8 Ways to Relax While on Your Florida Vacation

Did you know that August 15th is National Relaxation Day? For 24 hours, it’s not only acceptable, but encouraged to indulge in some well-deserved R&R, your way. Whether you take the day or just an hour, here are eight Florida-inspired ideas for treating yourself.

1. Salute the Sun

Lounging against sugar sand coastline, the ultra-chic and luxurious W Fort Lauderdale Hotel offers namaste-inspiring yoga classes with a view of rolling waves and sweeping South Florida skies. Certified trainers lead beachfront classes on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings.

2. Play Golf

Tee off in style at Marco Island Marriott’s Hammock Bay championship golf course, designed to provide an enjoyable challenge to golfers of all skill levels. Visit the resort’s three-mile stretch of white sand beach, two pools and mouth-watering restaurants round out a relaxing day on the fairways. If you happen to be a golfer, you will probably like the place. Who knows, you may even buy some putters from a local golf store and start hitting net in the golf course, or maybe show off some unique golf skills. On the other hand, if you were just an admirer of the game, you might decide that you want to take up golfing as a proper hobby following this trip and look to learn more about one way you could carry on playing once you return home.

3. Have a Picnic

Head to the beach for a picnic. The Hotel Zamora’s “Beach Butler” can pack a picnic for two to enjoy pool- or beachside, filled with treats from its Spanish-influenced restaurant, Castile. Try the Butler Sunset Basket, which includes Mediterranean cheeses and charcuterie, assorted crackers, chocolate-dipped local strawberries, and wine or champagne. Silverware, plates and beach blanket are included.

4. Enjoy a Spa Day

Try the Island Mojito Body Scrub at The Resort at Longboat Key Club. You’ll be lathered in an intoxicating blend of fresh mint, freshly squeezed lime juice, sugar and salt with a hint of rum, followed by a generous application of coconut oil. The treatment ends with a Mojito served in the newly renovated Relaxation Room.

5. Take a Coffee Break

At 3:05 p.m. head to Marriott Stanton South Beach for a complimentary Cafecito and admire the view while you’re there. Since Miami city dwellers rely on their daily caffeine fix at 3:05 (not-so-coincidentally, the Miami area code), the hotel invites guests to join in on the tradition for an extra jolt and a “taste” of the local lifestyle.

6. Lounge in a Hammock

Kick back in a hammock at Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa with a Cucumber Breeze cocktail in hand. You’ll have oceanfront seats to 1,000 feet of secluded Atlantic shoreline, so grab a friend and settle into two hammocks swaying side-by-side to get a feel for why this is one of “America’s Happiest Seaside Towns.” It can also give you the feel of relaxing on a bean bag, except this one’s handier.

7. Catch the Sunset

Check out the sunset while sitting around the Sandpearl Resort’s gigantic wood burning fire pit, situated on the powder-white sands of Clearwater Beach on any given evening. Looking for something more intimate? Grab a private fire pit rental and a do-it-yourself s’mores kit. These fire pit burners make every occasion much more enjoyable. Either way, just as the sun touches the Gulf, you’ll hear the ringing of the historic “Sunset Bell” that signifies the end of the day.

8. Dinner with a View

Dine at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa’s Sea Level restaurant. Here you’ll find a relaxed setting where you can indulge in a creative menu while taking in panoramic views of the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. Try the popular Caribbean Jerk Chicken Sandwich and sip on Sea Level’s refreshing White Sangria all while enjoying the gentle sounds of the waves and warm ocean breeze.