Sometimes, life gets overwhelming. As teachers, we pour our hearts into our students, our classrooms, and our communities every day. But even the most passionate educators need a break to recharge.
So, when my dear friend and fellow teacher, Taylor, and I were invited to spend a little girls’ weekend escape for a night at the Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, it felt like the universe giving us a much-needed hug. We packed our bags (which didn’t take long since it was a true staycation), grabbed our sunnies, and headed to Shorebreak on a bright and breezy Saturday.
Nestled just steps from the beach, the hotel immediately welcomed us with retro 1950s vibes, clean coastal colors, and a cheerful staff that made us feel like old friends coming home. Our room, with its two comfy queen beds and beachy, modern décor, felt like a peaceful hideaway. We quickly packed our beach bags with sunscreen, a towel and water, so finally we were stocked and ready to go.
There’s nothing better than starting an easy and relaxed getaway with going to the pool as the first activity of choice. The weather in South Florida was perfect, warm but not too hot, and we were so ready for a pool day. It was the first order of business.
Rooftop Vibes at Escape with a Side of Wagging Tails
The rooftop at Kimpton Shorebreak is one of Fort Lauderdale’s hidden gems. As we stepped onto the top level, the ocean breeze greeted us alongside panoramic views of the Intracoastal and skyline. Cabanas, cozy lounge chairs, and enough sunshine for a light tan made it the ideal spot to kick back.
Escape isn’t just a rooftop pool; it’s a full-on experience that is perfect for a relaxing afternoon. From the playlist to the drinks, it was curated for comfort and connection. Taylor sipped on a tropical piña colada while I went for a zesty mojito, and both were beautifully crafted and refreshing. The bartender mentioned, and proved, that she could prepare anything that our hearts desired.
The rooftop also offers visitors light bites, including prosciutto bruschetta and seasoned kettle chips with creamy dip. I also enjoyed their delicious burger for lunch, while Taylor opted for a quinoa salad. It was a delicious way to pair food with our drinks. These are the best type of flavorful snacks that hit the spot when you are kicking back on a lounge chair by the pool at Escape, enjoying the sunshine, and at times, sounds of a live DJ.
One of the highlights? The rooftop is pet-friendly, and we were surrounded by happy dogs soaking up the sun with their owners. It made everything feel extra cozy, joyful, and full of life. It put a smile on my pet-loving face, especially when they came to greet me at my chair, wagging their little tails. It made me even happier to be there.
La Fuga: A Coastal Italian Culinary Escape
When it came time for dinner, we made our way to La Fuga, the hotel’s signature restaurant, for what we expected would be a special evening, and the best way to end our night and visit.
Inspired by the flavors of coastal Italy, La Fuga serves up elevated yet approachable dishes that blend tradition with South Florida flair, and the menu has everything that you can imagine that represented that type of cuisine. The menu includes appetizers such as grilled octopus, creamy white beans and a citrusy olive salad that’s fresh and full of texture. As for pastas, the menu includes a linguine tossed with clams, shrimp, and scallops in a delicate white wine sauce and gnocchi that adds in a rich and savory pork ragù with roasted squash and herbs.
La Fuga also gives diners a view to the hotel’s downstairs pool, a relaxed spot with tables and chairs all around, where you can kick back and read a book, or gather to chat with friends over a craft cocktail. But what really made the evening shine was the team. The bartenders were incredibly warm and went above and beyond. I ordered an old fashioned, and it was one of the best I’ve had—it was perfectly balanced, with just the right smoky-sweet edge.
Oh, and Taylor is not usually an old fashioned girly. Yet, she was surprised to enjoy this one. Trust me, these bartenders and their beverage program stand out, especially if they can convince someone that does not like these types of drinks to like them! And they are so fun, and funny, and you can tell that they love what they do behind the bar.
A Little Piece of Peace
The next morning, we kept things simple. We grabbed some complimentary coffee, took in our few last breezy moments from our window, and headed home to prep for the new work week, just a little more rested, a lot more grateful.
The vibe at Kimpton Shorebreak is just right. Not too busy, not too quiet, and always charming. The boutique hotel feels like your own little beach apartment, with space to unwind and recharge. The location is also ideal. Just steps from the beach, it’s easy to take a stroll along the coast, do a little people-watching, and check out other great spots in the area. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, browsing a boutique, or just watching the waves, you’re in the middle of it all, but in a way that still feels peaceful, because you come back to a hotel that feels like home.
And this is the perfect way to feel as you post lesson plans, ready to take on the world after taking time for yourself and realizing that relaxing is always needed in our hectic lives.
For reservations and more information, visit shorebreakfortlauderdale.com or call 954/ 908-7301.
