I recently took a trip down to Tampa, Florida for my Aunt’s 50th birthday and let me tell you, it was a celebration to remember! From traveling to the Sunshine State from NYC via JFK Airport, to staying at the luxurious Tampa EDITION hotel, to partying it up at the chic venue, it was a trip full of experiences that I’m excited to share with all of you.
Traveling to Tampa
First things first, the journey from NYC to Tampa. And as someone who travels frequently, I have come to the realization that JFK Airport is in desperate need of a remodel. The place could definitely use a facelift! However, the flight from JFK to Tampa was only a three-hour ride, so I couldn’t complain too much. Although I was on a newer plane, it didn’t have first class, but that was okay since the flight was short.
Staying at The Tampa EDITION Hotel
Once I arrived in Tampa, I ordered an uber and headed towards the Tampa EDITION hotel, the city’s first 5-star hotel. This hotel was just 20 minutes away from the Tampa airport, and the service was exceptional from the moment I pulled up to the valet. As soon as I entered, the hotel’s signature scent from Le Labo took over my experience, and I was surrounded by beauty every step of the way. The ultra-lux lobby was turned into a tropical paradise with a vast array of palm tree and a stunning Lobby Bar that served delicious and beautiful cocktails. I was delighted to know that the hotel featured multiple restaurants, a stunning rooftop pool, a Punch Room bar, and an arts club for cocktails, there was no shortage of unique and rewarding activities to participate in.
During my stay, I only got to brunch at Market at EDITION, which also had a tropical theme similar to the hotel. This restaurant had the perfect lighting, upbeat music, and delicious food. The pizzas were to die for, and the spaghetti was cooked to perfection with just the right amount of sauce. I regret not being able to try the other two restaurants, Lilac, serving Mediterranean cuisine, and AZURE, serving Greek cuisine, as I was only in Tampa for a short time.
The Main Event My Aunt’s 50th Birthday Bash at the Chic Venue in Tampa
After settling into my hotel room, I had to get ready for my aunt’s 50th birthday celebration at the Chic venue in Tampa. I was running late as usual, so I had to shower and change quickly. I opted for a Zimmermann High Tide Embroidered Corset Mini Dress in white paired with JIMMY CHOO Transparent Bing 100 Heels and a CHRISTIAN DIOR 2022 Mini Lizard Lady Dior. I was ready to celebrate my aunt’s special day in style.
As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by a beautifully decorated awning full of fairy lights that served as the entrance to the party. I mean, it was almost as if we were walking into a fairy tale. The white lights and grand floral arrangements at each table were just the cherry on top. My aunt even had a security guard at the front, ensuring that everyone was safe and having a good time.
The music was loud, the decorations were spectacular, and the hospitality was tremendous. There was laughter, shouting, and dancing all night long. My cousin DJKG was DJing the party, and he even had an “hora loca” (crazy hour) which included special entertainers in beautiful costumes who were hired to dance with everyone and add some spice to the dance floor. I have to say, it was a night filled with unforgettable memories.
The food served was cooked by my cousin Sonia and served buffet-style. It was delicious, and I couldn’t get enough of it. From moro de guandules to Dominican lasagna to pernil Dominicano, there was something for everyone. And let’s not forget about the dessert area, which was filled with sweets and fruits. The night ended after we sang “Happy Birthday” to my aunt and took a family photo.
The next day, after brunch, the family gathered at my cousin’s house to continue celebrating my Aunt’s 50th birthday. It was a fun-filled day surrounded by laughter, music, food, and shots of 1942. We even watched old home movies, making the celebration even more special.
In conclusion, my aunt’s 50th birthday bash was a night to remember. From the stunning decor to the delicious food to the unforgettable memories, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. I hope you all enjoyed reading about it and felt a little bit of the magic from that night.
