This year, my hubby surprised me with a weekend getaway in beautiful Fort Lauderdale to celebrate our wedding anniversary. It’s a thirty to forty-five minute ride from our home. Since a vacation requires a lot of planning and time off, this was the perfect escape to enjoy the sweet life, La Dolce Vita as I like to call it. Of course, I packed as if I was going away for two weeks. We stayed at the W hotel, a very chic hotel facing the pristine Fort Lauderdale Beach, with a modern look and upscale amenities. Upon our arrival, we were greeted courteously by the hotel staff. While waiting for our beachfront view room, we sipped on champagne, (courtesy of the hotel) to kick off our celebration, and took a tour of the lovely pool area.
Shortly afterwards, we were notified that our room was ready, and could not wait to see it. Well, we were blown away by a spacious and impeccably kept room, and a glass-encased peekaboo shower. Yes, nothing private about it, however, there was an option to order a curtain which we didn’t feel the need. The best part of course, was the spectacular view of the glistening ocean waves and the beautifully landscaped tropical palm trees. It was truly paradise on earth.
Postcard worthy view
At nighttime, we took a stroll on the beach, and had dinner at the exotic Casablanca cafe. The ambiance was romantic, the decor had a Mediterranean flair with a gorgeous view of the ocean from afar. Hubby had a crab crusted mahi-mahi with a lobster sauce and I had a black grouper with a beurre blanc sauce (white wine, butter and shallots). Both dishes were beautifully plated, very fresh and tasted delicious.
Black grouper with beurre blanc sauce
Crab crusted mahi-mahi
Friday morning we lounged around the pool at the hotel and savored some delicious hummus, tasty Ahi tuna tacos and enjoyed fabulous drinks.
Hummus platter
Ahi tuna tacos
Around 2:30 PM, we headed to the spa for our massage and body wraps. It was ninety minutes of pure “bliss”, and we both felt rejuvenated after this amazing pampering experience.
That evening, we ate dinner at a newly opened restaurant in the trendy Las Olas area called, Fork & Balls. A fun place but on the noisy side, I recommend going there with a group of people. They have a nice assortment of meatballs on their menu.
Meatballs over polenta
Afterwards, we went back to the W and played pool with some hotel guests. On Saturday, we basked in the sun and had a relaxing day. In the evening, we got dressed up and enjoyed some fine dining at Steak 954. We shared a Porterhouse steak paired with an elegant super tuscan wine.
Aged porterhouse for two
While eating dinner, we got a notification that someone dropped off a bottle of champagne for us at the front desk. It was a family member and a friend who came for a surprise visit. We joined them for drinks and ended up at the hotel’s nightclub, Whiskey Blue. It was the perfect ending to a beautiful weekend away.
Whiskey Blue
On Sunday morning, we ordered room service for breakfast and sipped coffee on the balcony while enjoying the fabulous view of the ocean. We, then packed our bags and headed back to our home, sweet home.
Life is beautiful, live it up!
Gina
It sounds and looks like a dream vacation Gina… And perfect for an anniversary celebration, very romantic and dreamy place. Food looks amazing and drinks too. Glad you enjoyed my dear Gina….Life is Beautiful!!! Cheers to that!!🍷🍷
Baci cara
G.
What a lovely comment cara Giusy!! Thank you my sweet friend! Salute to la dolce vita! Baci G.
Looks like a perfect weekend celebration…I was dying to see your food pics and they look as good as I expected! Makes my mouth water…
Thank you Angela! It was a much needed respite! I’m glad you enjoyed the blog…..
Gina, such a fabulous getaway for the 2 of U!!! This was perfectly done, well written blog sweetie, your a pro already!! Congratulations!! Loved reading this and seeing all the beautiful plates of food and especially the Dom!!! ☆ (ˆ◡ˆ) ℓﻉﻻ٥~•✿•~ Looking forward to all your posts!!
Lynnie, you are such a sweetheart for saying such wonderful things. I am so happy you are enjoying my posts. My heart is doing the happy dance. <3
How lovely of you Gina to share such a romantic and wonderful time and such a special one here. The images and story draw one into the occasion and I feel a sense of inclusion…such an honour. The hotel sounds delightful and perched on your balcony, sipping coffee with the ocean adorning your view, feasting in foodie heaven, beach strolls, the best of company, togetherness and enjoying a perfect weekend to celebrate a momentous marker in your marriage, I am raising a toast to you both and wish you more of the same ℓﻉﻻ٥
Marusja, thank you my darling friend for such a beautiful compliment, I am touched by your lovely words. You are an inspiration and a special gift to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you <3
What a beautiful story and so kind of you to share with all of us! A toast to you and Peter…..Happy Anniversary and Happiness Always ~ CHEERS ~ baci <3
Thank you sweet Laury for stopping by! Cheers my dear one <3
I love the Florida Coast and to have such a great representative to share great food, wine and well you know!!! JK. I will be stopping by now and then!!! Great blog Gina 🙂 Chef Martini
Thank you Chef Martini! I appreciate you dropping by and leaving such a nice comment. Regards, G.
Love the food photos and how your nail color matched the cocktail!
Thank you kindly!