HONEYMOON BLISS

Sun, sand, and romance prevail in the Sunshine State

By Meghan Chalfant

Once you’ve tied the knot and celebrated with those you love most, we couldn’t think of a better way to begin your happily ever after than with a romantic honeymoon. Especially after months of wedding planning (we deem it as a second job), you and your significant other truly deserve to relax and bask in honeymoon bliss. Sun, sand, and the city included in Fort Lauderdale, Florida! We promise you’ll love the island vibes, easy-to-reach proximity, and glorious weather.

Florida’s sun-drenched, idyllic setting beckons couples and travelers alike to its tranquil, golden, sandy shores. Located on Florida’s east coast–approximately 30 miles north of Miami and 46 miles south of Palm Beach–you’ll find the laid-back, colorful coastal town of Fort Lauderdale boasting 23 miles of shoreline and promenade-lined streets. With 300-plus miles of intracoastal waterway and inland canals, it’s no wonder Fort Lauderdale is dubbed the “Venice of America” and yachting capital of the world. Plus, it’s home to year-round beautiful sunshine with ocean breezes and weather averaging in the mid-80s.

Your Home Away from Home

Situated in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale–about 2.5 miles from the beach–is the boutique Hyatt Centric Las Olas Hotel. Boasting city skyline views, this modern, sophisticated, and premier hotel puts guests right in the center of everything South Florida has to offer. Within the 238 guest rooms and suites inspired by Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront location and yachting culture, you’ll find sleek interiors with nautical elements. Wake up to sweeping cityscapes with floor-to-ceiling windows and enjoy luxurious amenities, such as Hyatt Grand Beds, robes, slippers, in-room coffeemaker, and BeeKind bath amenities in this chic, pet-friendly hotel.

The City and the Sea

From relaxation to adventure, there are many activities to enjoy while honeymooning in Fort Lauderdale. When you’re not taking in the city views from your room balcony or the rooftop pool located on the eighth floor of the Hyatt Centric Las Olas, energize your soul in the on-site, 24-hour fitness center equipped with Peloton cycling bikes, or head to the beach to bask under the Floridian sun and participate in endless water sport activities–such as parasailing, Jet Skiing, paddleboarding, and sunset sails on a private yacht. Although Fort Lauderdale is known for its pristine, golden beaches, there are many things to do and see beyond the beach. Take a stroll down Las Olas Boulevard (known for its eclectic collection of shops and dining along the area’s tropical waterways), explore the region’s intracoastal waterways by gondola, climb aboard a state-of-the-art airboat for a ride through the Florida everglades (only 30 minutes west of Fort Lauderdale), shop at the nearby Galleria Mall, and dance the night away at one of the many bars situated along the palm tree-fringed beachfront promenade.

Culinary Delights

The Hyatt Centric Las Olas is home to the ground-level Harborwood Urban Kitchen and Bar, which features modern American cuisine inspired by global influences with locally sourced ingredients. Doors open right onto Las Olas Boulevard, inviting guests to enjoy savory bites and unwind with handcrafted cocktails within the ocean-themed restaurant. Savor culinary delights from protein grain bowls, seasonal salads, and flatbreads to sandwiches, burgers, tacos, and freshly daily catch specials. At the Elev8 Pool Bar, enjoy light bites and libations around the pool or transport to the roaring 1920s in the newly debuted 901. This guest room-turned-speakeasy evokes pre- prohibition vibes with sultry ambiance, with red lighting, black drape curtains, and plush velvet furniture. This private experience for up to eight guests is available by reservation only Thursday-Sunday.

Travel Details

Traveling to Fort Lauderdale couldn’t be easier! Getting there is only about a three-hour flight from New Jersey, and most major airlines offer nonstop and direct flights right into Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport. If city stays and golden sand beaches in a locale that’s close to home are high on your honeymoon must-have list, look no further than Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For more information on the Hyatt Centric Las Olas or to book your honeymoon, visit www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/florida/hyatt-centric-las-olas- fort-lauderdale/fllct.