In the heart of Hollywood, Florida, against the backdrop of swaying palm trees and sun-kissed shores of the Atlantic Ocean, The Diplomat Beach Resort stands tall as a favored respite. Its rich history began with its opening in 1958, when it was The Diplomat Country Club.

Its location on an untapped space, sandwiched between the bustling cityscapes of Miami and Fort Lauderdale, didn’t last long. The Diplomat soon became a popular destination for dignitaries and celebrities that included ‘50s Rat Pack notables such as Sammy Davis, Jr. and Frank Sinatra, as well as ‘80s icon, Olivia Newton-John. Over the years, it underwent expansions and renovations, evolving into a luxury resort, and in 2014, following a major overhaul, it was rebranded as The Diplomat Beach Resort. The hotel has played a significant role in the area’s hospitality and continues to be a prominent landmark.

Since its opening in the ‘50s, all but one president has stayed in one of the two Presidential Suites (in 2018, the president had to begrudgingly stay in the penthouse suite when the other suites were fully booked. NOTE: the penthouse suites are amazing). All the rooms were designed with humidity in-mind (paint that doesn’t mold) and adorned with modern elegance. My corner suite (pictured as the feature photo) offered a panoramic view of the ocean, creating a serene backdrop that paired well with the plush furnishings and tasteful décor.

Centered within the resort is an expansive convention center, a haven for business travelers, event organizers, and conference attendees alike. This state-of-the-art facility serves as a hub of activity where ideas are exchanged, connections forged, and dreams realized. Once inside, a sense of grandeur and elegance surrounds. With over 200,000 square feet of flexible event space, including ballrooms, meeting rooms, and exhibition halls, this spot is ready for intimate boardroom meetings to lavish black-tie affairs.

Wandering through the sprawling resort, it was easy to see that The Diplomat caters to both relaxation and recreation. The shimmering pools were filled with families enjoying their time together, while I took a spot on the private beach -- in a cabana with full-service, which provided me a tranquil escape from the bustling world. Two frosés and a lobster roll later, I fell asleep under the covered cabana while listening to the waves crash on the Florida coastline.

Dining at The Diplomat was a culinary journey, with oceanfront dining options amid gentle sea breezes. The spacious lobby bar was one option, and a few take-out grabs at on-resort convenience shops were another, but my favorite visits were to Prime Restaurant, through a door in the corner of the resort entrance, and where a gastronomic journey transcends the ordinary. In the formal dining room, a piece of artwork created in felt with cut-outs spanned an entire wall space. Holes burned in the felt were made with cigars, and each hole symbolizes the loss of lives from the tragic day of 9-11-2001. This restaurant was fully booked both nights during my stay, so I opted to dine in the lounge, where strangers became friends, whose common connection was amazing steak filets and Italian wines. A Brunello di Montalcino was especially captivating and paired well with a filet mignon and truffled mashed potatoes.

The Prime Restaurant lived up to its name, highlighting a selection of premium cuts, including Australian Wagyu -- each a masterpiece. The attentive staff, especially Daisy, the bartender known for her espresso martini, showed genuine enthusiasm in recommending dishes and libations.

My prelude to the culinary symphony was a healthy watercress salad and an expertly crafted French martini with a topping of Prosecco. For the main course, I indulged in a perfectly butterflied filet mignon, expertly cooked to my preference. The charred exterior gave way to a tender and succulent interior, accompanied by complementary flavors in the form of truffle-infused mashed potatoes. My reaction to this culinary perfection created an echo of my order to the patron seated next to me at the bar, who announced, “I’ll have what she’s having.” The wine list at Prime featured wines by the glass from bottles already opened or by Coravin, or by the half bottle or full bottle.

As I savored a few bites of a decadent Oreo Cookie cheesecake for dessert, I couldn’t help but appreciate the artistry of this sweet conclusion of my meal. Prime Restaurant isn’t merely a place to dine; it’s a culinary sanctuary where every dish is crafted with precision and passion. From the first sip to the last morsel, my dining experience was a symphony of flavors orchestrated to perfection.

Reflecting on my time at The Diplomat, it’s not just a hotel; it’s an immersive experience. Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, one thing is certain – your time at the Diplomat Beach Resort will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Charlene Peters is a travel writer and author of "Travel Makes Me Hungry."