Stepping off the plane in Orlando, a blast of sunshine hit my face and lit up my soul. I was basking in warmth after dealing with a bone-chilling cold in NYC only a few hours ago. Only a two-hour drive up north, I journeyed to Island Cottage Inn in Flagler Beach. Tucked away between a quiet road and the beachfront, this inn is designed with the romantic getaway in mind— which I am sure my visit could be classified as (why not romance myself!). One of the employees, Dex, greeted me as I pulled up and gave me a bright smile as he led me around the property. There was a pristine pool to take a dip, an activity room with books and games, and a shed filled with towels, chairs, and umbrellas to enjoy the coastal waters. He led me up to Suite One, the room I would be staying in for the next couple of days.
Suite One took my breath away. Its open floor plan and airy space made me feel a world away from any stress plaguing me back home. It felt like a studio apartment, but infinitely more cozy and inviting. The king-sized bed had crisp cotton sheets and feather-soft pillows (which I borrowed underneath every night).
In the kitchenette area, there was complimentary boxed water along with a stocked mini-bar for any in-suite purchases, plus a mini fridge where I stored delicious leftovers from the bar down the street later that night.
The bathroom was stocked with Public Good products including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion. The glass shower was a delight to rinse off all the salt, sand, and sweat from a day at the beach and an evening of dancing.
When I was craving in-depth self-care, the massive tub by the window was absolute perfection. I ran a hot bath, adding salts, bath bombs, and bath milk to make the waters soft and floral as I prepared a mocktail and smooth jazz playlist. The tub was clean, deep enough for my whole body to be submerged, and comfortable enough for me to spend about an hour soaking in. Once I finished, I put in a fluffy robe that was in the closet and flipped onto the bed to watch “Love Actually” and eat pizza until I drifted off.
The next morning ocean sounds and sun rays poured in through the window as I awoke. I took a quick shower and went to the on-site cafe for a complimentary breakfast. Stepping into the tropical candy-colored cafe was an instant mood booster.
Jamie, an employee at the cafe, took my order: house-made banana bread, muffins, and a yogurt parfait. I made some tea while waiting and enjoyed my breakfast out on the patio.
After breakfast, I ventured to the beach for the rest of the day to catch some sun and splash in the waves. The charming Island Cottage Inn has its own beachfront area for guests to use, which renders this as the ideal stay for anyone looking to escape bustling urban life and relax in a tiny town on the coast of Florida. Make reservations at this #1 best hotel in Flagler Beach for this holiday season as a winter getaway, or book now for Valentine’s Day 2024 and surprise your sweetheart!
