The DAYTONA / Daytona Beach, FL
Located directly across from Daytona International Speedway, The DAYTONA is a new Marriott Autograph Collection property with a design inspired by the area’s iconic racing history. The property features an inspired design with features including vintage show cars on display, walls lined with vintage odometers and vehicle blueprints, and a giant rotating sculpture above the check-in area known as “Wheel in the Sky.” The hotel also features a full-service restaurant and bar, moonshine distillery partnership, and an outdoor pool area with a fire pit and private cabanas. Plus a prime location steps away from the famous raceway gives travelers access to more than 50 restaurants and retail outlets. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, book the NASCAR Rookie Experience package, which includes overnight accommodations, a NASCAR driving tutorial with 8 minutes of track time to practice your skills, and a bottle of Champagne afterwards back on property to mimic the classic raceway tradition when a bottle is poured over the winner.
For more information, visit thedaytona.com.
Art Ovation Hotel / Sarasota, FL
Art Ovation Hotel is the first hotel in Sarasota to offer a full 360° experience into the city’s thriving arts-scene — from theatrical arts, opera, music, art, tech and more. The property cultivates partnerships with local arts organizations, instructors and performers to celebrate, support, and embrace the well-established arts destination (known as Florida’s cultural coast) and offer an array of creative guest experiences including group music lessons, origami lessons, paint and sketch classes, live performances, art demonstrations, IMPROV comedy lessons, tours of the curated art installations throughout the property and more. Upon arrival, guests invited to explore their artsy side since each room is equipped with leather-bound sketchbooks, art supplies and a ukulele for private jam sessions. The ukulele isn’t quite your style? Art Ovation’s “Check In, Jam Out” instrument loan program gives guests the choice of guitars, keyboard, violin, or cello to rent and further find their musically-inclined side in the comfort of their own room. Additionally, guests of Art Ovation are invited to tour the art installations exhibited throughout the property’s public spaces with the cultural curator and a complimentary glass of wine during the wine + art tours hosted every evening. Travelers might take away an unknown artistic ability or interest after exploring the creative programs at Art Ovation Hotel.
For more information, visit artovationhotel.com.
Playa Largo Resort & Spa / Key Largo, FL
Once the site of a booming pineapple plantation, Playa Largo Resort & Spa puts a luxurious twist on laid-back Keys’ living with its vibrant two-story bungalows, palm tree studded waterfront pool, private beach & marina and sea-to-table cuisine. Situated on 14 secluded beachfront acres in Key Largo, Playa Largo provides travelers the perfect Caribbean-esque escape without having to leave the country. The oceanfront resort features lush tropical accommodations — including 178 luxury rooms and suites as well as 10 private bungalows and three-bedroom beach house with a private pool– along with an expansive waterfront pool, four culinary dining options, a coastal-inspired spa, fully-equipped fitness center, two tennis courts, a basketball court, complimentary bicycles and a private beach and 15-slip marina with water sports rentals. As the sun sets each day, guests are signaled by the ringing of the Eventide Bell to follow the sound of live music and gather for Playa’s Eventide, a daily sunset celebration of the transition from day into night. Guests can indulge in light bites and a round of complimentary signature cocktails served in halved pineapples and guests have the option of a complimentary kayak or paddle board to watch the spectacular display from the water. Couples can elevate their Key Largo escape, with Playa Largo’s new Water Table at Sol by the Sea, offering guests the chance to kick off their shoes, dip their toes in the Florida Bay and have front row seats to stunning Key Largo sunsets while enjoying seafood cuisine.
For more information, visit playalargoresort.com.
