We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Hotels + Resorts 12 Best Resorts in Florida According to hotel experts, many of the best resorts in Florida blend luxury and beach proximity. By Skye Sherman Skye Sherman Skye Sherman is a freelance travel writer based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Aside from traveling, she's also a pilot, scuba diver, bookworm, and fourth-generation Floridian. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Palm Beach Illustrated, Atlas Obscura, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on March 24, 2024 Photo: Discover The Palm Beaches There are many things to do in Florida — and finding the right place to stay while you do them is key to a fantastic trip, whether you want a family resort or a romantic rendezvous for two. For insight into the best resorts in Florida, I tapped Daphne Nikolopoulos, editorial director of Palm Beach Media Group and editor-in-chief of Palm Beach Illustrated. The four-decade Floridian has years of experience frequenting the state’s best resorts and knows which are worth their salt. And then there’s me, a fourth-generation Floridian and Sunshine State enthusiast. I also spend my work days (and any free time I can find) hotel-hopping. If you're planning your next getaway, let us guide you to the best resorts in Florida, including The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island with its secluded beaches, The Equestrian Hotel's horse girl paradise, and the quaint and historic Collector Luxury Inn. Related: The Best Places to Visit in Florida The Breakers The Breakers Palm Beach Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like It's hard to beat The Breakers, the epitome of luxury, elegance, and history located in one of America's most exclusive enclaves. What to Consider Rates vary dramatically during Palm Beach’s social season, roughly Thanksgiving to Easter. Included in Travel + Leisure’s Top 500 Hotels of the Year, Palm Beach's historic beach resort, The Breakers, has set the standard for Florida resorts since railroad magnate Henry Flagler established it in 1896 (its Gilded Age heyday). It remains popular with the most selective of modern travelers, and T+L readers named it a favorite resort in Florida in the 2023 World’s Best Awards. “I’ve been to The Breakers umpteen times, but I never tire of it,” Nikolopoulos, who has lived in Palm Beach County for 25 years, says. The atmosphere is opulent, like walking onto the set of The Gilded Age, but there’s also genuine hospitality, a sense of being well looked after.” Although a resort with this much prestige could be stuffy and unapproachable, The Breakers is anything but. It’s exceptionally family-friendly; generations of families return year after year for holidays, special occasions, and good old-fashioned R&R. “My kids have practically grown up at The Breakers’ Family Entertainment Center and on that world-famous beach,” Nikolopoulos says. There's an arcade, water sports rentals, and programming for kids, tweens, teens, and the whole family. Expect golf, tennis, water sports, shopping, a top-tier spa, a private beachfront, and several pools (book one of the 25 daytime bungalows for ultimate relaxation), plus 10 dining and drinking venues on property and in the heart of Palm Beach nearby. The Details: Historic luxury resort built by Henry Flagler in the late 1800sLocated in Palm Beach, Florida, directly on the Atlantic OceanSix miles from Palm Beach International AirportA range of elegant accommodations, including guest rooms, suites, and a private two-floor, 21-room boutique hotelMultiple swimming poolsListed on the U.S. National Register of Historic PlacesRates start at $1,190 per night from February to April and $690 per night from May to August The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens Joe Vaughn / The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like You can’t ask for a better base to explore America’s oldest city; The Collector is a flawless example of history meeting luxury. What to Consider The Collector has a boutique feel, so it's ideal for a peaceful, intimate stay with historical intrigue and easy access to St. Augustine’s downtown Historic District. The Collector Luxury Inn spans nine historic buildings from the late 18th century. Today, it sports modern, luxurious touches. When I stayed here, I didn't want to leave the property — and St. Augustine is my second-favorite city in Florida (after Palm Beach, of course). The 30 rooms and suites are differently appointed, adorned with artifacts and antiques, and furnished with coquina walls, fireplaces, and refurbished hardwood floors. The grounds invite you to sit for a spell (with a cocktail from The Well Bar, if you please). Plan time to shoot the breeze with fellow guests at the heated outdoor pool and fire pits. As enticing and secluded as the property is, one of the best parts of The Collector is its proximity to St. Augustine’s downtown Historic District. The city’s famous cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and historical landmarks are only a short walk away. Whether you’re there for the history, romance, or easy access to St. Augustine's charm, The Collector is undoubtedly one of Florida's best resorts. The Details: Boutique luxury inn within the city’s historic district30 unique rooms and suitesLocated in St. Augustine, Florida55 miles from Jacksonville International AirportLandscaped gardens, a heated outdoor pool, fire pits, and a garden bar on the groundsOn Cordova Street, walkable to local attractions and historical sitesRates start at $234 per night The Equestrian Hotel Ethan Tweedie / The Equestrian Hotel Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like It has a horse-shaped bar, a front-row seat to equestrian events at the open-air Grand Arena, and lush countryside surroundings. What to Consider This isn’t your typical Florida resort. The Equestrian Hotel is a haven for equine enthusiasts in the Horse Capital of the World. Located between Gainesville, Orlando, and Tampa, The Equestrian Hotel showcases the best of the region with a high-end twist: It's part of the 378-acre World Equestrian Center, where you can see some of the nation’s top equestrians. “A luxury hotel directly on the World Equestrian Center showgrounds is the hospitality concept you never knew you wanted,” according to Nikolopoulos. “Whether you’re a horse enthusiast or not, it’s hard not to appreciate the access to professional and collegiate equestrian events like dressage or Western, offered practically every day at the busy facility. The Equestrian Hotel is an oasis of calm and luxury from which to take in the events in style.” Nikolopoulos also touches on The Equestrian Hotel’s desirable Central Florida location. “Since humans can’t live on horse shows alone, the hotel’s other appeal is its proximity to Ocala’s hot springs and prolific natural areas,” she says. The Details: 248 stylishly appointed rooms and suitesDining includes two original restaurants, a bakery, in-room dining, and a Key West-inspired poolside barLocated in Ocala, Florida93 miles from Orlando International Airport3,000 square feet of retail spaceRates start at $409 per night The Gasparilla Inn & Club The Gasparilla Inn & Club Book Now What We Like There aren’t many places left that capture the essence and ease of Old Florida, but The Gasparilla Inn is one of them. What to Consider The Gasparilla Inn operates seasonally (early October to mid-July) and has a loyal clientele, so there is limited availability during peak periods, especially holidays and weekends. Occasionally, there's a dress code. The Gasparilla Inn has been a quaint Gulf Coast landmark since its debut in the early 1900s and continues to stand as a beacon of gentility and tradition — with a laid-back, beachy twist (it’s on an island, after all). You’ll be warmly welcomed and treated to Old Florida elegance (and not just because your great-aunt is a member of nearby Useppa Island Club… not that I know anything about that.) The inn is located in Boca Grande, known for world-class tarpon fishing and pristine beaches. Don’t let The Gasparilla Inn's small-beach-town charm make you think its offerings are limited; it has guest rooms and cottages, a beach club, spa, varied activities (most of which immerse you in the area’s natural beauty), and many dining options. Don’t miss the Pink Elephant, an institution enjoyed by generations of returning families for more than 60 years. The Details: Historic resort with Queen Anne and shingle-style architectureSeasonal operation (closed mid-July to early October)Golf, fishing, spa, and beach club facilitiesAccommodations include guest rooms and private cottagesLocated in Boca Grande, Florida52 miles from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport70 miles from Ft. Myers International Airport105 miles from Tampa International AirportMember of Historic Hotels of America and the National Trust for Historic PreservationRates start at $380 per night Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort Four Seasons Book Now Also available to book at Kayak.com What We Like No need to stay late at the parks if you have small children — you can view the nightly Walt Disney World fireworks from the comfort of your park-view room’s private terrace. What to Consider You'll need to stay several days to fully take advantage of the resort’s proximity to the parks and its many on-property amenities. T+L readers voted the Four Seasons Resort Orlando into the World’s Best Awards for multiple years for good reason. “Four Seasons Resort Orlando is a shuttle ride away from the Walt Disney World Resort parks, but it’s also a destination in its own right,” Nikolopoulos says. “A favorite with our family is the five-acre water park, where we plop onto tubes and glide along a lazy river while trying to dodge waterfalls. It’s the most fun you can have without mouse ears.” Although there’s plenty to do on-property, most guests choose this resort for its proximity to Florida’s famous theme parks; this is the next best thing to spending the night inside Cinderella Castle. Four Seasons Resort Orlando has a Disney Planning Center in the lobby, complimentary transportation to the parks via a luxury motor coach, and an on-site character breakfast on Thursday and Saturday mornings. Even better, guests get daily 30-minute-early access to any park. T+L special projects editor Elizabeth Rhodes recently visited the resort and says the on-site dining is a highlight: "Capa, the rooftop steakhouse and bar, is a must-try. Where else can you indulge in Michelin-starred cuisine with a Disney fireworks view?" The Details: Family-friendly amenities and accommodationsLocated in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, within Walt Disney World Resort20 miles from Orlando International AirportRooftop steakhouse with panoramic viewsKids for All Seasons complimentary camp for children ages 4-12Rates start at $900 per night Little Palm Island Resort & Spa Little Palm Island Resort & Spa Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like Little Palm Island is the only private island resort in the U.S. It's accessible only via private boat or seaplane, so it feels like an alternate (extravagant) reality. What to Consider During high season (January to June), a three-night deposit is due at the time of booking, with the balance remainder due 30 days before arrival. If the Florida Keys are an escape, Little Palm Island off the coast of Little Torch Key is the escape within the escape. The four-acre island is exclusive and secluded yet still sports the modern conveniences of a top-tier resort, including dining, a full-service spa, and activities that immerse guests in the Keys’ natural beauty (think kayaking, backcountry flats fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, and eco-tours). There’s little wonder why T+L readers named it the No. 1 favorite resort in Florida in the 2023 World’s Best Awards. “Little Palm Island feels so far removed from the real world, in a good way, that it’s hard to believe it’s one of the Florida Keys,” Nikolopoulos says. “The private island is tiny in size but huge on romance, with its thatched-roofed bungalows with private beaches, terraces with copper tubs overlooking the water, and major castaway feels. Plus, who doesn’t love the adorable Key deer that peek at you through the mangroves?” Suites are spread across 15 bungalows; all have opulent tropical furnishings, ocean views, a fire pit, an outdoor shower, and a copper soaking tub. Because of its intimate size and popularity, Little Palm Island sells out, so secure reservations well in advance (especially during peak seasons). Also, the cancellation policy (no refunds within 30 days of arrival) is strict. The Details: Motor yacht service between the island and shore available from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. dailyLocated near Little Torch Key, Florida27 miles from Key West International AirportChildren under the age of 18 aren't permitted on the islandRates start at $2,800 per night (peak season) The Boca Raton Michael Stavaridis / The Boca Raton Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like The Boca Raton’s recent $200 million renovation feels fresh and modern but artfully maintains the character and charm of architect Addison Mizner’s original 1926 design. What to Consider Membership to the Boca Raton Club is available, so the people you’ll meet on the property are a mix of hotel guests and affluent locals. Composed of five hotels within one larger resort, The Boca Raton has something for everyone. All of its offerings are upscale, including the adults-only Yacht Club and the Tower, near Harborside Pool Club, which is best for groups and families. The Boca Raton even has apartment-style accommodations at Bungalows, ideal for long-term stays. “I’ve seen many iterations of this storied hotel over the years, but the most recent renovation feels like the right blend of history and freshness,” Nikolopoulos says. “I love the sprawling view of the sea and city from the new Tower suites, but I also enjoy the proximity to the water from the Yacht Club, which feels so elevated and exclusive." Dinner forces you to make tough decisions: “There are 16 dining concepts to choose from," she says. "Still, nothing beats the fun of staying in and having the robot butler deliver snacks and games.” Yes, there’s a robot butler, and it even tells jokes. You can find a beautiful beach, eight pools — including a 450-foot lazy river and waterslides — a fitness center, shopping, an extensive Racquet Club (there are 16 Hydro-Grid courts for tennis and six for pickleball, plus a full-service tennis concierge and expert instruction available), and a championship-level private golf course on the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. And if you don’t spend time at Spa Palmera — the resort’s award-winning, 50,000-square-foot, Alhambra Palace-inspired spa — did you really go to The Boca Raton? The Details: Originally founded in 1926 and designed by renowned architect Addison MiznerLocated in Boca Raton, Florida25 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International AirportSituated on Lake Boca Raton with a beach club on the Atlantic Ocean connected via water taxi$53 nightly resort fee and $55 nightly valet parking feeHome to one of the region’s top spasRates start at $599 per night (peak season November to April 1) and $399 per night for the remainder of the year The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection Jeff Herron / Vinoy St. Petersburg Resort and Golf Club Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com and Booking.com What We Like Who can resist a historic waterfront resort in a splashy shade of pink? What to Consider The Vinoy is located in downtown St. Petersburg, not in St. Pete Beach, so there is no direct beach access. But there is a stunning pool with cabana rentals. The Vinoy is no stranger to making headlines, from its New Year’s Eve debut in 1925 to recent headlines following a significant refresh and rebrand. After all, this pink and cheery hotel is designed to stand out. But this historic resort is also versed in discretion; it hosts celebrities, athletes, American presidents, and some of the world’s most well-traveled guests. This hotel offers equal parts historic charm and modern luxury. Given its prime downtown St. Petersburg location, you’ll find a mix of locals and hotel guests on the front porch rocking chairs, shopping at the Sunni Spencer boutique, and dining and drinking at the hotel’s five venues. The hotel also boasts a championship golf course, marina, and full-service spa, and rooms offer views of Tampa Bay, the marina, or landscaped gardens. Be sure to walk into town to explore. And please, for this East Coast writer’s sake, make the 10-minute pilgrimage to Bandit Coffee Co for a floral latte, the best coffee I’ve ever had the pleasure of sipping. The Details: Historic luxury resort with Mediterranean Revival architectureRecent major renovationLocated in St. Petersburg, Florida20 miles from Tampa International AirportListed on the U.S. National Register of Historic PlacesRates start at $451 per night The Colony Palm Beach The Colony Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like The Colony and its distinctive pink facade epitomizes picture-perfect, Instagrammable, youthful, and vibrant Palm Beach. What to Consider Locals (like me!) flock to The Colony’s weekly events. Think live music on the weekends, Sunday-night bingo, and Monday-night trivia, plus a rotating roster of pop-ups, trunk shows, and artists-in-residence. With deep Palm Beach roots dating to 1947 plus a commitment to constant revitalization, The Colony has seen many evolutions, and the current iteration is its best yet. From whimsical hand-painted wallpaper in the Living Room to the exquisitely designed bungalows, penthouses, and residential-style villas (all created in collaboration with local tastemakers or internationally renowned designers, sometimes both), the hotel has so many details that you could spend a few hours just taking them all in. The glamorous Palm Beach social scene is alive and well at The Colony, so expect fashionable surroundings with nods to island nostalgia. Spend a day poolside and snag a reservation at the indoor-outdoor Swifty’s. (And let me know what you can contribute to our trivia team.) The Details: Iconic pink luxury hotel established in 194789 rooms, including suites and residences built for long-term staysLocated in Palm Beach, FloridaSix miles from Palm Beach International AirportSteps from Worth Avenue and the Atlantic OceanRates start at $899 per night (high season) and $499 per night (low season) Sunset Key Cottages Sunset Key Cottages Book Now Also available to book at Kayak.com What We Like To unwind after living it up in the Conch Republic, you can combine a mainland Key West visit with a few days of R&R at Sunset Key Cottages. What to Consider The resort offers an “accessibly remote” experience, setting you apart from Key West but still close. You take a boat to the island that leaves Opal Key at the 15- and 45-minute mark of every hour from 6:45 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. and leaves Sunset Key’s dock on the hour and half-hour (after 11 p.m., the boat runs by request). Located a seven-minute boat ride from sibling property Opal Key on the mainland, Sunset Key Cottages is a 27-acre resort consisting of 40 private cottages, a spa, and two dining destinations (a poolside tiki bar and a beachfront dining outpost) on a private island about 500 yards off Key West's western edge. Away from it all and simultaneously in the middle of everything, the resort has been appointed by T+L readers to the World’s Best Awards for multiple years and included in T+L’s Top 500 Hotels. As Nikolopoulos puts it, “This private island resort a stone’s throw from Key West feels like vacationing in small-town America, the kind of sweet place where you can let kids run outside all day (you might see them when the ice cream truck comes around).” Nikolopoulos's favorite part of the day is dinner on the beach at Latitudes with a mesmerizing sunset. There is deliciously little to do aside from relax and enjoy, although the resort does have a spa, pool, beach (a rarity in the Keys), tennis courts, beach volleyball, fitness classes, and weekend family programming. The Details: 40 private cottages on a private island off the coast of Key WestLocated in the Florida Keys4 miles from Key West International AirportComplimentary 24-hour shuttle boat service to Key WestRates start at $799 (off season) and $1799 (in season) per night Eau Palm Beach Eau Palm Beach Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like Eau Palm Beach's 42,000-square-foot spa is the best in the area (in my humble opinion). There are playful touches like a Wishing Well at the entrance (where you can pause and set an intention), dipping pools, hanging chairs in the sun-dappled garden, and mini cupcakes that are impossible to resist (don't resist). What to Consider You can’t beat the oceanfront location, but the hotel is slightly removed from the bustling heart of Palm Beach, so this is a quieter option away from the town's hubbub. Eau Palm Beach feels “effortlessly” chic, though it’s evident that a lot of care and intention went into making this hotel as fabulous as it is. While Mother Nature was in charge of the sparkling Atlantic lining the east side of the hotel (an undeniable part of the hotel’s appeal), the cheery guest rooms, designed by renowned designer Jonathan Adler, are a destination in their own right. Families and couples are drawn to resort perks like private beach access, children’s programming, eight onsite dining outlets, and complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, bicycle rentals, and non-motorized water sports equipment. You may even find me there. Eau Palm Beach has my favorite spa in the area — somebody’s got to work the knots out of these keyboard-hunched shoulders. The Details: Contemporary luxury resort with Jonathan Adler-designed interiorsLocated in Palm Beach, Florida11 miles from Palm Beach International AirportOn-site spa, tennis courts, water sports, children’s programs, and dining venuesRates start at $420 per night The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Book Now Also available to book at Hotels.com What We Like This is North Florida at its best — quiet, secluded, peaceful, natural, with slightly Southern hospitality — and as different as can be from the rest of Florida. What to Consider As of February 2024, The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, is undergoing a “reimagination,” so the indoor pool is closed as it's converted into a luxury fitness and wellness facility. This luxury oceanfront resort is part of the Sea Islands chain along the Eastern Seaboard and has a breezy, marshy, laid-back elegance to prove it. As discerning travelers expect of a Ritz-Carlton, luxury is at the forefront of this Amelia Island experience: There’s a world-class spa, championship golf course, tranquil oceanfront pool, fitness center, and shopping, plus a variety of outdoor activities like tennis, biking, and water sports. Dressed up for dinner? There’s even a photography concierge who can snap a photo of you and your family in this scenic setting to treasure forever. Take it from me, an only child who has fond memories of staying here with my parents: If there’s one place in Florida that captures tranquility while providing plenty to entertain the adventurous, it’s this resort. The Details: 446 guest rooms and suitesLocated in Amelia Island, Florida27 miles from Jacksonville International AirportOn a secluded barrier island with 13 miles of pristine North Florida shorelineFull-service spa, 18-hole golf course, multiple dining options, extensive outdoor activities, and kids and teens programsRates start at $1,299 per night Know Before You Go Florida is a seasonal destination. The association between Florida and summer vacation is strong, and for good reason, but in many parts of Florida, peak season is during the cooler winter months. Despite the heat, any place with a beach or theme park is fair game during the summer, and spring break draws crowds everywhere. Resort rates can fluctuate dramatically between on and off season, but I firmly believe there’s no wrong time to visit Florida. Make way for hurricanes. On the topic of seasons, don’t neglect to consider the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30 every year. A storm may or may not form, but book with flexible cancellation policies and be prepared for potential rain during these months. The sun sets in the west. It works the same way in Florida. You’d be surprised how many people stay in oceanfront hotels on the East Coast, expecting a stunning sunset over the water, only to be disappointed when they realize they’ll have to awake at sunrise for such a scene. Not all resorts are family-friendly. Some spots are suited for a romantic getaway sans children (Little Palm Island), while others are built for the whole family (The Breakers). When looking for top-rated family-friendly resorts (in Florida and the U.S. in general), check for solid kids' programming if you plan to bring yours. How We Chose These Hotels Skye Sherman is a fourth-generation Floridian who has stayed in esteemed resorts around the world — and all over the Sunshine State. Born and raised in Central Florida, she has resided (enthusiastically) in West Palm Beach since 2012. The resorts on this list were chosen based on her personal experience and research and the first-hand accounts of T+L editors and other contributors, including Florida resort expert Daphne Nikolopoulos. Many of these hotels have also been voted by T+L readers into their respective categories in T+L's World’s Best Awards.