Resort Stay

A memorable resort stay was enjoyed when I went to a wedding in Florida and stayed at one of the best resort hotels in Miami. I went two days ahead of time since the festivities started before the wedding did. It was 4 days of glamorous fun that I just don't do everyday. Maybe once every few years.

Then I realized that if you choose the right retirement community you might be able to live this way every day. I decided when I got home to research the most luxurious retirement communities I could find and see if they could compare or come even close to this 5-star resort hotel.

While I enjoyed this resort stay, I jotted down all the things that made it a resort style and luxurious. When I first arrived, I was greeted by Joe who told me he was there to see that my every need was attended to. I didn't need to use Joe's attentive service but it was a nice greeting and I began to feel pampered. It seemed like everywhere I went I could find things that satisfied my needs--such as an infinity pool, spa and massage services which I always enjoy at a resort stay, outdoor dining on a patio overlooking Biscayne Bay, the pool guys with their cold cloths for your hot body, the pool bar serving sushi and martinis--well, you get the idea.

We swooshed through the lobby with very, very high ceilings and glass walls that looked straight out to palm trees and water. The open and airy asian decor was at once tranquilizing. We arrived at our rooms weary from the airplane flight of about 3 hours. We were anxious to see our room and we were not disappointed.

In our everyday lives we forget sometimes how wonderful life and a resort stay can be. It is at moments like this we remember .. the room is very large and the dark woods of the furniture contrast nicely with the white very fine cotton linens that cover the bed and is refreshing. There is a lounging couch, a writing desk in addition, but beckoning above all is the breathtaking Biscayne Bay view off our large tiled patio balcony.

We rush out to feel the tropical breeze, see the swaying palms leaning into the Bayside, and we have a glimpse of the infinity pool and spa. It is all divine.

The large Roman tub inside our luxurious bathroom beckons us to have a soak. We turn on the faucets and continue walking around to discover the room while the tub fills. The tub is so large we know we have time. My husband finds the chocolate truffles and they are eaten right away -- our greed seems insatiable.

The tub ready, I plunge into this mini-indoor pool all in marble and put the hot cloth over my face. I remember what this is like from previous resort stays--the washing of the dust and grime seems symbolic -- a ritual -- washing erases days of work, frustrations, sleeplessness and all anxiety -- I emerge renewed.

The bones settle into crisp white linens and the soft pillows envelop my head in their deep lusciousness. I don't move -- I don't move for hours since I immediately drift off into dreamy unconsciousness. These first hours are always the best for me -- because after waking from this refreshing sleep, colors emerge brighter -- I notice colors I had forgotten existed -- golds and corals and clay-like reds. Softness and tenderness describe my newly emerged persona.

Friends arrive and say they found a great place to eat -- a local Italian place. I don't want to go anywhere I am so perfectly at peace, but I finally give in to their pleas. They tell me I won't regret this decision. I didn't. The menu immediately convinced me.

From a vast selection I chose the fettucine with sliced filet mignon, wild mushrooms, wine sauce and topped with goat cheese. A large platter of home-made bread still hot from the oven and garlic freschetta with real home-grown tomatoes topped off with real New York cheesecake -- found in Miami. I have to describe the cheesecake because it was the real thing and I love home-made cheesecake -- it squished and mished between my fingers and I licked the cheese coating off -- every bit. It was also covered with a raspberry syrup that tasted fresh-picked that morning.

When we arrived back at the room, I instantly knew someone had been there -- it didn't have the look of unfolded towels-wet soppiness, and disorganized pillows that we had left behind -- instead a fresh tiny orchid was on the newly fluffed up pillow arrangement and attached to a poem by Shelly -- it didn't take long to fall asleep.

In the morning I open one eye and wonder who painted the skyscraper buildings, seen across the Bay from my large windows, orange gloss -- but it lasted only a moment as the sun arose and the color faded before I could grab my camera and capture that amazing moment now gone forever.

Can a retirement community compare to a resort stay. Let's look at some and what they offer.

First -- you need the location.Second -- You need the restaurantsThird -- You need the convenience of services Fourth -- You need beauty of the rooms and building Fifth -- You need pools, spas, menu of activities, opportunities to stay fit.Six -- You need luxury items such as fresh linens

We have a great selection of resorts for retirement Return from Resort Stay to Retirement Resort