Silversea Cruises World Cruise departs Ft. Lauderdale Jan. 6, 2012!

The Fairmont Turnberry Isle

 The world voyage on the Silversea Cruises Silver Whisper begins in Ft. Lauderdale, departing on January 6^th. Since this is the trip of a lifetime, why not go to Florida right after Christmas and spend New Year’s Eve at an awesome hotel for a few days?

Decisions, decisions…

Two hotels that we like are…………..

The Ritz Carlton, South Beach, having stayed there during the holidays a few years ago, I know this hotel is absolutely 5 star.  The pool is as warm as bath water and the beach just minutes away.  They have perhaps the very best Caesar salad ever and it’s like paradise sitting by the ocean dining at the DiLido Beach Club at this great hotel. If there is rain or it’s a little chilly, I love the dining room called Bistro One where soft curtains surround your little booth filled with pillows and the service is as good as the food.

This hotel amplifies the sophistication of Miami’s most famous beach community. Located just steps from the city’s finest shopping, dining and nightlife, this is definitely a hot spot worth considering.

Or…………..

The Fairmont Turnberry Isle is another favorite and maybe a little nicer total package than the Ritz South Beach. It’s beyond gorgeous and as you walk to the main swimming pool you pass by the chef’s garden where they actually grow the vegetables they serve in the restaurants.

The hotel is secluded on 300 tropical acres, with a Mediterranean-style hideaway persona, so quite the opposite of South Beach.

There you will find………….an 18-hole Raymond Floyd-redesigned championship golf course, a private beachfront Ocean Club right on the Atlantic, the exclusive award-winning Willow Stream Spa and fitness center, a tennis facility with four clay HydroCourts, three pools including a new lagoon-style pool featuring a waterslide, lazy river, private cabanas and poolside dining, a supervised children’s program and a wide array of recreational activities.

The restaurants are tops and I don’t think I have ever had a better cheeseburger than in the bar of the Bourbon Steak restaurant. Both will have fun New Year’s Eve parties and then a great recovery spa.

Decisions, decisions…

It’s a tough choice. Both will have fun New Year’s Eve parties and then a great recovery spa.  By the way, I don’t think there is a better spa in Miami than this one.

Personally, I think I would go with Turnberry to begin this wonderful adventure……….  If you decide to go, enjoy!