Hyatt Regency Bonaventure

The hotel has such a tropical feel, you'd never know you're in the upscale suburban bedroom community of Weston, Florida. Popular with business travelers because of large conference center, the very first Red Door Lifestyle Spa in the world makes this a leisure destination unto itself. Forget the corporate high-rise you'd expect when you hear "Hyatt Regency;" this resort has low-lying buildings surrounded by 23 acres of lush tropical foliage like bamboo and palm trees, giving it a laid-back atmosphere.

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501 guest rooms and suites are decorated in a muted British Colonial style. I stayed in a suite, with plenty of space, a kitchenette, separate living room and a balcony. My favorite part was the spa-like bathroom, all marble with a separate shower and bathtub, plus a toilet room with a bidet. Most rooms have an iPod docking station, a desk with high-speed Internet access, two flat-screen LCD TVs, digital scale, coffee maker, microwave and mini-fridge.

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The 48,000 square foot Red Door Lifestyle Spa was such a relaxing retreat, I could have easily spent a whole weekend there. I had a day, which I started by arriving early and exploring the Zen garden just inside the gates. My first treatment was a Sweet Orange and Tangerine Foot Soak ($40) done outside next to the pool. I followed up with a massage, manicure (with a shoulder massage and paraffin hand treatment) and lunch at the fabulous Bamboo Spa Cafe, which overlooks the spa pool.

I had breakfast each morning in Banyan Restaurant, with its shining wood floors. The simple but delicious buffet was made memorable by the granola bar (with a medley of options including flax seed and dried cranberries) and smoothies. Banyan serves lunch and dinner a la carte. Ireland's Steakhouse serves amazing seafood and steaks, including a bone-in filet, a first for me. Bar ZEN, just off the lobby, is a popular after-meeting place for conference attendees. Cabana Bar & Cafe has casual fare next to the pool. Bamboo Spa Cafe serves healthful and flavorful dishes, some of which you can also order at Banyan.

The Red Door Spa offers a number of exercise classes, including Pilates and spinning. The main pool, with its waterfall, and the quiet spa pool are both refreshing spots. Along the water's edge meanders a nature trail which doubles as a walking/jogging path.

In surrounding Weston, Florida are Sawgrass Mill for outlet shopping, the Bonaventure Country Club and Jacaranda Golf (with an 18-hole PGA championship course), the Weston Tennis Center, and Sawgrass Recreation Park. Neighborhood eatery East City Grill, with seating right on the water, is worth a drive. Fort Lauderdale shopping, dining and beaches are approximately a twenty minute drive away. We opted for a 2-hour catamaran cruise that sailed past multimillion-dollar homes before heading out to the Atlantic Ocean.

The 50,000 square foot conference center has three ballrooms and an amphitheater, accommodating up to 2,000 attendees. In a separate building from the main hotel, it's a short walk with easy access to the swimming pool, guest rooms and restaurants for breaks.

Upscale suburban Weston, Florida, about fifteen miles from the Fort Lauderdale airport. Compare Flights

250 Racquet Club Road, Weston, Florida 33326
Phone: (954) 616-1234, (800) 327-8090; Fax: (954) 384-6157
Web site: Hyatt Regency Bonaventure

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