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The Top 6 Florida Beaches

The Beach is that WAY!

FLA

Why not head down to Florida this summer? Goodness knows, it is one of Lola’s favorite places for several reasons. Most importantly, the Sunshine State is home to some of the world’s top beaches and resorts. No matter what’s on your vacation check-list, there is definitely a beach here for you. Pack your beach hats and sunscreen because we are going on a tour of Lola’s top 6 Florida beaches!

 South Beach

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What’s a Florida beach story without mentioning the infamous and chic South Beach?  SoBe is a universal playground offering non-stop dining, luxurious hotels, high-end shopping and killer nightlife. No wonder celebrities, jetsetters and vacation lovers have made this beach one of the hottest and most popular places to visit in Miami (and all of Florida!).  Not to mention, it’s walking distance to my favorite luxury swimwear  store, The Orchid Boutique!

Panama City Beach

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I hope you are ready for Spring Break!  This beach is one of the most well-known Florida gathering spots for college kids, especially during Spring Break and other holiday break months.  There are plenty beach-side activities to do along the shores and don’t forget the nightlife!  I guess the Las Vegas adage can definitely apply here: “Whatever happens in Panama City stays in Panama City…” Bring over your friends (and killer Brazilian bikinis) and get ready to party! PS…once upon a time this was MY playground!!

Fort Lauderdale

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Fort-Lauderdale’s proximity to South Beach makes this beach too often overlooked, especially considering how UN-crowded it is.  In the past, this beach was recognized as another hotspot for beach-crazed Spring Breakers. However, the tides have turned and this beach is now celebrated for its family oriented environment and budget-friendly ambience. Most of the resorts in Fort-Lauderdale even offer much lower rates than its more popular neighbor, South Beach.  Fort Lauderdale also has great beachfront dining, clear waters and a fantastic nightlife scene. Sounds tres bon to moi!

Naples Beach

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One of my favorite things about Naples Beach is its gorgeous long pier that is seems to extend endlessly out into the horizon. Not only does the pier have a nostalgic country-feel on one side, but on the other, there are beachfront mansions on Millionaires’ Row that are always amazing to gawk at.  In addition, most Naples residents will boast at how soft the sand is on their beaches (and trust me, it really is!) with the soft sand, a gorgeous pier that provides incredible sunset vantage point and beachfront views of the lifestyles of the rich and famous, who wouldn’t want to travel here for a beach vacay?! HELLO sugar daddy!

Key West

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Located at Florida’s southern-most tip, the beaches on Key West are absolutely breath-taking! It has the ideal clear-blue waters to spend the day swimming, fishing and snorkeling.  And here’s an added bonus: you can do these activities alongside the famous Fort Zachary Taylor historical landmark! Better yet, you can make a road-trip out of the drive down to Key West with your friends and family. Be sure not to miss out on the scenic views on your way to Key West. I can see myself crusin’ in a convertible with the top down right about now!

Sanibel Island Beach

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It’s hard to find a beach with calmer waters than on Sanibel Island.  Its true claim to fame is the beach’s abundance of shells on its shores.  Spend an afternoon collecting them is an activity that Sanibel Island locals call “shelling.” One of Lola’s favorite pastimes…makes a pretty souvenir!

Now that I’ve dished out the details on my favorite Florida Beaches, you’ll need to pack accordingly to be ready for a fun, tropical vacation at any one of these hotspots! Check out the exclusive swimwear and resort wear outfits, courtesy of The Orchid Boutique, that Lola recommends you add to your packing list:

lola_blackpink

SoBe/Ft Lauderdale

This swimsuit and cover-up duo are perfect for the South Beach scene or Ft. Lauderdale where you may find yourself going from an afternoon at the beach to early evening cocktails at the bar!

panama city

Since it’s a youthful crowd on the beaches of Panama City, you probably want to sport a swimsuit that’s comfortable yet cute!

Naples

Love the bright colors in this cover-up. To me, it says sexy & sophisticated, which is everything Naples captures!

Key West

Key West always conjures up classic novels and old movies. It must be because it was once home to Ernest Hemingway and the set of many Hollywood films. This retro swimsuit and colorful bag would fit right in!

Sanibel

Sanibel Island is renowned for its shells so a smart but sassy monokini would be a practical choice. You’ll need a sunhat to cover your face and shoulders if you’re going to hunt long for those beautiful treasures from the sea!

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One Day Stay: Miami, Florida

miami

If you know much about Lola, you certainly know that Miami is one of my favorite places to visit. Why? It is easy to get to from practically anywhere. Certainly from chilly Boston but this visit I actually flew direct from Barcelona. How about that? Then there’s the whole great food, great cocktails, great hotels, great beaches – the list goes on! Finally, since I love international travel, Miami is a perfect place for me with so many people from all over the world visiting and living there. Here’s my ‘One Day Stay’ round up of Lola’s visit this time to Miami.

DROP YOUR BAG

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Newcomer on the Miami South Beach scene, The James Royal Palm debuted in November 2012. This luxury boutique hotel originally built in 1939, has 179 guest rooms and 211 studios and suites, most with ocean views. Tres bon! A totally prime location being steps off the beach and world-famous Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, The James Royal Palm has two swimming pools, a poolside bar, a fun lobby lounge and a full-service spa. The hotel serves as a modern tribute to the Royal Palm’s rich history keeping the European-influenced Art Deco style and playing up the style’s vertical elements and horizontal lines meant to denote movement and fluidity. Also, on property are two fabulous signature restaurants – Florida Cookery and CATCH. Yummy! The James brand has 2 other properties – one in New York and one in Chicago. I look forward to checking out these locations as well as this hipster hotel is completely ‘Lola Approved’.

DO

Delano Cabana Day

This isn’t new Lola Miami news. When I get to South Beach, I cannot resist a cabana day at Delano. Everything is always “just right” at this posh destination. It’s the way to chill & play amongst the cool set. You can rent a cabana for the day and enjoy all the perks the guests of Delano have but at a fraction of the cost. How does little hourly treats from the gorgeous staff sound? What about complimentary neck or foot massages? YES…I thought you’d like that. Plus, the crowd is always fun and friendly. I’ve truly been hard pressed to find a better day long pool scene. TRUST ME ON THIS!

DRINK

ultimate gin & tonic at SLS Miami

As you know I’m not one to shy away from a good cocktail. During my most recent visit to Miami, I had a few that I could carry on about. Every drink at Delano during my annual cabana day tasted amazing for starters but, then again, don’t most poolside cocktails?!  Nevertheless, my favorite cocktail of this adventure was the ultimate Gin & Tonic at SLS South Beach. It tastes delicious but the presentation is so pretty, it’s a drink you hope lasts all evening!

DINE

Khong River House

Khong River House is one of the newer hot spots to try in Miami. Serving fabulous Thai-inspired food, the best loved dishes are the Burmese Noodle Wraps, Roast Chicken, Crispy Shrimp and Coconut Cake. Also known for their yummy cocktail list and attentive staff, Khong River House is a hip and trendy place without any of the attitude. HOW DELICIOUS!

PS – an honorable mention goes to Florida Cookery at The James Royal Palm. Your experience here is meant to be innovative and fluid, serving globally influenced seafood. All I can say is my server, Ashley, was one of the most knowledgable I’ve ever had and after describing all her favorite dishes, that is what I promptly ordered. AMAZING!

 

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