Girls Getaway to Sarasota - Ritz & Ceviche

As a native Floridian, I had been to Sarasota, but had not spent much leisure time there.  So when an opportunity came up for me to experience a Girls Getaway to Sarasota, I took that chance. I arrived in Downtown Sarasota for lunch with my friend Heather at Patrick’s 1481 that is located on Main Street.  The Downtown area has something for everyone....from upscale and luxurious to hip and trendy, fining dining to casual al fresco dining, and some of the best people watching anywhere.  Downtown’s Main Street offers a quaint a charming small town vibe.   We had a lovely outdoor lunch at Patrick’s, then it was offer for a few hours of beauty at Diane K Salon & Spa just a few blocks down the street. 

After I got my “hair did,” it was time to check in at the Ritz Carlton – Sarasota.  The Ritz served as our host for the weekend.  Always ready to impress, the Ritz provided a waterview room and their Signature massage that completed my day of R&R.  Many thanks to Norma for 50 minutes of pure bliss!

After some down time, I was ready to get my drink on at the Exclusive Winemaker Dinner at Ceviche, which is located in the historic Times building, originally constructed in 1925. The 4-floor restaurant features an incredible roof-top bar with views of the water and unforgettable happy hour sunsets. Our five-course meal, which was paired perfectly with winemaker-chose wines, included paella, ceviche, tuna, stuffed quail, tabla mixta, beef tenderloin and flan.  WOW...what a  meal!  This Winemaker Dinner was the kick off event for the Annual Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival that takes place in Sarasota each year.  The event is sponsored by the Sarasota-Manatee Fresh Originals, which is a not-for-profit organization, founded in 2003, of more than 50 locally owned, independent restaurants in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Member restaurateurs are dedicated to preserving the culinary heritage of the Suncoast.

Win a Girls Getaway to Orlando

Exciting is one way to describe what's new at Rosen Centre Hotel. The lobby has a distinct new vibe. Stroll further and your senses will be tempted by two incredible new restaurants—98Forty Tapas & Tequila and Banshoo Sushi Bar.  Beyond that, the hotel's skybridge connection to Orlando’s 2.1 million sq. ft. convention center, new guestrooms and suites and free in-room Internet are all new additions. And new The Spa at Rosen Centre will provide a chic sanctuary to unwind at the end of the day.

On Dec. 12, one lucky winner will win a one-night stay in a deluxe room with two 50-minute spa treatments.  This could be you!  Enter online to win at Girls Getaway Guide.

Win a Girls Spa Getaway to Orlando

Vacations at Rosen Shingle Creek are like no other.  An extensive array of activities ensures that there truly is something for each of our guests to enjoy. Choose from four shimmering pools, championship golf—or perhaps an exciting game of sand volleyball followed by a soothing massage.

On Dec. 11 we will give away a 1-night stay in a luxury deluxe guest room at Orlando’s Rosen Shingle Creek and two 50-minute spa treatments.  To enter for your chance to win this pampering prize, visit Girls Getaway Guide.

Win a Girls Getaway to Asheville, NC

Enter to win this fabulous Girls Getaway to Asheville, NC and a stay at the historic Grove Park Inn.  The winner will be selected on December 5.

The Grove Park Inn is a nearly one hundred year old historic resort hotel on the western-facing slope of Sunset Mountain within the Blue Ridge Mountains, in Asheville, North Carolina. The Inn is a AAA Four-Diamond Hotel and has been since 2001. It serves as one of the most romantic places to stay on the eastern U.S. seaboard and has been visited by many United States' Presidents and other people of notoriety. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel is an important example of the Arts and Crafts style. It also features a $44 million, 40,000-square-foot, modern sub-terranean spa, which placed #13 worldwide in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Hotel Spas in 2008.

Valued at $350.  Donated by Grove Park Inn.  Enter at Girls Getaway Guide.

Girls Getaway to Marco Island, FL

I'm ready to kick off my shoes and explore paradise in Marco Island where the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort Golf Club and Spa is now celebrating the completion of a $225 million renovation and redesign that brings the spirit of Balinese beauty, hospitality and well-being to this already acclaimed destination.

Nestled on three miles of pristine Southwest Florida beaches, the Resort features several renowned restaurants, championship golf, a world-class spa and a wide range of activities and amenities, including upscale shops for men and women, a free-form fantasy pool with views of the Florida Gulf, new dining options and completely redesigned and redecorated guest rooms.

Stay tuned!

Girls Getaway to Vero Beach - Ceviche, Paella, Spa & Sun

As we started our weekend adventure, Kelli and I laughed hysterically as we unknowingly dressed in identical travel outfits (navy and white striped maxi dresses, silver sandals and tan leather purses).  Upon arrival, we checked in and made our way to the poolside bar where we met up with Rebecca and Zoe.  After visiting with them and a few cocktails, we made our way to our amazing ocean view suite to find chocolate treats in a graham cracker sand crust....so cute!

Once we changed from looking like twin sisters to our swim suits, we found our reserved poolside loungers and ordered lunch: Ahi Tuna Ceviche, Grilled Salmon BLT and Beef Sliders....all was amazing and tasted wonderful with our cocktails.

While poolside we got to experience the resort’s Splash Stylists, a program officially launched on Memorial Day.  This team of beach and pool attendants are dedicated to care for guest’s every sun-worshipping need. The Splash Stylists offer a host of services including frozen grape delivery, wireless call buttons for prompt food and beverage service, sunglass cleaning, a variety of sunscreens and beach reading to choose from, beach cabana set up and more.

After a few relaxing hours in the sun (and catching up on our celeb gossip magazine reading), we made it to the resort’s spa our 50-minute Couples Massage.  We selected our scent, Euphoric and Rejuvenating, and Robby and Ilene escorted us to the room where they provided amazing massages with Lava Shells.  Thank you so much...and the champagne finish was perfect!

After massages, we got ready for dinner at the resort’s new restaurant concept, The Wave Kitchen & Bar, an ocean-front dining space with gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean. The restaurant offers a menu directly sourced from local farmers, fishermen and artisanal purveyors.  It features classic selections, as well as select Cuban specialties developed by Costa’s owners, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, for their Estefan Kitchen cookbook.  We had the paella....incredible!!!! 

After dinner we returned to our room to find chocolate cigars and a soft, pink turtle in bed to snuggle with.