It’s no secret that people looking for a Southern Florida getaway are easily attracted to Miami for its beautiful beaches and sexy nightlife. Miami is undoubtedly the most well-known city in Florida, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best option. Fort Lauderdale is a hidden gem in South Florida that shouldn’t be missed.

Fort Lauderdale is usually seen as a port stop for cruise lines or a cheaper airport for exploring Miami. However, it has so much to offer, especially regarding wellness.

Visitors have the luxury of having the beach and nature at their fingertips without the crowds and chaos in Miami. Travelers can indulge in delicious food and explore vibrant art and night scenes, all while putting their wellness at the forefront.

Recently, Fort Lauderdale ranked as one of the top cities in America for a staycation. Researchers based their findings on three key dimensions: recreation, food, and entertainment, as well as rest and relaxation.

Known as the “Venice of America,” here’s how to explore peace, fun, and wellness in Fort Lauderdale.

Where To Stay For Wellness

There’s no better way to kick off your wellness adventures than staying at the W Fort Lauderdale.

Located along North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, the W Fort Lauderdale is where visitors are greeted with nautical luxury. This wellness oasis is surrounded by the best of Fort Lauderdale, the Fort Lauderdale Beach, and guests can take in the views and the breeze from the room balcony or the freestanding tub.

W Fort Lauderdale - Guestroom - Cool Corner Oceanfront Room — Photo Credit: W Fort Lauderdale

There are more than 440 rooms guests can choose from that are flexible for every trip type.

There are double queens, king rooms, suites, and one-bedroom and two-bedroom residential suites for people who want to overstay their welcome.

The Extreme Wow Suite, or EWOW for short, is the most luxurious and stunning option. Measuring approximately 2,600 square feet, the EWOW is a two-bedroom and two-and-a-half bathroom suite perfect for spending quality time with friends or loved ones.

No matter what travelers decide, each room pays homage to the beauty and tranquility found on the beach.

EWOW Suite at The W Fort Lauderdale — Photo Credit: Parker Diakite

Wellness Activities At The W Fort Lauderdale

What’s great about staying inside the W Fort Lauderdale is wellness enthusiasts won’t have to travel far for physical activity, relaxation, and body treatments. For example, guests can start their day with sunrise yoga or beach boot camp. Certified fitness instructors lead classes.

One highlight is the sunrise yoga classes, where instructors guide yoga students of all fitness levels through meditation and restoring balance while soaking in the sunset on the shore.

Beach Bootcamp is another morning offering to get the heart rate going. The class mixes cardio and strength training on the beach.

In addition to sunrise yoga and beach boot camp, guests should check in with the front desk for information on pop-up classes, including sunset and silent yoga.

These fitness classes are a part of the daily resort fee.

Rent A Bike and Cruise To The State Park

To explore nature, restaurants, and shops outside of the W Fort Lauderdale, the W Beach Cruiser Bikes will get you where you need to be.

Fort Lauderdale’s famous Las Olas Blvd street is approximately two miles away. Birch State Park is just a mile away and is a great place to surround yourself in nature.

Bike rental at The W Fort Lauderdale. — Photo Credit: Parker Diakite

Heal Inside AWAY Spa

AWAY Spa inside the hotel lives up to its name as a place where people can escape their busy lives to refresh and detox their minds, bodies, and spirits.

Leave the spa feeling renewed with a de-stress or reset massage, or recoup with a detox massage. Moms-to-be can book a pre-natal massage, and there are also facials, eye treatments, and lip treatments for guests.

Other services include manicures, pedicures, body polishing and hydrating treatments, makeup services, and more.

Wellness Activities Outside The Resort

The W Fort Lauderdale is just minutes away from downtown.

Your first stop outside the resort should be Palm Ready at Astrology Crystal Visions. This is a family-owned business that’s also home to multigenerational spiritual guides. The mom-and-daughter duo can give insight to those yearning to learn more about their future.

From there, you can continue your journey down Las Olas Blvd, known as the heart of Fort Lauderdale, to explore shops, art galleries, and local favorites such as Ann’s Florist & Coffee Bar.

A sound healing and mediation experience should also be on your itinerary. LeSound Temple facilitates sound healing that will calm your mind, reconnect you to the present, release stress, and rest your nervous system.

LeSound Temple Fort Lauderdale — Photo Credit: Parker Diakite

Wellness Brought To You By Fort Lauderdale’s Food Scene

With any wellness adventure, excellent food is a must. Plenty of options around Fort Lauderdale provide a well-balanced diet to help provide the energy you need to stay full and active throughout the day. There are also fantastic restaurants to indulge in that trigger the happy hormone dopamine.

Travelers who want to maximize their wellness staycation without venturing far have a few options on-site at the W Fort Lauderdale.

El Vez serves Mexican cuisine and cocktails on a festive patio overlooking ocean views. Guests can eat here for lunch, breakfast, and dinner.

Steak 954 is a contemporary steakhouse with exotic décor, such as the jellyfish tank as patrons enter, creative cocktails, and dry-aged meats and fresh seafood with various sides to complement an upscale dining experience.

SoBe Vegan is a trendy and casual, entirely vegan restaurant offering a modern twist on traditional American cuisine. The menu features all day brunch options, including waffles, banana pancakes, thai noodles, and vegan burgers.

SoBe Vegan Spicy Thai Noodles Fort Lauderdale — SoBe Vegan Photo Credit: Parker Diakite

Those open to venturing off the property can head to the Juice Bar & Café for fresh breakfast options such as acai and smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and creative coffee and tea drinks.

Another exciting dinner option is The House on the River, where travelers can dine in authentic Florida Riviera style. The home, built in the early 1900s, is an iconic structure that has been restored but keeps its vintage charm. Each room is decorated differently, only adding to the fun.

loc:city:fort lauderdale