You’re in for a well-earned treat today. No girls’ trip be complete without some pampering, and we’ve got two great spas for you to choose from, depending on your budget. But first, breakfast!
Breakfast at Ryan’s Island Cafe (9 – 10:30am)
Ryan’s is technically “newer” to the beach, but is actually one of the better breakfast spots around and has garnered glowing online reviews. This locally owned café is a must-visit on your trip. Everything is excellent on the menu, honestly. Choose from the Morning Monster, Belt Breaker and Boss Stacked pancakes – wash it all down with a mimosa, and you’re all set!
Relaxing Pallavi Spa Day (11:00 – 2:30pm)
The contemporary, sophisticated Pallavi Spa offers a 6,000-square-foot sanctuary and a selection of indulging signature body treatments and classic and soothing HydraFacials using leading UK-luxury beauty brand Elemis for plump, glowy complexion. (After all that sun exposure you want to be sure to put some moisture back into your skin!) There’s also a eucalyptus steam room, experience showers and chromotherapy. Sip on a selection of teas and fruit-infused waters (or something stronger if you will) while you wait for the rest of the squad.
Catch the trolley to Tarpon Springs
Once you’ve finished up, catch the trolley north feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. The picturesque Greek enclave Tarpon Spring is easily one of the best day-trips from Clearwater Beach, and it quite literally transports you to Greece without even having to set a foot on a plane! Sit back and enjoy the ride, you are in no hurry today. You may also get some local anecdotes from your driver along the way. Get off at Dodecanese Blvd and you have arrived!
Alternatively, for a more budget-friendly spa break you could aim for the popular Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, featuring several steam rooms, saunas, a ladies’ plunge pool, indoor pool, whirlpools and an outdoor lap pool. From there you would then make your way to Tarpon Springs.
Enjoy a Greek Lunch on the docks (3 – 4:30pm)
You’ll probably be starved by the time you arrive, and luckily for you Tarpon Springs prides itself on some of the best Greek food and baked goods outside of Greece. You can’t really go wrong with any of the restaurants along the docks, including authentic Mykonos, local favorite Mama’s Greek Cuisine and the iconic (albeit slightly touristy) Hellas. Its vibrant and kitschy and oh-so Greek (cue My Big Fat Greek Wedding…). Tuck into lamb prepared anyway, broiled octopus and top it off with Tiramisu Martini or Baklava Coffee. Opa!
Explore Tarpon Springs (4:30 – 7pm)
Utterly charming Tarpon Springs, or the Sponge Capital of the World as it is also known as, is steeped in history and is one of those places you can blissfully saunter around for hours just to take in the atmosphere. The air is salty and filled with gyros, fried smelts and baklava.
Spend the rest of the day strolling along the waterfront and pick up some unique Greek and Florida memorabilia, handmade soaps, spices, teas and natural sponges.
Dinner at Rusty Bellies (7 – 8:30pm)
Family-owned Rusty Bellies is situated right on the Sponge Docks with awesome water views and even more awesome seafood. We cannot recommend them highly enough, everything on the menu is to die for. They also have their own seafood market, so you know your food is super fresh straight from the Gulf.
Once you are done, hop on the trolley back to Clearwater admiring the views.
