Best Resorts In Florida: Top 5 Sunshine State Stays Most Recommended By Experts

Florida is the place to be if you’re a warm-weather person — after all, the state offers no shortage of beautiful beaches, picturesque parks, and relaxing resorts. It is one of the essential travel destinations across the globe, and not just because it’s home to the Happiest Place on Earth (that’s Disney World, of course). If you plan to travel to the Sunshine State this year, do not miss the chance to explore one of the best resorts in Florida.

If you are in Florida for a stay, you must check out the best beaches in Florida. White sandy beaches, pristine sea waters, warm sun, and a gentle breeze: what more could you ask for? Even those who love luxury often prefer going to the beach to relax and soak in some sun. Some like to frolic in the sand and dip their feet in the warm water. After all, what’s not to love about beaches?

Florida is a popular place for people to relocate to, and with good reason! Today’s new and part-time Floridians are drawn by the same factors that have lured settlers and snowbirds for a century: warm weather and waterfront views, along with lower taxes and fewer regulations than in other parts of the country, according to research. Whether you want a quiet relaxing spot or a bustling beach with plenty of activities, there is something for everyone here.

In our search for the best resorts to stay in Florida, we examined 10 expert websites and sought out the most suggested spots. We also considered where these locations ranked on their list. Of course, you may entirely disagree with this — and that’s fine! Let us know which one is your favorite resort or the one that is on your bucket list.

The List: Best Resorts in Florida, According to Experts 

1. St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort 

Trips to Discover calls this the best beach resort in Miami. “This resort has an excellent location a few miles north of South Beach and is typically frequented by both couples and families with children. There are multiple restaurants on site, as well as a bar and wine vault. If you’d like to keep your distance from the South Beach party scene and relax in luxury, this is an excellent resort pick for you.”

“Stepping into The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort feels a little bit like entering an abstract art gallery: the entryway is a largely empty room, save for an enormous metal sculpture hanging from the ceiling and a few tufted chairs and couches that you may or may not be allowed to sit on,” says Conde Nast Traveler. “Keep walking and you’ll find yourself in the lobby, which is equally artistic with its dark marble floors, massive chandeliers, and geometric, mirrored walls. All of this luxury and personal attention doesn’t come cheap, so if you’re planning a stay here, take full advantage of the amenities.”

“The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort is an exclusive five-star, five-diamond resort located across from the elite Bal Harbour Shops in Miami Beach, less than a three-minute walk from popular Surfside Beach. 216 sophisticated guest rooms offer ocean views from private balconies and contemporary decor designed by top design firm Yabu Pushelberg. Suites upgrade to full stocked kitchenettes and premium living space areas. The Greek-inspired Atlantikós restaurant offers bar and lounge seating, and the family-friendly BH Burger Bar serves made-to-order burger options. A 14,000-square-foot spa offers 11 treatment rooms, along with services such as aromatic steam rooms and Finnish saunas,” explains Vacation Idea

2. The Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island

Conde Nast Traveler says to anticipate a stylish ambiance upon entering: “Shaped like a horseshoe, the eight-floor property is ‘perfect for a family getaway,’ and an ‘exceptional beach.’ ‘Large and nicely appointed’ rooms in soft green, gold, and lavender hues have mahogany floors and floor-to-ceiling balcony doors with plantation shutter panels, as well as ‘the most comfortable beds ever.'”

PlanetWare says its service matches its five-star rating. “Guests can golf; splash in the pool; put their kids in the epic, pirate-inspired children’s programs; or challenge each other to tennis before taking a load off in their plush guest room or suite…Be sure to check out the offers available during your time of travel, as they are apt to change.”

“Florida’s northernmost barrier island is loved by locals for its quaint Victorian architecture and 13 miles of blissfully crowd-free beaches. This is the home of the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, a 446-room U-shaped resort where every room has a private balcony overlooking Center Beach and the Atlantic. Relaxation is easy to come by here: there are leisurely walks along surrounding sand dunes, butler service by the pool, and cocktails at nightly bonfires. If you’re looking for a little more action, go for dinner at the buzzy Salt restaurant, take a bike tour to historic American Beach, or check out the Civil War-era Fort Clinch, just a 10-minute drive up the coast,” mentions Jet Setter

3. The Breakers, Palm Beach

Touropia likes its convenience as it is in the heart of Palm Beach and mere minutes from the airport. “Additionally, the resort offers nine choices of restaurants, bars and grills. Among 540 accommodations, guests can select between plush guestrooms or beachfront bungalows that all include iPod docking stations, high-speed Internet access and optional in-room massages. On-site recreational activities include yoga classes, aerobics, swimming, snorkeling, surfing and boogie boarding while hiking, birdwatching and fishing are nearby.”

“Travelers and critics alike gush over this resort. High on their list of perks are the gorgeous grounds, which feature, four pools, a private beach and 10 Har-Tru tennis courts,” writes U.S. News

“The Breakers is a five-star resort with post rooms and an elegant Italian Renaissance style. It’s one of the best resorts in Florida, located on a piece of prime oceanfront real estate and has been renovated with high-end luxury in mind. There are two golf courses, a huge spa, and a well-equipped fitness center located onsite for guests to use and enjoy,” adds Trips to Discover

4. Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina

According to Conde Nast Traveler, this Fort Meyers stay is perfect for splashing around in the ocean. “It’s as much a paradise for kids as it is for tired parents, with arts and crafts activities (tie-dye: all of the fun, without the kitchen-destroying mess), and a daily Kidds Kammp, where you can let someone else manage the mischief for a while. Take that time to try a sailing lesson or a WaveRunner ride, with a couple cold drinks sandwiched between. Hitch your yacht to the 41-slip private marina while you grab a drink at Bongo’s Bar and Grill, a good-time shack where bongos are reborn as barstools and fake palm fronds flap in the cross-breeze, then head to Jack’s Farm to Fork, for formal digs and local, fresh eats. They can accommodate a little one-on-one time, too, with a private dinner on the beach where you can sink your toes into white sand while you crack the shells off some jumbo shrimp.”

“With unbeatable sunrise to sunset views, and over 10 acres of lush tropical surroundings, Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina is the perfect Fort Myers Beach getaway. Accommodation is served up in one and two-bedroom condo-style suites – inclusive of breakfasts, beach lounge chair and umbrella rental – designed for even the most style-conscious of travellers, each with its own stunning sea view. If you make it out of the room, sailing and dolphin spotting are available onsite, whilst the resort’s three pools – complete with their own waterfalls – keep all the family at play,” mentions The Crazy Tourist.

“There’s plenty of fun to be had at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina in Fort Myers. As the name implies, this pretty property is set on the beach, where visitors can jump in the waves, build a sandcastle, or rent a paddleboat to ride through the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Looking to unwind? Head to the spa for a relaxing massage or facial, or hang by the pool for some watery fun. Your daily resort fee includes Wi-Fi, valet parking, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and access to the steam room,” states PlanetWare.

5. Sunset Key Cottages

This quaint resort also made our list of the best hotels in Key West. Trip Advisor says this beachside getaway embodies laid-back Key West living. “Savor award-winning dining at Latitudes Restaurant, bask in the Florida sun by our tropical pool or white sand beach, pamper yourself at the Spa on Sunset Key, or challenge friends to a friendly tennis match. At Sunset Key Cottages, guests enjoy a truly unique island escape.”

“Sunset Key Cottages are located on a private island near the Florida Keys, offering 40 private one, two, and three bedroom Victorian-style Key West cottages with wraparound verandas. The resort is lushly landscaped with bougainvillea and other tropical plants to create a sprawling island oasis environment surrounded by pristine white sand beaches,” writes Vacation Idea

“Nestled on an exclusive 27-acre island just 500 yards off of Key West, award-winning Sunset Key Cottages embodies what a tropical vacation should look like. The resort boasts lush landscaping, superb waterfront dining and a spa, as well as activities like jet-skiing, parasailing, and tennis. The resort is accessible via the 24-hour Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina ferry,” adds Visit Florida

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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.

 

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