PRICE:
Frommer's Very Highly Recommended

A charming lobby with a rock fireplace and saltwater aquarium sets the tone of this utterly inviting resort, a casually elegant piece of Old Florida that occupies its own little island between Lake Mayan and the Atlantic. Guests have access to the broadest and best strip of beach in the entire city, not to mention a wonderful bougainvillea-lined, 9,000-square-foot swimming lagoon. Lago Mar is very family oriented, with lots of facilities and supervised activities for children. Service is spectacular. The rooms and suites have Mediterranean or Key West influences and are well-appointed. A full-service spa offers a wide array of pampering treatments and steam rooms, while the 1,000-square-foot exercise facility may come in handy after you indulge in the hotel's Northern Italian restaurant, Acquario, which is worth a visit even if you don't stay here. Construction has begun on a $15-million addition that will include a six-story wing of one- and two-bedroom oceanfront suites with individual balconies and larger luxurious bathrooms, as well as 24-hour concierge service. The 76-room project will also include a deck of native tropical landscaping and add a 5,000-square-foot saltwater lagoon.

Facilities: 4 restaurants; bar; wine room; outdoor pool and lagoon; 2 tennis courts; exercise room; watersports equipment rental; children's programs during holiday periods; game room; concierge; tour desk; business center; 24-hr. room service; laundry service; dry cleaning.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's South Florida including Miami and Keys, 5th Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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