12 Best Resorts in Florida

The Breakers

Also available to book at Expedia.com

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 1800s
• Located in Palm Beach, Florida, directly on the Atlantic Ocean
• Six miles from Palm Beach International Airport
• A range of elegant accommodations, including guest rooms, suites, and a private two-floor, 21-room boutique hotel
• Multiple swimming pools
• Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places
• Rates start at $1,190 per night from February to April and $690 per night from May to August

The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens

Also available to book at Expedia.com

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 district
• 30 unique rooms and suites
• Located in St. Augustine, Florida
• 55 miles from Jacksonville International Airport
• Landscaped gardens, a heated outdoor pool, fire pits, and a garden bar on the grounds
• On Cordova Street, walkable to local attractions and historical sites
• Rates start at $234 per night

The Equestrian Hotel

Also available to book at Expedia.com

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 suites
• Dining includes two original restaurants, a bakery, in-room dining, and a Key West-inspired poolside bar
• Located in Ocala, Florida
• 93 miles from Orlando International Airport
• 3,000 square feet of retail space
• Rates start at $409 per night
  

The Gasparilla Inn & Club

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 architecture
• Seasonal operation (closed mid-July to early October)
• Golf, fishing, spa, and beach club facilities
• Accommodations include guest rooms and private cottages
• Located in Boca Grande, Florida
• 52 miles from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport
• 70 miles from Ft. Myers International Airport
• 105 miles from Tampa International Airport
• Member of Historic Hotels of America and the National Trust for Historic Preservation
• Rates start at $380 per night

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

Also available to book at Kayak.com

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 accommodations
• Located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, within Walt Disney World Resort
• 20 miles from Orlando International Airport
• Rooftop steakhouse with panoramic views
• Kids for All Seasons complimentary camp for children ages 4-12
• Rates start at $900 per night

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

Also available to book at Expedia.com

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. daily
• Located near Little Torch Key, Florida
• 27 miles from Key West International Airport
• Children under the age of 18 aren't permitted on the island
• Rates start at $2,800 per night (peak season)

The Boca Raton

Also available to book at Expedia.com

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 Mizner
• Located in Boca Raton, Florida
• 25 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
• Situated 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 fee
• Home to one of the region’s top spas
• Rates 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

Also available to book at Expedia.com and Booking.com

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 architecture
• Recent major renovation
• Located in St. Petersburg, Florida
• 20 miles from Tampa International Airport
• Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places
• Rates start at $451 per night

The Colony Palm Beach

Also available to book at Expedia.com

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 1947
• 89 rooms, including suites and residences built for long-term stays
• Located in Palm Beach, Florida
• Six miles from Palm Beach International Airport
• Steps from Worth Avenue and the Atlantic Ocean
• Rates start at $899 per night (high season) and $499 per night (low season)

Sunset Key Cottages

Also available to book at Kayak.com

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 West
• Located in the Florida Keys
• 4 miles from Key West International Airport
• Complimentary 24-hour shuttle boat service to Key West
• Rates start at $799 (off season) and $1799 (in season) per night

Eau Palm Beach

Also available to book at Expedia.com

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 interiors
• Located in Palm Beach, Florida
• 11 miles from Palm Beach International Airport
• On-site spa, tennis courts, water sports, children’s programs, and dining venues
• Rates start at $420 per night

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Also available to book at Hotels.com

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 suites
• Located in Amelia Island, Florida
• 27 miles from Jacksonville International Airport
• On a secluded barrier island with 13 miles of pristine North Florida shoreline
• Full-service spa, 18-hole golf course, multiple dining options, extensive outdoor activities, and kids and teens programs
• Rates start at $1,299 per night