After a cold, snowy winter and a year of COVID-19 restrictions, many people were eager to spend Passover in a warm locale. Those who chose the Majestic Passover program at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort had all their expectations met and more.
From the gourmet meals and nightly entertainment to the daily activities for all ages, the program provided something for everyone. The twin towers of the hotel included a multi-level convention center that was easily accessible from all guest rooms. For the safety of all guests, masks were required in all common areas, and indoor dining tables were placed at least six feet apart. Breakfasts and lunches were provided at the Sky Terrace, a roofed area with open sides that provided scenic views of both the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. How pleasant to enjoy your breakfast and linger over coffee while watching sailboats and other marine traffic.
Majestic Passover’s 19 years in Florida have fine-tuned their program to meet the needs of all guests. From the streamlined easy check-in process to the detailed, easy-to-read and follow program guide, and the staffed help desk—all was arranged with the guest in mind.
Minyanim were arranged for both Sephardim and Ashkenazim and included hashkama for the early risers. Sumptuous kiddushim followed morning davening on Shabbat and Yom Tov.
The expansive beach was a delightful place to spend an afternoon outside in the glorious sunny weather. Majestic provided a specific seating area for its Passover guests that featured an all-day offering of fruit, snacks, soft drinks, ices, wine and cocktails, as well as an afternoon barbecue with multiple meat offerings and the famous Majestic french fries. Guests never needed to budge from their chairs—John and Carley made their rounds and delivered whatever food or beverage you desired.
A picture-perfect pool area provided comfortable seating with a view of the hotel and beach areas. The Heavenly Spa & Salon located in the hotel was a perfect way to ease away the stress of travel with a beauty treatment and/or massage.
The children’s day camp program included sports, activities and entertainment. Sports clinics were held for older children, while all ages were treated to face painting, art and shows featuring magic, animals, ventriloquists, juggling and more.
Chol Hamoed brought a full slate of activities: morning yoga at the beach, bingo games, a wide variety of daily movies, a visiting caricaturist, and even a day of complimentary jet-skiing.
Breakfasts featured a wide assortment of fresh fruit, cheeses, lox, whitefish and other fishes, vegetables, Pesach pancakes, French toast and cereals, along with eggs and omelets made to order. Children of all ages enjoyed the chocolate and strawberry milk, and coffee lovers had their choices of various flavored iced coffees in addition to the traditional coffee and tea.
Pesach lunch was raised to a whole new level with a daily sushi bar, “salads to go” that could be augmented with choices of fish, cheese, fresh stir-fried vegetables, assorted dressing and more. Daily main dishes featured multiple varieties of Pesach pasta and pizza, eggplant Parmesan, fish entrees, and the popular soup du jour. And what could be better to end the meal than the daily soft serve ice cream sundae bar?
Travel meals were always available for those who were venturing out to do sightseeing or touring. Multi-course dinners included appetizers, soup and choices of main dish that included beef, poultry, fish and vegetarian options, and dessert.
At the all-day tea room, food was available before and after full meals from 6:30 a.m. to about midnight. Luscious cakes, assortments of chocolates, nuts, fresh and dried fruits and more were there for the choosing. It was hard to be hungry after the gourmet meals, but the environment was conducive to sit and chat with friends old and new over a cup of tea or coffee.
Exciting lectures on a wide variety of topics were presented throughout the holiday. Topics from multiple lecturers included cybersecurity, biblical interpretations, Jewish history, medical issues, child rearing and family, and the status of COVID-19.
Evening entertainment was a hit for the entire family. Chol Hamoed began with Casino Night on the scenic Sky Terrace; Tuesday showtime featured mentalist Guy Bavli who amazed the crowd in an evening of mystery, humor and hidden powers; Wednesday presented the amazing and thrilling acrobatic feats of the Chicago Boyz; Thursday featured comedian Avi Liberman, with the equally funny Eli Lebowicz as the opening act. As if the entertainment wasn’t enough, live music was offered at the Sky Terrace each evening. From classic rock to jazz and Latin, there was something for everyone.
Majestic, led by Avi Faskowitz and Shneur Faskowitz (and their families), has a following of long-time repeat guests and welcomes new fans each year. Each member of their team was dedicated to making each guest’s stay memorable and enjoyable. Their unwavering commitment to attention and detail made Pesach 2021 a truly “Majestic” experience.
For more information on the Majestic Passover program, visit www.majesticpassover.com.
By Deborah Melman
