They say everything changes when you have a baby—and while an overused (and simplified) saying… they’re not wrong. Your routines, your identity, your sleep… and your relationship, too. After becoming parents in 2022, my husband and I made a commitment to keep prioritizing our marriage: through weekly date nights, meaningful conversations and the occasional overnight getaway. We see our relationship as the trunk of our family tree—and if it isn’t strong, the branches, the buds and the flowers can’t flourish. We are lucky to have a supportive and helpful family to allow us this time away, especially when it means the opportunity to experience The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale.
It was our wedding anniversary—four years in, two kids deep—and we wanted to celebrate not just making it through the chaos of early parenthood, but doing so with joy and intention. It was our first time leaving both of our daughters since our second was born in November. I’m so proud of us for carving out the time and energy to nurture our relationship, and this weekend felt like a beautiful exhale after months of little sleep and little time for just us. From the moment we arrived, the ocean breeze and warm hospitality reminded us what it feels like to simply be together: no diaper changes, no bedtime negotiations, just calmness and connection.
Oceanfront Views & Elevated Lounge Access
We checked into an Oceanfront King Suite and were immediately greeted by floor-to-ceiling views of the Atlantic, and a wrap-around balcony. This corner room was bright and airy, with a plush bed, luxe finishes and enough space for us to truly unwind. My husband, particularly, is a bath guy, so he was thrilled to see a soaker tub in our suite.
One of the best perks of our stay? Club Lounge access. Throughout the weekend, we found ourselves popping in for breakfast, midday snacks, pre-dinner bites and of course, some bubbly. With five food presentations daily and a quiet, coastal ambiance, it was helpful to not have to worry about getting the nibbles.
We started our stay with a private dining experience at Burlock Coast—The Cove Experience—which included a chef’s choice, multi-course seafood spread and unlimited wine. With fresh oysters, ceviche, and seasonal desserts, it was indulgent in all the best ways and set the tone for a weekend of reconnection. We were set in a private rum tasting room, which felt romantic and away from the calamity of a restaurant. The menu experience was elegant and well-paced, and the waiter was very attentive and knowledgeable.
Anniversary Pampering at the Spa
The next morning, I enjoyed a solo spa experience while my husband relaxed at the beach. The Intuitive Ocean treatment was everything I needed after seven months of bouncing a baby and carrying a toddler on my hip. The combination of a salt scrub, marine body wrap, and massage left me feeling physically lighter and mentally reset. The staff was kind and attentive, making me feel truly cared for throughout. As a mother, you’re always busy taking care of someone else, so it’s nice to let down your guard and be able to fully soak up pampering without expectations. When I finished my treatment, I was surprised with a fruit plate while I was relaxing in the lounge, and they gifted me the dry brush and a sweet rubber duckie since I mentioned I had two girls at home.
Afterward, I joined my husband and we spent the afternoon in two reserved beach chairs under an umbrella, sipping drinks and reading in peace. This is a perk of staying at the hotel, since the resort fee includes this service. As parents, you forget what uninterrupted time feels like—and this was a reminder of how deeply restorative it can be. We weren’t racing to entertain anyone or worrying about nap schedules. There was no diaper bag packed with snacks, no toddler demanding to build a sandcastle. Just the sound of the waves, the hum of conversation nearby, and the rare luxury of doing nothing at all.
We waded into the ocean, read our books and talked about life and our future. It was as relaxing and invigorating as it sounds. We ate lunch right from our loungers thanks to a generous food and beverage credit, savoring shrimp tacos and frozen rose. These slow, sun-drenched hours were the kind that fill your cup without you even realizing it—where the only decision we had to make was whether to take a walk or order one more drink. It was simple, grounding, and blissful, and it reminded us that while parenting is the greatest adventure, we’re still partners first.
Dinner at Timpano Las Olas
That evening, we ventured into downtown Fort Lauderdale for dinner at Timpano Las Olas, and the whole experience was a feast for the senses. The restaurant has a modern supper club vibe: dark, moody lighting, plush booths, and a glamorous open kitchen that adds to the buzz. It felt celebratory in a way that made the night feel special without ever feeling stuffy.
We started with the Old School Skillet-Roasted Mussels, the only dish that’s never left the menu since the restaurant opened—and it’s easy to see why. Rich and layered with flavor, it set the tone for a decadent meal. We also shared the Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, which was delicate and buttery, melting into the crisp bitterness of arugula and sharp parmesan.
For our mains, we ordered a little bit of everything (because when you’re off-duty, you go all out). The Mafaldine Cacio e Pepe was a standout: comforting, peppery, and beautifully al dente. The Branzino was perfectly crisped on the outside with a flaky, tender interior, and the Chicken Parmesan was a nostalgic hit, elevated with just the right amount of indulgence. Each dish felt thoughtful, layered, and made to be shared.
But the most memorable moment came when the dessert menu arrived—not on paper, but as a dramatic tableside experience. A glass cloche filled with swirling smoke was lifted to reveal a deck of tarot-style cards, each one representing a dessert. It was theatrical and playful in the best way. We drew cards for the Tableside Bomboloni, pillowy donuts piped with pastry cream right in front of us, and a rich, layered Tiramisu that was as bold as it was elegant.
Timpano delivered on every level: the food, the drinks, the atmosphere, and that magical, unforgettable dessert reveal. It was the perfect date night after a sun-soaked day at the beach—a reminder that sometimes the most memorable moments come from leaning into fun, flavor, and a little bit of flair.
Poolside Cabana Life
On Saturday, we settled into our shaded poolside cabana for a full day of lounging—and it turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of our stay. Stocked with chilled bottled water, a fresh fruit plate, and a bottle of sparkling wine, the cabana offered the perfect balance of comfort and luxury. With a $150 food and beverage credit from the Sea la Vie Sundeck Dining menu, we didn’t lift a finger all day. From fresh salads and sandwiches to refreshing spritzes, everything arrived poolside promptly, allowing us to stay in that blissful state of sun-soaked stillness.
This was the day we truly hit our anniversary groove. We napped, read our books uninterrupted, and played a few rounds of cards while sipping Aperol spritzes. It felt indulgent in all the right ways: unhurried, uninterrupted, and so deeply restorative.
Midway through the afternoon, the staff surprised us with a beautiful anniversary cake, complete with fresh berries and delicate piping. It was such a thoughtful gesture, and we paused to share a slice together, laughing about old memories and dreaming up new ones. We talked about what this next year might hold for us: with two little girls, more milestones on the horizon, and hopefully, more moments like this to look forward to.
The cabana felt like our tiny oasis—a place where time slowed down just enough to let us breathe, reconnect, and remember why we started this life together in the first place. We clung to every moment of quiet connection, knowing just how rare and precious it is in this season of life.
Thoughtful Touches & Lasting Memories
Throughout our stay, The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale delivered the kind of thoughtful, intuitive hospitality that has become a hallmark of the brand. We’ve been lucky to stay at several Ritz-Carlton properties around the world—and each one manages to strike that perfect balance between polished and personal. Fort Lauderdale was no exception.
From the moment we arrived, the team went above and beyond to make our anniversary feel special. Handwritten notes awaited us in our room, staff remembered our names, and every interaction felt intentional—never forced, always warm. The Club Lounge access, a signature Ritz offering, added an extra layer of comfort and convenience. It’s those kinds of details—the seamless, subtle luxuries—that make The Ritz stand apart time and time again.
What struck us most on this trip, though, was how cared for we felt. As parents of two young kids, we often default into “doing” mode—making plans, packing snacks, managing naps. This getaway gave us the rare chance to simply be. And The Ritz made that possible through a series of small, perfect touches: from a spa appointment that left me feeling physically lighter, to beach chairs already waiting for us with towels rolled just so.
While we love traveling as a family, this trip reminded us why couple time matters just as much. It gave us the space to breathe, to talk uninterrupted, to rest without a monitor by the bed. It gave us perspective—not just on how tired we really were, but on how lucky we are to be navigating life, parenting, and partnership together.
As we packed up, I felt overwhelmingly grateful—for the sleep, the sunshine, the sea air, and most of all, for a marriage that still feels like home. We came back to our girls more rested, more connected, and ready to dive back into the beautiful chaos that’s uniquely ours.
And that, in our book, is the best kind of anniversary gift of all.
