MARCO MAKEOVER
In the spirit of spring break, the Scoop is taking a road trip around the Sunshine State. Marriott upgraded its long-time property on the Gulf Coast into the JW Marriot Marco Island Beach Resort. The $320 million expansion, renovation and rebranding results in the first JW Marriott on a beach. The luxe directions new Lanai Tower unveils adults-only guestrooms and a celebrity chef restaurant soon. The hotel will offer 810 rooms, nearly 100 more than its current pool, upon its completion this year. In the meantime, guests can check out the original towers totally revamped rooms with larger baths, 10 eateries like Ario for dry-aged meats and Maia for local ingredients, and all-new common areas from the lobby to the fitness center. A spa and golf increase the resort factor.
400 South Collier Boulevard; 239.394.2511; jwmarco.com
MARINE TO MILAN
Only an hour from Miami, Palm Beach makes a great day trip or weekend getaway. Check into the historic Breakers, which recently launched the stunning redesign of its beloved Seafood Bar by Adam D. Tihany. His contemporary nautical dcor enhances the restaurants incredible ocean views and aquarium bar. Its the perfect setting to dive into stone crabs and pecan-crusted grouper. Sant Ambroeus, New Yorks authentic Italian caf by way of Milan, opened an outpost (pictured) on the island at the revamped Royal Poinciana Plaza shopping center. The all-day operation serves every Italian delicacy from 18-month aged San Daniele prosciutto to risotto to veal scaloppine in an Art Deco-inspired space with Murano glass lighting fixtures and custom wallpaper in the same pink pattern as its pastry boxes.
One South County Road; 561.655.6611; thebreakers.com. 340 Royal Poinciana Way; 561.285.7990; santambroeus.com
STOCK UP
The developer behind the Marker and Truman Annex in Key West has expanded north to Stock Island with Oceans Edge Key West Hotel & Marina. Bringing a chic option to the rustic, Old Florida locale, the 20-acre resort is also a haven for boaters as the closest U.S. marina to Cuba. Besides 163 boat slips, the conch-style property claims six pools and 175 suites and rooms ranging from 382 to 575 square feet with balconies and water views. Their cobalt blue and white palette and wicker accents fit right at home along the ocean, while other decorative details tell the story of the areas shipwrecking history. Dine at Yellow Fin Bar & Grille and relax on the front porch in rocking chairs or around the pools in sun pods.
5950 Peninsular Avenue; 305.809.8204; oceansedgekeywest.com
PLEASING PARENTS
Disney makes it fun for the whole family through adult-friendly destinations. Stay at Four Seasons Resort Orlando within Walt Disney World Resort. While kids enjoy complimentary camp, a fantasy water park with a lazy river and rock-climbing wall, and a character breakfast with Mickey, Minnie and Goofy, their parents can sun at the adults-only pool, play a golf course designed by Tom Fazio and shop for exclusive Missoni mouse ears at Wardrobe designer boutique for men and women. Everyone can enjoy the nightly fireworks at Epcot and the Magic Kingdom from the hotel rooftop. Disney Springs improved its tenants with stores like Uniqlo, Under Armour and Lilly Pulitzer, as well as eateries from celebrity chefs. Dine around on Rick Baylesss guacamole, Morimotos tuna pizza and Sprinkles ATM-delivered cupcakes.
10100 Dream Tree Boulevard; 407.313.6868; fourseasons.com. 1486 Buena Vista Drive; 407.939.6244; disneysprings.com
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