There are places we return to because they anchor us, places layered with memory, romance, and a comforting sense of familiarity.
For me, that place has always been The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida. It’s where I got ready to get married, getting glam with my wedding party, back in 2008. The pictures from that time, as well as the comforting memories that the hotel brings back to me, make me realize that while the property has and is undergoing a renovation, its warm spirit remains.
By the stairs outside to exit the hotel, where a picture of me, my mother and my bridesmaids was taken. By the ocean view from the rooms that remind me of sipping a cup of coffee, staring at it wide eyed, as a newly married woman on Aug. 17, 2008.
Coming back all these years later, amid personal transitions and the need for a soulful reset, I wasn’t sure how it would feel. Would it still have the magic? Would it welcome me like it once did? Within minutes of stepping into the grand, sun-soaked lobby, now reimagined with sleek, modern flourishes and warm coastal touches, I had my answer.
The Diplomat still holds its heart.
But now, it feels more polished, more intentional, more in line with its new era of luxury and wellness. It was also about savoring the woman I am now: a journalist, professor, teacher, and human being who deeply needed a weekend of restoration and reflection after a sudden and tragic recent loss. And, about writing of course, which is one of my truest passions that will always connect with everything else in my life.
A Breezy Suite Above It All
My home base during the stay was one of The Diplomat’s freshly updated oceanfront suites, designed with soft neutrals, airy décor, and floor-to-ceiling windows that immediately wash you in Atlantic light.
The moment I opened the balcony doors, I knew it would be my main spot to relax. The ocean breeze, the soothing sounds of waves, with a chair and a table ready for me to take notes. It was where I sipped on my morning coffee with the world still quiet, and enjoyed an evening glass of wine catching the South Florida sunset, which I highly recommend to everyone during their stay. It’s a beautiful way to reflect and end your day.
The room is intentionally serene, with touches that nod to the resort’s storied history while embracing its future-forward vision. It was breezy, open, and comfortable. It’s the kind of suite that invites you to slow down and stay longer than planned. I certainly was tempted to!
Memories in the Marble and Glass
As I wandered the property on that first afternoon, I found myself drifting toward spaces that meant something to me years ago. Corners where wedding portraits were taken. Hallways where family members hugged me between photos. Every turn brought back a familiar feeling; a bit of joy mixed in with nostalgia.
The Diplomat has undergone an impressive transformation since then. The renovations strike a beautiful balance between respecting its legacy and stepping boldly into a new era. Polished marble, sculptural lighting, and lush greenery now weave together a contemporary aesthetic that feels both sophisticated and inviting.
It’s still The Diplomat, but sharper, sleeker, and ready for the next generation of visitors. And it still feels as welcoming as the time that I started my honeymoon after getting married, staying at the property for a few days to enjoy all of its offerings.
Cocktails, Conversation, and a Night at The Hotel Bar
On my first evening, my close friend Melissa joined me for a relaxing night of cocktails and conversation at The Hotel Bar, the resort’s chic, softly lit lounge that instantly sets the tone for an elegant yet comfortable night out.
While the menu offers a range of artfully crafted bites, the star is the cocktail program. Our mixologist was knowledgeable, warm and able to craft drinks that were both precise and personal. You could tell that she loved what she did, taking the time to explain ingredients and shaking techniques, turning each pour into a mini performance. It’s rare to find staff who combine skill with genuine hospitality, but here, every moment felt curated with care.
Melissa and I settled into our corner of the bar, letting the night unfold with laughter, stories, and the comfort of great company. It’s a place at the property that is quiet and cozy, and also surrounded by plush seating if you and your plus one, or group, wish to relax, chat and dine there instead.
A Morning Spent in the Cabana
The next morning ushered in one of the highlights of my stay: a private poolside cabana, which is one of the Diplomat’s most coveted amenities. Their cabanas have been thoughtfully redesigned for comfort and luxury, equipped with plush seating, personalized service, and the kind of airy privacy that makes you feel like you’re in your own little world.
My friend and fellow teacher Samantha joined me for a bit, and the cabana became our sanctuary. We sipped bubbly, nibbled refreshing fruit, and enjoyed the sunshine and refreshing pool. The Diplomat’s pool area has always been a showstopper, but the renewed attention to comfort, design, and service makes it even more inviting for guests. As part of its next era, the resort is planning even more enhancements to its poolside experiences, wellness offerings, and guest programming, something I’m already excited to return and explore.
The Spa Reset: An Organic Facial That Changed My Week
No true reset weekend is complete without a spa moment, and the Diplomat Spa + Wellness is a gem.
Recently updated with soothing coastal tones, holistic treatments, and a curated wellness program, it immediately calms you the moment you step through the doors. I opted to experience an organic facial, a treatment that combined gentle exfoliation, nourishing botanicals, and lymphatic massage that left my skin glowing and my mind blissfully quiet.
The esthetician was beyond skilled; she was knowledgeable, intuitive and genuinely invested in guiding my skin back to balance. It was restorative in every sense, and helped remove my stress and replace it with a great moment of self-care.
Afterward, I lingered in the relaxation lounge, sipping herbal tea before my return home, one that is also located in Hollywood, making this visit one that felt like a wonderful staycation close to home, but one that also transported me to a different world.
What’s Next for This South Florida Icon
One of the most exciting parts of being back at The Diplomat was discovering its vision for its next era, a multi-phase reimagination that embraces wellness, elevated dining, refreshed guest rooms, and expanded experiences across the resort.
The blend of history and cutting-edge luxury is becoming the resort’s signature, and as someone who carries personal history within these walls, it’s inspiring to see.
The Diplomat is stepping confidently into the future while remaining deeply connected to its roots, and that’s certainly a balance that keeps travelers returning year after year.
A Stay That Helped Me Breathe In
By the time I checked out, I felt lighter. Calmer. More like myself.
Returning to The Diplomat was more than a getaway to explore and write about the hotel, but it was also a reminder of who I was when I first walked this property as a young bride, and who I am now: a woman still filled with dreams, resilience, and gratitude.
The resort’s beauty, its modern touches, its heartfelt hospitality, all of it worked together to give me a meaningful reset at a place that has already shaped such a significant chapter of my life.
Some places stay with you. The Diplomat is one of mine. And after this memorable experience, I know I’ll be returning.
The Diplomat Beach Resort is located at 3555 S. Ocean Drive in Hollywood. For more information, visit diplomatresort.com.
