Florida, the Sunshine State, is known for a lot of things – citrus fruits, Ron DeSantis, alligators, theme parks, and the ever-elusive “Florida Man”. But besides that grab bag of seemingly unrelated items, Florida is also famous for it’s incredible beaches. Be it on the Gulf of Mexico side or over on the Atlantic side of the state, Florida’s beaches are renowned for their white sands, turquoise-tinted waters, and vacation-friendly atmosphere.
Whenever you have a popular beach or tourist attraction drawing in annual tourists in the tens of thousands, that opens up an opportunity for real estate developers to cash in on their appeal by opening up luxury hotels and resorts. After all, if you’re going on vacation, you’re probably not all that interested in staying in a dingy rat-infested roach motel.
From Key West to the Panhandle, Florida is home to some of the best and bougiest resort hotels in North America. There’s good reason why some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry frequently vacay in the nation’s southernmost state. But since the state attracts millions of working-class families every year as well, quite a few of Florida’s resorts are geared to less wealthy middle-class folks. So, in this video, from high end luxury resorts to budget-friendly retreats, we’ll be taking a peek at a few of Florida’s best-reviewed vacation lodging centers.
Viewcation Presents: The Best Resorts In Florida
Little Palm Island Resort and Spa
This deluxe and highly exclusive resort is not for your average vacationer. If you want to stay here, you’re going to to have to shell out quite a few clams. Even if you can afford it, the waitlist to get a suite is quite lengthy. But then again, if you can afford it, the wait is well worth it.
Whether you plan on arriving by yacht or seaplane, this resort welcomes well-off guests by offering them lodging in one of their thirty thatched-roof oceanfront bungalows.
Little Palm Island resort is nestled in the sun-drenched sands of the Florida Keys. It’s aesthetic strongly evokes a South Pacific isle vibe, and no expense is spared to ensure that guests are pampered to their heart’s content.
Not a distraction is allowed at this opulent haven of rest and relaxation. That means children are prohibited – no exceptions. You also wont find any TVs, telephones, or brightly illuminated screens.
If none of those restrictions are unacceptable caveats that you can’t bear to put up with, you’ll find that the resort offers just about every activity that your little wealthy heart desires, from thrilling water sports to meet-and-greets with beachside reptiles to indulgent dining that rivals anything that you might find at the most epicurean Michelin-starred restaurant.
If that hasn’t sold you on the idea, you should also know that the resort offers a full spa experience that is sure to ease your mind, body, and soul as you forget about the woes and ills that you left behind back home.
White Elephant Palm Beach
Huge black and white striped awnings and umbrellas greet guests as they approach this recently renovated Mediterranean revival-inspired retreat. Once inside, patrons are presented with their choice of 13 luxe rooms and 19 suites that feature breezy, coastal ornamentation complete with Moroccan poufs, vibrant artwork, and wicker lampshades.
The resort’s in-house restaurant, Lola 41, much like the resort itself, is an offshoot of an establishment found in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Lola 41 offers diners a modern upscale take on classic comfort foods with menu items such as the Lola Burger with a foie gras accouterment.
In Florida, as many of you are well aware, beach access is the most prized and deeply coveted resort amenity. Fortunately, White Elephant offers guests shuttle service to the beach. They also provide complimentary beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, and even toys for the little ones, that are all set up and ready to be utilized upon your arrival.
The Ritz Carlton – Naples
For those seeking a classic and distinctly elegant resort experience, consider a stay at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples. This resort is one of the best beach hotels in the state. Inside, you’ll discover antique furnishings and handcrafted moldings, marble statues, and an unmistakable artistic flare. Simply put, after walking through the Ritz’s doors, you’ll feel as if you have “arrived”.
Unlike some of the other resorts featured in this video, this hotel is ideal for families traveling with children as they offer a children’s nature program that teaches the little ones all about the surrounding area’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort is just a short drive away and can be accessed via a complimentary shuttle service. So, if you’re hoping to hit the links and work on lowering your score, this is a resort that is more than willing to accommodate your needs.
On site guests will find a huge spa in addition to an impressive seven dining options that feature plenty of fresh-caught locally sourced seafood.
St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort
This resort has recently emerged as one of the premiere luxury beachfront hotels in Miami. It’s location is one of the many reasons why guests have given it consistently high marks, as it’s only a few miles north of Miami’s famous South Beach. Like the Ritz, St. Regis is accommodating both to couples and families traveling with pint-sized travel companions of the human variety. Sorry, fur-baby parents. No pets allowed.
There are several restaurants to choose from on site in addition a well-stocked wine vault and bar. If you’re trying to keep a healthy distance between you and South Beach’s notorious party scene while relaxing in utter luxury, this is a perfect resort choice that is sure to check all of your boxes.
Longboat Key Club & Resort
In our humble opinion, this AAA four-diamond beachside resort located not far from Sarasota on Longboat Key is one of the best places to stay in Florida. It’s secluded location along the southern tip of the key facing the Gulf of Mexico was selected with guests’ privacy, security, and serenity in mind.
The resort encompasses an area of 410 acres of green and beachfront space, offering visitors unparalleled views of the crystalline water. If you’re hoping to spend some time outside of the resort exploring all that the local region has to offer, you’ll be delighted to know that it’s just a short drive away from various shops, galleries, restaurants, and museums found in Sarasota’s downtown district.
If you work up an appetite or are stricken with a late-night craving, there is a laundry list of on-site restaurants and lounges to choose from in addition to 24-hour room service.
Boca Raton Resort by Waldorf Astoria
Seaside luxury is the name of the game at this Boca Raton beach club. This incredibly popular and distinctly pink-hued resort features more than half a mile of white sandy beach coupled with pools and spa services.
The resort is accommodating to respectful travelers of all ages while offering opportunities to participate in lots of adventurous activities such as surfing, scuba diving, paddle-boarding, and kayaking.
Living up to it’s reputation, this Waldorf Astoria resort features oversized guest rooms offering visitors phenomenal views. If you’re flying in, it’s nice to know that the Palm Beach International Airport is just 28 miles away, and the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport is only 24 miles away.
Ocean Key Resort & Spa
Looking for the perfect romantic getaway? Well, this spot is apt not only for honeymooners and love birds but also solo business-oriented travelers looking to indulge in a little self-care. Featuring a design and operational philosophy that is both laid back and sophisticated, Ocean Key Resort is within walking distance of many of Key West’s highest-regarded bars and restaurants.
So, if you’re hoping to stay someplace that is in the middle of all of the action while still offering you the privacy and tranquility you deserve when treating your special someone to a luxurious holiday, this is an outstanding resort choice for you.
If you’ve never visited the keys before then you’re in for a treat. Just in Key West alone, there are many things to keep you not only occupied but also deeply fulfilled, including snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, shopping, or simply sipping on your favorite cocktail, vintage, or craft ale.
Acqualina Resort and Spa
When it comes to accommodations, furnishings, customer service, and oceanfront views, this Miami resort pulls no punches. Acqualina boasts an impressive list of selling points. It’s a luxurious seaside haven that’s situated on 4.6 well-manicured acres along Sunny Isles Beach.
Once you step outside your suite, you’ll be just steps away from the ever-alluring coastline. If you’re not trying to get salt-logged by the sea, there are three large oceanfront pools that are adjacent to private cabanas.
Watch a fiery sunset with your loved ones from the comfort of your own private terrace, or head on over to one of the three on-site restaurants – all of which feature mouth-watering chef-designed menus that are sure to tickle your tastebuds and nourish your soul.
Il Mulino New York serves diners Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, while AQ focuses primarily on Italian dishes with a contemporary spin. Before or after satiating your appetite, relax in luxury with an indulgent massage treatment at the resort’s 20,000 sq ft. two-story Acqualina Spa sanctuary, which features crystal steam rooms and ornate Finnish saunas.
Tropical Winds Oceanfront Hotel – Best Budget Florida Resort
Although all of the previously mentioned resorts are a bit on the pricier side (and IMHO worth every last penny), we thought it would be nice to give an honorable mention to a budget-friendly resort hotel that’s sure to please even travelers who are used to more high-brow accommodations.
Tropical Winds Oceanfront Hotel is an affordable 92-room beachfront property that’s just a five-minute drive from the consistently lively Daytona Beach Pier. While the property, unfortunately, isn’t within walking distance from any restaurants, it does have an on-site restaurant as well as a coffee shop.
Most rooms come equipped with a full kitchen and minibar. While the décor is comparatively quite bland when pitted against the other resorts featured in this video, your room will feature a private balcony offering amazing views of the ocean.
The pool outside also overlooks the water and is clean and well-maintained. The rates are cheaper than most of the other more luxurious hotels on Atlantic Avenue, but nothing seems to be lacking. Sure, you don’t get the full spa experience or the flashier adornments seen at the more expensive resorts in Florida, but the rooms are all clean, customer service is friendly and helpful, and the location is fabulous. What more could a budget-conscious traveler ask for?
Well, are you ready to whip out your credit card and book your stay at any of the resorts we just covered? If so, which one would you choose?
If you’ve already had the pleasure of spending a luxurious vacation at a resort in the Sunshine State, where did you stay? We would love to hear your recommendations and personal experiences. Share your thoughts with us in the comments section down below. And as always, happy travels Viewcationers!