Today’s Forecast: Bliss

The weekend designated for my stay at The Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale coincided with a brief tornado that touched down nearby, making local headlines.

To say it was blustery is an understatement. Normally, I’d be upset. After all, who goes to an oceanside hotel for a getaway and doesn’t feel cheated when Mother Nature decides not to cooperate? And yet, despite the tempestuous weather, what unfolded was an indulgent, dreamy escape that bumped beachgoing to an afterthought, highlighting the extraordinary luxury and pampering that defines The Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale instead.

I’ll start with The Spa, nestled on the third floor alongside the gym, pool and signature restaurant, Evelyn’s. Despite not being an expansive space, the spa’s tasteful curation provides a quiet and nurturing refuge. Six treatment rooms (including one couples’ suite) and changing areas featuring a salt-wall sauna, aroma steam room and ice fountain exude indulgence. I was grateful the weather was shoddy and I didn’t have an outdoor activity to rush to.

From the tempting massages and skincare services, I opted for the Signature Ebb and Flow Massage, an aromatic treatment (90 or 120 minutes) blending the long, gliding strokes of Swedish massage with compressions and stretches favored in Thai massage. Himalayan singing bowls are incorporated, furthering relaxation. Lorenzo, my masseur, presented me with a choice of aromatic oils to be used throughout.

After such a transformative experience, it only makes sense to float up to one’s room for a well-deserved nap. My ocean-view room on the 10th floor featured a balcony that was so large, it could have easily passed as an outdoor lounge. Inside, the bright and airy space is elegant, featuring sand tones that invite the sky and ocean to play a prominent role even on a rainy day. A well-appointed, generously sized bathroom showcases a tub long enough to fit your average basketball player and there is a spacious shower for those who prefer.

Still under Lorenzo’s spell, I fell into a deep afternoon slumber beneath the plush duvet cover. The bed was so comfortable, I even dreamt of clouds.

It’s the type of sleep one reminisces about, like a phenomenal meal or exceptional bottle of wine. In fact, so renowned is the Four Seasons Hotel bed that one can purchase the identical mattress for home use.

Naptime ended just in time for my dinner reservation, so I headed to Evelyn’s, which was filled with smartly dressed people sipping beautiful cocktails. Showcasing Mediterranean cuisine, stone-fired pita and Jerusalem Bagel with Urfa-Thing Seasoning arrived freshly baked. Mezze spreads like Labneh with oat-maple crumble, za’atar, mint, El Koura olive oil and a more upscale rendition of hummus: Truffle Hummus with Burgundy Truffle and Gratitude Garden Mushrooms were stellar. Salads such as the Za’atar Kale Caesar and the Fig & Pomegranate Fattoush served as refreshing preludes to the Wood-Smoked Skewers of Australian Wagyu Beef with date barbecue and red chili shug or Pomegranate-Glazed Ora King Salmon with pomegranate-tomato salsa. There is a Grilled Whole Branzino for two with coriander seed chermoula, cilantro, rose petal and Swank Farm salad and sides with a creative spin like the Salt Baked Whole Sweet Potato with preserved lemon labneh, pumpkin seed gremolata and basil. I’m hardwired for chocolate so finishing with the Dark Chocolate Pave (halva, black sesame ganache, tahini shortbread, grey sea salt, almonds) was a must.

There’s also a fine dining experience on the property. Critically acclaimed chef and restaurateur Ryan Ratino, best known for Michelin-starred eateries Bresca and Jônt (both in Washington D.C.), recently opened Maass, a contemporary wood-fire concept inspired by the techniques of Europe and Japan.

Morning led me to Honey Fitz, the quaint pastry spot within the handsome lobby where healthy options like Yogurt & Granola Parfait (house-made spiced pepita granola, Greek yogurt, fresh berries and bee pollen) and Coconut Chia Seed Pudding with pineapple jam and lime-scented mango can be found. I couldn’t help but order the Chorizo, Cheddar & Chive Scone and the Pain Au Chocolat, both well worth the calorie count. Evelyn’s also provides a full breakfast and room service is available for those who prefer the comfort of their room.

While most visitors aspire to soak in the sun by the pool or beach, my visit to The Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale proved that the lavish pampering I experienced within the hotel surpassed any need to be outdoors. From the warm greeting to the reluctant farewell, the hotel’s embracing care made every moment memorable, rainy skies and all.

The Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale is located at 525 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. For more information, call 754-336-3100 or visit fourseasons.com/fortlauderdale.