Ft. Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa – An Oasis in Pompano

Photographs Courtesy of Marriott

Last year while bouncing around Asia I discovered that I have a torrid obsession with the ocean. Falling asleep and waking up to the serene sounds of the cascading waves brings me unadulterated bliss. I am not sure if it is the captivating energy, seductive sounds or tranquil setting, but sometimes I just need to to satiate this craving. To appease this desire I sleep at a place on the ocean with the windows and/or doors open. The Ft. Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa provided a lovely and memorable setting for my most recent fix.

Set on the underpopulated oceanfront in Pompano Beach the resort is situated between Boca Raton to its north and Festive Ft. Lauderdale to its south. The city apparently is ripe for discovery as it was named one of the top 10 “up-and-coming” U.S. destinations in 2014 by TripAdvisor. The Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa is a boutique-style resort that caters to travelers with the simple pleasures of Florida beach living. A hint of tropical coconut, the resort’s signature scent, greeted me as I entered the lobby.

I love that all of the resort’s 194 guest rooms and 25 suites feature a private balcony overlooking the pristine and vivid blue Atlantic Ocean. As you enter the room you are awe struck from the mesmerizing sand and sea reflected in the room’s enticing palette of cream and gold. The room and beach colors coupled with the waves wraps you in a sense of unadulterated tranquility. Just being in the room made me quite blissful. I highly recommend getting a corner room so your entire view span is surrounded by the sand and sea. While the breakfast buffet pictured below is alluring, a room service meal delivered in bed or on the balcony is non-negotiable for me.

My second favorite part of the hotel was the soothing SiSpa, a seaside sanctuary whose keystone location at the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa ranks among Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 100 U.S. Resort Spas. Inspired by the natural beauty and healing powers of the ocean, the SiSpa at Pompano Beach offers an intimate oasis dedicated to wellness and pampering, including:

• Seven treatment stations, including two separate manicure and pedicure stations
• Separate men’s and women’s spa areas with hydrotherapy showers
• Co-ed spa sanctuary
• Outdoor oasis overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
• 24-hour fitness center with inspiring ocean views, stocked with treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes and free weights

My massage was truly outstanding. I have been pampered at spas all around the world and it is the little things that stand out and make some experiences more memorable than others. This spa had a Tempurpedic like massage table, an incessant stream of warm compresses on the neck, eyes, back, feet… The massage room temperature was a crisp 67, so the warm compresses do not make you sweat. I have many times had to ask that the temperature be turned down at very fancy spas. In addition the ridiculously comfy extra padded lounge chairs in the Sanctuary and the shower’s multiple cannons shooting at you from every direction made me a happy camper. A visit to the spa is a must during your stay.

The Ft. Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa provides all guests with:

• Complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access in all public spaces
• Concierge service
• Room service (available 6 a.m.-11 p.m.)
• Valet parking
• Business center
• 24-hour Fitness Center with spectacular ocean views
• Sundry and gift shop
• Laundry and dry cleaning service
• Two outdoor heated swimming pools and whirlpool
• Watersport rentals, including jet skis and paddleboards
• Beach cabana rentals
• Beach Volleyball
• Kid’s Club

The Ft. Lauderdale Marriott also houses McCoy’s Oceanfront, a wonderful restaurant that we have reviewed before. You can see our full review here. McCoy’s is known for its contemporary preparations of seasonal, local and sustainable ingredients, with a focus on Florida seafood, served in a casual indoor/outdoor setting with ocean views. As part of its commitment to sourcing fresh, local products, McCoy’s is home to an Urban Garden, located at the front of the restaurant, where fresh plants and herbs grow and ultimately make their way into the dining menu.

The beachfront restaurant and lounge pays homage to its Prohibition-era namesake in a drinks menu of classic cocktails with fresh-pressed juices and dark spirits that channel McCoy’s rum-running days. McCoy’s also offers an extensive wine list and daily happy hour specials from 5-7 p.m., served poolside. Friday happy hour entertainment often continues throughout the weekend, ranging from an island tropical vibe to mainstream music. McCoy’s is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Ft. Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa was quite a treat for me. I truly hope to one day return and be swept away again…