring stylish hanging chairs looking out onto the ocean, along with oceanfront manicure/pedicure stations, rooftop yoga, a fitness center and more.
As a local, I’ve enjoyed visiting PURE Spa before as it is one of the best in Fort Lauderdale. So whether you’re a hotel guest or not, anyone can enjoy their services. This time around I treated myself to a Signature Hydrafacial. This relaxing treatment deeply cleanses, exfoliates, extracts and hydrates your skin, while utilizing super serums filled with antioxidants.
Oceanfront Dining
Again, as a local, I’ve enjoyed many meals at Pelican Grand’s OCEAN2000 Restaurant. If you are looking for a romantic place to dine right on the beach, then OCEAN2000 is the place for you!
Their menu focuses mainly on seafood and contemporary American cuisine. The chefs use organic ingredients and local produce which is always appreciated. For our starters at dinner, we ordered a colorful Creamy Burrata salad with heirloom tomatoes and Oyster Rockefeller with a delicious hollandaise sauce and a truffle-parmesan crust. While I can easily recommend any of their seafood dishes, this time I tried their Wagyu Rib Eye Steak and it did not disappoint, especially with a side of truffle mac and cheese.
There is nothing better than eating delicious food, on the beach, while watching the day come to a close. This dining experience at OCEAN2000 made me feel like I was on a real vacation, and not just a few miles from home! OCEAN2000 is also open all day for breakfast and lunch
There’s also the charming Emporium Ice Cream Parlor which will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth during their stay at Pelican Grand. It is very reminiscent of an old-fashioned, 1950s parlor serving not only ice cream but coffee treats, gourmet bakery items, and gifts as well.
Fun in the Sun
While this is such a beautifully romantic property for couples to enjoy, you can bring the whole family as well. Pelican Grand Beach Resort is home to Fort Lauderdale’s only lazy river which provides endless amounts of fun. As an alternative, you can soak in the comfort of their gorgeous zero-entry pool that overlooks the beach.
The Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale transports you to a luxurious oasis, where the number one priority is relaxation! Be sure to check out their current offers.
Disclosure: I was a guest of the Pelican Grand Beach Resort, but all opinions here are my own.