Moonlight, cabanas? That just means that it's fall in South Beach

For you people who might wonder how these columns come together, today is your lucky day.

Let's pull back the veil and look at the inspiration behind this week's Postcards from Florida, which is really simple.

I just wanted to look at that picture of a cabana at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach (ritzcarlton.com) because it makes me happy, sitting under the fluorescent lights in my office, to know that somewhere, someone is planning a sunny South Beach retreat.

If you'd like to plan one of your own, as I would, the resort has been kind enough to send along an update on fall offers and activities. The weather likely will be fab, not the sweatbox that I endured on my Independence Day visit to Miami. And there's the nearby News Café and other cool South Beach diversions.

For the third year in a row, the Ritz-Carlton is hosting its "Full Moon Party," a series of events centered around 10 myths and legends of the full moon as well as cocktails and entertainment.

The rates? Rooms start at $399 (Sept. 30-Dec. 22); from $499 (Dec. 23-Jan. 1); and from $479 (Jan. 2- March 31).

Here's a list of some of the activities:

"Legends of the Full Moon" party series: Events take place at oceanfront restaurant DiLido Beach from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. from October-May on nights when there's a full moon. In addition to specialty cocktails, music and dining, there will be telescopes available. There's no cover.

"Picnic in the Park … No Strings Attached," a twice-monthly event that starts in October, features concerts by the New World Symphony at Miami Beach SoundScape, a venue that projects video performances on a 7,000-square foot projection wall.

There's also something for spa lovers, in the form of "The Four 'C's," a Miami Beach-based mobile 4-star spa. The Crème de la Crème collection features four exclusive La Maison de Beaute Carita treatments.

In the pampering category, the Ritz-Carlton offers a "VIP pool experience" with plush bed and cabanas starting at $250. And, hey, that cabana looks pretty nice.