Rest, Relaxation, Recreation, Relief, Rejuvenation…

This spring I discovered R&R and much more during an unforgettable weekend stay at the newly enhanced Pelican Grand Beach Resort. After having already discussed our expectations for the getaway, my companion and I could hardly contain our excitement as we pulled into valet and were greeted by the smiling staff.

Fortunately for us, our imaginations hadn’t led us astray as the following weekend proved that the Pelican Grand was all we had imagined and then some. Still basking in the glow of an extensive multi-million dollar renovation, the resort sits regally on 500 ft. of private, pristine beachfront in sunny Fort Lauderdale.

We soon made our way through the grand lobby and up to our room on the seventh floor, high above the sandy shores. From city or ocean view guest rooms to luxurious suites, the Pelican Grand offers a vast array of accommodation options for its many guests. 156 Key West-style guest rooms—including 105 oceanfront suites with balconies—allow guests the option of waking up to the sight of a magnificent sunrise and the sound of waves crashing on the shore.

In addition to miles of white-sand beaches, Fort Lauderdale also provides high fashion, fine art museums, breathtaking gardens, historic homes, and an exhilarating nightlife—all of which are located just steps from the resort! Along Las Olas Boulevard, one of the most notable locations, you will find with boutique shopping, chic cafes and delicious food options such as Louie Bossi, an amazing Italian restaurant.

When my companion and I finally managed to venture off the gorgeous Pelican Grand property, we ended up at the Italian eatery where we enjoyed an exquisite Margherita D.O.P. pizza. As we came to find out, D.O.P. meant that all the products utilized in our pizza were certified by the Italian government. In fact, if any food item is not made in Louie Bossi’s kitchen, then it’s being imported from Italy. This fun fact explains why you won’t see items such as chicken parmesan, chicken piccata, or chicken marsala on their menu. Even though those are widely accepted as Italian cuisine, they are actually Italian American fare, and Louie Bossi prides itself on serving deliciously authentic Italian dishes.

The following day was Saturday and it began as I wish every weekend should…with a delectable, savory breakfast on the sweeping veranda at OCEAN2000. Not long afterwards, my companion and I found ourselves stretched out under the complementary chairs and umbrellas of our coastal-chic waterfront retreat. Between the private beach, a beautiful zero entry pool, and Fort Lauderdale’s only lazy river, you might think we’d enjoyed enough water for the day, but that was far from true. After all, we were in the yachting capital of the world! It only made sense to go enjoy some of those views from the water.

Our adventure with Riverfront Gondola Tours explored the backwaters of Fort Lauderdale at a leisurely-pace on a quiet electric powered, eco-friendly boat. Cameras snapped away as we cruised past beautiful homes and large yachts on picturesque waterways. I didn’t think it was possible to be more relaxed than I was in that moment, but experiencing pure pampering at PURE Spa a few hours later proved me quite wrong.

The nearly 3,000 sq. ft. spa is based on the Swedish luxury lifestyle that invites light into their space. At every point in the spa you can see astonishing ocean views, and if you’re lucky, you might even see 20 pelicans gracefully soaring past your window, which the staff affectionately calls a Pelican Blessing. Products used within their services are all organic, and the multi-licensed technicians perform every type of service, from body wraps and waxing to facials and massages. I indulged in a skillful mani-pedi with a Maria Åkerberg essential oil hand scrub and massage oils. Perhaps I relaxed a little too much, as one minute I was soaking my feet in Dead Sea Salts and minerals and the next my nails were suddenly finished, groomed and perfectly polished.

There was no question that our final dinner should take place at OCEAN2000, the property’s signature restaurant that also happens to be Fort Lauderdale’s only waterfront restaurant. After learning that Travel + Leisure recently named The Pelican Grand a number one spot for brunch in America, it wasn’t surprising that our dining experience turned out to be everything we had hoped for.

We were seated on the stunning outdoor veranda with nothing but candlelight, tiki torches, and the starry night sky to light our menu and our view of the deep blue. At the helm of Executive Chef Derek Rosen, the menu offered regionally influenced cuisine that blends local products and character with a little Latin spice.

We kicked off our dining adventure with piquant appetizers of Mojo Pulled Pork Steamed Buns and Soy-Honey-Lime Braised Pork Belly. When it came to the main course, it was an easy decision for both of us. My companion went with the succulent Maple and Guava BBQ-Glazed Salmon served with fava bean, crispy potato hay, sweet potato and jicama succotash. Meanwhile, I opted for the perfectly prepared Soy-Miso Black Grouper with bok choy, king crab bamboo rice and mango-coconut curry. A side of their creamy four-cheese blend Lobster Mac & Cheese was a must-try and completed our exceptional meal.

Over the course of the weekend, my companion and I experienced first-rate hospitality at Fort Lauderdale’s Pelican Grand Beach Resort. The property truly does everything necessary to ensure an extraordinary stay for leisure and business travelers alike. Pamper yourself to perfection with a signature spa treatment at PURE Spa before you tempt your taste buds with  enticing culinary creations at OCEAN2000. Enjoy everything on-property from hand-delivered lunch on the beach to sweet tooth satisfaction at The Emporium ice cream parlor.

It’s time to steal your loved ones away this summer (or just yourself!) for an unforgettable escape where you will enjoy the exotic beauty of a tropical island without having to step foot out of Florida. Whether shopping-‘til-you-drop on nearby Las Olas Boulevard or dancing to the beat of live entertainment in the O2K Lounge, you will walk away with a deeper understanding of why The Pelican Grand Beach Resort is such a special destination for travelers around the world who are seeking a spirited, yet sophisticated beach getaway.

Pelican Grand Beach Resort

2000 N Ocean Blvd

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305

Reservations 954-568-9431

www.pelicanbeach.com