Stay & Play

Three Hot New Stays in the Sunshine State!

The Hotel Zamora

The charming little seaside town of St. Pete’s Beach has a new star stay, the first new resort built there in some 20 years. The new Kimpton Hotel Zamora brings a decidedly Mediterranean vibe to the region known for its stunning and pristine stretch of sugar white sand and aqua seas. In striking bright white and warm earth tones, the hotel has 72 guestrooms, including 22 two-bedroom suites. Virtually a two-minute walk to the sea, guests can also relax and unwind poolside with a whirlpool, both overlooking their private pier on the lagoon side with many plush lounging nooks and a trendy bar. Watch for visiting dolphins and manatees and ask about arranging some kayaks or paddleboards for waterway explorations.

Dining is exquisite in their Castille Restaurant- inside or out- inspired by a fusion of flavors from Spain, Mexico and the Mediterranean. Their Sunday brunch also boasts a make your own Bloody Mary bar and is quickly becoming a local favorite. But it’s their rooftop 360° lounge that really pulls out all the stops and attracts locals and guests alike to view killer panoramic sunsets over the sea and later enjoy great music, superb cocktails, tapas and VIP treatment in private cabanas that make this place the new “it” spot in town. They also have private dining rooms and meeting spaces, and offer an ideal setting for a boutique style destination wedding. The St. Pete’s beach community is fun and friendly and only 15 minutes away from downtown St. Petersburg’s vast array of cool and cosmopolitan cultural attractions.

www.thehotelzamora.com

Amara Cay Resort

Smack dab in the middle of Islamorada in the Florida Keys is the new Amara Cay Resort with a cool boutique vibe. Their spacious rooms sport a fresh, arty and whimsical décor with crisp tropical accents and an ethereal air to blend in with the laid-back sunny island atmosphere. And some of the suites are seriously over the top spacious.

Breakfast and dinner can be had al fresco poolside or inside at their dining spot Oltremare which morphs into a distinctly and maybe surprisingly Italian dining scene at night with fresh seafood as the star and a seriously extensive wine list. Sundays, this is the spot for their “sinful” brunch. Mondays are for martinis and meatballs, and Wednesday is all about the wine with lots of selections by the glass on tap. Dessert not to be missed? Tempura Key Lime Pie! Unique! Surfside, Sparrows Beach Bar also serves food and great signature cocktails for lunch.

At present, the pool area is rather small and conventional, but plans are underway for a new infinity pool and outdoor lounge overlooking the sea, which should put the entire spot over the edge as the new chic place to stay on that island soon.

Complimentary Mercedes van transportation within a four-mile radius also whisks guests over to their sister resort for additional water activities like sea kayaking and mangrove snorkeling, and there is also a snorkel and dive operator right on site.

You can also grab a ride to the community’s wonderful art walk fair with live music once a month.

Islamorada is often called the sport fishing capital of the world, and the resort will happily arrange the best charters for you in the region with pick up at their private pier. Close by is the History of Diving Museum and a lovely protected Botanical Park for eco explorations.

www.amaracayresort.com

AC Hotel Miami Beach

A stellar brand new alternative in downtown Miami Beach to the expensive surfside or the over the top late party hotspots in the region, ideal for those seeking to be close to the vibe but not on top of the insanity. The AC Hotel Miami Beach rooms are streamlined modern and fresh and some have spacious balconies overlooking the lively downtown scene. Their lobby bar is a hot spot for locals at happy hour with terrific tapas and talented barkeeps mixing up artisan cocktails, and European style continental breakfast can be had at their own AC kitchen nook. But it’s the rooftop pool that is such a revelation with a gorgeous sea view, private cabana beds, cozy lounge swings and private nooks. Also avant-garde is their huge deck replete with ping-pong tables, over sized board games like Jenga and all kinds of lounges and tables for snacking and relaxing. The hotel is also steps away from the ocean and a lovely expanse of mid Miami Beach. A modern fitness center and a spacious meeting room with cutting edge tech round out the offerings. It’s a perfect stay for business or pleasure without breaking the budget while still being close to all the high-end offerings around Lincoln Road and South Beach’s Ocean Drive.