The appeal of a beach resort is that your whole trip can happen in one place, exactly the way you want it, and with minimum effort. The tough part is deciding on a property, especially in Florida, where new resorts seem to open every month.
We’ve narrowed down some of the best resorts in the Sunshine State for different types of travelers — couples, large groups, families and everything in between. If you choose your destination wisely, deciding where to stay will be the hardest part of the trip.
For travelers who want to unwind by the water
There are two Ritz-Carlton resorts within a few miles of each other in Naples, and guests at either property have access to both. The Ritz-Carlton Tiburón has a water park with twisty slides for the kids and a lazy river for the adults. But if stepping directly out onto the sand is the top priority, The Ritz-Carlton, Naples has direct access to Vanderbilt Beach. Between the two, you also get a full-service spa, pools, elegant rooms, multiple restaurants and Ritz-Carlton’s largest Club Lounge in North America.
St. Regis Longboat Key takes the on-property water experience even further. On top of the expected pools, there’s an on-site saltwater lagoon where guests can snorkel and commune with giant tortoises, plus a lazy river and cabanas. You may not even make it to the sand. Rooms and suites come with butler service, and the spa has ocean views — enough grown-up polish to balance the splash-pad energy.
For travelers who want room to spread out
The hardest part of booking a longer stay is often finding the right room setup. Two Florida resorts make it less of a headache. The Don CeSar, the rosy, castle-like “Pink Palace” on St. Pete Beach has an Art Deco look that dates back to the 1920s and a comfortable pool deck with Gulf views. Its nearby Beach House Suites give you more space to spread out while still including everything available at the main resort. Think of it as an apartment-style base with full access to the hotel.
The Boca Raton takes the lodging-variety approach even further. Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and following a major renovation in 2025, the property offers two-bedroom bungalows; Tower, a pink high-rise with rooms, suites and a swanky bar and restaurant; the adults-only Yacht Club; and the oceanfront Beach Club. Guests can pick the setting that fits their trip — all under the same roof. The hotel’s bright and airy look complements the main building, Cloister, which was originally designed by famed architect Addison Mizner.
For travelers who want options from sunrise to sunset
Omni Amelia Island, on a barrier island in charming Fernandina Beach, is built for travelers who like a full menu of things to do. There are 10 dining options ranging from coastal Italian to poolside tacos, so you don’t have to compromise on dinner three nights in a row. Three different courses keep the golfers in the group satisfied. Nature tours by bike, paddle board, Segway and kayak offer a different activity for every day of the trip. Plus, the pool deck is said to be the largest in Northwest Florida.
A few more worth knowing
Founded in 1896, The Breakers Palm Beach is the splashy, grand-dame choice for travelers who want pageantry — towering floral arrangements, ornate hand-painted ceilings and manicured courtyards — along with a tennis center, oceanfront dining and boutique shops.
Aqualina Resort, in Sunny Isles Beach, leans toward couples on a romantic getaway. It offers Mediterranean-inspired rooms and suites, spacious balconies over the Atlantic and a lush pool deck that opens right up onto the sand.
Resort options, at a glance
- Water-focused trips: Ritz-Carlton Tiburón for the water park, St. Regis Longboat Key for the lagoon and lazy river.
- Longer stays and larger parties: The Don CeSar’s Beach House Suites, The Boca Raton’s bungalows and multi-building setup.
- Travelers who want a full activity menu: Omni Amelia Island for the pool deck, dining variety and activity options.
- Couples and romantic getaways: The Breakers for the glamour, Aqualina for the quiet luxury.
