Elegant, contemporary and utterly luxurious, this ocean-front resort is a stylish escape in busy Fort Lauderdale. Rooms, decorated in neutral tones with mahogany furniture, feature flat-screen TVs with DVD players, beds wrapped in Pratesi linens and balconies with views of the ocean. An 8,500-square foot spa offers a full menu of treatments while the sprawling fitness center has spinning classes and a Pilate’s studio. Cero, the onsite restaurant, serves fresh seafood in a sophisticated setting overlooking the water, and the wine room is a chic place to sample one of the many glasses of wine and chat with the sommelier.

Ritz-Carlton Resort, Fort Lauderdale Amenities:

• 187 rooms. Check-in 3pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access, wireless Internet access. Three restaurants, two bars. Fitness room, fitness classes available, spa. Beach. Outdoor pool. Business center. Credit cards accepted.