Vacation Style

Hi!

I get the question a lot…why go all the way to Florida for vacation when you live in San Diego? Trust me, I get it. But when you actually arrive on Marco Island, you’ll totally understand why we chose it. In 2014 it was ranked the number one island in the U.S. and fourth on the list of top 10 islands in the world.

It’s a place that’s very special to Austin and I because in 2009 he proposed to me on the beach while we were there on vacation so we just have the fondest memories here. Marco Island is on the gulf coast of Florida so the water is very blue, warm, calm and the beaches….don’t even get me started. White powder sand with lots of shells (intact!). It’s a perfect place for couples and families…however, if you’re looking for nightlife, Marco is not your jam. Austin and I have been there done that and are at a point in our lives where vacation goals are the following: relax (spa/beach/pool), luxury (hotel quality/shopping), and great meals. Pretty simple.

We stayed at the Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort and the staff there did not disappoint in helping us achieve our #vacationgoals. There are only a few hotels on the island and if you’re going, this is the place to stay. The Marco Island Marriott is in the process of expanding and enhancing it’s property which is all part of a journey to convert to a JW Marriott brand hotel on January 1, 2017. Upon completion, the property will be the JW brand’s first and only beachfront resort in the continental United States. When they found out this little style blogger was staying with them, they went above and beyond with taking care of our family. For me, I love hotels that have a resort feel. I’m not a huge traveler so when I do, I like to be someplace special. From the lush gardens and flowers to that gorgeous scent that was always wafting through the lobby (what was that?), this hotel nails the upscale resort aesthetic with its quintessential Balinese style. It just looks pretty and tropical everywhere. Having a toddler, we also needed convenience, i.e. great dining (preferably in house) that we could walk to. They have casual to fine dining and everything in between (and a Menche’s Frozen Yogurt). With six restaurants, you definitely have options for everyone. Did I mention they walk around the pool daily with Popsicle’s for kids? It’s the little things. Oh, kids aren’t your thing? No worries. They’re building an adult only tower that is set to be completed in 2017 (and they have 4 pools that are geared toward children or adults).

One of the highlights of our trip was a private dessert tasting with their pastry chef, Amanda. I have no words. Literally, I ~~floated~~ rolled out of that experience having a finer appreciation for all that goes into the artistry and crafting of sweets. And all I have to say is order the chocolate macchiato bar at Ario. You will never forget it! When you vacation with kids, you have to really thank the people that made your life a little easier along the way. Thank you to our in-laws for helping with Coco (that tantrum in the store where I carried her out in a diaper comes to mind), EVERYONE at the Marco Marriott for the hospitality they showed us and to the amazing flight attendants at Southwest that constantly entertained Coco on the plane ride home while Mom and Dad enjoyed wine. It truly was a vacation for the books! Now let’s talk about the clothes…

I’ve linked each outfit under the photograph. As always, thank you so much for following along! xo