West Palm Beach, Florida

Just days before Christmas as most people are out in the shopping madness, I was in the lap of luxury and relaxation in West Palm Beach, Florida. After a pleasant 1.5 hour plane ride from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, I found myself on Singer Island in West Palm Beach on December 18.

 This was my view from an outdoor lounge that resembled a daybed. It was magnificent! As you can see, there's hardly a soul out this time of year!

Weather:
It was immediately obvious why 'snow birds' migrate there during the winter months to escape harsh weather. Shorts and a light sweater were all that I needed to maintain comfort. During my 4 day stint here, the weather stayed around mid-70s to mid-80s. Dawn and dusk were a little chilly, especially if by the ocean, but by noon I was relaxing by the pool in a bathing suit. I even got a little red from the sun!

Where to Stay
We stayed at the Marriott on Singer Island- a short drive over a bridge from WPB (West Palm Beach) takes you to Singer Island (a quaint island with beautiful scenery and great shopping). The Marriott resort is a mix of residential condos and luxurious suites for guests. Upon walking into the resort, I was greeted with a gigantic Christmas tree situated in front of a wall of windows that amplified the picturesque view-- beautiful gardens, a pergola, cozy fireplaces surrounded by big, comfy outdoor furniture.

Suites
The luxurious feeling emitted in the lobby flows seamlessly into the guest suites. A smooth ride in the elevator (I am not an elevator person, but I had no problem at all with this) takes you up to my suite on the 17th floor. Upon entering, my eyes are met with the sparkling marble floors of a sleek, modern apartment (some even call these immaculate abodes home all year long). Floor to ceiling windows in the living and bedroom allow you to feast your eyes on the perfect view- the bay of Singer Island (including marina and bridge) from the living room and ocean as far as the eye can see from the bedroom. The rest of the apartment does not disappoint-- walk in closet with dark cherry, built-in organizers, washer/dryer combo, spacious living and bedroom, well-equipped kitchen with granite and a fully stocked mini-bar, and then there's the best part... the bathroom. Picture this: wall to wall marble so shiny it reflects light, a super-modern and practical sink and vanity, a huge walk-in shower made of rock and..... the most relaxing spa tub ever!

What to Do
If you're looking for a Spring Break '08, riding the strip in the back of Billy Bob's pickup while throwing mardi gras beads kind of vacation... this is not the place for you. WPB has tons to do in the way of shopping, entertainment, and...my favorite.. eating!

Shop: Downtown CityPlace is a great place to start. It is a newly renovated area with two blocks full of high-end boutiques and shops. Francesca's, White House Black Market, etc. They even have a Macy's! Clematis street, a few short steps from CityPlace, has a mixture of eclectic shops and name brand boutiques (such as Ann Taylor).  Also, I should mention that people here carry their dogs everywhere...even inside the stores.

Entertainment: WPB has a plethora of amenities that appeal to a wide range of people. Deep sea fishing, 40 miles of beautiful beaches, National Parks, bicycle paths, snorkeling, golf... you name it, it's probably there! One activity I read about was watching space shuttles launch. Cape Kennedy launches shuttles throughout the day and they can easily be seen from the beach! Definitely putting that on my to-do list for next time!

Dining:  Not only does CityPlace have great shopping, they have restaurants as well. My recommendation is to go to Rocco's Tacos. It can be a bit pricey, but the combination of excitement and relaxation make this a place I plan to frequent again. It's a high-end Mexican restaurant known for their delicious grilled corn (it's $5 for an ear of corn, but trust me- you won't regret it!!)