Poolside pineapple dusted with Tajín. That’s the delightful little amenity that greeted me after my first dip in the adults-only Serenity Pool at the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale.
I’d just checked into the South Florida property for a long weekend of sun, sand, and relaxation. And I knew that the refreshing snack, served up by a smiling pool attendant, was a sign of good things to come.
This fruity bite is at the heart of why I fell in love with the Four Seasons brand 30 years ago. Their team knows that attention to detail is just as important as stellar customer service. But there’s a reason why the Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale gets extra gold stars from me: its wellness game is top-notch.
Read on to find out why I think this Fort Lauderdale property should be your go-to for an indulgent weekend of sun, sand, and wellness.
What We Love:
- Complimentary organic Coola sun products at the pool
- Sunrise yoga sessions overlooking the ocean
- Room service breakfast on your private balcony
- The chic beach bag (hanging in the closet) for use during your stay
- The spa’s Himalayan salt sauna and aromatherapy steam room
Accommodations
Waking up to sweeping views of water makes me happy, and this is an area where the Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale doesn’t disappoint. I recommend splurging on an Intracoastal or ocean-view room (there are also ocean-front options). Each offers a cozy covered balcony that is the perfect spot to wait out those inevitable South Florida thunderstorms or enjoy an alfresco room service breakfast.
Given that this property opened its doors in 2022, the rooms feel fresh, airy, and feature all of the goodies one could want on a wellness weekend. The bed is like a heavenly cloud, and housekeeping offers a variety of pillow options to suit your taste. (Personally, I’m a fan of the body pillow.)
You can easily stream from your own device to the massive flat screen TV, or choose to watch one of the guided wellness videos on breathing, meditation, or stretching. There’s a mobile Bluetooth speaker to enjoy your favorite playlist throughout the room, and a tablet where you can order room service or see the spa menu.
The bathroom featured a walk-in shower (some also offer deep soaking tubs) and my favorite Le Labo products. Other noteworthy details included the beach bag I was able to use throughout my visit, unique postcards to send a quick note to a loved one, and the cloth that housekeeping left for me to clean my sunglasses after a day at the pool. I really appreciated that the team has created a room experience that feels more like you’re staying at a friend’s luxurious beach cottage than at a hotel.
Spa
The moment Lorenzo started massaging the heavenly aromatherapy oil into my skin, I could feel my muscles breathe a sigh of relief. During my afternoon at the spa, I enjoyed a 60-minute Free-Flow massage. But you can also select from an impressive menu that includes Hydra Derm Boost Facials, a Sun Salutation Body Treatment, and nail and hair services.
As you plan your visit, allow for time to enjoy the Himalayan salt sauna, aromatherapy steam room, and ice fountain with chilled towels in the locker room. And the relaxation room snacks and infused waters (think bites like chocolate-covered pretzels and the spa’s signature pistachio dates and sips like water infused with cucumber and mint) are plentiful.
The spa’s boutique is also not to be missed and offers up products from lines like Elemis and Zents, and need-to-have items like chic beach bags and cover-ups. And as I checked out, there was the final touch: a note from Lorenzo.
In addition to a suggestion to use steam and sauna to continue to release my muscles post-massage, there was also a QR code that directed me to a few sound therapy tracks to help me find better sleep. Brilliant.
Pool, Beach, and Fitness Facilities
My poolside pineapple moment set the stage for how delightful the pool experience is at this hotel. The Serenity Pool and the family pool both overlook the Atlantic, so you can be at the beach, minus the sand. When you arrive in the pool area, you’re greeted with complimentary organic Coola sun products and an attendant who sets up your chair and brings you an ice-cold jug of water to enjoy.
Periodically, attendants walk by to offer amenities like the pineapple or watermelon. The beach is just across the street from the hotel, making it easy to get in a daily walk on the sand before the heat set in. As part of the daily resort fee that’s bundled into the nightly rate (which also includes use of beach cruiser bikes), the beach attendants are there to set up chairs and umbrellas for you.
From complimentary sunrise yoga to a stair stepper with an ocean view, the hotel’s fitness programming and facilities are also stellar. The gym has plenty of cardio equipment, including Peloton bikes; a fitness room where you can take virtual classes; and all of the fitness tools you could want including Hyperice recovery massagers, rollers, and yoga mats and blocks.
To stay hydrated, you can always grab one of the aluminum Open Water bottles of electrolyte water. Or, there’s a Bevi machine where you can indulge in your favorite flavored sparkling or still water at whatever temperature suits you.
Cuisine
From truffle hummus and house-made pita to avocado tartines, there’s no shortage of dishes to please your palate at the Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale. I highly recommend beginning your day with breakfast on your balcony.
The in-room dining menu offers healthy options like the avocado tartine or more decadent choices including buttermilk pancakes. Add a glass of daily lassi (a yogurt-based drink) to add a bit of fruit and bee pollen to your diet. But if you’d prefer to grab something on the go, Honey Fitz (in the lobby) offers up plenty of cold-pressed juices, wellness shots, coffee/tea drinks, and pastries.
Most of my lunches were spent poolside in the sunshine. Some of my favorites include the Greek salad with grilled shrimp, the chicken shawarma wrap, and the Florida poke bowl. Oh, and don’t forget to add a Piña Colada with a rum floater or a glass of the rosé sangria.
For drinks and dinner, you have two stellar options: Evelyn’s Fort Lauderdale or MAASS. Head to MAASS for the 14-seat chef’s counter experience where you’ll enjoy bites like Hawaiian yellowfin tuna and prime New York strip.
Or, visit Evelyn’s for Florida-meets-Eastern Mediterranean cuisine-inspired featuring some of my favorites like oysters, swordfish skewers, grilled branzino, quinoa tabbouleh, and a variety of hummus and other spreads to slather on house-made pita. Pro tip — order the Taste of Evelyn’s to try single portion servings of a variety of the tastes. The creative plating and presentations are worth every penny!
