Secluded on a quarter-mile-long private beach (one of the largest in South Florida), this resort offers Jet Skiing, snorkeling, and diving less than two miles from Port Everglades. Guests play tennis, swim in the ocean or a lagoon-style pool, and escape the sun in beachfront cabanas at this expansive resort with lots of water sports and a tremendous health spa. Guestrooms all have plush bedding and high-speed Internet access, and many have balconies with views of the pool, the Intracoastal Waterway (and its cruising yachts), or the ocean.

Essentially reinvented by a $40 million renovation completed in 2001, the 16-acre oceanfront resort attracts families, couples, and cruise-ship passengers departing or arriving at Port Everglades 1.5 miles away. It's large enough to be both tranquil and lively. Tranquility is exemplified by a floral-flavored marble lobby washed by gentle waterfall sounds.

Liveliness takes the form of all-day family activities and myriad water sports. The private beach, 75 yards deep and 0.25 miles long, is accessible by wood stairways leading up and over a low dune thickly planted with sea grape. Because it's private, the beach affords guests exceptional space for lounge chairs--some with folding canvas shades--and volleyball games. Bordered by rock-waterfall gardens and ringed by palm trees, the heated, 8,000-square-foot lagoon-style pool provides an alternative to the beach.