Today’s Inspiration: “Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.” – Mark Black
Okay, ladies, if you need a little vacation inspiration (because let’s be real, who doesn’t?), I’ve got a little gem of a getaway to tell you about: JW Marriott Clearwater Beach. Kyle and I recently spent five days there, and let me tell you – we’re still basking in the glow of salty air, stunning sunsets, and zero responsibilities (well, aside from making sure the kids didn’t get too much sand in their snacks). It was the perfect balance of relaxation and fun, and I’ve got the lowdown for you.
First things first, the hotel. It’s basically a dream for anyone who wants to pretend they live in a luxury beach house, but with all the perks that come with a resort. You walk in and immediately feel like you’ve stepped into a whole new world – the lobby has these gorgeous ocean views, a bright, airy feel, and a fresh breeze that makes you forget you were just dealing with your inbox 10 minutes ago. It’s all very… vacation vibes.
And the rooms? Ohhh, the rooms. If you’re like me and love a good hotel room, you’ll appreciate how spacious and comfortable this one is. I swear, I could’ve lived in that king-sized bed. Between the plush bedding and the little touches (like a full-on coffee maker and a cute balcony where you can watch the waves), it felt like my very own slice of heaven.
But let’s talk about the real reason anyone goes to Clearwater Beach: the beach. The hotel is RIGHT on the water, and I’m not exaggerating when I say the beach is perfect. White sand. Clear water. Not too crowded (thank goodness). We spent a lot of time just hanging out, with the kids running wild while Kyle and I sat back, enjoyed the sun, and had a few well-deserved margaritas (okay, maybe more than a few). There’s just something magical about being that close to the ocean, and if you’re a fan of beach vibes, this is the place.
One of the highlights for me was definitely the pool area. There’s an awesome infinity pool that gives you all the dreamy vacation feels. Plus, there’s a poolside bar (I’m not saying I spent a lot of time there, but… I definitely spent a lot of time there). It’s a great spot for some chill time, and they even have a hot tub that we took full advantage of after a long day of sunshine and sandcastle building. I even managed to sneak away for an hour with a hot guy I had been flirting with for a nice lunchtime snack…lol.
Oh, and if you’re into food, you’re in for a treat. The hotel has a couple of really great restaurants, but my personal favorite was “Shor,” where we had a killer seafood dinner. I may or may not have snuck a few extra oysters just to make the vacation that much better. If you’re like me and can’t resist fresh seafood, this place is a must. Kyle, on the other hand, was all about their steak – that was a win in his book.
On the fun front, Clearwater Beach is one of those places where you can chill, but also find plenty of things to do. There are so many cute shops, little beachside cafes, and spots to rent paddleboards or jet skis. We rented some bikes one day and cruised along the beach – which is actually how we stumbled upon a fantastic ice cream stand (no regrets).
By the end of the five days, I was relaxed (more relaxed than I’ve been in a while), my skin was all glowy from the Florida sun, and my kids were full of stories about their adventures with sand and surf. As much as I love my routine, taking time to reset in a beautiful place like this was exactly what the doctor ordered.
So if you’re thinking about a little getaway, or if you just need to get away from it all for a bit (hey, no judgment), JW Marriott Clearwater Beach might just be the place you need. Kyle and I are already dreaming of our next trip back – this time, I might just stay in that infinity pool for the entire five days.
And don’t worry, I won’t be one of those people who makes you feel bad about your “no-vacation” life. Just living vicariously through me while planning your own beach escape, okay?