Where To Stay in the Sunshine State—27 Best Resorts in Florida, From Disney to Key West
Get a healthy dose of luxury along with your vitamin D.
They don't call Florida "The Sunshine State" for nothing. With a subtropical climate and palm-tree-lined beaches, the southeast state is the go-to spot for snowbirds, retirees and people who think the four seasons are overrated. And we've got the very best resorts in Florida so you can thrive in the gorgeous region as well.
A 70-and-sunny November day isn't considered "unseasonably warm" in areas like Key West. Florida is also home to Disney World—a legendary spot for kids to meet Mickey and Minnie and adults to meet their favorite cocktails at one of the downtown watering holes. There are Florida resorts for everyone!
Like any good subtropical locale worth its weight in salt, Florida is home to its fair share of resorts and beautiful destinations for people of all ages. From Disney resorts that add extra magic to your Magic Kingdom trip to luxe vacation options for adult-only affairs, these are the best places to stay during a Floridian escape.
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27 Best Florida Resorts
1. Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale
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The five-star Florida resort is one of the newest members of the Four Seasons family, having opened its doors in March 2022. But it's already living up to the "Four Seasons" name. Situated right on Fort Lauderdale Beach, the resort boasts two outdoor pools, a pair of upscale onsite restaurants, a more casual cafe, a spa and babysitting services for parents hoping to make their vacation an actual vacation.
2. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
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Four Seasons Resort Orlando offers something for every kind of Disney traveler. Weekly character breakfasts bring famous faces like Minnie Mouse to the 26-acre resort grounds. A spa offers couple's massages and mother-daughter facials to a spa offering couple's massages. And a Michelin-starred rooftop steakhouse Capa offers views of fireworks shows and a chance for adults to toast to magical days ahead.
3. Omni Amelia Island Resort
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Five miles from Amelia Island State Park, this pet-friendly resort has airy rooms with balconies or patios designed for watching the sun rise or set from your room. Indoor and outdoor pools make taking a dip a breeze, and three—yes, three—golf courses ensure your game won't suffer while you vacation. A day spa is perfect for pampering.
4. Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort
A stunning beach house hideaway, Tranquility Bay Beachfront's accommodations offer a more intimate experience. Beach houses have two or three colorfully-decorated bedrooms, couches and private porches with otherworldly Gulf vistas. Three palm-tree-lined pools and a putting green leave guests with both plenty to do and a chance to chill.
5. Opal Sands Resort & Spa
This Clearwater oasis offers a respite from day-to-day life. The gulf-front views—a perk of every single room—is reason enough to click "book now" right now. The onsite amenities include a walk-in pool with bar service and beach cabana rentals. Should you wish to leave the resort, it's a two-mile trip to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and an even shorter distance to the bustling shops and restaurants at Pier 60.
6. White Elephant Palm Beach
This stylish Palm Beach hotel is a stone's throw from an Atlantic beach. Embark on an eight-minute stroll and you'll find your toes in the sand. Or, take a loaner bike—they're available at the hotel. A restaurant with a terrace takes care of your dinner plans, and an outdoor pool provides an alternative to salt life.
7. Acqualina Resort & Residences On the Beach
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Set on 4.5 acres of beachfront property, this sophisticated spot with Mediterranean flare has rooms with whirlpool tubs, private terraces and upgraded suites with ocean views. Swim in three outdoor pools or indulge in poufy self-care in the 20,000-square-foot spa with a heated pool and so-2023 treatments, like sound healing massages.
8. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort
This 27-story escape, located 11 miles from downtown Miami, offers easy access to Miami's white-sand beaches with glistening turquoise water. Balconies have ocean views, and suites have butler service, so guests can simply breathe in the cool sea breezes. The high-end retail therapy of Bal Harbour Shops is literally across the street.
9. JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa
A water park with a pool and slides and two 18-hole golf courses are among the not-so-typical amenities at this Miami resort. It's a mere seven-minute walk from Aventura Mall and two miles from Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino. But the serene tropical gardens with a century-old Banyan tree make it tempting to stop and stay a while at this South Florida getaway.
10. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
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This private-island resort has truly exclusive appeal. The adults-only playground has thatched-roof bungalows and an indoor/outdoor spa that exudes exotic vibes at every turn. A romance package involves a couple's massage and love bath, while a rose quartz facial is designed to turn back the hands of time.
11. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort
Set on three miles of seemingly untouched private shores beside the Gulf of Mexico, this hotel offers sunny, contemporary rooms with flat screens. A dozen restaurants, including a sushi bar and Italian eatery, ensure the question "What's for dinner?" is always answered. You can spend your time at the multiple pools or a pair of 18-hole golf courses. But free shuttle transport makes coming and going a breeze.
Related: Make a Splash With the Kids Any Time of Year—Here Are the 16 Best Indoor Water Parks in the U.S.
12. The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando Grand Lakes
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This 500-acre tropical resort is less than 10 miles from Disney but feels like a world away. Bask in an herbal treatment at the 40,000-square-foot spa or make a splash in one of the three pools. Or, head to the Magic Kingdom—the time is yours to enjoy.
13. Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
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This resort offers fun for the whole family—and we do mean whole. Pup-friendly amenities include doggie cabanas or strollers, homemade treats and so-stylish bandanas. Special areas for kids and summer camp opportunities allow parents to have a play date.
14. The Boca Raton
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This beachfront escape has guestrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that give way to gorgeous Floridian sunsets. Guests can have exclusive access to cabanas and daybeds they can use on the resort's private golden beach.
15. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort
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American Express recently reported that "wellness travel" was a 2023 trend. There's arguably no better place to dive into that than this Miami resort. The spa combines Eastern, Western, alternative and aesthetic medicine, offering treatments like cupping, cryotherapy and infrared saunas. Experiences include family rock climbing, deep sea fishing, kayaking and private fitness classes.
16. Opal Sandpearl Resort
This Clearwater sanctuary is a nine-minute walk from the lively Pier 60. But its onsite spa and guestrooms with stunning Mandalay Bay or the Gulf views will leave you feeling as if you'd made a great escape. It's an escape you can make with your furry friend, too. Sandpearl Resort welcomes dogs up to 30 lbs.
17. The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, Autograph Collection
The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection seamlessly blends cosmopolitan glamor with the laid-back vibes you were looking for when you booked a Florida getaway. A splash pad, tennis courts, exercise room and onsite dining options are among the laundry list of amenities available to guests.
18. Pink Shell Beach Resort
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This Fort Myers spot situated on the Gulf of Mexico offers stunning views and a private beach. Though still recovering from last year's Hurricane Ian, the rooms are bright and airy, instantly putting you in a sunny state of mind.
19. Henderson Beach Resort
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This four-story grand seaside resort has a throwback vibe. You'll find it between the Gulf of Mexico and 200 acres of unspoiled nature preserve. Set in the happening beach town of Destin, Henderson is a stone's throw from a white-sand shoreline and three miles from Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park.
20. Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
This sprawling, sophisticated resort is situated along a North Atlantic Ocean beach. The Botanic Gardens at Kona Kai Resort are two miles away. A pool bar offers a new way to lap in luxury, while a hot tub soothes the muscles and soul.
21. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
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Considered by many to be the flagship resort at Disney World, this luxurious five-star hotel is all pixie dust and recognizable mice and everything nice. One stop from the Magic Kington via the Resort Monorail (free), the resort also offers massages and views of the evening fireworks shows that light up the skies above Cinderella Castle.
22. Pelican Grand Beach Resort
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Nestled in the heart of Destin, Pelican Grand Beach resort's accommodations include 340 gulf-front and gulf-view condominium units and 97 units with lakefront views in The Terrace. Three large pools, one kiddie pool, two hot tubs, two fitness centers, two saunas, tennis and an arcade/game room ensure the whole family stays entertained.
23. Isla Bella Beach Resort
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This upscale resort in Marathon provides loaner bikes and kayaks. Guests can indulge in meals and cocktails at an Italian restaurant and bar complete with a patio for warm-but-breezy Florida evenings. A beachfront bar with regular live music makes you feel like you're on island time.
24. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa
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With an onsite spa, this Florida resort offers gorgeous views at every turn, courtesy of tropical gardens and the Gulf of Mexico. Take them in on guestroom balconies. Hot tubs, a lagoon pool complete with slides loved by kids and adults alike, water sports and boat tours are among the amenities and experiences.
25. The Resort at Longboat Key Club
This luxury golf resort sits on 440 acres and has five buildings with upscale accommodations. The rooms are laidback but refined, with private balconies and soothing, nautical touches like paintings and shiplap walls. Forget 18 holes—this resort has 45, plus 20 tennis courts and a full-service spa to unwind from whatever your sport of choice is (including shopping).
26. Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton
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This refined resort along Florida Bay has bright and airy rooms and a bayside restaurant. It also boasts an outdoor pool and close proximity to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation, which is three miles away.
27. Hawks Cay Resort
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This resort in Florida has views of the glistening ocean and a marina. Most rooms have private balconies, where you can gaze out at the water, and some offer private plunge pools. Five outdoor pools, a spa and tennis courts are perfect for keeping busy without leaving the grounds.
Next, 35 Best All-inclusive Resorts To Give You the Ultimate R&R Experience
