
A few years back, the â07 financial crisis popularized a new buzz word: Staycation, the act of vacationing close to home. And though the economy has rebounded since then, the flexibility, ease and affordability of picking up some nearby R&R is here to stay. âOne of the biggest trends we are seeing this summer is travelers not wanting to buy plane tickets,â says Michele Spahr. luxury travel specialist at Smart Flyer. âYet they still want to get away and have a change of scenery.â Spahr, who lives in Palm Beach Gardens, gave us some of her favorite summer spots. Being that it is low season in South Florida, Spahr says hotels eagerly lavish locals with upgrades and promotions. Itâs hard to leave Old Palm, but these deals make it worth the venture. FOR THE FAMILY WEEKEND: EDITION, MIAMI BEACH. Set in Miami Beachâs desirable mid-beach strip, this lux spot offers private bungalow rooms with plunge pools that overlook the ocean. Its star-studded Matador Room, Jean-George Vongerichtenâs new restaurant, is a Latin fusion delight. Late afternoon, families cool off on the 2,000 square foot, ice skating rink. For a night on the town, get reservations at the nearby Faenaâs Cabaret show while the Edition concierge staff arranges a sitter for the younger set. FOR THE ROMANTIC GET-AWAY: BREAKERS, PALM BEACH. Our very own Biltmore-esque palace continues to wow locals and visitors alike. Its newly renovated indoor/ outdoor spa overlooking the Atlantic are the spot to unwind after enjoying summerâs unlimited golf. Golfers really enjoy the quartz massage and the botanical body exfoliation. If you really want to get off the island, try paddleboard classes or a scuba experiences in the Breakerâs own reef, created from the remnants of the original port of Palm Beach! FOR THE GAMBLING SEAFARERS: RESORTS WORLD BIMINI, BAHAMAS. Take your boat out to Biminiâs North end, dock in the gorgeous marina and spend the night in their newly completed Hilton at Resorts World Bimini. Amenities include a rooftop pool with 360 ocean views, turquoise beaches and a 10,000 square foot casino with panoramic water views. The summer concert series includes Robin Thicke and Nate Ruess. And if you really want to take a break from fellow man, sign up for the cage free shark swim in neighboring Triangle Rocks or the spotted dolphin encounter.