Lago Mar Resort

Guests of the four-diamond Lago Mar Resort Hotel & Club enjoy the breezy elegance of the Mediterranean combined with the traditions of Old Florida. They unwind in the serene ambience of a private island estate described by the 2005 Zagat Survey as the best hotel in Fort Lauderdale.

Newcomers often remark on the resort’s warm family feeling, which stems from private ownership and management by three generations of the same family. Over the previous decade, the Banks family redeveloped their property from the ground up. Although relatively new, the facilities at Lago Mar still capture the casual charm of south Florida living.

The resort stretches across ten acres of lush tropical grounds, from Lake Mayan to the sea and ending in 475 feet of white sand and blue-green Atlantic waters. Along with the private beach and ocean, two pools serve as magnets for sun worshipers. The smallest pool measures Olympic size; the largest provides 9,000 square feet of lagoon-style fun and relaxation.

Two tennis courts merit their share of fans. Miniature golf, a children’s playground, a full-service spa and fitness room, and a generous selection of bars and restaurants entertain as well. Guests may choose from an oceanfront grill, terrace dining, a coffee shop, patio bar, and comfortable lobby lounge with drinks and live musical entertainment.

Within the Palm Garden Dining Room’s sophisticated tropical decor, the signature restaurant, Acquario, showcases northern Italian cuisine at dinner. For the Palm Garden’s menu, the executive chef prepares the finest and freshest of local ingredients with influences from all over the world.

Meeting planners appreciate the mix of resort-club seclusion and urban convenience as much as leisure travelers. Groups of up to 150 convene in the self-contained Executive Conference Center: four rooms around a central lobby and 5,000-square-foot prefunction area. All rooms have sound and climate controls, multiple microphones, phones, and high-speed Internet access. The Hibiscus Terrace adds a perfect stage for calypso, luau, and other theme events.

The 164 one- and two-bedroom suites—all with balconies and spectacular views—suggest additional settings for small meetings and hospitality. All have microwave ovens and refrigerators, and some have full kitchens. Forty large, handsomely appointed guest rooms complete the choice of accommodation. Everyone has access to business services and complimentary laundry facilities, valet, and self-parking. The concierge and service desk can easily arrange for golf dates, fishing trips, sightseeing tours, and more.

Prime weather and a tremendous number of leisure options attract thousands to Fort Lauderdale each year. These same reasons, plus a whole lot more, make Lago Mar ideal for a south Florida getaway.