Luxury in Style

Paradise for two

From the private balcony of our oceanfront suite, my beau and I put up our feet and watched turquoise waves roll ashore. Wearing plush robes, we clinked champagne glasses and nibbled on luscious tropical fruits. This was our first romantic getaway, and it couldn’t be more perfect.

And we didn’t need to fly all the way to St. Barts or Aruba to find this luxurious retreat.

At the Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa, a Caribbean-style hideaway just 20 miles north of posh Palm Beach, cozy up in cabanas on a pristine beach, then indulge yourself at the new full-service spa. Share tuna tartar and Florida lobster over a bottle of wine at Sinclair’s Ocean Grill. Eat breakfast in bed as the sun rises.

Couples will discover plenty of luxury diversions both on-property and within minutes of the resort. Try your hand at some of the region’s best sportfishing, paddle the Loxahatchee River or hit the links at Abacoa Golf Club and The Champion’s Club at Summerfield. Enjoy world-class shopping or just lounge at the resort and do nothing. Whether you favor the relaxed or action-packed, you’ll find that the Jupiter Beach Resort is truly a haven for couples.

The bedroom opened to a spacious balcony with a clear view of the beach. We were so close to the ocean we could taste the salt. 
 
Unwinding at the Spa
Excited about our getaway, my beau, Zach, and I arrived early at the resort. The service was superb from the start. When our room wasn’t ready (we were several hours early), a bellman stowed our luggage and a front desk clerk offered us complimentary drinks.

We decided to unwind in the 7,500-square-foot spa and salon, where relaxation came easily. Tranquil music floated through the rooms as we sipped herbal tea. We slipped into robes and then into the saunas, letting the dry heat drift over us.

The spa caters to men and women and offers an array of exclusive products and specialized services. Zach chose a classic Swedish massage while I opted for the Tropical Sugar Rub, a treatment that exfoliates and moisturizes with sugar, coconut milk and oil. My polished body glowed.

Tasting Luxury
Our room ready, we hurried upstairs and threw open the door. Decorated with rich, dark wood furniture, the island-chic suite featured a marble bath, a down-filled duvet, a wet bar and a flat-panel TV. The bedroom opened to a spacious balcony with a clear view of the beach. We were so close to the ocean we could taste the salt.

Room service arrived with a bottle of Moet & Chandon White Star champagne, chocolate-dipped strawberries and juicy blackberries. We quickly proceeded to consume all three.

By this time, we were completely wrapped up in this resort oasis and its first-class style. Here, you can experience the unspoiled beauty of a Caribbean island without sacrificing any amenities. There’s a valet, in-room massage, transportation and an eBoutique, which allows you to rent everything from iPods to laptops. (Inquire about vacation packages, such as the “Romance Escape,” which includes champagne and breakfast for two.)

On the lush, secluded beach, you can do yoga, try a water sport or simply relax in lounge chairs. You can float in the oceanfront heated pool or play tennis.

As the sun began to set, Zach and I ordered daiquiris at the poolside Sandbar, where live music filled the air. We snuggled in a hammock and swung in the light breeze as the sky turned golden.

Exploring the Area
Some couples will want to venture out to explore the surroundings. In the laidback town of Jupiter, you can climb the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, which has been guiding mariners since 1860, then dine at the Food Shack, a local favorite.

In nearby Palm Beach Gardens, check out the specialty stores at The Gardens Mall and explore Downtown at the Gardens, a hot shopping and dining area. Don’t miss RA Sushi Bar.

A little further south in Palm Beach, tour Norton Museum of Art and the opulent Flagler Museum. Stroll Worth Avenue for its art galleries and high-end shops, including Valentino, Gucci and Luca Luca. Try French fare at Chez Jean-Pierre or a brie and fruit plate at Ta-boo.

Back to Paradise
Zach and I feasted on lobster and crab cakes with citrus aioli and The resort offers several dining options of its own. From our seaside table at Sinclair’s Ocean Grill, ginger-braised short ribs. We fell in love with the chef’s special, a bananas foster-inspired cheesecake.

Back at our room, where the bed had been turned down and shell-shaped chocolates awaited, Zach serenaded me with Elvis tunes. Around midnight, we strolled the beach, hand in hand. That night, the sliding glass doors open, we slept to the sound of the surf.

We awoke before sunrise. From the comfort of our king-size bed, we watched the sky turn light. Room service arrived, and we ate breakfast in bed. Neither of us wanted our stay in paradise to end. Then Zach whispered words that made leaving a little easier.

“We’ll come back.”

By Jenny Lee Allen

Courtesy of www.visitflorida.com