Winter Warm-Up

Typically, when you book a room at a seaside resort in sunny South Florida, you expect balmy winds, high temps and the refreshing waters of the ocean and pool.

You anticipate feeling warm enough to be comfortable romping around in a bathing suit.

But what if it’s not hot? What if the temperatures dip into the 40s? That was the case during my recent staycation at the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island. Did the cold weather have a negative impact on my plan for an enjoyable, relaxing getaway?

Quite the opposite, actually. From the moment I walked into the lobby of the 21-story resort, located on one of the widest beaches in Palm Beach County, to the moment I left the next day, I felt welcome, content and (mostly) warm. I’ll admit to a shiver or two while stretched out on a lounge chair at the beach in pursuit of a suntan, but strolling the shoreline first thing in the morning was delightful. I allowed the waves to gently roll over my feet, discovering the water was appreciatively warmer than the air.

By late afternoon, I bypassed the free beverages during happy hour to take part in a bourbon tasting in the lounge at 3800 Ocean, the resort’s signature dining room. No problem keeping warm there.

With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, 3800’s menu boasts dishes that make the most of the unique flavors of Florida. I ordered a giant and juicy turkey burger with a side of sweet potatoes. Turned out to be a good complement to the bourbon, Batch 3800 — a bespoke whiskey distilled by restaurant staff in partnership with Maker’s Mark Private Selection. 

The restaurant staff went to Loretto, Ky., to select a combination of 10 toasted wood-finishing staves to create a unique flavor. The team flavors: Baked American Pure 2, an American oak designed to bring oak, vanilla and sweetness; Seared French Cuvee, a grooved French oak for butterscotch, caramel and nuttiness; Maker’s 46, a French oak for spicy vanilla notes; and Toasted French Spice, a French oak offering fruity spice notes. After nine weeks of aging in a limestone cellar, Batch 3800, the resort’s unique expression, was ready to go.

Flavors, I found, were distinct and very good, even to an infrequent bourbon drinker like myself. For anyone (over 21) looking to warm up on a chilly day, a bourbon tasting will do the trick.

Younger folks won’t be able to warm up this way, but they could join the grownups outside in a courtyard equipped with several fire pits — flaming and ready for marshmallow roasting.

Kids also have many other activities to keep them occupied at the resort. A large, green waterslide beside the lagoon pool is a big hit. Also available for the little ones: a Kids Club and structured activities such as T-shirt decorating, ping-pong games and movie nights. 

Nature lovers will want to visit John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, a lush, subtropical, coastal habitat less than a mile north of the resort and a good spot for kayaking, snorkeling at natural reefs, bird-watching, fishing and hiking. 

The resort’s 193 rooms — all suites with one or two bedrooms — have spacious and fully stocked kitchens, in-room washers and dryers, plush bedding and huge showers, and are well-suited for families, couples and solo travelers like myself. My room on the 16^th floor faced north, giving me a picturesque view of both the ocean and the north end of the island. The suite had everything I needed, and more — including a high-end lint brush in the closet.

Other hotel amenities include a full-service spa, beachside cabanas and valet parking.

With the COVID-19 pandemic in mind, Marriott has enhanced its frequency of cleaning high-traffic areas, including elevators and restrooms, and provides more hand sanitizing stations. Staff and visitors wear masks and maintain social distancing.

Guest rooms are cleaned and disinfected prior to arrival and only guests go in the room until departure – unless they request a service. COVID-19 testing is available on Wednesday and Friday mornings for hotel guests with travel requirements. 

So, besides feeling warm and welcome, guests at the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island feel safe — a toast-worthy fact, no matter if it’s with bourbon, an umbrella drink or hot cocoa.

Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island is located at 3800 N. Ocean Drive, Riviera Beach. For more information, call 561-340-1700 or visit marriott.com/hotels/travel/pbisg-palm-beach-marriott-singer-island-beach-resort-and-spa.