Kickin' Back in Florida: 5 Spots Perfect for Lounging
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Lazy Spot #1: The Beach at the W South Beach
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Lazy Spot #2: The Spa at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club -- Jacksonville
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Lazy Spot #3: The Pier at the WaterColor Inn & Resort -- South Walton
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Lazy Spot #4: The Pool at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach
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Lazy Spot #5: The Beach Bar at Margaritaville Beach Hotel -- Pensacola
We're loving this recent heat wave, but it just makes us want to kick back and relax (preferably with a cocktail in hand). So it may be a bit ironic, but we decided to do an intensive search on the laziest spots we could find -- starting in Florida. After all, it is the Sunshine State. From spas with plush lounge chairs to pools where you don't have to lift a finger, we found five Floridian hotels that are prime for lounging. Relax and unwind; it's time to take it easy.
Beach at the W South Beach
Why we love it: Though many hotels in South Beach have direct beach access, the W offers an unparalleled experience on the sand. Cushy white-and-black-striped lounge chairs are spread out along the hotel's 100-yard-deep stretch of beach, which is considerably removed from the crowds in order to create a relaxing vibe. While guests bask in the sun, on-call attendants are quick to bring towels, food, beverages, or even iPod shuffles.
Spa at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club -- Jacksonville
Why we love it: Opened in 1928, the Ponte Vedra resort has a storied, Southern-aristocratic reputation -- but we really love it for its beautiful spa, which has ample space for you to stretch out. The 30,000-square-foot spa (the largest in the region) covers three acres of the property and features an outdoor pool, therapeutic grottos, a dining area, and numerous treatment rooms. One of our favorite spots for lounging post-massage is on the outdoor patio. With comfy recliners and the sun streaming in, what's not to love?!
Boat House Pier at the WaterColor Inn & Resort -- South Walton
Why we love it: The WaterColor Inn & Resort is reminiscent of its name, with beach-y whites, blues, and pale greens dominating the soothing color scheme throughout the lobby and rooms. Along with a beautiful private beach, the hotel offers a long pier that stretches far into the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Sure you could take a kayak out for paddle, or you could lie back on the sun-bleached wooden planks and enjoy the peace and quiet. We'd go with the latter.
Pool at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach
Why we love it: In keeping with the brand's reputation, this Four Seasons outpost provides guests with top-notch, round-the-clock service -- and that includes at the hotel's pool. It doesn't get much better than sunbathing poolside while looking out at the ocean; or so we thought. But at the Four Seasons Palm Beach, poolside attendants are on call and periodically bring loungers free sunscreen, water, towels, and fruit -- they'll even help guests cool down with Evian spritzes.
Landshark Landing Beach Bar at the Margaritaville Beach Hotel -- Pensacola
Why we love it: The first resort to open under Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville brand, the Margaritaville Beach Hotel offers a relaxed, tropical atmosphere right on a beautiful stretch of sandy coastline. And on that sandy stretch, revelers party (laid-back style) at the Landshark Landing Beach Bar. So do what you came to Margaritaville to do -- lie back in a hammock with a margarita in hand and take in the sunset.
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