I recently partnered with Zota Beach Resort on a media stay. They provided me with accommodations, food and beverage credits and other amenities during my visit. Thoughts shared about my experience below are my own.


Fall is just around the corner, but I'll let you in on a little secret - now is the perfect time for a relaxing beach getaway. I recently visited Zota Beach Resort in Longboat Key, Florida, and I couldn't think of a better way to send off summer than by spending the weekend by the pool at this gorgeous property.
Unlike other beach resorts, Zota Beach Resort gives a sense of modern luxury combined with coastal elements inspired by the shore. I absolutely loved the relaxed, contemporary atmosphere. It was beachy without being kitschy, making it the perfect backdrop for Instagram posts.
This vibe was carried over into every aspect of the property, including the rooms. Ours overlooked the Gulf of Mexico, and it was absolutely beautiful. Nothing quite like waking up to the sound of the ocean every morning!
Speaking of which, one of my favorite parts about our stay was being steps away from the beach. Guests can enjoy two complimentary beach chairs with their room accommodations, but other options are available for rental.
We spent most of the weekend by the pool in a private poolside cabana. Zota's Zen Lounges are the perfect way to elevate a day at the pool with lounge furniture, a TV, a mini fridge and a safe to store valuables if you go for a swim. I loved catching a few college football games from this little spot with a gorgeous view of the pool. Seriously so relaxing!
There are a few dining options at the resort as well. We grabbed drinks and appetizers from the poolside bar Cascades during happy hour. For dinner, we opted for Viento Kitchen + Bar, located on the second floor of the resort, and it was absolutely delicious. I recommend sitting outside so you can listen to the waves while you dine.
Honestly, after our weekend at Zota Beach Resort, I didn't want to check out. It was just so serene, peaceful and absolutely stunning. I left feeling so refreshed and recharged! I can't recommend this place enough for a relaxing beach getaway - it's truly amazing!

I was recently invited to visit Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach. I was provided with accommodations, pool party event access and food/beverage credits during my stay. While this post is sponsored, thoughts and opinions on my experience are my own.

A Weekend at Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

Are you ready to rock? Head to Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach for a rockin' time from the shore to the sea.
I recently visited this stunning beachside resort for a fun little summer getaway. It's the perfect place for a little R&R... and by that, I mean rock 'n' roll. ;)
This isn't your average beach resort. From the rock-themed decor to the poolside tunes, this place is definitely made for music fans. Like other Hard Rock hotels, Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach features so many cool details and memorabilia from rock's greatest artists and bands throughout the resort. My personal favorite was the Tom Petty guitar located across from Constant Grind.
Be sure to stop by the resort's restaurants, including Sessions, where we had a delicious dinner, the Wave Terrace (open Friday and Saturday nights), and Constant Grind for coffee and quick bites.
Of course, what's a beach resort without a pool? Hard Rock Hotel Daytona features not one, but two pools, one of which is shaped like a guitar, perfect for the little ones! If you're feeling fancy, elevate your experience with a poolside cabana - plus, they make for a great Instagram pic. :)
The fun doesn't stop there. You can even rent record players and guitars for your room during your stay. Jesse rented an electric guitar and thought it was the coolest thing. I got a kick out of watching him trying to learn his favorite songs. Thankfully, it comes with headphones so you don't have to worry about disturbing your neighbors. All you have to do is stop by the front desk, sign a form, and then they'll have the guitar of your choice delivered to your room. No need to set it up, they'll do all of that for you. And, when you check out, just leave it in the room and they'll take care of the rest.
Speaking of the room, the views were incredible. We had a room overlooking the ocean (in my opinion, the only way to go at the beach), and it was so beautiful! I grew up going to Daytona Beach every year when I was a kid, so it was a lot of fun for me to go back and share it with Jesse at such a cool resort. I soaked up every bit of salt air and ocean breeze from our balcony, and thoroughly enjoyed listening to the live music playing on the deck below at the Wave Terrace in the evening.
While we were there, we were able to enjoy the Liquid Pool Party, a special event happening on select Sundays at Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach. Sit back, relax and enjoy poolside drinks while a DJ spins upbeat tunes. Check back with the resort for more special events like this one!

10 Things to Pack for a Weekend at Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

Not sure what to bring on your visit to Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach? Here are a few tips on what to pack in your weekend bag:
1. Sunscreen. This should be a no-brainer, but sunscreen is so important at the beach. Don't forget to apply, and then re-apply every few hours. My favorite is Sun Bum.
2. A sun hat. Whether it's a giant floppy straw hat or simply an old baseball cap, hats are important on keeping the sun off your face while you're by the pool or on the beach. I recommend something like this.
3. Sunglasses. Again, a no-brainer, but somehow I almost forgot to pack my favorite pair. I'd recommend a backup pair just in case, especially if you plan on wearing them in the ocean. These $10 sunnies would be perfect for that.
4. A cute beach towel. While the resort does offer smaller towels for your convenience, it's always a good idea to bring a beach towel or two to lay on in the sand. I chose this one, but this one is also super cute.
5. Cute and comfortable swimsuits. Shop the one I'm wearing above here. Comes in a ton of colors and is under $25!
6. Your favorite band tee(s). Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach is the perfect place to show off your favorite band tee. Plus, they make great beach coverups if you buy them oversized like this one!
7. Beach-to-dinner date bag. The best part about the beach is being able to go from the pool to dinner easily, and you'll want a bag that can go with that! This bag is my favorite for just that - it's waterproof and easy to clean afterwards. Plus, you can remove the insert to throw in a bigger beach tote during the day!
8. Coverup. Again, when you're going from the beach to the bar for drinks in the evening, you'll need a cute coverup for that. I recommend something like this with a pair of your favorite denim shorts. Easy and cute for poolside hangs!
9. Portable radio/speaker. While there are no shortage of tunes at the pool, once you hit the beach, you might want to listen to your own playlist. I recommend a cute little retro portable speaker like this one to throw in your beach bag!
10. Water bottle. While you're soaking up the sun, you'll want to stay hydrated with a cute water bottle that keeps your drink cold all day. This one is my go-to.

Ready for your vacation? Click here for more information on how to book your stay at Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach!

Thanks again to Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach for hosting me on this stay!