Celebration at Lido Beach Resort
We had the opportunity to celebrate our sweet Audrey’s birthday a couple weeks ago at the Lido Beach Resort. Can I just say time is a thief?!? It is crazy to think 8 years has passed since we brought this sweet girl into this world. It was a rocky start, but she is worth every bit of worry and angst she gave us. She has turned into the sweetest girl, with a heart of gold and she is downright funny. Audrey is constantly thinking of others and would do anything in the world for anyone if they asked her. She picks and nags on her brother, but fights for him fiercely just the same. It makes my heart burst when they are together.
I truly pray everyday they create an unbreakable bond that will stand the test of time. This year we have watched her grow (literally, almost as tall as her brother) from a little girl terrified of dogs, to the one that will ride and take care of a horse that is 100x her size. And Audrey carries Bowie every where and Bowie LOVES every second wrapping her paws around her. It is indescribable the joy I have watching her grow.
Lido Beach has been ranked as one of the top beaches in the world for years now. I know how lucky we are to have such a gem right in our own backyard. Miles of sandy white beaches and aquamarine waters. And if you are in the right place, at the right time, you will see the dolphins playing or curious manatees swim right past you.
Lido Beach Resort
The Lido Beach Resort is owned and operated by the Opal Collection. The resort is nestled on its own private section of Lido Beach. The white sands and blue waters will have you never wanting to leave.
Accommodations
Our room was a spacious studio with a full kitchen, dining room, and two comfy beds. The bathroom boosted a shower with three shower heads and you wouldn’t believe the size if I told you. The blue and white island decor complimented the beach and expansive ocean views. We had more than enough room and if we ever needed anything, they had it to our room within minutes of us calling.
Activities
We started our day with the kids playing in the ocean and racing each other down the beach. The temps were cool for the Florida born and raised family, but that didn’t stop the kids. They were in their clothes and kept getting braver until they were both soaked from head to toe. We then headed to the heated pool with the kiddos making laps, jumping, and splashing while Kris and I relaxed by the pool soaking in the vitamin D.
There are endless activities that will entertain you at the resort without even having to step off the property. The private beach is the main event with gorgeous views and your own chair set up for your enjoyment. You can look for shells, build sand castles, play in the waves, or watch the surfers at the break. They also have two pools, ping-pong tables and games for the whole family. Oh and the kids would be upset with me if I didn’t tell you about the free fresh baked cookies for your enjoyment.
St. Armand’s Circle is just a short complimentary shuttle ride away with restaurants such as Tommy Bahamas with island cuisine, The Columbia with your favorite Spanish entrees, and The Shore. The Shore is a unique boutique surf shop with a restaurant and bar on the second floor with a sleek Miami vibe. St. Armand’s bodes many of your favorite shopping as well. Or you can sit and sip at a local coffee shop or eat ice-cream at your favorite ice-cream parlor.
Other favorite activities and sites include The Ringling Museum, Ca’ d’Zan, or Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.
Eating at Lido Beach Resort
The resort has three restaurants for you to choose for dining while staying at the resort. All three offer robust menus with amazing appetizers, entrees, and of course a Cox Family favorite, desserts!
The poolside cafe had a fun menu with so many options we had a hard time choosing what to order. My Cobb salad was huge and so pretty I almost didn’t want to eat it. Audrey choose the cheese pizza, which was more like a gourmet flatbread with tons of yummy cheese. Brydon had sliders and Kris ate a huge cheese burger. We all kept stealing his fries.
The Sunday Brunch has been named one of the Top Brunches in Florida by Southern Living Magazine. After dining on prime rib, large cocktail shrimp, eggs benedict, omelets, and Belgium waffles, I can see why. It was an unreal buffet making me wish I had a much larger stomach to fit in all of the yumminess. The dessert bar was an endless sea of sweets that you couldn’t choose just one. We all left waddling out of the Brunch with full bellies.
The kiddos were in heaven with Shirley Temples every meal!
We had the best time celebrating our little girl. If you are looking to escape the snow and cold, or just a little romantic getaway, I would highly recommend The Lido Beach Resort.
XOX
Mandy
