The Atlantic: Reviving the Ocean View in Fort Lauderdale

Some five years after first opening its doors to the world, The Atlantic Hotel in Fort Lauderdale remains a leader at the  elite end of the accommodation spectrum along the oceanfront stretch of south Florida it pioneered as an upscale lifestyle getaway and residence. 

The Atlantic (credit: Luxury Collection)

This 123-suite hotel and condo, aptly named for the many breathtaking ocean vistas that can be had at almost every point–whether from your hotel balcony, from your table at the gourmet beachfront restaurant, or from your private cabana at the oceanfront pool–brought something new to an area that had been ground zero for springbreakers.  One unique personalized feature of this contemporarily elegant resort appreciated by travelers arriving from a long flight is the check-in: arriving guests are met by Atlantic “Ambassadors” at the door and shown to the living room-like area of the lobby—accented with cool marble and subdued lighting—where you are served a fresh herbal drink and lavender-infused, chilled towel to revive you.  While you relax on the couch and your check-in information is completed at the front desk, hotel features ranging from the in-suite facilities to the two restaurants, and extensive spa facilities are outlined for you.  It’s a welcoming and personal touch in a relaxed but elegant environment that sets the perfect tone for staying in Fort Lauderdale.  The dining highlight here is Trina Restaurant, featuring one-of-a-kind Mediterranean dishes with totally fresh seafood and ingredients.  Trina dining can also be accessed in-room via room service and more casual Trina offerings are also available on the 5th floor at SPUMA, the hotel’s pool-bar-with-a-view.

The rooms: spacious but notably very natural light filled, guest quarters also remain airy and light in pale and soothing tones.  The sleeping area is anchored by four poster beds with plush Luxury Collection bedding; the bath area features separate marble fitted tubs and showers and double sinks.  On the tech side,  each room includes in-room video games, Bose CD Wave Radio, a DVD player, and an oversized deck outfitted with a combination fax/copier/printer.  For times when you don’t want to venture out to dine or snack, take advantage of the granite-accented kitchen outfitted with stove, dishes, silverware and microwave.

 Then there is the Spa Atlantic on-site – a 7,000 square foot ocean inspired full-service facility with a contemporary Zen feel, done in a decor of moss greens and dusty blues.  Reflecting its seafront location, the eight treatment rooms are named after different seas around the world and many of its treatments – llike the Marine Body Mask and Deep Sea Facial – do in fact utilize minerals found in marine materials.  The spa offers guests a steam, a sauna and pool access and the spa lobby features a product boutique. 

The Atlantic -  601 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; Tel: (954) 567-8020.