Luxury Resorts: First Lady Michelle Obama's recent visit to Florida's Gulf Coast demonstrated that the region is breathtaking in emerald and sugar. The newest hotel story in the area of Tampa-St. Pete Beach is that of Clearwater Beach's majestic pink Hyatt Regency Beach Resort and Spa.

Opened in February 2010, this palace fronts on a new $30 million Beach Walk - a promenade more known for couples and occasional joggers, than the throngs one associates with similar stretches of Daytona. Hyatt has pulled out all the stops here, from poolside cabana rooms one may rent a half-day for $75 (guest or not), to the inviting terrace and rooms of the elegant SHOR restaurant. This property positions Clearwater Beach as a getaway that's pampered, not prissy. The staff is accomodating, the design touches tropically tasteful, and the location ideal.

The Hyatt Regency is a perfect base for sport fishing rentals, a Dolphin Encounter excursion that guarantees sightings, or prime beach time for snowbirds and Euro's. Suite styles vary, yet all evoke the color and amenities that lend calm. Granite countertops and full kitchens welcome families and couples. The resort also offers private residences of two, three and four bedroom plans, should you fall in love with this white sand stretch of Gulf Coast.

It's lunch time. Grab a cozy cabana - the size of a luxury suite at a sports stadium. In the poolside AC, you can order lunch via buzzer, catch up with t.v., or entertain friends. All day rentals are also offered. Cabanas come in two sizes.

Take it all in from the 16th floor Sky Terrace - a great spot to catch the signature sunset. Or perhaps sunset will find you dining on the fresh fare at SHOR. Chef Brad Gillespie will create the taste that fits your current mood. Private dining is an option. And no stay here would be complete without a treatment at Sandava Spa. The view from the waiting area is postcard. The same may be said of breakfast on SHOR's patio.

This resort's location serves the interests of Phillies or other fans in town for spring training, Jolly Trolley rides to St. Petersburg Beach, a drive to St. Pete's Salvador Dali Museum (which will give way to a new home on 1/11/11), or those Beach Walk strolls. Caladesi Island, voted the nation's Best Beach by "Dr. Beach", is a short boat ride. As of May, some 15 marriage proposals have taken place here. If you see wedding ceremonies or honeymooners during your escape to the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa, you will understand why.