With approximately 228 beaches – spanning roughly 835 miles along Florida’s coastline – there is seemingly a swath of sand to be sought out around every corner. However, that doesn’t mean every beach is a best beach. First Leg Travels resorts and hotels are positioned near Florida’s top, award-winning beaches, including the Gulf Coast stretches of Clearwater Beach, Treasure Island Beach, Siesta Beach and the Atlantic gems of Jensen Beach, Jupiter, and Delray Beach.

Found a stretch of sand that strikes your family’s fancy? There’s a beach resort ready to welcome you there, offering endless family fun for them, no planning required for you. Just the beach, pool, and programs at your beck and call.

WHAT ARE THE BEST FAMILY BEACH RESORTS IN FLORIDA?

Sandpearl Resort

Clearwater Beach

Beachfront fire-pits, a climate-controlled zero-entry pool, and easy access to what has been deemed time and time again as Florida’s number-one beach. If there’s anything Sandpearl Resort is best known for, it’s being the top family beach resort in Clearwater. It even has its own on-site kids club – Camp Ridley – where kids ages 5 to 10 make new friends, enjoy fun-filled activities, and learn about Florida wildlife under the care of qualified camp coordinators. Add in recently redone accommodations – particularly the suites with roomy dining rooms and multiple bathrooms, ideal for families – and it’s obvious why this resort regularly ranks as the number one “Best Family Hotel in Clearwater Beach, FL” by US. News.

The Resort at Longboat Key Club

Longboat Key

This Longboat Key-based luxury resort is a destination unto itself, offering 410 acres of on-site amenities for families, including spacious suites with kitchens and in-room laundry, a private beach, and a heated outdoor pool. There is even special family programming every Saturday and Sunday from 1–4 p.m., including activities like face painting, balloon twisting, and live magic shows and pool deck movie nights on Saturdays. While kids enjoy the beach and poolside fun, adults can take advantage of golf, tennis, water sports, and multiple dining options – all in one convenient, luxurious setting.

Opal Sol & Opal Sands

Clearwater Beach

Double the resorts, double the fun, right? Opal Sol and Opal Sands are the ultimate family-friendly duo on Clearwater Beach, connected by a skybridge and packed with perks. Think roomy accommodations at the brand-new all-suite Opal Sol, direct beach access at Opal Sands, and a shared lineup to the amenities of both resorts, collectively translating to 10 dining options, four pools, and plenty of programming. The kids will especially love the new retro-inspired ice cream parlor coming to Opal Sol’s street-level shops this summer.

Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa

Jupiter

Tucked away on the northern edge of Palm Beach County, Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa is a newly renovated resort and a favorite for families. Not just because it’s the only hotel set along the area’s largest stretch of secluded shoreline – giving families plenty of room to stretch out – but for its four penthouse suites featuring all the amenities of a home away from home that you’d need for minding little ones. The sun-drenched pool deck is also primed for playing with unobstructed slights lines that make keeping an eye out easy while parents grab a drink at Sandbar, or, better yet, have it brought to them by the wait staff. Friday and Saturday kids programming is also offered through third-party outfitter, Waves Surf Academy.

Opal Grand

Delray Beach

When it comes to whiling away the day poolside, Opal Grand makes sure your family experiences only the utmost comforts thanks to a series of private cabanas, available for day rentals. Each outfitted with soft seating, a dedicated server, chilled towel service, treats from the chef, and game kits, they’re the ideal spot for setting up a basecamp for day spent poolside. And when a little one gets tired or hungry, snoozing under the cover of the shaded seating or having Cascades deliver a meal comes easy. Left the super-high SPF sunscreen or water wings at home? A gift shop off the lobby carries family essentials and stocks everything else from ice cream bars to bathrobes.

Sunset Key Cottages

Key West

A private sugar-white sand beach, palm trees that sway in the salty breeze, and daily sunset over Caribbean-blue-colored water. While Sunset Key Cottages boasts all the beautiful characteristics of a remote island escape, don’t mistake the serenity for a lack of activity. Quite the contrary actually: there’s always something to keep families entertained – from splashing in the resort’s zero-entry pool, beach volleyball, and tennis to casting a line from the dock. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the energy kicks up a notch with special family programming, including beach games, scavenger hunts, and sandcastle building.

Edgewater Beach Hotel

Naples

Edgewater Beach Hotel is the ultimate basecamp for your Naples family beach vacation, offering the perfect blend of space, convenience, and seaside fun. As an all-suite hotel, it gives families room to spread out, with separate living areas, kitchenettes, and private balconies that make it easy to settle in and stay a while. Step outside and you’ll find a private stretch of sugar-white sand, two inviting pools, and on-site ways to play all day with family-friendly activities like hotel scavenger hunts, board games, and a sundries shop with all the essentials.

The post Best Family Beach Resorts in Florida appeared first on First Leg Travels.

(Above feature photo) Summer sunrise across the New York High Peaks Region. Photo courtesy SaranacLake.com (ROOST)

Tucked away in upstate New York, the Adirondacks is a six-million-acre region that offers more than just breathtaking mountain vistas and serene lakes – it’s home to a collection of charming Adirondack towns, each with its own unique character, picturesque streets, and cultural attractions. We may be a bit biased, but the Great Camp-inspired retreat of Lake Placid Lodge – featured in season two of Succession, HBO’s hit series – makes for the perfect basecamp to explore these enchanting destinations. Within just a short drive, you can immerse yourself in the distinct vibes of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Keene, experiencing a slice of Adirondack life that’s as enriching as it is unforgettable.

LAKE PLACID

Olympic Spirit Meets Small-town Charm

Located a mere two miles away from Lake Placid Lodge, this quaint Adirondack town stands out not just for its breathtaking scenery, but for its deep-rooted connection to Olympic history. As a two-time host of the Winter Games (1932 and 1980), this village is steeped in athletic heritage that you can still experience today. The town’s compact yet bustling Main Street offers a mix of boutiques, and cozy cafes, all set against the serene backdrop of Mirror Lake.

WHAT ARE THE TOP THINGS TO DO IN LAKE PLACID, NY?

The Lake Placid Legacy Sites

No visit to Lake Placid is complete without a trip to what’s known as the Lake Placid Legacy Sites. Visitors can explore the Olympic Center, the Olympic Jumping Complex, and ride the Cliffside Mountain Coaster at Mt. Van Hoevenberg. At 1.4 miles, it’s the longest mountain roller coaster in North America. Fun fact: It also happens to run alongside the bobsledding track used in previous Winter Olympic games.

Mirror Lake Loop

Take a leisurely 2.7-mile stroll around Mirror Lake, a scenic walk that’s particularly stunning during the fall. In the winter months, when the lake has frozen over, you’ll find ice skating and dog sled rides, while in the summer, you can enjoy swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or paddleboarding, all with the majestic Adirondack High Peaks as your backdrop.

Stroll Through Main Street

The heart of shopping in Lake Placid, Main Street is lined with a variety of boutiques, like The Adirondack Popcorn Co., The Bookstore Plus, The Glassblowing Shop, and Adirondack Trading Company, known for its wide range of Adirondack-themed gifts, clothing, and home décor. It may only be a mile long, but you’ll find everything from Adirondack-themed souvenirs to local cuisine to jewelry, and art.

SARANAC LAKE

An Artistic Haven

Just nine miles from Lake Placid, Saranac Lake is an Adirondack town that offers a distinctly different vibe with its more bohemian, artistic flair, and rich cultural scene. Known as an artist’s haven, this town is dotted with galleries, studios, and vibrant street art, all set against the stunning landscape of pristine lakes and mountains.

WHAT ARE THE TOP THINGS TO DO IN SARANAC LAKE, NY?

Summit a Saranac Lake 6er

Part of the Saranac Lake 6ers – a collection of six area mountains that make up a popular hiking challenge – Baker Mountain is the best place for a relatively short, but rewarding hike. The trail is just 1.8 miles round trip, but it offers fantastic views of the village and surrounding mountains from the summit, making it a popular choice for new and experienced hikers.

Embrace Nostalgia on the Adirondack Carousel

Experience a unique blend of art and nostalgia at the Adirondack Carousel, where each hand-carved animal represents local wildlife. This charming attraction is a hit with both children and adults, offering a fun and artistic way to engage with the region’s natural heritage.

Explore Saranac Lake ArtWorks

Dive into the local art scene at Saranac Lake ArtWorks, a cooperative gallery that showcases the talents of Adirondack artists. From paintings to pottery, this gallery is the perfect place to find a unique piece of the Adirondacks to take home.

KEENE & KEENE VALLEY

Gateway to the High Peaks

For those who crave the call of the wild, Keene offers unparalleled access to the Adirondack High Peaks, making it a haven for outdoor adventurers. This small, unassuming town is known for its proximity to some of the region’s most challenging and rewarding hikes, including the trail to Mount Marcy, New York’s highest peak.

WHAT ARE THE TOP THINGS TO DO IN KEENE, NY?

Take A Hike

Keene and Keene Valley are known for being a hiker’s playground as it’s home some of the High Peaks’ most popular trailheads (many of which are easily accessible along NY State Route 73). For a leisurely hike with rewarding views, the Owl’s Head Mountain Trail is a local favorite, providing a moderate climb that ends with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains. Another great option that appeals to hikers of all levels is the Baxter Mountain Trail, a family-friendly hike with a gentle ascent and beautiful views at the summit.

Hit The Rustic Selection of Shops

Keene offers a variety of local, quaint, quirky shops, including Black Rooster Maple, the Cedar Run Bakery & Market, and The Mountaineer, an iconic outdoor gear shop in Keene Valley. Known for its expert staff and high-quality gear, this shop is a must-visit for anyone planning to explore the High Peaks. If you’re in town on a Sunday during summer or fall, be sure to visit the Keene Valley Farmers Market, where you can sample fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal crafts from the surrounding region.

Picnic, Rock Climb, or Paddle at Chapel Pond

Chapel Pond sits at the foot of 3,070-foot Round Mountain and is a perfect spot for relaxing or channeling your inner outdoors person. It’s a popular spot for picnicking, swimming, and paddling. For those who enjoy a more active experience, Chapel Pond is also a popular spot for rock climbing, and in the winter months, ice climbing.

The post 3 Charming Adirondack Towns to Visit in New York’s High Peaks Region appeared first on First Leg Travels.

French-born and family-run, Yon-Ka Paris delivers plant-powered skincare with a legacy of proven results that dates back to the 1950s – and, now, it’s the new signature line at all Opal Spas.

“Skincare you can’t live without,” “like Botox in a bottle,” “my secret weapon.”

This high praise has echoed from the likes of Vogue, Glamour, InStyle, Women’s Health, Harper’s Bazaar. Basically, you name a leading luxury lifestyle media outlet, and a Yon-Ka Paris product has been hailed as a must-have in the routines of its discerning beauty editors.

Still, it wasn’t solely the buzz or the big-name endorsements that led First Leg Travels to recently choose the Parisian skincare brand as the signature line for its 12 resort spas. “It was much more thoughtful than that,” said Christelle Fourcade, director of global business development for Yon-Ka’s hospitality division. “Prestige is important, but Opal was after something deeper.”

Here’s precisely what makes the line so special, plus five must-have Yon-Ka products you can experience in a treatment (and purchase after!) at any Opal Spa.

IT’S A THIRD-GENERATION FAMILY COMPANY, JUST LIKE OPAL

Who Owns Yon-Ka Paris?

Yon-Ka may be the luxury skincare line of celebs now, but it began with humble beginnings on the Mühlethaler family farm on the outskirts of Paris in 1954. Founded by brothers Ernest and Charles Mühlethaler, along with Ernest’s wife, Cécile, Laboratories Multaler – as it was then known – harnessed the therapeutic power of plants by crafting healing essential oil blends.

“These blends were originally used to treat burn victims,” explained Fourcade, who has been with Yon-Ka since 2021. “These potent, plant-based blends proved remarkably effective – not just for healing damaged tissue, but also for restoring skin health more broadly.” In 1968, the formulations came under the direction of sisters Catherine (an esthetician) and Francoise (a biochemist) Mühlethaler, who branded Yon-Ka and adapted it into an international luxury skincare line. Today, the company is still run by Catherine (now in her early 80s) and her son, Alexis Wolkowinski.

“That means the family business is now in its third-generation,” said Fourcade. “That really resonated with the Opal team since it, too, is a family-run company now being overseen by the third-generation.”

THE PROPRIETY BLEND UNDERPINNING EVERY PRODUCT

What is the Yon-Ka Quintessence?

From the very beginning, the Mühlethalers’ work was rooted in aromatherapy and phytotherapy – two fields barely on the radar of mainstream medicine in the 1950s. Through this research, they developed a proprietary blend of five essential oils that, when used together, delivered a far more powerful and balanced therapeutic effect than when used separately. Like a multi-action medicine cabinet in a bottle, this active-beauty concentrate became known as “The Quintessence,” and it is still the foundation of each and every Yon-Ka product to this day. Chosen based on clinical observation and biochemical properties, the five oils consist of:

• Lavender for soothing and regeneration
• Rosemary for detoxifying and firming
• Geranium for anti-aging and skin balancing
• Thyme for purifying and invigorating
• Cypress for refining

“It’s not just an important ingredient in the formulations, but all Yon-Ka facials start with it as a ritual element,” said Fourcade. “The technician will use a concentrated emulsion of the Yon-Ka Quintessence on the face. It helps give them a good picture of the skin’s needs – is it dry, sensitive, oily, dull? – so that they can tailor the treatment accordingly.”

CUSTOMIZED PRODUCTS THAT EVOLVE WITH YOU

What is a Yon-Ka Facial?

At the heart of every Yon-Ka facial is a tailored approach. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all protocols, after the esthetician evaluates your skin’s current condition, the treatment is going to then be curated using Yon-Ka’s extensive range of botanical-based concentrates, emulsions, masks, and serums. Each facial is adapted in real time – for example, if your skin is suddenly reacting to weather changes, stress, or hormonal shifts, your treatment will shift too. A technician may include or omit steps like double exfoliation, oxygenating masks, or lymphatic drainage massage or use certain boosters or serums if you’re dehydrated, acne prone, sensitive, dealing with fine lines, etc.

“Adjustments will always be made,” said Fourcade. “The same facial may be performed very differently on someone in their 20s versus someone in the 40s.” Which is why Yon-ka-based treatments are touted as multigenerational. “We meet the needs of a wide range of spa-goers this way. And they continue to get the same facial as they age because it evolves with them.”

Perhaps that why Yon-Ka now has 6,000 worldwide partners across five continents – 1,600 of those partners are in the U.S. and consist of everything from day spas and medi spas to resort spas, like Opal.

MORE THAN A RED-CARPET FACIAL

All-Around Body Skincare

Yon-Ka is widely known for its facial skincare, but its philosophy and expertise extend well beyond the face – offering a line of body care products and treatments designed to deliver results from head to toe. Rooted in the same botanical and aromatherapeutic principles that define their facial line, Yon-Ka body care blends plant-based actives, essential oils, and targeted techniques to treat the skin and the senses. Key products include Gommage Doux, a gentle exfoliating body scrub; Lait Hydratant, a lightweight hydrating body milk; and Huile Délicieuse, a nourishing dry oil that leaves skin silky and radiant. For targeted concerns, Huile Silhouette helps firm and smooth, while Crème 55 promotes drainage and toning for the legs.

“It’s a little bit smaller than our facial line,” says Fourcade. “But it’s lean and mean.” The brand also offers a tailored men’s line with straightforward, effective routines men can actually stick to. The textures are light, the scents are clean and invigorating, and the results speak for themselves – whether it’s calming post-shave irritation, hydrating dry skin, or defending against early signs of aging.

“It goes back to Yon-Ka’s balanced approach to skincare,” says Fourcade, “providing personalized, results-driven care for everybody, at every stage of life.”

5 Essential Yon-Ka Paris Products

Lotion Yon-Ka

One of Yon-Ka’s most beloved products, a bottle of this multi-action facial toner is sold every three minutes worldwide. It purifies, tones, and soothes while prepping skin for serums and creams, and comes in two formulas: PS for dry/sensitive skin (pictured left) and PNG for normal/oily skin (pictured right).

Elixir Vital

Fourcade’s own personal must-have product for giving that glassy-skin glow, this age-defying serum has been a staple in the Yon-Ka skincare line since the 1960s with new-and-improved formulas only making it better generation after generation.

Phyto-Contour Eye Cream

This eye cream is a cult favorite for its ability to instantly decongest, brighten, and refresh the eye area. “It’s like a shot of espresso for the eyes, draining puffiness and brightening tired skin. You instantly look more awake with use,” adds Fourcade.

Glyconight 10% Masque

Fourcade refers to this creamy sleep mask as a “mini-bootcamp for your skin” for the way it blends professional-grade exfoliation with the soothing, restorative power Yon-Ka is known for.

Time Resist Duo

Consisting of a night cream (“crème nuit”) and day cream (“crème jour”), this powerful set works around the clock to combat fine lines, loss of firmness, and dullness. The day cream focuses on protection and hydration, while the night cream works to boost cell renewal and repair.

The post From Paris with Plants: The New Skincare Standard at Opal Spas appeared first on First Leg Travels.

In February 2025, when First Leg Travels premiered the brand new Opal Sol positioned just next to Opal Sands in Clearwater Beach, Florida, it was hailed as the portfolio’s first comprehensive “resort duo.” Indeed, the neighboring properties, connected via a glass-enclosed scenic sky bridge, beautifully complement each other for the way they collectively offer guests 478 gulf-view rooms and suites, 10 dining outlets, four sparkling pools, two Opal Spas, and calming ocean-inspired modern luxury around every corner.

But while these two properties may formally hold the title of “sol mates,” they’re really not the only kindred hotels within the collection. In fact, if you’ve found one Opal you love, chances are, there’s another one that you’ll love just as much for the same characteristics, waiting for you in a new and fresh destination. Whether it’s supreme seclusion or family-friendly amenities or playful party vibes you’re looking for, these kindred properties prove that when it comes to falling in love with an Opal, lightning can strike twice – or even three times.

A RESORT YOU NEVER HAVE TO LEAVE

The Resort at Longboat Key Club ⇄ The Sagamore Resort

The Resort at Longboat Key Club on Longboat Key in Florida and The Sagamore Resort on Lake George in upstate New York may be miles apart in geography, but they share a key trait: Both are true destination resorts designed so that guests never need to leave the property to have a complete, satisfying vacation. At the Longboat Key-based luxury resort, 410 acres come complete with 45 holes of championship golf, tennis and pickleball, a full-service Opal Spa, deep-water resort marina, private beach, and five on-site restaurants offering everything from casual coastal fare to elegant dining. Meanwhile, up north, The Sagamore Resort offers stunning Lake George views alongside its own championship Donald Ross-designed golf course, Opal Spa, multiple pools, and up to eight seasonal Lake George restaurants – from lakeside seafood to fine dining – all nestled within the scenic Adirondacks.

• Related Reading:
  • An Ideal Day Spent at The Resort at Longboat Key Club
  • The Sagamore: A Condé Nast Traveler “Most-Booked” Hotel

Honorable Mention: Reefhouse Resort & Marina

Set across 17 acres of tropical island overlooking picture-perfect Key Largo Bay, this full-service Key Largo resort is a self-contained tropical escape where everything you need for the perfect getaway is right on property.

THE UTMOST IN PRIVACY & PAMPERING

Sunset Key Cottages ⇄ Lake Placid Lodge

These tucked-away retreats offer an intimate sense of seclusion: Sunset Key being a 27-acre island only reachable by private ferry off of Key West, and Lake Placid Lodge nestled deep in the New York Adirondacks (two hours from the nearest major city) and the only resort perched on Lake Placid. The accommodations only further enhance that sense of privacy with stand-alone accommodations scattered across both properties – Sunset Key consisting of 40 cottages and Lake Placid boasting 32 rooms (19 of which are separate private cabins). In short, privacy reigns supreme at these resorts. But don’t let that lead you to believe that it skimps on the pampering. At Sunset Key Cottages, daily breakfast baskets are delivered to your door, a private white sand beach is serviced by one of Key West’s highest acclaimed restaurants, and an Opal Spa beckons with melt-worthy massages and award-winning skincare. At Lake Placid Lodge, every room comes with a working fireplace where the wood supply never runs out thanks to an astute housekeeping crew, the on-site lake touring vessel is a sleek 36-foot mahogany Hacker-Craft, and chef-crafted meals using local ingredients make the resort worthy of its Relais & Châteaux title.

• Related Reading
  • Why Sunset Key is the Island Escape You’ve Been Craving
  • Why Lake Placid Lodge is Your Social-Distancing Dream Resort

FAMILY-FRIENDLY WITH BRAND NEW ROOMS

Sandpearl Resort ⇄ Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa

Located on opposite sides of Florida – Sandpearl Resort on the gulf in Clearwater Beach and Jupiter Beach Resort on the Atlantic in northern Palm Beach County – these two Opals are all about crafting experiences kids will rave about long after the vacation ends. At Sandpearl, kids ages 5 to 10 can dive into Camp Ridley, where supervised activities like scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and beach games keep them happily engaged. The zero-entry pool is ideal for younger swimmers, and the nightly beachside s’mores around the fire pit add a sweet ending to every day. Over at Jupiter Beach Resort, third-party programming through the Waves Kids Club entertains ages 5 to 12 with a mix of games, crafts, movies, and even a few fun learning moments woven in. There are also complimentary bike rentals, family friendly dining, and a heated pool for making big splashes. Plus, both resorts offer family-sized accommodations all recently redone and easy beach access, making it ideal for traveling with tots, teens, and everyone in between.

• Related Reading
  • Sandpearl Resort’s All-New Seaside-Chic Rooms
  • Jupiter Beach’s Re-Imagined Resort

Honorable Mention: Samoset Resort

This Rockport, Maine resort is a family favorite thanks to its Ultimate Backyard, packed with kid-friendly fun like disc golf, a playground, and games galore. The zero-entry pool is perfect for fledgling swimmers, and evenings bring everyone together for ice cream socials and s’mores by fire pits.

RICH IN HISTORY THANKS TO A STORIED LEGACY

Belleview Inn ⇄ Wentworth by the Sea

These aren’t just places to stay – they’re destinations with stories to tell. At Belleview Inn, located within a private community in Belleair, Florida, you’re sleeping in a piece of Gilded Age grandeur, where original details, curated artifacts, and even an on-site audio tour bring the legacy of this 1897 “White Queen of the Gulf” to life. Up in the Northeast, just outside of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Wentworth by the Sea pairs oceanside elegance with serious historical clout – it housed the Russian and Japanese delegates during the 1905 peace talks that earned President Theodore Roosevelt a Nobel Prize. With both properties masterfully restored, a stay at either means stepping into history without sacrificing a single modern luxury.

• Related Reading
  • Inside the Artifacts of Belleview Inn’s Morton Reading Room
  • 5 Places to Glimpse Wentworth by the Sea History

A HEALTHY DOSE OF PLAYFUL PARTY VIBES

Opal Key Resort & Marina ⇄ Lido Beach Resort

Nights you’ll never forget? These two Florida gems know how to bring the party. Not only is Opal Key steps from the nonstop energy of Key West’s Mallory Square, but its soon-to-premiere spicy new restaurant concepts – Lolita’s Coastal Cocina and the rooftop Elevate Skye Bar & Lounge – are unlike anything else you’ll find in Key West, bringing tropical-hip vibes, Mexican flair, and the island’s best views of the waterfront. On Florida’s Gulf side, Lido Beach Resort keeps the good times rolling from sunrise to sunset with one dedicated adults-only pool, a private 300-foot beach with food and beverage service and live music, and a thatch-roof Tiki Bar that is a local’s favorite for craft cocktails and popular weekday happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m.

• Related Reading
  • Opal Key’s Fresh Dining & Design
  • 10 Best Live Music Venues in Sarasota, Florida

Honorable Mention: Cirque St. Armands Beachside

Sophistication meets sexy at this bold new beachfront hotel just steps from the buzzy St. Armands Circle. Think Art Deco elegance meets circus-chic whimsy: pinstriped columns, feathered chandeliers, and gilded accents set the stage an indulgent escape that’s as unforgettable as it is unapologetically fun.

ALL-SUITE & RIGHT ON THE BEACH

Edgewater Beach Hotel ⇄ Treasure Island Beach Resort

Both these hotels – Edgewater Beach Hotel based in Naples, and Treasure Island Beach Resort 120 miles north in Treasure Island – have managed to accomplish something few can. They both offer the intimacy and service of boutique beachside inns but with accommodations that are all suites. That means, no matter what room you book, space to spread out – thanks to fully-equipped kitchens and living rooms – isn’t hard to come by. If looking to truly luxuriate, book the Penthouse at Edgewater – the most spacious accommodation with two living room areas and a private balcony. At Treasure Island, the supreme choice is the two-king-bedroom gulf-front suite boasting direct views of the water via a wraparound balcony.

• Related Reading
  • A Chef’s Guide to Cooking in Your In-Suite Kitchen
  • A Guest-Geared Guide to Opal’s Sweetest Hotel Suites

The post Find Your Staymate: Kindred Hotels Across First Leg Travels appeared first on First Leg Travels.

Summer is about to be in full swing. And our New England Coast and New York Adirondack Opal hotels and resorts are ready to make it stellar with these new activities and offerings, including new room types, property tours, and more.

Opal may have just opened two new properties on the Gulf Coast of Florida in February and March, but don’t let that lead you to believe there’s nothing noteworthy going on at our resorts along the New England Coast and in the New York Adirondacks. And with summer around the corner, we’ve got the exciting new activities and attractions to base a stay around.

COOL TREATS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

The Sagamore Resort | Bolton Landing, NY

It rivals a tour on The Morgan – The Sagamore’s a 72-foot replica of a historic lake steamer – as a must-do during a visit. We’re talking about the 3 p.m. daily “Ice Cream Social” held on the lawn by the outdoor pools. Manned by the resort’s executive chef, pastry chef, GM Tom Guay, and others, the sweet smorgasbord churns out a whopping 300 to 500 cones in just a half hour’s time for eager guests. Choices include everything from chocolate or vanilla ice cream, cup or cone, rainbow or chocolate sprinkle toppings – roughly 30 different available combinations to mix and match. “Resort guests love this summer offering,” says Guay. “Many parents turn it into a teachable moment, coaching their kids to order with a ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ It’s adorable to see them carefully order using those exact words.”

2025 Opening Dates for Sagamore’s Seasonal Amenities:

• Golf Course: April 25
• The Morgan Boat Cruise: Operating weekends starting May 10, Tuesday–Sunday starting June 13
• Outdoor Pool: May 16 (weather dependent)
• Restaurants:
  • Lakehouse: May 16 
  • The Pavilion: Open weekends only starting May 22, fully open June 20 
  • Splash Pool Bar & The Terraces: May 23 
  • Club Grill Steakhouse: June 18 
  • BRGR Kitchen & Bar: June 20 

THREE NEW CABINS COMING TO LAKE PLACID

Lake Placid Lodge | Lake Placid, NY

Offering everything from spacious rooms in the Main Lodge to six Lakeside Suites located within its own private building, you’d think the impressive roster of diverse accommodations at Lake Placid Lodge couldn’t get any better. But it will this summer thanks to the introduction of two new lakeview cabins. Estimated to become available Memorial Day weekend, the new accommodations bring the resort’s total number of secluded stand-alone cabins to 20. Located in the center of the cabin grounds, right off the covered walkway, the new cabins boast the same iconic rustic vibe as the rest: hand-built stone fireplaces, king-size beds, and hand-made Great Camp-style pieces (much of it from Dartbrook Rustic Goods in nearby Keene). Still, nothing beats that view, where big picture windows look out to the lake.

2025 Opening Dates for Lake Placid Lodge’s Seasonal Amenities:

• Christie Boat Cruise: May 15 (tentative date)

GUIDED GOLF CART TOURS TO PEEK EXCLUSIVE PARTS OF THE PROPERTY

Samoset Resort | Rockport, ME

Starting in June, Samoset Resort will bring back its popular golf cart tours. But this isn’t just a quick demo of their club’s electric golf carts – they serve as your mode of transportation to see hidden corners of the resort not usually reserved for guests. Led by a member of the golf team, the tours (weather permitting and you must have a valid driver’s license to operate cart) explore the property’s 230 rolling acres bordering the bay. The most popular stops, no surprise, are on resort’s championship golf course, including the 14th green where you get the best views of the local islands of Vinalhaven and New Haven, followed by the 4th green. But not just because the 4th green is the signature hole overlooking the Rockland Breakwater – this is where your tour guide leads a playful putting contest (balls and putters included) for anyone interested in trying to earn some bragging rights.

2025 Opening Dates for Samoset’s Seasonal Amenities:

• Flume Cottage: April 26
• Golf Course: May 2
• Pool: May 24
• Clubhouse Grill: May 24

DAY PASS ACCESS TO A SPEAKEASY-STYLE PORTSMOUTH MEMBER’S CLUB

Wentworth by the Sea | New Castle, NH

Looking for a tee time at the nearby Wentworth by the Sea Country Club? What about dinner reservations in the scenic, brick-lined downtown of Portsmouth? Or an overview for the coming weekend’s events at historic Strawbery Banke? Wentworth by the Sea’s concierge can connect you to all the above and more – including exclusive access to a new speakeasy-style venue in the heart of downtown typically reserved only for members. The Member’s Club, which opened summer of 2024, is actually just the latest venue that premiered as part of The Music Hall, a historic performing arts facility in the heart of Portsmouth. While, typically, you have to be a member in order to be permitted to mingle over drinks in this beautiful space, thanks to a special partnership, guests of Wentworth by the Sea receive an exclusive day pass. Just swing by the concierge desk and get ready to experience Portsmouth like a local.

2025 Opening Dates for Wentworth’s Seasonal Amenities:

• Latitudes: May 23
• Latitudes Sky Bar: May 24 (weather dependent) 
• Outdoor Pools: May 24 (weather dependent)

FRESH & FUN KIDS PROGRAMMING AT A PRIVATE CLUB

West Street Hotel and Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina | Bar Harbor, ME

One of the most beautiful things about a stay at either West Street Hotel or Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina? Access to the Bar Harbor Club, an exclusive private club and amenity extended to guests of both these sibling Bar Harbor hotels that is based just next door. And what an amenity it is. Set in a historic Tudor-style building on the edge of Frenchman Bay, the facility is home to a 75-foot pool, 11,000-square-foot Pool House, four-room spa, and massive 25,000-gallon hot tub.

But what guests – particularly families – might love most about this club is the always fresh new kids programming each summer. A few you can expect: movie nights showcasing Disney favorites in the Club House’s game room, evening s’mores on the beach, and outdoor games at the pool and on the beach (like spike ball and ladder golf). No sign-up required – just show up and enjoy.

2025 Opening Dates for Seasonal Amenities:

West Street

• Rooftop Pool: May 3
• Paddy’s: Open for lunch/dinner starting April 25, all-day dining starting May 17 
• Bar Harbor Club Spa: May 9  

Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina

• Pool: Weekends starting May 23, daily starting June 14
• La Bella Vita: April 11 
• Stewman’s Lobster Pound: May 9 
• Bar Harbor Club Spa: May 9  

The post New in the Northeast for 2025 Summer Season appeared first on First Leg Travels.

The quest for the best Florida vacation destinations is a common inquiry – and deeply researched topic – among our guests. So we did the legwork to deliver these curated selections tailored to various travel interests.

“Where in Florida should I plan my next vacation?” It’s a commonly asked question the concierges at Opal’s 22 Florida-based resorts receive when guests are departing our properties and already pondering their next getaway. Their answers? It’s not as straightforward as you think. After all, with 1,350 miles of sun-kissed shoreline, the Sunshine State serves up a multitude of diverse destinations that are home to it all: arts and culture, outdoor recreation, delicious dining, and family adventures. To provide a truly thoughtful answer, it requires some follow-up questions based on what kind of Florida travel experience guests are looking for. For example, are you planning a trip with your kids or your significant other? Do you have a specific region of the state in mind? Or are you looking for a particular experience, such as exploring arts and culture, scores of shopping, or diving into an underwater adventure?

Drawing inspiration from our guests’ most common responses and interests, we’ve curated this list to spark a few Florida vacation ideas for your next trip.

BEST PLACE TO VISIT IN FLORIDA…

For Unihabitated Beach: Delray Beach

With approximately 228 beaches spanning roughly 835 miles along Florida’s coastline of straight stretches, gentle curves, and intricate inlets and islands, there is seemingly a swath of sand to be sought out around every corner of the sunshine state. That said, there’s only one beach that takes home the title of “number-one best beach in Florida” in USA TODAY’s annual 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. And in 2024, the crown went to Delray Beach’s two-mile stretch of golden sand.

So what’s all the fuss? Deeded to the city in 1899 – but only with the promise of preservation – there are no high rises or excessive development, making it a rarity along the coastline. In fact, the city has invested so much into keeping it scenic, natural, and accessible, it’s also earned Blue Flag designations in 2023 and 2024, making it just one of two beaches in the US to meet rigorous environmental standards. Not to mention, it boasts perfectly temped waters (73 degrees!) consistently year around, and its gorgeous golden sand is raked and graded each morning, promising a perfect canvas to stretch out and sunbathe.

• Related Reading: Why Delray Beach Was Voted Best Beach in 2024

• Where to Stay in Delray Beach, FL: The Atlantic Suites on The Ave | Delray Sands Resort | Opal Grand Resort & Spa

BEST PLACE TO VISIT IN FLORIDA…

For Art: St. Petersburg

In 2022, Condé Nast Traveler named St. Pete one of the top small U.S. cities with “big-time art scenes.” And for good reason, too. Working artists have long called the city home, fostering a vibrant, flourishing community that now boasts seven (yes, seven) diverse art districts that serve up a kaleidoscope of unexpected delights from grassroots to the fine arts. For example, in just a matter of miles, you can go from witnessing the surreal masterpieces at the Salvador Dalí Museum or the whimsical glass sculptress of the Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Centre to the vivid billboard-sized street murals splashed across what is now a thriving arts and entertainment hub known as Grand Central District. One of the most novel newcomers is FloridaRAMA, an immersive art and technology museum featuring 20 different rooms from 70+ Floridian artists, where touching the weird, wonderful, and whacky creations is encouraged.

• Related Reading: FloridaRAMA: An Artist’s Surreal Salute to the State of Florida

• Where to Stay near St. Petersburg, FL: Treasure Island Beach Resort

BEST PLACE TO VISIT IN FLORIDA…

For Couples: Naples

St. Augustine, Sanibel Island, and Vero Beach were all listed in an October 2023 U.S. News Travel’s article summarizing the most romantic getaway destinations in Florida. But another locale on that list that particularly stood out to us? The swanky city of Naples. Indeed, this Gulf Coast destination epitomizes romance with its secluded sugar-sand beaches, a plethora of intimate date-night venues, and some of the most spectacular sunsets in Southern Florida. And perhaps nothing is more romantic than strolling the seaside community’s historic main street – Fifth Avenue South – hand-in-hand among open-air sidewalk bistros, upscale boutiques, art galleries, and tropical landscaping. Not to mention, for adventurous outdoor-oriented couples, the city is your gateway to the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States: Everglades National Park.

• Related Reading: Romantic Getaways That Will Sweep You off Your Feet

• Where to Stay in Naples: Edgewater Beach Hotel | The Capri Inn

BEST PLACE TO VISIT IN FLORIDA…

For Botanical Gardens: Sarasota

Thanks to a unique combo of climate, biodiversity, and geography, Florida brims with botanical gardens, from Delray Beach’s Morikama Museum and Japanese Garden to St. Pete’s Sunken Gardens in south Florida to Point Washington’s Eden Gardens State Park in the northwest. That said, no lush oasis made as many major headlines in 2024 as the 45-acre Marie Selby Botanical Gardes set on Sarasota Bay. That’s not just because it remains the world’s only public garden dedicated to the study and display of epiphytes – better known as orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads, ferns, and other tropical plants – but because it’s now also the world’s first net-positive-energy botanical complex. That’s owed to the recent installation of a 57,000-square-foot solar array (it exceeds the facility’s energy demands by more than 10%!), part of a three-phase $52 million expansion. The capital upgrades have also included a new stunning welcome center, a research center, a rooftop garden, and a globally-inspired restaurant concept called The Green Orchid.

• Related Reading: Your Guide to Sarasota

• Where to Stay Near St. Armands Key: Cirque St. Armands Beachside (coming February 2025) | Lido Beach Resort | The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Zota Beach Resort

BEST PLACE TO VISIT IN FLORIDA…

With Kids: Clearwater Beach

When it comes to family-friendly vacations in Florida, the first place that likely jumps to mind is Orlando – specifically Disney World. But if theme-park-style amusement is on your list, then you should seriously look to Clearwater Beach as your family’s ultimate playground. Yes, it’s home to what has been rated as one of America’s top beaches, time and time again. But also because of the plethora of kid-friendly attractions within easy walking distance, from the evening carnival-like atmosphere at Pier 60 to the plethora of boat tours that make a big splash with kids, including Little Toot Dolphin Tours, Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruises, and Mega Bite Tours. And, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the rescue and rehab facility that saved a very special dolphin which became the star of family favorite films Dolphin Tale (2011) and Dolphin Tale 2 (2014). While Winter the dolphin passed in 2021, there are plenty of other stars to see here, including rescued residents like sea turtles, North American river otters, pelicans, and many more.

• Related Reading: Our One-Day Itinerary to the Best of Clearwater Beach’s Pier 60

• Where to Stay in Clearwater: Sandpearl Resort | Opal Sol (coming February 2025)  | Opal Sands Resort

BEST PLACE TO VISIT IN FLORIDA…

For Festivals: Key West

For such a small island – sizing in at just 4.2 square miles – Key West sure knows how to go big when it comes to parties. That’s perhaps best demonstrated in the seemingly never-ending merry-go-round of annual eclectic Key West festivals that call this southernmost outpost home. From October’s wild and zany (and clothing optional) Fantasy Fest and the literary reverence of July’s Hemingway Days to May’s high-energy Songwriters Festival, Key West thrives on its reputation as a vibrant, party-loving destination.

• Related Reading: Top 2025 Key West Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss

• Where to Stay in Key West: The Capitana Key West | The Laureate Key West | Opal Key Resort & Marina | Sunset Key Cottages 

BEST PLACE IN FLORIDA…

For Scuba Diving (& Snorkeling): Key Largo

Google “where to scuba dive in Florida” and the results will tout places like the Florida Panhandle for its famous Shipwreck Trail, Miami for its abundant coral shelves and patch reefs, and even the freshwater springs of Central Florida. Still, most of the listings will be dominated by one destination in particular: the first of the fabulous Florida Keys, Key Largo. Dubbed the “Dive Capital of the World,” Key Largo is renowned not only for its numerous dive sites – such as the world’s second-largest artificial reef, the 510-foot USS Spiegel Grove, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and the iconic Christ of the Abyss underwater statue – but also for the easy access to these sites that cater to divers of all skill levels. The result? A mind-numbing profusion of colorful sea life always at your fingertips. Not a certified diver? Not a problem: Snorkeling is just as popular of a pastime here for the beginner-friendly reefs that reside in waters averaging around six to eight feet deep.

• Related Reading: Key Largo Diving: Best Dive Sites by Skill Level

• Where to Stay in Key Largo: Reefhouse Resort & Marina

BEST PLACE TO VISIT IN FLORIDA…

To Witness Turtle Nesting Season: Jupiter

The coastline of North Palm Beach County, particularly the stretch in Jupiter, is home to Florida’s highest density of nesting loggerhead turtles. We’re talking up to 200 new nests each night during peak nesting season. Why so dense here? “Sea turtles are known to return to the same stretch of coastline where they hatched,” explains Sarah Hirsch, director of research at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, the research team responsible for patrolling this popular nine-mile stretch, from Coral Cove Park to John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. “So while it’s not 100 percent confirmed, one working hypothesis is that because the Gulf Stream cuts in really close to the coastline here, hatchlings have a shorter and easier journey out to the Gulf Stream. Therefore, they have a higher survival rate and, consequently, will return in larger numbers to this same stretch to nest as adults.”

Want to witness these ancient reptiles in real life and in a safe and respectable manner? Loggerhead Marinelife Center offers hosts regular Guided Turtle Walks, Nest Excavations tours, and Hatchling Releases, held select months during the nesting season.

• Related Reading: Your Guide to Florida’s Sea Turtle Nesting Season

• Where to Stay in Palm Beach County: Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa

The post Best Vacation Destinations in Florida appeared first on First Leg Travels.

With exciting expansions and a focus on creating memorable retreats, 2025 is the year to plan your transformative gathering at one of Opal’s 28 resorts and hotels.

“Add meaning to your meeting.” When it comes to First Leg Travels’s meeting and events business, you could consider this a core mantra. Because the hotel and resort collection strives to offer its groups something more than just state-of-the-art meeting spaces or luxurious accommodations. Yes, of course, those certainly are important pieces planners naturally look for in a venue and vendor – and Opal makes sure they find just that in our 26 (soon to be 28) properties. But, more importantly, the Opal events team recognizes that, in order to make a meeting memorable, groups are looking for better ways to connect with each other over shared experiences. If that sounds like your group, it might be time to start planning your 2025 retreat. With exciting developments ahead, Opal is poised to redefine what a meeting can truly be.

CLEARWATER BEACH’S MOST EXCITING NEW MEETING FACILITY

Ten dining outlets, two spas, four sparkling pool experiences, and all the activities of Clearwater Beach just steps outside. It’s not just the 106,000 square feet of meeting space or 400-plus guest rooms that has planners excited, it’s the unparalleled resort amenities and destination activities that are at a group’s beck and call. We’re talking about the soon-to-premiere “sol mate” properties, Opal Sol and Opal Sands.

While Opal Sands has stood as a Clearwater-based beacon of hospitality since 2016, Opal Sol will be opening as a newly connected resort in February 2025. And by “connected,” we don’t just mean affiliated: Set shoulder to shoulder, the two resorts are physically linked via a scenic skybridge, allowing groups seamless access to all the spoils of both resorts. That means not just multiple ballrooms and boardrooms, two open-and-airy pool deck event lawns, and a myriad of breakout spaces, but endless options for creative team-building experiences – i.e. Iron Chef-style cookoffs in the alternative spaces of our signature dining outlets, sunset cocktails from Opal Sands’s beach bar that transitions to an evening spent at Opal Sol’s sleek pool bar, and beach-based Olympics.

PRIVATE MIDWEEK ICE BAR EXPERIENCES

The annual Glacier Ice Bars are a January tradition that draws tourists and locals alike to two of our Northeast resorts, The Sagamore Resort (Bolton Landing, New York) and Samoset Resort (Rockport, Maine). And for good reason, too. Held on the resorts’ patios outside the restaurant lounges across two weekends, a frosty 50,000 pounds of ice are carefully sculpted into bars, barstools, chairs, tables, even glassware. It makes for an unbelievable icy spectacle that – for the first time ever – the resorts are giving exclusive access to for groups who book during the weeks around these events. Essentially, your team gets to see all the sculptures and interactive elements up close and on your own time – without having to share the experience with other hotel guests or ticketholders.

The Sagamore Resort’s Glacier Ice Bar

January 24, 25, 31 and February 1, 2025

• Inquire About Booking Midweek Ice Bar Experience

Samoset Resort’s Glacier Ice Bar

January 17–19, 24 & 25, 2025

• Inquire About Booking Midweek Ice Bar Experience

RECENTLY REFRESHED RESORT EXPERIENCES

Signature hospitality, the best in food and beverage, and locations set in prime waterside destinations may be what Opal properties pride themselves on most. But stunning spaces come in as a close second. That’s because our properties are far from four-walled spaces with mass-manufactured furnishings. Or just sterile places to sleep. Groups select Opal properties to experience a unique vibe and energy, which is why we’re excited to announce several resort refreshes, including…

New in the Last Year:

Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa

Thanks to a 2022 and 2023 resort-wide refresh to the 175 rooms, restaurant, and spa, contemporary elegance and elevated island vibes leave their mark on every corner of this South Florida beach resort.

• Related Reading: Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa’s Elevated Island Vibes

Sandpearl Resort

Completed in February 2024, all 253 guest rooms and suites underwent a top-to-bottom renovation. It’s a trade-out that is more in line with this premier Clearwater resort, regularly recognized by major travel brands – like Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast – year after year.

• Related Reading: Sandpearl Resort’s All-New Seaside-Chic Rooms

Elevate at Opal Grand Resort

Newly opened in January 2024, Delray’s only oceanfront rooftop bar serves up a sophisticated open-air setting alongside hand­crafted cocktails and shareable plates.

• Related Reading: Best Rooftop Bars on the Eastern Seaboard

Coming In Early 2025:

Restaurants at Opal Key Resort & Marina

Coming to Opal Key Resort in winter of 2025, Lolita’s Coastal Cocina and its rooftop bar blends the relaxed ambiance of the coast with the vibrant, flavorful essence of Mexican cuisine. Expect dishes with bright flavors – like citrus-marinated ceviches, seafood tacos topped in bold salsa, and tart and smoky margaritas.

Cirque St. Armands Beachside

Opening February 1, this Lido Beach property takes whimsical touches inspired by Sarasota’s circus heritage and blends it with a sophisticated Roaring ’20s vibe that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

• Related Reading: Cirque St. Armands’s Circus-Sophisticated Spin

COMPLIMENTARY PROGRAM BREAK OFFER

Some traditions are too good not to share. Tom’s Blueberry Muffins are one such example. Who is Tom? Thomas Walsh was the founder of First Leg Travels hotels and resorts. Since opening his first hotel in 1969, Tom always had a signature way he liked to pause and recharge during the day: by enjoying a homemade blueberry muffin. Today, it’s an iconic treat served across all First Leg Travels properties – made from the same recipe dating back to the ’60s. Wonder what all the fuss is about? Groups who book a meeting program at any First Leg Travels hotel or resort by June 30, 2025 receive a complimentary blueberry muffin break baked into their program, including, of course, the muffins, as well as an array of other goodies (fresh seasonal fruit, granola and energy bars, vegetable crudites, and more).

CURATED MEETINGS EXPERIENCE GUIDES

When it comes to adding meaning to a meeting, seasoned planners know to look for ways to incorporate immersive experiences and activities that leave a lasting impression on attendees. Perhaps that is group volunteer opportunities to give back to the immediate surrounding community, novel team-building activities, or health and wellness-oriented programs. But doing the legwork to find those perfect activities in unfamiliar destinations can be a lot of work.

Which is why Opal’s events team helped to launch the portfolio’s new online Meetings Experience Guides – essentially a curated collection of vetted local activities and opportunities to help meeting planners build travel-worthy experiences for their attendees rooted to Opal destinations. Available on the “Meetings” webpage for each of our Opal hotels and resorts with meeting facilities is an “Experiences” section detailing anywhere between 12 and 14 top programming/opportunities to excite and intrigue planners. And for planners looking for something specific, all content is organized by four activity types: Community, Energize, Sustainability, and Wellness. Check out an example of one of the guides on Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa’s page, including a private charter on a tiki-themed pontoon boat, as well as scaling the iconic landmark of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.

The post Meetings & Events: What’s New Across Opal for 2025 appeared first on First Leg Travels.

These holiday cocktails – part of Opal’s specialty holiday cocktail program – aren’t just complex symphonies of flavor, they’re liquid works of art. And we’ve got the recipes for you to recreate during your own holiday festivities. Here’s to sipping into the season.

Give Peter Mathieu a cocktail ingredient – any random single ingredient, say Frangelico or apple juice or vodka or Angostura bitters – and he’ll compute several different recipes in his head within mere seconds that he knows are winners. That’s because he’s extremely well-studied in flavor combinations, both classic and newer. “My uncle is a chef, and I used to study his cookbooks,” he says. “But the books that were always my favorite were about flavor profiles – understanding them, what other flavors they best pair with, and why they work together.”

But rather than funneling that knowledge into a career as a chef, he went a more liquid route, becoming a mixologist specializing in the art (and science) of why certain combinations produce the best cocktails. Which is why – as the mixologist for Opal Grand Resort & Spa’s Drift restaurant – he was a natural pick to dream up the slake-worthy libations for Opal’s holiday cocktail program that was first rolled out in fall of 2023) across restaurants within the resort collection. We’re talking specialty seasonal cocktails for autumn, Christmas and New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, even Easter and St. Patrick’s Day – always trialed and tested in Drift.

“We are always brainstorming new ways to elevate our guests’ dining experience,” says Opal’s Corporate Beverage Director Millie Wilkinson, calling out examples like designing intimate, semi-private social event spaces within a restaurant venue, signature iced seafood towers, and open-concept chef’s bars. “Our holiday cocktail program is another one of the essential ways we do that.”

Here’s a peek at the fall and winter program’s most sought-after sensational sips – plus their recipes so you can recreate at home for your own holiday celebrations.

TOP HOLIDAY COCKTAIL RECIPES

1. The Apple Butter Old-Fashioned

Best For: Those Who Love Cocktails With Cozy, Fall Flavors

If you’re looking for a classic cocktail with a seasonal twist, this is it. “The robustness of the apple butter pairs beautifully with the subtly sweet flavors of bourbon and apple juice,” says Mathieu. “Then the orange bitters further evens out the flavors to balance the drink perfectly.” The result is a refreshing cocktail loaded with all things warm and cozy – and, with a dehydrated orange slice, cinnamon stick, and dusting of powdered sugar as the finishing garnish, it’s also beautiful, to boot.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. Knob Creek Bourbon
• 2 oz. apple juice
• 1/2 tbsp. apple butter
• 2 dashes orange bitters

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice, and shake well
2. Double strain into a rocks glass with a single large ice ball or cube
3. Garnish with a dehydrated orange and cinnamon stick

2. Autumn’s Up

Best For: Adventurous Sippers Who Love a Refined Twist in Their Glass

A twist on a whiskey sour – just with a larger dose of bitters to add depth and complexity – this silky-smooth cocktail delivers a deft balance of tart and rich. “People typically only do a couple dashes of bitters, but we do more, then well blend it with the lemon and whiskey. Blending is key here: We shake it twice (once without ice, then once with ice),” says Mathieu. “Because bitters naturally cleanses the palate, this is a perfect before-dinner drink – a ‘palate prepper,’ if you will.”

Ingredients

• 2 oz. Knob Creek Bourbon
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• 1 1/2 oz. Demerara Syrup
• 1 1/4 oz. Angostura Bitters
• 1 egg white

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients into a shaker and dry shake (without ice) well for 30 seconds
2. Add ice and shake well again
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick (or a sprinkle of the spice) and star anise

3. Ginger Joy

Best For: Those Who Prefer Their Drinks Crafted With Extra Love & Care

“This drink is something of an ode to my best friend who lives in Canada, where sipping on fresh ginger is a commonplace thing,” says Mathieu. But not just any old ginger beer will do: Mathieu handmakes fresh ginger wort by grinding the root, blending it with brown sugar and lemon juice, then straining it. Any of the ginger residue left over in the strainer, he dries and bakes in the oven, then mixes with salt to rim the glass. “The result is a ginger-forward cocktail, but again, balance is key here,” he says. “You also get notes of blueberry from the Crème de Cassis and vanilla from the Anejo Tequila.” While Crème de Cassis is an often-overlooked liqueur, Mathieu says they could barely keep it in stock last season as this drink was in such high demand.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz. Patron Añejo Tequila
• 1 oz. Creme de Cassis
• 1 oz. fresh ginger wort
• 1/4 oz. Demerara Syrup

Instructions

1. And all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake well
2. Strain over a single large ice ball or cube
3. Garnish with dehydrated lemon, candied ginger, and cranberry

4. Santa Sparkler

Best For: Those Who Love a Christmas Cocktail That Catches Eyes

This refreshing and delightfully simple-to-make cocktail was inspired by one of Mathieu’s regular bar guests who is originally from Boston. “He loves cranberries, pomegranate, and champagne, but not necessarily all rolled into one, so that’s what I did here,” he says. “Just make sure you use a dry, brut style of champagne because you want a nice balance of sweet from the juice and dry from the champagne.” This is also one of those drinks that once one person orders it, it sets off a domino effect at the bar. “It’s the garnish that does it,” says Mathieu. “I take a rosemary sprig and skewer a couple of fresh cranberries on it, roll it in simple syrup and sugar, then freeze it. It looks like freshly fallen snow on a Christmas tree.”

Ingredients

• 1/2 oz. Chambord
• 1 oz. pomegranate juice
• La Marca Prosecco

Instructions

1. Add Chambord and pomegranate juice into a shaker with ice and shake well
2. Strain into a chilled sugar-rimmed coupe glass
3. Top with prosecco or champagne
4. Garnish with sugared cranberry and rosemary

5. Vixen

Best For: Those Who Aren’t Afraid Of a Drink that Goes Against the Grain

Think this drink was named solely after Santa’s reindeer? “We also named it this because – like a vixen in the traditional sense – it can be an intimidating drink,” says Mathieu. He’s referring to the unique pairing of vodka with egg whites. “When you think egg whites, it’s normally in regards to bourbon or gin. Not vodka. And that can be kind of daunting for some.” Those who give it a shot find that the silky cocktail wins their heart over pretty quickly: Slightly similar to a Clover Club, it’s a complex and well-balanced flavor profile, featuring notes of citrus (from the lemon juice and orange bitters), botanicals (from pomegranate and sage), and just a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz. Tito’s Handmade Vodka
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• 1 oz. pomegranate juice
• 3 sage leaves
• 2 dashes of orange bitters
• 1 egg white

Instructions

1. Add vodka, simple syrup, lemon juice, pomegranate juice, bitters, and egg white into a shaker and dry shake (without ice) for 30 seconds
2. And ice and sage leaves and shake well again
3. Double strain into a chilled martini glass
4. Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds on a sage leave

6. The Grinch

Best For: Dessert-Drink Lovers Looking for an Extra Bit of Indulgence

“This drink is a riff on my grandmother’s favorite cocktail, the Grasshopper,” says Mathieu. “Which is a perfect holiday cocktail because the mint flavor [from the Crème de Menthe] really warms you up, from the inside out.” The difference in his version is that it’s more complexly flavored thanks to the inclusion of vanilla vodka and the use of dark Crème de Cacao (instead of light) for a richer, dark chocolate flavor. A chocolate ganache is also drizzled within the glass and frozen before pouring the libation within.

Ingredients

• 1 oz. Grey Goose La Vanille Vodka
• 1 oz. Crème de Menthe
• 1/2 oz. Crème de Cacao Dark
• 1 oz. half and half

Instructions

1. And all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake well
2. Drizzle glass with chocolate ganache (including the rim)
3. Strain over mixture over fresh ice into the glass
4. Garnish with mint sprig, chocolate stick, and chocolate shavings

The post 6 Top Holiday Cocktails To Ring in 2025 appeared first on First Leg Travels.

The winter holidays can be hard work. You have to ensure you’re making time for all the friends and family. You have to hustle to all the parties (and make sure you bring a solid side dish). Your gifts have to be thoughtful. And, if you’re the one hosting the festivities, you’ve got to do one heck of a juggling act, balancing decorating, cooking, wrapping, cleaning, entertaining. It’s a full-on production that requires the stamina of an Olympic athlete and the precision of a Michelin-star chef.

We’re not trying to sound like a Scrooge. Quite the opposite actually. Because as a seasoned luxury hotel and resort collection, this is what First Leg Travels properties thrive on: Providing first-rate service so that you can actually unburden yourself. With that in mind – and using our resorts as the prime examples – here are a handful of the most irresistible reasons to plan an escape this holiday. Think of it as the best gift you can give yourself.

1. YOU GET TO PICK YOUR PREFERRED CLIMATE

Snow or sun? Beach or wintry? If you come from a place where the Christmases are rarely white – or vice versa – this is your chance to pick precisely what you want. Set in the New York Adirondacks, Lake Placid Lodge and The Sagamore Resort serve up classic holiday scenes, complete with roaring fireplaces, snow-covered landscapes, and cozy cabin vibes. Along the New England Coast, Samoset Resort and Wentworth by the Sea pair picturesque winter atmospheres with stunning ocean views. If you’re from a cool-weather climate and longing for sunshine, Opal offers 20 South Florida-based properties – including along the Gulf, Atlantic, and in the Keys – where the weather hits its ideal temps starting in November.

2. THE HOLIDAY THEME COMES TO YOU NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE

Once November rolls around, a wave of tinsel and twinkle-lights transform all 26 Opal hotel and resorts into festive finery. Yes, that includes Florida. For example, a sea of poinsettias swarm the lobby and public spaces of Sarasota’s Zota Beach Resort, while all the pictures in the on-site restaurant (Viento Kitchen + Bar) are wrapped in Christmas wall paper. At Sunset Key Cottages in Key West, the palm trees and landscaping across the 27-acre private island get decked out in enough lights to outdo Clark Griswold. The elaborate decorations at Opal Grand Resort in Delray Beach even come with story time with Mrs. Claus in the lobby during Christmas week.

Of course, Opal properties in the northeast “do it up” to an equally impressive degree with Christmas trees and garlands of greenery practically permeating every corner of Lake Placid Lodge, The Sagamore Resort, and Samoset Resort. That said, nothing may be grander than the activities leading up to Christmas at Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle, New Hampshire. The annual Illumination – a spectacular lighting ceremony where the historic hotel turns on thousands of twinkling lights that adorn its iconic façade – marks the community’s official start to the holiday season. Set for December 4, 2024, the evening is always accompanied with carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides with Santa, a giant gingerbread house, holiday crafts, and much more.

But if it just doesn’t feel like a holiday without a Christmas tree in your personal presence, several of our resorts (i.e. The Sagamore Resort, Hutchinson Island Resort & Spa, and Sunset Key Cottages) will stand one up prior to arrival in your suite – guests just have to be sure to request far enough ahead of time. So, when you arrive, it’s ready and waiting.

3. THE FEASTS & TREATS REQUIRE NO EFFORT ON YOUR PART

There’s something undeniably freeing when you get to sit back and let someone else do all the planning, shopping, and cooking for the holiday feast. That’s why all Opal resorts with on-site restaurants offer a variety of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s menus. Take, for example, the mouth-watering Thanksgiving holiday specials in addition to the traditional menu in Latitudes at Sunset Key Cottages. Or the all-day Christmas buffet feasts with bottomless mimosas, raw bars, and carving stations in SeaGuini at Opal Sands. Or the three-course prix-fixe Christmas evening dinners in Salt Kitchen & Bar at Wentworth by the Sea. Viento Kitchen + Bar at Zota Beach Resort even offers a family-style Thanksgiving meal, complete with a whole herb-roasted turkey for the table as well as gourmet sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, glazed carrots, and green bean casserole. And Edgewater Beach Hotel also offers private Dining on the Sand Thanksgiving packages, where you are served your feast at a table set on a private parcel of sand at sunset, just 10 feet away from the waves.

The best part? You just dig in – no clean-up required after.

4. POP-UP SPECIALTY PROGRAMMING KEEPS EVERYONE ENTERTAINED

It’s a special time of year, so you’ll find specialty programs that make celebrating the season extra memorable across all Opal resorts and hotels. Everything from “Meet and Greets” with Santa at Opal’s Key West properties the week of Christmas to cookie decorating, holiday crafts, and scavenger hunts at The Samoset the week of Thanksgiving (if you’re looking for more mature activities, the resort also offers mixology classes in the Enoteca Lounge). One of the most beloved holiday guest traditions that takes place at The Sagamore Resort revolves around not one but two gingerbread-house-making events. The first is held the Friday after Thanksgiving, where all supplies are provided to guests in the conference center, so all families have to do is unleash their creativity on their edible masterpieces. The second is a local contest called The Great Sagamore Gingerbread Competition where locals in the community design and decorate their own gingerbread house to be displayed in the main hotel for the duration of December. Guests then vote for their favorite creation leading up until Christmas (see the top three winners in 2023 on Instagram). 

5. LOCAL FESTIVITIES DOUBLE AS A MEANS TO EXPLORE THE DESTINATION

Local holiday events and offerings provide a unique opportunity to explore a destination through its seasonal traditions – and offer something fresher than just the typical tourist attractions. In Key Largo, that translates to the annual boat parade, where Blackwater Bay lights up like Rockefeller Center as some 40 vessels – from small skiffs to large yachts decked out in elaborate holiday lights and decorations – make their annual procession down the waterway. And one of the best places to watch? Opal’s own Reefhouse Resort & Marina, set right on Blackwater Bay.

Over in Naples, Florida, the annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Gulf offer a breathtaking way to ring in the new year, where the dazzling display of pyrotechnics reflects off the waters near the iconic Naples Pier. You can actually view the spectacle from Edgewater Beach Hotel’s private beach (In fact, to make the experience extra special, the resort sets up chairs for viewing and offers picnic-style light bites and wine and champagne to enjoy while watching).

Up north, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the Candlelight Stroll transforms the historical campus of Strawbery Banke into a holiday wonderland illuminated by candlelight on select weekends in December. Wentworth by the Sea can provide shuttle transportation to the historic neighborhood, where you’ll wander through the snow-dusted lanes and explore more than 30 restored homes and shops, each decorated to reflect holiday traditions from different periods of American history.

Other 2024 Holiday Festivities to Shape an Opal Stay Around

• 11/26-12/25: The “Bight” Before Christmas | Key West, Florida
• 11/29: Christmas on Main Street | Stuart, Florida
• 11/29 & 30: Lite Up the Village | Lake George, New York
• 12/6-8: Christmas by the Sea | Camden, Maine
• 12/6-31: Selby Lights in Bloom | Sarasota, Florida
• 12/6: Snow Place Like Jupiter | Jupiter, Florida
• 12/13-15: Holiday Village Stroll | Lake Placid, New York
• 12/14: Holiday Boat Parade | Clearwater, Florida

The post 5 Game-Changing Benefits of Taking Your Holidays on Vacation appeared first on First Leg Travels.

Can vibroacoustic therapy really heal you from the inside out? We take a look at this unique and trending “no-touch” therapy that, in Opal Spas, comes in the form of one very high-tech, very custom-designed bed.

What you see upon entering an Opal Spa treatment room is far from your average treatment table. Rather, these plush platforms pack some powerful healing in the physical furniture itself. Custom-designed for Opal Spas exclusively, the beds are embedded with a series of “transducers” that emit low-frequency vibrations that sync with soothing music or soundscapes (also played from the bed). And they can be found at almost all of First Leg Travels’s 12 resort spa locations*, from The Samoset Resort in Midcoast Maine down to Sunset Key Cottages off the coast of Key West, Florida. 

Why vibration and music? Called vibroacoustic therapy (VAT), it’s an all-natural wellness practice that aims to synchronize the body and mind, while calming the nervous system. “People are looking for holistic wellness experiences now more than ever,” says Brooke Johnston, director of the Opal Spa at The Resort at Longboat Key Club in Longboat Key, Florida, a certified Wellness Property by WITT (Wellness in Travel & Tourism). “They want more out of a spa experience than just a massage. They want to bring their entire body and mind into balance.” 

The vibroacoustic beds are just one means to do that at Opal Spas – but a very important one. Because when you come in for a treatment – be it a HydraFacial, a body wrap, or Himalayan stone massage – you’re not just experiencing topical healing; these therapeutic frequencies are having a whole additional benefit on your inner mind-body state. In fact, it’s kind of like a symphony for your cells. All you have to do is sit back and get lost in the waves. 

WHAT IS VIBROACOUSTIC THERAPY?

Vibroacoustic therapy is the use of low-frequency sine waves and therapeutic music, delivered through a device – like a bed, a matt, or even a cushion. By coupling the vibrations with the music, you’re essentially hearing the same frequencies that you’re feeling. “The result is an immersive experience that calms the mind and really lulls your body into state of ease,” explains Johnston, a dual-license wellness therapist for the last 15 years. “Basically, it’s triggering your parasympathetic nervous system response – the network of nerves that calms your body down after periods of stress.” Essentially, it moves your body into a state of growth and repair – and that can have lasting effects, including improved sleep, digestion, circulation, and even pain relief.

HOW VIBROACOUSTIC THERAPY WORKS

The combination of low-frequency sound vibration and therapeutic music deliver two specific things: 

Stimulation on a Deep Cellular Level 

While you can’t hear the low-frequency waves (they range between 30–120 hertz), the vibrations still penetrate deep into the body tissues, essentially “massaging” cells from the inside out.  

Slow Downs Your Brain 

Our brains are always pulsing, emitting what’s known as brainwaves. At times of stress or deep concentration, our brain pulses faster, when we’re relaxed, it pulses less. What vibroacoustic therapy helps to do is sync your brainwaves to a state of relaxation and introspection.  

“Personally, for me, my mind does not shut off, even when I’m getting massage. I’m constantly thinking,” says Johnston. “But when I couple it with vibroacoustic therapy, my brain is able to actually relax as well. That’s why a treatment on this table is truly the ultimate level of relaxation.” 

THE BENEFITS OF VIBROACOUSTIC THERAPY 

“What I think makes vibroacoustic therapy so special is that it’s a no-touch service, which means it can be a powerful healing tool for people who may be uncomfortable with touch – people with autism, PTSD or other trauma, people with physical pain or injury,” says Johnston. And since the therapy boosts the body’s natural recovery process, it has shown to result in these key benefits: 

• Improved sleep 

• Reduced stress 

• Pain relief 

• Better mood/increased happiness  

• Improved circulation 

• Lowered blood pressure 

• Slower heart rate

• Improved mental clarity and focus  

THE VIBROACOUSTIC EXPERIENCE IN AN OPAL SPA 

When guests come in for an appointment, the spa technicians provide an overview of the technology in the bed, then help guests select their soundscape. After, they step out, allowing guests to get comfortable on the bed. “We wait a few minutes to let the bed put them into that dreamlike relaxed state, then we’ll re-enter to start the treatment,” explains Johnston.  

As for guests who do not want a touch service, there are vibroacoustic loungers they can reserve to simply receive the healing benefits of the therapy alone. 

“I’ve been in this industry for 15 years, and these are, undoubtedly, the most luxurious tables I’ve ever worked with,” says Johnston. “The benefit that they have alone on your mind-body state is truly remarkable.” 

OTHER NO-TOUCH THERAPIES IN OPAL SPAS 

The vibroacoustic tables and loungers aren’t the only no-touch services you can enjoy across Opal Spas. 

Therabody Products 

Before or after services, guests can relax in Opal Spa Serenity Lounges and utilize a range of Therabody products, including compression boots and a myriad of massage devices for body and face. 

Salt & Sound Lounges 

Two Opal Spas – one located at The Sagamore Resort in Lake George, New York, and Wentworth by the Sea near Portsmouth, New Hampshire – are home to state-of-the-art salt rooms, featuring dry salt therapy (or “halotherapy.”) Salt room sessions involve breathing in a dry salt aerosol within a closed-off room to help clear your lungs and improve your respiratory system. 

Steam Rooms, Saunas, Jacuzzis 

The majority of Opal Spas include additional amenities for luxuriating between treatments. For example, Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa features a eucalyptus steam room while Wentworth by the Sea offers a beautiful outdoor co-ed jacuzzi overlooking the grounds from a private perch. 

*Please note: The Opal Spa locations at Reefhouse Resort & Marina (Key Largo, Florida) and the West Street Hotel and Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina (Bar Harbor, Maine) do not have the vibroacoustic treatment tables at this time. However, the locations at West Street Hotel and Harborside Hotel do offer the vibroacoustic loungers.

The post Good Vibrations: Vibroacoustic Therapy at Opal Spas appeared first on First Leg Travels.