Fort Lauderdale has been known as the “Venice of America” for some 50 years due to its scenic inland waterways and deep-water canals that recall the legendary Italian city. With 23 miles of Blue Wave beaches – so certified for their outstanding beauty and cleanliness – the city is equally renowned for its spectacular oceanside setting.

When it opened six years ago The Atlantic Hotel, a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts, sparked a renaissance along Fort Lauderdale’s beachfront promenade between Sunrise and Las Olas boulevards. Today the luxury landmark is putting the final touches on a multi-phased refurbishment of its accommodations.

As part of the project all 124 guestrooms – including 54 spacious suites – are being enhanced while maintaining their stylish, contemporary flair. The new design features a rich blue and brown color scheme; lush bed linens incorporate a distinctive blue scarf and pillow covers. State-of-the-art technology upgrades include high-definition, 42-inch, flat-screen LCD televisions and WiFi connectivity. Large armoires are being replaced with sleek, low-profile Mahogany dressers topped with black granite.

The Atlantic Hotel’s Trina Restaurant & Lounge – offers floor-to-ceiling windows fronting the ocean, rich plank flooring, stylish leather and chrome furnishings and an exhibition kitchen. Guests can also choose to dine al fresco, overlooking the beach. The menu features American favorites and Mediterranean specialties. Guests enjoy fresh, local seafood along with hand-selected meats, organic poultry and regional ingredients.  

Ahh-inspiring Spa Atlantic

The fifth floor Ocean Terrace at The Atlantic Hotel is home to a stunning swimming pool fronting the ocean, a hot tub and cabana bar and café. The Ocean Terrace is also the site of the world-class Spa Atlantic, a 10,000-square-foot Zen-like retreat with eight treatment rooms, including two couples’ suites. Dedicated men’s and women’s areas feature relaxation rooms, Jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms.

With exquisite décor and innovative services, Spa Atlantic blends traditional rituals with a holistic approach and shares the hotel’s commitment to deliver the best experience to its guests. Its mantra is to provide a rejuvenating experience that is as therapeutic to the mind and spirit as it is to the body. Signature treatments incorporate the benefits and purifying properties of the sea and citrus ingredients indigenous to Florida. Guests can also choose from four “Journeys” designed to visually and spiritually transport the mind, body and soul to Arabia, India, the Mediterranean and the Orient. Spa Atlantic also offers massage for expectant mothers and in-room massages at guests’ request.

Spa Atlantic has a well-stocked boutique and beauty salon that offers a full range of services including hair cutting, highlights, lowlights, styling, manicures and pedicures. Additionally, professional make-up artists will design and apply a look suited to each person’s skin tone, bone structure and hair color.

Adjoining the spa is a 24-hour fitness center outfitted with Italian Technogym equipment that features individual television screens on aerobic equipment. Personal training and group classes, including yoga and power beach walks, are also offered.

Recreational Activities Abound

Guests at The Atlantic Hotel are literally in the heart of a nautical paradise. A three-tiered coral reef system and more than 75 wreck sites draw both novice and expert scuba divers while kayaking, parasailing, kite-boarding and snorkeling entertain those looking to stay above water.

Boat tours, deep-sea fishing excursions, parasailing and catamaran rides can readily be arranged by the hotel’s guest services team. Self-drive power and sailboats can also be rented. Kite-surfing lessons as well as courses necessary to become a competent sea captain are also offered.

More than 60 golf courses make Fort Lauderdale a golfer's paradise. Visitors can also hit the courts at excellent private tennis facilities. Natural attractions such as the Everglades bring visitors in touch with nature and native culture.

Fort Lauderdale is equally rewarding for sports enthusiasts. In addition to boat races and fishing tournaments, the area has its share of professional teams. Bank Atlantic Center hosts the Florida Panthers hockey team as well as concerts. Also within driving distance is Landshark Stadium, home to the Florida Marlins baseball team, and Miami Dolphins football team.

Cultural Pursuits, Shopping and More

Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, a circa 1921 Caribbean plantation-style home, is a short walk from The Atlantic Hotel. The lush estate features a distinctive art collection, orchid exhibit, and array of ecosystems that support a variety of wildlife including spider monkeys. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, near Bonnet House, offers four distinct natural communities and more than 200 species of birds.

The nearby Broward Center for the Performing Arts regularly hosts opera, ballet, theater, symphony and other performances by local and touring companies. Cinema Paradiso and Parker Playhouse are smaller venues for film festivals and original performances.

The Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art houses a vast collection of permanent and rotating exhibits. The Museum of Discovery and Science is a great place for hands-on learning, with more than 200 interactive exhibits on Aviation, Florida wildlife, Aquarium Exhibit and an IMAX Theatre.

Shopping continues to be a preferred activity for affluent visitors and Fort Lauderdale does not disappoint. Trendy boutiques and luxury retailers line Las Olas Boulevard. The Galleria Mall is anchored by Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue and is a playground for fashionistas.

Reservations and Information

For more information about The Atlantic Hotel, and Trina Restaurant & Lounge and Spa Atlantic, please visit www.atlantichotelfl.com or call toll-free 866-318-1101.

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