There’s a reason why beach vacations tend to top the chart of most popular vacation types – after all, who wouldn’t want to spend their time off spread out on a sparkling stretch of sand, bordered by crystal-clear water?

Still, when it comes to the beaches of Florida, they’re not just a tourist draw, but an insurance policy, protecting the encroachment of the ocean on upland property as well as providing a precious home to the flora and fauna that live or regularly migrate here. That’s why the Florida Department of Environmental Protection regularly put efforts into place to protect and rehab the 825 miles of sandy coastline fronting the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Straits of Florida. Sure, that means collecting shoreline data and monitoring erosion, but, once beaches reach a certain level of erosion, it also means taking action through various programs to bring the beach back to its natural state.

Enter what has been coined a “beach renourishment project,” which in simplest terms, is the process of trucking in sand to, well, beef up said beach. And, during the month of April 2025, the mile-long stretch of shoreline from Jupiter Beach Park down to the southern edge of Carlin Park received an infusion of approximately 100,000 cubic yards of sand – that includes the 1,000 feet of shoreline right in front of Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa. Here’s how it works, why it matters, and the timeline for Jupiter’s healthy shot of sand.

WHAT IS BEACH NOURISHMENT?

Coastlines and barrier islands are dynamic systems, meaning they are in a constant – albeit often subtle to the everyday visitor – state of flux, a result of wind, waves, and storms pushing the outflow of sand in a southerly direction. Therefore, over long periods of time, beach erosion can reach a level where it requires human intervention to restore sand to the site, in order to protect shoreline and stabilize the coastal habitat.

HOW DOES BEACH NOURISHMENT WORK?

You can’t just bring in sand from anywhere, dump it, and call it done. The whole renourishment process requires equal parts ecologist and construction experts.

1. Test

Core sediment samples are taken at several potential offshore borrow sites to find sand that is compatible with the existing beach. In the case of Jupiter, that sand is dredged from a 6.58-acre sand trap located 1,000 feet northeast of the mouth of the Jupiter Inlet.

2. Harvest (a.k.a. “dredging”)

A hydraulic dredge is set up at the borrow sites and acts as a suction pipe, vacuuming up a mixture of sand and water from the bottom of the ocean.

3. Pump

The mixture is pumped back to shore in a 30-inch-wide pipe and deposited along the beach in various ditches, allowing the water to drain off.

4. Disperse

Bulldozers flatten accumulated sand and spread it down the beach according to specific design plans.

WHEN WILL THE 2025 JUPITER DREDGE & BEACH RENOURISHMENT PROJECT HAPPEN?

Dredging occured from April 7–21, 2025 with the disbursement part of the project being completed by May 1. This ensures compliance with regulatory restrictions for sea turtle nesting as the coastline of North Palm Beach County – particularly the stretch in Jupiter – is home to Florida’s highest density of nesting loggerhead turtles.

MORE BEACH, MORE WILDLIFE

The bigger beach is obviously a boon to humans, looking to stretch out on the widened sandy oasis with the latest James Patterson or your Kristen Hillenbrand. But local animals also benefit from the restored habitat including benthic organisms (tiny sand-burrowing worms and crustaceans, like krill), which are a vital food source for the return of larger coastal animals. In the case of Florida, that means shorebird and marine turtle species.

The post Bigger, Better & Beautiful: Jupiter’s 2025 Beach Renourishment Project appeared first on First Leg Travels.

Considering a stay at either Opal Sol or Opal Sands? Here are the essential things you should know about First Leg Travels’s impressive new resort duo – including what makes each resort unique, their shared resort amenities, and which one best suits your unique stay.

In February of 2016, First Leg Travels opened its twelfth property, Opal Sands, an architectural marvel that masterly blended modern artistic touches with a sleek beach vibe. Sited directly on the Gulf of Mexico, the luxury resort’s stunning curved glass and steel façade was unlike anything Clearwater Beach had ever seen. And it has remained so – that is, until February of 2025, when Opal’s now twenty-seventh property, Opal Sol, opened, giving the Gulf Coast region another eye-catching beach resort to ogle. Connected via a glass-enclosed scenic sky bridge, the two neighboring properties feel a bit like yin and yang – Opal Sands with its iconic convex shape and Opal Sol with its concave curve.

But while these two properties certainly boast similarities – in terms of signature hospitality, top-notch dining outlets, and Clearwater Beach accommodations where every room serves up a sprawling view of the gulf – they certainly aren’t carbon copies of one another. Here’s what you need to know.

LOCATION & ARRIVAL

Opal Sands and Opal Sol are collectively perched on the southernmost end of the barrier island of Clearwater Beach, Florida, looking out to the glittering gulf. However, they’re not positioned exactly the same: Opal Sands edges right up to the gulf, whereas Opal Sol angles out, opening toward the award-winning white-sand beach. “When standing on your room balcony at Opal Sands, you’re basically over the gulf,” says Jeff Castner, GM of Opal Sands who has also been closely managing the opening of Opal Sol. “But from your room balcony at Opal Sol, you get more of a wide-lens view of the white-sand beach and the water. You feel more connected with the lively beach community and attractions of Beach Walk, which is right outside the resort. Opal Sands feels a bit more removed from Beach Walk, a bit more solitary and quiet.”

And while the resorts are connected, like two towers, they don’t share a single check-in location. That said, if a guest ends up at the front desk of Opal Sol when needing to check into Opal Sands (and vice versa), they can do so. “We’ll still be able to check guests in and make their room keys,” Castner explains. “We’ll just need to then direct them to the skyway bridge to get to the correct tower and their room. We can also have valet move their car if needed.”

How Do I Make Sure I Go to the Right Resort?

While the two Clearwater Beach resorts are just a couple hundred feet from each other, they are technically located on different roads: Opal Sands on South Gulfview Boulevard and Opal Sol on Coronado Drive. The best thing to do is to enter their addresses into your phone’s GPS and follow accordingly:

Opal Sands

430 S Gulfview Boulevard
Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

Opal Sol

400 Coronado Drive
Clearwater, FL 33767

If I Stay at One Property, How Do I Get to the Other?

The scenic skyway bridge spans above South Gulfview Boulevard and connects the lobby of Opal Sands to the second level of Opal Sol (essentially the meeting space level). If looking to get to the lobby of Opal Sol from the skyway bridge, cross through the pre-function space to descend the winding staircase that places you right at the main lobby’s fountain feature. Don’t worry: plenty of signage ensures you can get where you need to go.

RESORT OVERVIEWS

How Is Opal Sol Different from Opal Sands?

While both properties feature stunning curved façades and gulf-facing room views, their interior design aesthetics are distinct. “Opal Sands feels more modern coastal with glassy sculpture, bubble chandeliers, and touches of turquoise, whereas Opal Sol is more neutral with organic, earthy materials, like slatted wood and palm fronds,” says Castner. While it’s hard to know, at this point, how the guest demographic will evolve at each property, Castner thinks couples looking for more of a secluded retreat will gravitate to Opal Sands, while families – given the buzzy nature of Beach Walk and the all-suite accommodations – will find themselves more drawn to Opal Sol.

The other key characteristic defining the two is access to the beach – one of the most coveted stretches of coastline in the country. At Opal Sands, guests simply follow the gentle sand ramp down to the powdery white sands; from Opal Sol, it’s just a quick street crossing of South Gulfview Boulevard (there are two crosswalks) to the Beach Walk promenade and the beach beyond. Opal Sol guests who want to avoid the Beach Walk can simply cross the skyway bridge to Opal Sands and access the beach via the sand ramp.

How Many Rooms Does Opal Sol Have?

Ranging in layouts from studios to a three-bedroom, Opal Sol’s 248 suites are designed to serve as your ultimate home away from home. All accommodations offer private balconies for views of the Gulf, while select units even boast wrap-around patios with hot tubs, outdoor showers, and lounge furniture, as well as soaking tubs in master bedrooms and full gourmet kitchens. Opal Sands’s 230 gulf-front guest rooms and suites also boast living rooms and balconies, while one select corner suite features a 1,000-square-foot wrap-around balcony furnished with lounge furniture and a semi-covered dining table.

When is Opal Sol Opening?

Opal Sol opened February 14 of 2025. That included the dining outlets located in Opal Sol’s main hotel: Drift, Toast, Beach Market & Café, and Current (the poolside bar). However, the street-level dining outlets, based right beside the Beach Walk, won’t be opening until later in 2025.

RESORT AMENITIES

Does Opal Sol Have a Spa?

Yes, Opal Sol has a full-service luxury Opal Spa. And what a wellness experience it is. Employing a “biophilic” design – the concept of bringing the outdoors in – it’s a haven that seamlessly blends nature’s beauty with the art of relaxation: Think potted plants, palm fronds, live-edge wood, trickling water, and other details that summon the breeziness of the outdoors.

That said, it’s not the only way to wellness between the two properties. You can also book the Opal Spa at Opal Sands. In fact, the two have the same treatment menus. And regardless of what tower your service takes place in, all spa guests get access to the salt room housed within Opal Sol’s spa location.

If I Stay at Opal Sol, Can I Access Opal Sands’s Amenities?

Absolutely. In fact, whether you stay at Opal Sol or Opal Sands, you get exclusive access to the other resort’s amenities, allowing you to truly make the most of your stay.

Collectively, that translates to four sparkling pools, 10 dining outlets for a vast and varied dining experience, two full-service luxury Opal Spas, and two fitness centers.

What Restaurants Does Opal Sol Have?

Within Opal Sol’s main hotel alone, there are four dining outlets. That includes the signature Drift, as well as the new breakfast restaurant, Toast. But coming later in 2025, that will grow to seven outlets total with the premier of the street-level options of Lolita’s Coastal Cocina, Float Malt Shop & Creamery, and Surf Beach Market Café.

Opal Sol guests also have access to the dining outlets of Opal Sands (and vice versa). “I think this is one of the most exciting things about these two intertwined properties,” says Castner. “The variety of dining options is so vast and varied unlike what you’ll find in Clearwater Beach, where grouper sandwiches are pretty much what you’ll get. But between our two resorts, you could have handmade pasta at Sea-Guini in Opal Sands one night, a stunning breakfast at Toast in Opal Sol the following morning, lunch down by the beach at SandBar back at Opal Sands, then a chilled seafood tower in Drift followed by drinks at Current at Opal Sol.”

MEETING AMENITIES

While the two resorts independently feel intimate, when you collectively pool their rooms, the multiple ballrooms, breakout spaces, boardrooms, event lawns, and their amenities, they really make for Clearwater Beach’s most expansive meeting space facilities – the kind that can seamlessly accommodate truly large conferences and trade shows.

What is the Meeting Space Like?

A total of 478 gulf-view rooms and more than 106,000 square feet of event space are at your fingertips between Opal Sol and Opal Sands. Designed to accommodate any kind of grand gulf-view gathering you can dream up, from destination weddings to corporate retreats to family reunions, the expansive layout offers versatility for events of all sizes. That includes:

• 2 Event Lawns on the resorts’ pool decks for al-fresco celebrations
• 8,800-square-foot ballroom that can be broken into four spaces at Opal Sol
• 7,650-square-foot ballroom at Opal Sands
• 12 breakout meeting spaces between both resorts
• Two hospitality suites with soft seating and built-in bar at Opal Sol

The post Opal Sol or Opal Sands? A Guide to Clearwater Beach’s New Resort Duo appeared first on First Leg Travels.

If you’ve been waiting to hear the latest on Opal Key Resort & Marina’s renovated spaces – an upgraded arrival experience, expanded pool area, and vibrant new restaurant concept – here’s what you need to know.

*All renderings depicted in this article are artistic interpretations of the design. It is not meant to be an exact rendition.

DJ McCarthy, general manager of Opal Key Resort & Marina, doesn’t consider himself a particularly nostalgic individual. Still, during the recent refresh to the resort’s lobby, pool, and dining outlets, there was one moment where he admitted he developed a bit of a lump in his throat. “It was when, during construction, I first saw the rooftop deck leveled,” he says. Located atop what was formerly known as Bistro 245, the beloved deck was barren. Gone was the old post-and-beam wooden tiki bar topped with a tin roof. Gone were the surrounding bar stools and chairs in their rainbow of classic Key West colors.

But what was still there? That epic birds-eye view of Key West’s acclaimed sunset and all the nightly festivities that occur in Mallory Square below. And it was then that McCarthy’s nostalgia turned into excitement – maybe even a little bit of giddiness. “This is literally the best seat in town,” he says. “And it was only going to get better because I knew what the culinary and design teams were working on was going to be unlike anything else Key West has ever offered. This is a spot everyone is going to want to be. And, now, it’s not just because of the views, but the vibe.”

The outdoor rooftop sanctuary – newly renamed to Elevate Skye Bar & Lounge and opening this spring – wasn’t the only piece of Opal Key property that saw a refresh over the course of winter 2024/2025. With that in mind, we take a stroll through the exciting new look and what McCarthy says is going to give “a whole new energy to the Opal Key guest experience.”

A WELCOME EXPERIENCE THAT DECLARES “YOU’VE ARRIVED”

The first interaction guests have with any property is the lobby, so, of course, that initial impression is essential. “Prior to the renovation, the style of the lobby had a lot of dark wood and muted, almost mustardy-beige walls,” explains McCarthy. “It just felt a little heavier when we want guests to be walking in here and instantly feeling light and bright – in fact, that’s really become the Opal standard.”

As for how they accomplished that, the first thing they did was open it up to bring in more natural light. “There was previously a back office positioned on the south side of the lobby, so it was relocated and the wall opened up to make the lobby bigger while adding more windows,” says McCarthy. Next came all-brand new ceiling, walls, and flooring boasting natural textures and tones: blonde wood on the ceilings, new flooring tiles, and a turquoise-teel slatted back wall set behind the brand-new front desk. New furnishings include hanging swing chairs in wicker with plush pillows, potted lemon trees, a driftwood inspired coffee table, and more. There’s also a brand-new state-of-the-art sound system, as well as a small new grab-n-go market.

A BELOVED POOL EXPERIENCE GETS A LITTLE EXTRA LOVE

The on-site pool is perhaps one of the resort’s most signature amenities. Not just for a refreshing dip, but for the way this paradise, located in the center of the resort, is shrouded by lush native plants and trees, creating an uncanny sense of privacy that is hard to come by in this part of Key West.

So how could you possibly enhance what already feels like paradise? In addition to resurfacing the pool and jacuzzi and adding new tiling around the edges, the loungers and umbrellas received fresh new fabric reflecting the dining outlets’ vibrant new feel. And, as the hallmark element of the refresh, read on to find out what a feel that is.

SPICY NEW DINING OUTLETS UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE IN KEY WEST

Opening spring 2025, the new dining experience is anchored by the resort’s brand-new signature restaurant, Lolita’s Coastal Cocina, where coastal flavors meet Mexican flair. “It will have a tropical-hip vibe that feels at home in Key West, but it’s married with what feels like a Mexican folk vibe,” says McCarthy.

With half the restaurant located indoors, the other half set outside right in front of Mallory Square, deciding on where to sit, ultimately, might be tough. Inside, the ceiling consists of a bamboo-style wood over the dining room, then a colorful mural over the bar. On the far end of the dining room, against the booth seating, is a raspberry-pink wall silhouetted by single-stalk cacti of all different heights. Outside, the theme continues with the same ceiling mural pattern reflected in the umbrellas and cacti centerpieces. The patio also boats brand new cobblestone brick and a fixed awning hung in string lights.

Lolita’s also services the new pool bar, Ka’Teen, open to resort guests only and located opposite the eastern wall of the restaurant’s indoor portion. But the experience doesn’t end there. Actually, it’s elevated – quite literally as a set of stairs from Lolita’s climbs up to Elevate Skye Bar & Lounge, the brand-new rooftop deck experience. The sprawling space spans a similar footprint as Lolita’s indoor section, just with a modern, open-air layout that serves lofted views of both the resort pool to the east and that famous Mallory Square sunset experience to the west. At the heart of the venue, the wraparound bar is surrounded by a variety of seating “zones” that ripple out: high-top seating, tables, couches, loungers, and even private day-bed cabanas (rentable for resort guests).

“To have a sunset every day of the year, and, now these sophisticated spaces – serving shareable plates, handcrafted cocktails, and a full tequila and mezcal menu – right in view of it…” says McCarthy. “Like I said, there’s nothing like it in Key West.”

LOVE THE VIBE?

There’s more where that came from. Check out the designs of other Opal properties that have been refreshed in recent years:

• Cirque St. Armands: A Circus-Sophisticated Spin | Sarasota, FL

• Sandpearl Resort’s All-New Seaside-Chic Rooms | Clearwater Beach, FL

• The Capri Inn’s Rejuvenating Refresh | Naples, FL

• Jupiter Beach Resort’s Re-Imagined Resort | Jupiter, FL

• The Resort at Longboat Key Club’s Yacht-Sleek Look | Longboat Key, FL

The post Opal Key’s Fresh Dining & Design: A Key West Resort Renovation appeared first on First Leg Travels.

Whether you’re visiting an Opal hotel or resort in the rustic Adirondacks of New York; the seaside hamlet of Rockport, Maine; or the white-sandy sun-kissed stretches of South Florida, you’re bound to experience it. What’s “it?” The property’s vibe and atmosphere that pays tribute to the destination that it resides in, intentionally honoring and immersing guests through colors, patterns, cuisine, and other furnishings and finishes.

But perhaps no other Opal property has embraced its local flavor quite like what you’ll encounter at Cirque St. Armands Beachside, located on Sarasota’s scenic barrier island of Lido Key just steps from the beach and a short stroll from St. Armands Circle. Because not only does this property, which premiered in March 2025, celebrate Sarasota’s iconic circus heritage – it reimagines it in fresh modern ways.

A QUICK LOOK: SARASOTA’S CIRCUS ROOTS

If you’ve never been to Sarasota, you might not realize that this Gulf Coast city, just south of Tampa, offers more than scenic barrier islands, a beachy atmosphere, and an average of 255 sunny days a year. It’s also famously known as the “Circus Capital of the World,” thanks to a deep-rooted circus heritage that began when John Ringling – one of the founding brothers of the famous Ringling Bros. Circus – fell in love with the city in the 1920s. So much so, he decided to establish his circus winter headquarters here, drawing performers, trainers, and animals from around the world to work on refining their acts in the mild Florida winter. Today, several iconic circus landmarks live on throughout Sarasota – most famously The Ringling Museum of Art, Ca’ d’Zan (a stunning Venetian Gothic mansion and former home of John and Mable Ringling), and St. Armands Circle (a sophisticated shopping district with a fascinating history developed by Ringling).

THE HOTEL’S VIBE: CIRCUS BUT NOT CLICHÉ

If the Big Top brings to mind the image of melancholy clowns and the scent of roasted peanuts, Cirque St. Armands really isn’t that. “There are nods to the circus heritage everywhere, but they are presented in a very elegant, Art-Deco-meets-Roaring-Twenties-inspired setting,” says Milos Davidovic, regional GM for the hotel. In fact, so many of the elements feel like they intentionally draw from Ringling’s nearby Ca’ d’Zan mansion, including playful geometric tiling, ornate columns, drapery-framed entryways, sculptural hardware and finishes, fluted pathways, and statement furniture pieces. “It’s really a very sophisticated design, but there are these sprinkles of playfulness. It feels unexpected and it turns heads. There is nothing else like it in the area – or the state of Florida for that matter.”

As for the luxuriously appointed accommodations, queen-, king-, and one-bedroom configurations boast floor-to-ceiling windows with views from the beach to the bay. And, naturally, the art-deco-meets-circus aesthetic remains strong, translating to a neutral color palette of soft greys, whites, and sandy beige tones accented by rich, earthy textures of bronze, brown, and gold. Clean lines give way to minimalist décor like antique black-and-white photos of circus performers training in Sarasota during the 1920s and ’30s. And, as a nod to the Ringling Brothers’ early roots in Baraboo, Wisconsin, many rooms feature poster-sized pages from The Baraboo News, chronicling the circus magnates’ activities from 1875 to 1918.

UNEXPECTED EAT & DRINK: FROM ARRIVAL & ON

“The food and beverage theme is just as thrilling as the circus heritage,” says Davidovic. “Ringside, the hotel’s signature restaurant, is going to be one of the most unique and exciting new places to dine in Sarasota for its unexpected, picture-worthy drinks, décor, and dishes.” Picture-worthy indeed: A wall of floor-to-ceiling windows reveal panoramic views of the beach, billboard-size murals showcase trapeze artists doing daredevil acts, and five private dining booths peek out from behind sumptuous velvet drapery. The setting meets its perfect match in the menu, serving up a delicate balancing act of bold flavors and Gulf seafood favorites – think char-grilled octopus, pan-seared Scottish salmon served over a bed of sweet potato and hazelnut hash, and dry-aged rib eye served with parmesan potato gratin and garlic-wild mushroom ragout. 

Guests will also be delighted by the cocktail menu, which can also be found (along with light bites) in Midway, the lobby lounge, and Ringmaster, the pool bar (to open later in spring). Not just because they’re creative concoctions, but because everything is made in front of you. We’re talking hand-shaken, plenty of muddling, and the use of fun equipment like dehydrators for garnishes, cream whippers for creating foamy and flavorful toppers, and even smokers. For a real show, we suggest ordering the Blueberry Fog, a blend of blueberry vodka, pressed blueberries and lemon, and St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur topped with “sea foam” (it’s made from egg whites, blueberry purée, and more St-Germain). Or try the Cold Rush, a spin on a whiskey sour with honey syrup and bee pollen in place of sugar and made from Basil Hayden bourbon.

And the creative food and beverage keeps a-flowin’ for the duration of your stay. “When guests check-in, they will be greeted with a really fun carnival-themed cocktail or mocktail in a fun Gastby-esque glass that sets the tone right away for what’s to follow,” explains Davidovic. In-room amenities are not yet finalized but might include options like gourmet cupcakes set in a Ferris Wheel stand, caramel popcorn piled high in wildly patterned paper cones, boozy milkshakes, and more.

Whatever you do, be sure to make a stop at the gelato cart, which will eventually be parked on the pool deck (which will be premiering at a later date). “We’ll have options to infuse your gelato flavor with a spirit of your choice, and there will also be other surprises like champagne popsicles or frosé,” adds Davidovic.

INVENTIVE AMENITIES & PROGRAMS: POOL, BEACH & PRIVATE TOURS

Scheduled to open in spring of 2025 (a few months after the hotel initially opens), the pool is shaped like three-interconnected rings (designed to bring to mind a “three-ring circus” and an homage to the hotel’s logo).

But, of course, this is Cirque St. Armands Beachside, so when it’s beach time, guests have two options at their fingertips: to enjoy Lido Key’s public beach just across the street from the hotel or take advantage of exclusive access to a 300-foot secluded stretch of beachfront at sibling Opal, Lido Beach Resort, just half-a-mile away (the resort offers a shuttle). In fact, guests get access to all of Lido Beach Resort’s amenities, including two additional gulf-front swimming pools; the resort’s popular thatched-roof and bamboo-lined tiki bar; and the signature eighth-floor restaurant of Drift, offering expansive 180-degree views of the Lido Key coastline extending to the north.

Lastly, be on the lookout for special packages and programming. “We’re only in a brainstorming space at the moment,” says Davidovic, “but we’re planning to offer private, curated tours to The Ringling.” If you’re not familiar with The Ringling, it’s an entire campus that you could spend days exploring located about a 20-minute ride from Lido Key in Sarasota proper. The former home of John Ringling, the 66-acre estate consists of the State Art Museum of Florida, the Circus Museum, Ca’ d’Zan, the Bayfront Gardens, and the Asolo Repertory Theatre. “We’re thinking charcuterie and other refreshments to enjoy during the ride to and from, but then our concierge would also be your personal docent at the site, taking you to certain sites, buildings, exhibits, or galleries based on what you want to see,” adds Davidovic. “Your own personal ringleader.”

LOVE THE VIBE?

There’s more where that came from. Check out the designs of other Opal properties that have been refreshed in recent years:

• Opal Key’s Fresh Dining & Design | Key West, FL 

• Sandpearl Resort’s All-New Seaside-Chic Rooms | Clearwater Beach, FL

• The Capri Inn’s Rejuvenating Refresh | Naples, FL

• Jupiter Beach Resort’s Re-Imagined Resort | Jupiter, FL

• The Capitana’s Ship-Inspired Escape | Key West, FL

The post Cirque St. Armands: A New Sarasota Hotel with a Circus-Sophisticated Spin appeared first on First Leg Travels.

Prepare to pack your bags for the Gulf Coast of Florida. Because it’s soon to be the home of Opal’s three newest and – dare we say? – most novel properties.

*All renderings depicted in this article are artistic interpretations of the design. It is not meant to be an exact rendition.

First Leg Travels is not a hotel portfolio that sits on its laurels for long. While it feels like just yesterday three new Opal properties premiered in Florida (all within the span of a year), we’re excited to announce that we already have three more in the pipeline.

While this trio of properties are unique and distinct in their own ways, you can expect – at their heart – the essential hallmarks that make up every First Leg Travels resort or hotel: upscale accommodations with the latest amenities, signature hospitality, top-notch food and beverage, and, a waterside location that can’t be beat. And, in this case, that waterside location is exclusively the Gulf Coast of Florida – in the destinations of Clearwater Beach, Sarasota, and Naples – giving you more reason than ever to plan an upcoming visit to these soft-white sandy shores.

CIRQUE ST. ARMANDS BEACHSIDE

Step Right Up to Circus-Chic by Lido Beach | Sarasota, FL

OPEN NOW

Like two trapeze artists solidly linking up during a swinging act, Sarasota and the circus became forever intertwined in 1927 when John Ringling decided to move his winter headquarters to this lovely Gulf Coast city. So much so, you see that circus heritage splashed all over the city today in the form of museums, an iconic historic Venetian mansion, and other landmarks shaped by “The Greatest Show on Earth.”

But the latest tribute? Cirque St. Armands Beachside, Opal’s newest Lido Key–based hotel, which opened in March 2025. Picture something that blends a 1920s art deco vibe with whimsical Big Top touches, like grandiose billowing drapery, geometric and stripe patterns, ornate ostrich feather chandeliers, golden wall sconces, and pin-striped columns. It’s an Instagrammer’s dream backdrop. Still – just steps from Lido Beach and a two-minute walk to St. Armands Circle – nothing beats the prime location, where views stretch from the beach to the bay.

The Accommodations

Rooms & Suites by the Beach

That same art-deco-meets-circus vibe comes through in the luxuriously appointed accommodations, featuring king-, queen-, and one-bedroom configurations and boast floor-to-ceiling windows with standard views, city views, or gulf views.

Amenity Not to Miss

Sarasota’s Newest Restaurant

Ringside – Cirque’s centerpiece restaurant – is a show-stopping dining experience that is bound to own the spotlight on Sarasota’s restaurant scene. A wall of floor-to-ceiling windows reveals panoramic views of the beach, billboard-size murals showcase trapeze artists doing daredevil acts, and five private booths peek out from behind sumptuous velvet drapery. It’s a setting that is perfectly complimented by the menu, serving up a delicate balancing act of bold flavors and Gulf seafood favorites.

Hidden Highlight

Access to a Private Gulf Beach

Lido Key’s public beach is conveniently located just steps away across the street, making it the perfect place to spend a gulf coast beach day. That said, guests of our hotel also get access to a private 300-foot secluded stretch of the beachfront at sibling Opal, Lido Beach Resort, located just half a mile away. Cool white sands – swept clean every evening – give way to ample coastline views and shallow warm turquoise waters perfect for wading.

Related Reading:

• A New Sarasota Hotel with a Circus-Sophisticated Spin

OPAL SOL

Clearwater Beach’s Most Exciting All-Suite Escape | Clearwater Beach, FL

OPEN NOW

If you’re a fan of Opal Sands Resort, our 230-room Clearwater Beach–based haven, then you have a lot to look forward to in its sibling, Opal Sol. Opened in February 2025 just next door to Opal Sands and connected via a glass-enclosed skyway bridge, this airy and inviting sanctuary’s 248 rooms offer views of the gulf.

Beyond the accommodations, however, the resort has everything guests could ask for, including four restaurant outlets, a full-service luxury Opal Spa, three pools, and 57,000 square feet of event space (a total of more than 106,000 square feet of space when combined with Opal Sands). Not to mention, you get direct access to the white sand beach that has been rated by USA Today as the “Best Beach in Florida.”

The Accommodations

All Suites, All Gulf Views

Ranging in layouts from studio to three bedrooms, these seaside-chic suites are designed to serve as your ultimate home away from home. All accommodations offer views of the Gulf, while select units even boast soaking tubs in master bedrooms.

Amenity Not to Miss

Cabana Comforts

As if the sun-splashed pool deck – punctuated with two glittering gulf-facing pools and lounge chairs set beneath swaying palms – wasn’t already an ideal way to while away a day, it gets even better when you book one of the seven private cabanas. Nestled along the northern edge of the pool, these shaded places to post up are the pinnacle of tucked-away tranquility. Don’t want to leave your perch? Current, the sleek pool bar and lounge, is at your beck-and-call for a steady stream of tropical drinks and refreshing array of light bites.

Hidden Highlight

Street-Level Delights

Four on–site dining outlets call Opal Sol home, including a Drift Kitchen + Bar, an Opal signature restaurant already popular in sibling resorts like Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa, Lido Beach Resort, and Opal Grand. But there will also be additional dining outlets – premiering later in summer 2025 – on the street-level floor of the resort: a restaurant with a Yucatan-inspired menu and a retro-inspired ice cream parlor. That means, even more diversely delicious ways to enjoy your stay just steps from your suite.

Related Reading:

• A Guide to Clearwater Beach’s New Resort Duo

OLDE NAPLES HOTEL

Timeless with Touches of Whimsy in Historic Naples | Naples, FL

COMING 2026

Olde Naples Hotel will not be based in a historic building, per se. Still, the 109-room boutique hotel will very much pay homage to its predecessor, The Naples Hotel, which opened as the city’s first hotel in 1889, welcoming guests for 90 years. More importantly, set in Old Naples’s historic Third Street District, it intends to celebrate this seaside community’s past while taking it into the future. You’ll see that in the array of timeless and classic design details that are layered with contemporary touches. Think a vintage-inspired key-box wall behind the front desk containing fanciful artifacts, art deco-inspired elevators with etched brass set next to playfully patterned rugs, and a bright and airy restaurant featuring a marble bar and a wall adorned in impressionist-style murals.

The Accommodations

Cottage Cool with Pops of Fun

Rooms will be reminiscent of the original cottage-style homes set in Old Naples, yet infused with fun and unexpected touches like pillows patterned in archival turn-of-the-century prints, high-gloss armoires with interiors lined in fresh patterns, and mosaic tile in bathrooms.

Amenity Not to Miss

A Sophisticated Rooftop Pool

Featuring loungers, shaded cabanas, and two pools, this aquatic oasis with an aesthetic that feels very Palm Springs will be perched atop the hotel, offering views to the ocean and the surrounding community.

Hidden Highlight

Cozy Central Courtyard

Situated on two acres, the property will hinge around a picturesque courtyard filled with fragrant flowers and vine-laced walls that recalls the small-town charm of this historic district.

The post 3 New Gulf Coast Florida Resorts Coming to Opal appeared first on First Leg Travels.

(Above image) © Michael Winters, courtesy of The Music Hall

You may be familiar with The Music Hall as an iconic Portsmouth, New Hampshire landmark, but how well do you really know this 1878 performing arts space?

When Zhana Morris was first hired as the production manager for The Music Hall in 1997, she didn’t realize that, in a short time, she would also tack “historian” onto her title. “We were at a point where we [The Friends of The Music Hall] were starting to get serious about fully restoring the theater, which had always been a part of the mission ever since we took over in 1987,” she said. “That meant, we really needed to look at the venue’s past, and, as a lover of history, that was a natural task for me.”

And, boy – after delving into archives at the Portsmouth Athenaeum, scouring old newspapers on the microfiche at the local library, and absorbing insights from fellow local historians – what a history she was able to piece together…one that not only debunked many long-held beliefs but also unearthed intriguing new discoveries. Here’s a roundup of the historical highlights that are lesser-known, including the truth about Houdini, the ship-like stage rigging, and why the fantastical lower-level lobby looks the way it does.

1. TECHNICALLY, ITS LIFE BEGAN IN 1803 AS A BAPTIST MEETING HOUSE

Yes, it’s correct that the structure you see standing before you today was built in 1878. But what was located on the site pre-dating the current structure was another 1803 venue originally built as a Baptist church that, in 1845, was converted into an amphitheater-style lyceum known as “The Temple.” So if and when you hear that such speakers as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Frederick Douglas lectured on The Music Hall stage (Emerson in 1850 and Douglas in 1862), technically, it was really the stage in the building predating the beloved 1878 venue.

2. THE 1878 THEATER OPERATED LIKE A SHIP – AND STILL DOES TO THIS DAY

Bankrolled by a wealthy Portsmouth family, The Music Hall was constructed and opened in 1878 after The Temple theater burned down in 1876. As the town’s first purpose-built theater, The Music Hall featured a backstage rigging system (to hoist curtains, move scenery, etc.) similar to that used on boats. While it’s rumored that this is because shipwrights from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard built the theater, Morris can’t confirm that: “Theater has long been rooted in nautical traditions, using similar technology and terminology, so it’s not unusual that it was built this way. We can’t pin it on local shipwrights.” What is unique, however, is that The Music Hall still operates today using this same rope, pully, and sandbag counterweight system, making it one of the last remaining theaters of its kind in the country.

3. BEER BARON FRANK JONES IS THE ONE WHO TRULY MADE IT GRAND

It wasn’t until Frank Jones – a Portsmouth politician and ale tycoon – bought the theater and remodeled it between 1899 and 1901 that it became the lavish and ornate building it’s known for today. That included an upgraded rigging system that soared 75 feet high, as well as the addition of the ornate gold-leafed proscenium stage and decorative opera boxes, which nicely complemented the beautifully painted domed ceiling that was already there. The result? One of the finest venues outside of Boston. Which is why it was such a shame when in 1945, under a different owner, the entire structure was painted all white, covering up all the Gilded-Era details (don’t worry, if you’re familiar with The Music Hall today, you know all that paint was painstakingly removed in the early 2000s).

4. HOUDINI DIDN’T PERFORM HERE, BUT A WHOLE HOST OF HISTORICAL NOTABLES DID

A perfect example of something Morris’s research disproved: The Music Hall did not host Houdini, when the opposite (having been publicized in modern-day print) is widely believed. “Every historical theater wants to be able to say the legendary magician took their stage,” she said. “But there’s not a shred of evidence he did at The Music Hall.”

That said, you certainly can’t discount the other noteworthy names who have taken the stage. That includes those who are still household names, like Mark Twain and Irving Berlin, but also those who were major celebrities back in their day. Folks like Thomas Keene, a major Shakespearian actor; The Barrymores, a traveling acting family (yes, Drew Barrymore is a descendant); and, one of Morris’s favorites, actress Maude Adams. “Had she been born 30 years later, she would have been Shirley Temple,” says Morris. “She was widely famous by age 6 and went on to play Peter Pan in its original 1905 adaptation on Broadway.”

5. IT WAS RENAMED…TWICE

While the venue premiered as “Music Hall” in 1878, it was renamed to “Portsmouth Theater Company” between the years of 1902 and 1945. The next owner, who bought the theater in 1945 for just $10,000, transformed it into a movie house, painted it entirely white, and renamed it “The Civic.” It would remain under that name into the 1980s, until the non-profit Friends of The Music Hall took it over and restored its original name.

6. IT ALSO ALMOST BECAME CONDOS…TWICE

During its stint as The Civic, the venue fell out of favor among locals (competition was steep with three other Portsmouth movie theaters). As a result, the building started to become run down and was eventually bought by local developers in the early 1980s who planned to take the wrecking ball to it to build condos in its place. “The story is that they came in one night, pulled up a couple of floorboards, and uncovered the original tile,” says Morris. “After spending the rest of the night chipping away at paint and peeking behind boarded-up areas, they realized what a gem they had and emerged in the morning with the plan to revitalize it and reopen it as a theater.” While they brought the building up to code and reopened, it still wasn’t a viable endeavor for them, so in the mid-’80s, The Music Hall faced the wrecking ball yet again. “This is when members of the community formed The Friends of The Music Hall and struck a deal with the developer: He was willing to sell it to them for a deal but only if they could raise the funds by a certain date,” says Morris. “And they did. In September of 1988.”

7. THE FANCIFUL LOWER LOBBY IS INTENDED TO BE A DESIGN DEPARTURE FOR A REASON

The Friends of The Music Hall eventually went on to the launch a multi-million-dollar capital campaign in 2006 that resulted in the restoration of its Gilded-Era details, including the proscenium arch and the storied dome anchored by a show-stopping crystal chandelier. It also ushered in a totally new space: The fantastical lower lobby, which, after the removal of 700 cubic feet of rock ledge, was designed to resemble something of a forest-like wonderland with cast bronze trees, branches and vines, gilded Corinthian columns, elegant velvet settees, and a concession stand with illuminated bubbles.

While incorporating Beaux Arts-era elements (the era when The Music Hall was built), it’s quite a departure from the original historic look – and that’s very intentional. “As part of our designation as a historic building, we are guided by certain standards from the Secretary of the Interior that require that new spaces must be different from the historic look,” explains Morris. “The ‘evolution of change’ must be obvious, so, in the future, it’s not mistaken to be an original part of the building.” Either way, it’s one of the coolest spaces you’ll see on the Seacoast (even the bathrooms are lauded).

8. YOU’LL SEE SO MANY NODS TO HISTORY TODAY…IF YOU KNOW WHERE TO LOOK

Beyond being based in a restored historic building, there are other details that pay homage to the history in unique ways that aren’t always obvious. For example, in the second-level concessions, there is old snack packaging and movie reels from the property set behind glass – the earliest being a candy box from the 1880s. Downstairs, as you walk up the staircase to the main theater on the southern side of the building, you’ll see an intentionally untouched piece of wall paster with a doodle of a pirate. “We think he was most likely painted on the wet paster as it was drying as late as 1945 before the wallpaper covered him up,” says Morris. “Sometime, around 2000, when restorationists were scraping away some peeling paint and doing touch ups, they uncovered him, so we decided to keep him exposed.”

Then, the custom wallpaper in the lower-level lobby is actually comprised of scans of old playbills, tickets, and archival photographs dating back to 1878. It’s here you’ll see a billboard-size photograph of the late Jay Smith, a Portsmouth local who secretly donated a substantial amount of money to The Music Hall in the late 1980s, saving it – at the last minute – from the final wrecking ball (it wasn’t until his death in 2002 that his generous donation became known).

9. A BRAND-NEW MUSIC HALL VENUE OPENED IN SPRING 2024

In 2011, the historic 900-seat Music Hall theater expanded to offer a neighboring, intimate lounge space located just around the corner on Congress Street. Known as The Lounge, it hosts live music and comedy in its 100-seat nightclub-like setting.

Now, The Music Hall just opened a third venue: their new Members Club. Located just next door to the historic theater and accessible through a pass-through, the newly renovated Congress Street-based venue evokes a speakeasy-style vibe, where members can mingle over drinks before, during, and after shows. First Leg Travels is a sponsor of the new space, so, within the club, you’ll see a room named after our nearby New Castle, New Hampshire hotel – Wentworth by the Sea. Guests of Wentworth are also given exclusive access to this new members-only speakeasy-style lounge with a free day pass (just stop at the concierge desk to pick one up).

Not a Music Hall member? With the purchase of a day pass, you’ll not only access this stunning new space, but what is now the latest chapter in Music Hall history.

The post 9 Secrets You Never Knew About the Portsmouth Music Hall appeared first on First Leg Travels.

The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing, New York, was a most-booked hotel by Condé Nast Traveler readers in 2023. For plenty of good reasons, too.

The people have spoken. Or, more like, the readers have spoken. Better yet: the readers have booked.

We’re referring to the fact that The Sagamore Resort was a top 15 most-booked hotel by Condé Nast Traveler readers for the year of 2023. It’s an exciting stat that’s quite the feather in the resort’s cap. After all, it’s no secret that the readers of this legendary luxury travel magazine are only looking for the best in the biz – they won’t settle for just any ol‘ stay or any ol‘ hospitality. They’re discerning, serious travelers with expectations to be met.

So what did they discern about our historic Lake George hotel that resulted in them hitting that “Book Now” button? We have seven surefire guesses…

1. ITS LOCATION SET ON THE “QUEEN OF AMERICAN LAKES”

There’s a reason Thomas Jefferson once called the 32-mile-long Lake George “the most beautiful water he ever saw.” Not only is it considered to be one of the clearest and cleanest large lakes in the world, but these crystalline waters set at the southeast base of Upstate New York’s Adirondacks are ringed by majestic 4,000-footers and peppered with more than 100 breathtaking islands. It’s a serene – almost surreal – bucolic site that, no surprise, has served as the muse for the likes of famous artists Georgia O’Keeffe, John Frederick Kensett, and Thomas Cole (to name just a few). And The Sagamore is set right smack dab in the middle of it – perched on its own private 70-acre island that juts out into the western edge of the lake. A stone’s throw from the quaint and scenic village of Bolton Landing, it’s a quiet location that is a far cry from the hubbub of downtown Lake George.

2. IT’S A STUNNING HISTORIC PROPERTY THAT CATCHES THE EYE

The resort consistently hears firsthand stories from various guests who initially discovered the hotel while cruising by with the Lake George Steamboat Company or camping on one of the many nearby islands. And their reaction is always the same: That the mere sight of the grand hotel convinced them to return for a stay.

Grand indeed. With an iconic Colonial-Revival façade boasting two wings clad in white clapboard that stretch into either direction like open arms, the historic 1883 Lake George resort is certainly something to behold. In fact, it takes its cue from the luxurious mansions lining Millionaires’ Row (Lake Shore Drive) in Lake George, with refined Victorian touches like intricate wainscoting and decorative cornices. Chandeliers light the hotel’s shared spaces while the hand-carved fireplaces offer a warm respite to meet around after a long day on the water. And nothing beats the beautiful grounds, where a series of cascading stone terraces – surrounded by lush grass and hedges – roll down to meet the water.

3. THERE’S AN ACCOMMODATION FOR ANYONE & EVERYONE

The Sagamore Resort certainly boasts an impressive roster of diverse accommodations to choose from. That includes traditional luxury guest rooms and suites in the main historic hotel; inviting lakeside lodges with modern kitchens, comfortable living rooms, fireplaces, and balconies; and bi-level suites housed in The Hermitage (originally a nineteenth-century carriage house). There are even individually decorated two-bedroom condominiums for your booking pleasure. Still, for a really special stay experience – say for a milestone birthday, family reunion, or wedding party – these on-site private homes truly stun: The First House, a two-level meticulously decorated lakehouse, and The Castle, a six-bedroom, four-bathroom château where you can choose from one of five gas fireplaces to warm up beside.

4. THE MYRIAD OF ON-SITE DINING OPTIONS

There’s no hunger quite like the hunger that hits after a day spent hiking, swimming, and exploring the unending wilderness of the surrounding Adirondacks. Luckily, when you stay at The Sagamore, fuel comes in the form of an assortment of eating options (up to eight different options in-season) all located right on property. This includes lakeside Italian at La Bella Vita, towers of chilled seafood at the open-air Pavilion, gourmet burgers in BRGR Kitchen & Bar, and poolside dining at The LakeHouse. The hardest part won’t be finding somewhere to eat, but which location to dig into first.

5. THE HOLIDAYS HERE ARE HOPPING

And we don’t just mean Christmas or New Year’s, but year-round ways to celebrate all holidays, small and big. Think romantic Valentine’s Day dinners, special Easter brunches, and elaborate programming around school vacation weeks, Fourth of July, and long weekends like Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Martin Luther King Day. If a holiday escape is an annual tradition (or one you’re looking to start), there’s no better place than The Sagamore.

6. THE SPA JUST OPENED A BRAND-NEW SALT ROOM

Halotherapy (“halo” being the Greek word for salt) is the process of breathing in a dry salt aerosol within a closed-off room. Why? Because these tiny salt particles – once inhaled – essentially draw out all the gunk, allergens, and toxins from your respiratory system (much like a sponge soaks up water), resulting in cleaner and clear airways. And it’s a wellness trend Opal Spas – including the 13-room sanctuary at The Sagamore – are jumping onto. Opened in fall of 2023, The Sagamore’s Salt & Sound Lounge is a zen-like space lined with walls of beautifully illuminated, hand-carved pink Himalayan salt blocks. So not only is it good for your lungs, but your mind with a meditative vibe where all you have to do is sit back and relax.

7. WITH SO MANY ON-SITE ACTIVITIES, YOU NEVER HAVE TO LEAVE THE PROPERTY

The property’s surrounding 70 acres are absolutely packed with year-round activities, offering visitors a vacation without the need to venture far and wide. In the warmer months, that includes fishing directly off the dock, practicing your sun salutations during a yoga session overlooking the lake, or lounging on the outdoor terraced pool deck. In the winter months, you’ll find cross-country skiing and snowshoeing right at your doorstep. There’s also The Morgan, a replica of a nineteenth-century touring vessel that takes guests on an unforgettable tour of Lake George, and the legendary links of the 18-hole Sagamore Golf Course that was designed by Donald Ross in 1928. And what if a spit of rain brings you indoors? Located within the heart of the resort, The Rec Center offers 10,000 square feet chockablock with mini-golf, wiffle ball, basketball, all types of table games, video games, board games, even a mini-movie theater.

So while The Sagamore may be a stately historic property, don’t let that lead you to believe that it’s stuffy or museum-like. The playtime is plentiful.

The post 7 Reasons The Sagamore is a Condé Nast Traveler “Most-Booked” Hotel appeared first on First Leg Travels.

If you’re looking for rooftop bars along the eastern coast of the US, we have six worthy waterside picks in Opal destinations, from Bar Harbor, Maine, down to Key West, Florida.

While you’ll find cool rooftop bars in every major city across the US, there’s something special about sitting and sipping from an elevated perch set right near the ocean. Maybe it’s the salt-infused air, the way a view of a colorful sunset can’t be beat when splashed across the sea, or that East Coasters simply know how to design a rooftop bar that is inviting – with cool cocktails to boot. Regardless, we’ve compiled this curated list of beautiful rooftop bars, from a brand-new outlet in Delray Beach, Florida, to a historic water-skiing-themed spot overlooking the Atlantic on the New Hampshire Seacoast.

ELEVATE SKYE BAR & LOUNGE | DELRAY BEACH, FL

Skyward Sophistication That Never Gets Stale

If there was an award for best-designed bar, Elevate Skye Bar & Lounge (which sits atop Drift Kitchen & Bar at Opal Grand Resort & Spa) would take home the trophy. Not just for its stylistic details – like the sleek marble-topped bar with Spanish tile accents, plush seating in fun patterns, and whimsical “glowing” planters – but for its thoughtfully crafted layout featuring multiple seating zones. That means an evening out at this new Delray Beach bar always feels new and novel depending on where you sit: the covered bar, beneath one of the two turrets with couches, a central turf area topped with an awning that automatically opens if there’s wind, the four-top dining tables, couches with firepits, and more. With amazing vantages of Atlantic Ave and the ocean, it’s the only place in Delray Beach where you’ll find this al-fresco view. It’s certainly not a bad place to sip on handcrafted cocktails over a menu of inventive shareable plates like ceviche made with a splash of coconut milk and Roman-style flatbread.

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

BAR HARBOR BEERWORKS | BAR HARBOR, ME

Beloved Local Brews Overlooking Quaint Main Street Maine

It may only be based on the second-story level, but the rooftop patio that tops the main indoor dining area at Bar Harbor Beerworks certainly offers a lovely vantage of all the action on Main Street, Bar Harbor. In fact, it’s the perfect place to kick back with a few Pine Tree state suds – from beloved breweries like Bissel Brothers, Lone Pine Brewing Company, and Sunday River Brewery – while people watching as folks hop from popular Bar Harbor boutique to boutique.

However, if yearning for a truly panoramic perspective of this ruggedly beautiful region, you’ll find it at the rooftop pool at West Street Hotel. Accessible only to West Street guests and perched five stories high, this adults-only infinity-edge pool offers a one-of-a-kind view of all of Mount Desert Island’s greatest hits: downtown Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay and its evergreen-spiked domed islands, and the peaks of Acadia National Park. And while there may not be a formal full-blown bar up there, there is food and beverage service, so you can enjoy light bites and creative cocktails while soaking up the sun on the furnished poolside deck.

• Where to Stay in Bar Harbor: West Street Hotel | Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina

DRIFT KITCHEN & BAR | SARASOTA, FL

180-Degree Views of the Beach to the City

Located on the top floor (the eighth floor) of Lido Beach Resort’s Palm Tower, Drift Kitchen & Bar may not be an open-air rooftop bar. But, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows that span the entire side of the restaurant, offering expansive 180-degree views of the beach below and the Lido Key coastline extending to the north, it’s certainly pretty close. In addition, you also get exclusive views of the glittering city skyline of mainland Sarasota when you book one of Drift’s two private dining spaces, set on the eastern side of the restaurant.

Looking for a rooftop bar experience in downtown Sarasota? Housed in the old Sarasota Times Newspaper building, Sage SRQ features a swanky fourth-floor rooftop site with a covered bar, open-air seating area, firepit, and, of course, epic 360-degree views of this culturally-rich city packed with theaters, art galleries, museums, and more.

• Where to Stay in Sarasota:  Lido Beach Resort | The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Zota Beach Resort

BAR TIKI | CLEARWATER BEACH, FL

A Tiki Treat Set on Clearwater Marina

Love yourself a good tiki bar? Then you’ll light up when you see what awaits you at Bar Tiki, located on the third floor of Marina Market & Food Hall. Because not only will you find a fun Polynesian-inspired vibe in the drinks, the covered tiki bar, planters packed with jungle-like greenery, colorful murals and Moai statues, but it comes presented beside an amazing al-fresco view of Clearwater Marina and the skyline at sunset. Once you manage to pull your focus away from the atmosphere, dig into a menu of light bites (we suggest the towering Kah-Lah Nachos with luau pork) and authentic tiki cocktails, including your classic painkillers, pina coladas, and zombies. Or opt for fan favorites like the Tiki Twist and Mai Tai.

• Where to Stay in Clearwater: Sandpearl Resort | Opal Sands Resort

SKI CLUB BAR & ROOF DECK | KITTERY, ME

A Window into Water-Ski History on the Piscataqua

Just over the border from Portsmouth, New Hampshire and set on a cove within the Seacoast’s famed Piscataqua River, Bistro 1828 is beloved for its warm and cozy vibe featuring thick wooden beams, antique paintings, and an open kitchen. However, you’ll find a particularly special nook upstairs, on the third floor, in what’s known as the “Ski Club Bar.” With vintage photos of water-skiing teams, old water skis as wall decor, and antique glass buoys that double as pendant lighting, the whole bar is a tribute to the local water ski club that was popular here in the 1950s and ’60s. Offering both indoor dining and outdoor on the adjacent deck (open seasonally), the bright and airy venue is also home to one of the best views on the Seacoast with vantages extending to Wood Island and Fort Foster.

• Where to Stay in Portsmouth: Wentworth by the Sea

SUNSET DECK | KEY WEST, FL

A Sunset Vantage that Can’t Be Beat

There’s a reason they refer to this perch as the “Sunset Deck.” Located on the rooftop of Opal Key Resort & Marina’s signature restaurant – it provides you with an amazing birds-eye view of Key West’s acclaimed sunset and all the nightly festivities that occur along the historic waterfront of Mallory Square below. Inspired by Key West’s colorful “conch home” architecture, the bar is entirely built of wood, set on posts, and topped with a tin roof, while the surrounding bar stools and chairs come in a rainbow of pastel colors. As for the menu, hand-crafted tropic libations match the vibe, while dishes are undoubtedly seafood-focused with creative options like garlic shrimp flatbread, lobster quesadillas, Key West yellowtail snapper, and lemon garlic mahi.

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

The post Best Rooftop Bars on the Eastern Seaboard appeared first on First Leg Travels.

Between the beach and pool experiences, the spa, and some of the best dining in Clearwater, it’s no wonder Sandpearl Resort is a beloved Florida Gulf Coast hotel. But – believe it or not – there’s even more to love now, thanks to a recent refresh of all 253 guest rooms and suites.

If it’s not your first time visiting Sandpearl Resort on Clearwater Beach, the property may look a bit different from what you remember. Don’t worry, it still boasts its own 700-foot stretch of pristine beach serving up beach chairs with umbrellas, cabana rentals, and food and beverage service from Tate Island Grill. The zero-entry lagoon-style pool – in which the entire resort essentially pivots around – is also still there. Same with the 12,000-square foot Opal Spa home to seven private treatment rooms and ocean-inspired therapies.

So what exactly is different about this resort based on America’s best beach? It’s accommodations. Completed in February 2024, all 253 guest rooms and suites underwent a comprehensive refresh. 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.

THE SCOPE OF THE REFRESH

You already know that the refresh touched all 253 of the Clearwater Beach accommodations. But we’re not talking about a few mere décor swaps or the moving around of pre-existing furniture for better feng shui. This was a total refresh: The bathrooms were entirely redone with soaking tubs and walk-in showers, while the rooms and living spaces saw new flooring, carpets and rugs, paint, couches (all pull-outs for extra sleeping space), furnishings, and other decorative appointments. Suites with kitchens received totally new cabinetry, upgraded appliances, and brand-new dishware serving up to six.

Other modern-day conveniences – like several USB outlets ensuring every device even the largest families could carry has a power source, nightlight features under bathroom counters and mirrors, and new venting systems you can control – were also implemented. These features may not be as obvious compared to the stunning design that surely steals the show, but they certainly make a stay that much more comfortable.

THE VIBE: AIRY & MODERN SEASIDE-CHIC

Prior to the renovation, the style of all the rooms was a bit like an Old-World Caribbean vibe. Think canary yellows and light green walls; dark woods captured in desks, bed headboards, and cabinetry; bamboo-esque chairs and palm leaf ceiling fans. “It certainly felt beachy,” says longtime GM Eric Waltz. “But we wanted to modernize it and make it feel breezier.”

Breezier, indeed. The first thing you notice is the all-new color scheme consisting of neutral tones: light creams, sandy beiges, and crisp whites, all layered with pops of sea-inspired blue shades found in throw pillows and blankets, area rugs, bathroom walls, kitchen backsplashes, and more. Blonde wooden floors run throughout the space, and, in the suites, you’ll find luxurious white marble slabs topping kitchen countertops, dining room tables, and shelving. Coffee tables, TV consoles, bureaus, and bedside tables almost have a mid-century mood to them with clean lines and gentle curves. Decorative elements include driftwood, coral sculptures, fresh flowers, and – perhaps most unique – eye-catching chandeliers (in dining rooms) that look like they’re made of white, undulating seaweed or Capiz shells.  

OTHER DESIGN DETAILS YOU’LL LOVE

In the suites, Waltz really loves the new approach to the dining rooms: “We’re a very family-friendly resort, and these dining rooms feel like the heart of the suite, where family can gather, not just at the table but a new comfortable couch-like seating area.” He also loves the suite’s new separate coffee nooks, featuring Nespresso machines and all the accoutrements. “Previously, it was an underutilized closet space. Now, it’s an inviting space for your morning coffee ritual,” he says.

As for the totally new bathrooms, the hallmark feature is, undeniably, the deep soaking tubs. In fact, all 50 of the one- and two-bedroom suites, plus all 35 junior suites, boast these inviting tubs for an unforgettable bathing experience.

The end result is a breezy retreat where relaxation meets style – a true slice of your own personal paradise on Clearwater Beach.

LOVE THE LOOK?

There’s more where that came from. Check out the designs of other Opal properties that have been renovated in recent years:

• The Capri Inn’s Rejuvenating Refresh | Naples, FL

• Jupiter Beach Resort’s Re-Imagined Resort | Jupiter, FL

• The Capitana’s Ship-Inspired Escape | Key West, FL

• The Resort at Longboat Key Club’s Yacht-Sleek Look | Longboat Key, FL

The post Design in Detail: Sandpearl Resort’s All-New Seaside-Chic Rooms appeared first on First Leg Travels.

When it comes to art created in the age of Instagram, the recipe for success is that it must be immersive and interactive in order to be indelible. FloridaRAMA takes that formula one step further by throwing in a heaping helping of technology to create a wander-worthy wonderland that is a hat tip to the state of Florida.

A centerpiece six-foot-tall shrimp cocktail sculpture showcases a few fat pink crustaceans sitting atop a mound of glistening ruby-red cocktail sauce in a larger-than-life martini glass. In the background, projections of animated shrimp dance across the walls. Overhead, a giant silver-studded shrimp-shaped disco ball lazily rotates. There’s even an original soundtrack coursing through the space that plays the loud snap, crackle, and popping sounds that this ocean invertebrate makes in its natural habitat.

No. You’re not experiencing a seafood-induced fever dream. This 600-square-foot ode to all things shrimp is one of the newest rooms to premier in the trippy interactive art and technology museum known as FloridaRAMA. Housed in a warehouse at The Factory, a creative arts district just off the Pinellas Bike Trail (seven miles from Treasure Island Beach Resort, 20 miles from Belleview Inn, and 25 miles from Sandpearl Resort and Opal Sands Resort), the sprawling space features more than 20 different rooms and open spaces filled with a kaleidoscope of weird, wonderful, and whacky creations from 70+ artists – all with connections to Florida. Opened in 2021, the works tend to defy description – like an upside-down motel pool and a room filled with what looks to be an infinite amount of colorfully lit lamps – and always encourage up-close immersion.

“It’s the definition of an immersive space,” says Sarah Hardin, digital marketing and content manager for FloridaRAMA. “Pretty much every corner and crevice is covered in art that you are encouraged to engage with – selfies are encouraged, touching the items is permitted, and there’s even a hidden storyline that you can feel free to follow or completely disregard. How you interact with the spaces is up to you. There’s no wrong way to do it.” 

WHERE ART & TECHNOLOGY COMINGLE TO CREATE INNOVATION

The idea for FloridaRAMA was borne from the mind of Pinellas Country native Liz Dimmitt, who grew enamored with interactive art exhibits like Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms or the Museum of Ice Cream, resulting in her determination to bring one to St. Pete. However, it really started to come to life in 2019 when she met Mikhail Mansion, who marries his computer programming background with his passion for art to create interactive and immersive installations that have been displayed in places like de Young Museum, Smithsonian Design Museum, Ringling Museum, and even the Pyongyang Winter Olympics. In fact, Mansion is the mastermind who developed all the infrastructure to facilitate whatever kinds of interactions between art and technology FloridaRAMA artists can dream up, from projections and moving televisions to interactive lighting and scent machines.

“FloridaRAMA is a hat tip to events like the World’s Fair, where new ideas, creativity, and innovation were traditionally unveiled,” says Hardin. “It’s also a pun – meaning this is a place where artists play on ‘fair grounds.’” That’s because of the museum’s unique profit-sharing model, where artists earn a commission for their work upfront but also receive a percentage of ticket sales while their exhibition is active. That way, they’re able to invest in new materials and push their artistic boundaries. “The intention is to really invest in the local art community,” says Hardin.

A LOVE LETTER TO THE STATE OF FLORIDA

The other key distinguishing feature of the massive interactive art exhibit is that all of the work is somehow related to different aspects of Florida history and culture, not to mention, it’s created by artists who either live in the state or have some connection to it. In fact, your intro to the entire dizzying display starts in a mysterious Florida-based motel, called the “Mermaid Star Motel,” featuring references to fantastical Florida landmarks. Just down the hall, within another space, you’ll find several tiered strawberry-scented cakes rendered in paint that pay homage to Plant City’s most abundant crop. Another room features a spaceship sculpted out of the iconic Florida form of a Twistee Treat building.

But perhaps the most obvious tribute to the Sunshine State is accessed through the mouth of a giant cyborg gator in what’s known as the “Floridarama Room,” where 14-inch-tall by 20-inch-wide dioramas offer peeks into dreamy Florida scenes in miniature. “It looks kind of like a wall lined in fish tanks, only that the fish are replaced with an impressive amalgamation of artistic interpretations of Florida,” says Hardin.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

But FloridaRAMA is about more than just unusual art to ogle. There are actually hidden questions, mysteries, and scavenger hunts already baked into the playscapes that patrons can opt into. For example, you can feel free to leaf through drawers in the Mermaid Star Motel to uncover clues about what happened to the motel’s missing guests. Or pick up the retro-looking rotary phone that sits on the motel lobby front desk. Or ponder in a plastic lounger beneath the upside-down pool deck. Or crank a hand lever of a “disruptive device” in the “Electric Sky Lounge.” “Kids really like the scavenger hunts,” says Hardin. “They get so excited when they spot something before their parents do.”

Or guests can simply stroll the spaces, sit, and soak all in. Hardin says it’s not uncommon to catch people sitting in the “Everglades Arena” – featuring a wrap-around widescreen that plays an Everglades sunset on loop – for what seems like hours on end. Or to be so mesmerized by the murals, infinity mirrors, and rotating projection lantern in the meditative space known as the “Temple of Cosmic Balance.”

“Our mission statement is art for all, play for all, and joy for all,” says Hardin. “What and how you experience the installations is totally up to you.” 

SNEAK A PEEK AT THE ROOMS

“Shrimpfinity”

“Mermaid Star Motel”

“Lampscape”

“Strawberry Room”

“Centcom”

“Electric Sky Lounge”

“Mermaid Star Motel Pool”

“Everglades Arena”

“Floridarama”

“Temple of Cosmic Balance”

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