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Sometimes stereotyping isn't a bad thing. Take for example, that Florida's Gulf Coast exists in four colours: blue, green, white and pink; turquoise blue water, white sand beaches, green palms, and pink sunsets. When we lust after a sunshine state getaway, that's the palette we dream in. And that stereotype couldn't be truer than in picture-perfect Clearwater Beach. Here are 20 swoon-worthy photos to inspire your fall escape to Florida.
Sleep:
Next to the beach
An irresistible, sun-drenched, taste bud-tantalizing, thirst-quenching, sand-filled getaway starts with picking the right room.
This one certainly oughta do:
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach
This view and that beach - pinch me! - I must be dreaming. Only you're not.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach
Not only does the rose-hued Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach scream 'classic Florida!" but it's the closest you'll get to sleeping at the beach without sleeping in the sand.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach
Eat:
Tide-to-table
While holidaying seaside in Florida you have to nosh on the freshest Gulf-to-table cuisine. When you're sitting on one of the richest fishing holes in the world, there's no need to do it any other way.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater BeachIf this is what a SHOR lunch looks like, we can't wait for dinner. On second thought, we can totally wait, because we want to savour every bite of this plate: honey chipotle glazed shrimp over green goddess rice, and a fresh mango and cilantro slaw.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater BeachHave you ever stared down a menu, paralyzed by equally succulent choices? You skim each plate on the menu, mentally savouring it, because food FOMO (fear-of-missing-out) is real. You narrow it down to a top three, knowing you'll enjoy each...but which entrée will yield maximum food pleasure?
This is our conundrum at SHOR American Seafood Grill. We can't decide. Do we go for the Valrasso Salmon (you had us at 'bourbon glaze'), the Chili Lime Mahi Mahi (we're a sucker for coconut) or the Adobo Glazed Chicken Breast (cilantro-pesto!).
All of them...we're ordering all of them.
PS - did we mention every meal at SHOR is served with a free million dollar view?
Hyatt Regency Clearwater BeachAward-winning crab cakes? Yes, please. Find these tasty bites at SHOR American Seafood Grill or opt the for crab cake sliders, served poolside at Swim Bar & Grill.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater BeachWho said sandwiches had to be basic? Not the chef behind the Signature Lobster Club, pictured above. It's mouthwatering lobster between warm sourdough and dressed up with bibb lettuce, bacon, tomato, Florida slaw and served with house chips. Sample it yourself at Skimmers Lobby Bar.
Relax:
Treat yourself
How do you prefer to restore and rejuvenate? Maybe with a Tangerine Clay Detox Wrap that involves an application of Florida honey, tangerine and citrus pulp with detoxifying kaolin clay, before being wrapped snug like a cocoon? Or how about an Eco Sea Scrub, an invigorating full-body salt scrub with organic algae? We could go on, or you could check out the complete Sandava Spa menu here.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater BeachNot all masks are scary. This is an Osea black algae face mask, part of the Energy Cleanse Facial (30 or 60-minute) and Beach Boy Facial.
Sip:
Unboring cocktails and cold brews
Hyatt Regency Clearwater BeachThis spiked mango lemonade is as tasty as it is pretty.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater BeachWhat's red, white, blue and refreshing? This Americana-inspired slushy beverage, that's what. As a visiting Canadian you can politely stay out of the debate saying, "I'm not a Democrat or a Republican. I belong to the cocktail party!"
Or, forego the cocktails for a cold brew. Don't miss sampling local Florida flavours in a pint of Jai Alai IPA and 3 Daughters Beach Blonde at Swim Bar & Grill.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater BeachPerk up or catch up. An artfully poured espresso beverage or fresh juice are the perfect ingredients for kick starting your day, sparking good conversation or rehydrating during a midday sun break. Picture above: cappuccino and danish from Skimmers Coffee Bar.
Lounge:
Under sun-drenched skies
Hyatt Regency Clearwater BeachEvery morning these lonely loungers await your arrival. In all seriousness, all you need to do is bring sunscreen, a book and your lovely self.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach
Hang in a cabana - it's just like a living room, but poolside. Overnight guests can rent out the cabana for a full day 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. It's the perfect sun break: cool off with some AC, pour yourself a drink at the wet bar, turn on the TV and kick up your feet.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater BeachCan you imagine any other place to watch the sun dip below the horizon than right here? This moody ambiance screams 'romantic getaway' and booking a Hyatt Romance Package will score you welcome Champagne and chocolates, a full breakfast, valet and late checkout.
Play:
Dawn til dusk
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach
Don't leave the kids at home! 3 quick reasons Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach is perfect for the entire family: the pool, fully equipped kitchens in every suite, and Camp Hyatt. (The latter lets the kiddos enjoy some time with playmates their own age while while you escape for some R&R.)
Hyatt Regency Clearwater BeachCan't be bothered to walk the 100 feet to the beach? Ride the elevator to the 8th floor pool instead. Feeling peckish? Tasty bites and brews from Swim Bar & Grill are just an order away.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater BeachWith west-facing views, this is the sunset you're going to enjoy.
Every. Single. Evening.
Is Clearwater calling your name? Have you been there?
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