Top 7 Florida resorts according to travelers: from beach oases with pools and spas to historic boutique hotels with golf courses
Florida resorts, with their assortment of activities and pristine beaches, are favorites for a very sizable number of travelers. These Florida destinations boast an abundance of sunshine and a variety of excellent resorts that keep travelers engaged year-round. Most are located on or near the water but are a mix of styles, from historic hotels with verdant gardens to private oases under palm trees with gourmet restaurants and golf courses.
The annual World's Best Awards poll, determined Florida's best resorts in 2024. Nearly 165,000 people voted for their favorite Florida vacation spots, from small inns to huge hotels resembling luxury mansions. You'll find amazing Florida resorts on this list for a variety of preferences: close to entertainment, attractions, beautiful beaches, family and romantic vacations, and more.
Winner: Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
Florida's superb adult paradise is located on a small 4-acre private island. It's a charming spot for travelers craving privacy: the island is accessible only by the resort's private boat or seaplane. Destroyed by Hurricane Irma and reopened in 2020, the hotel is a luxurious Balinese-style retreat. Hidden beneath lush green palm trees and thatched roofs are 15 bungalows housing 30 chic suites. Guests at the resort get the perfect opportunity to turn off their phones, enjoy the tranquility and take a break from TV and the problems of the outside world. They will spend their leisure time swinging in beach hammocks, kayaking, exploring the underwater world of the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge and sailing. The Dining Room restaurant will amaze with not only fantastic meals but also unparalleled culinary experiences, offering both indoor and direct beachfront seating. The world-class spa only underscores Little Palm Island Resort & Spa's right to top the list of best resorts in Florida in 2024.
Marquesa Hotel
A charming boutique in the heart of Old Town Key West, Florida, in the best corner of the historic district, with its renowned restaurant Café Marquesa is one of the most sophisticated resorts on the island. It is a complex of restored Victorian cottages, erected in the late 1800s, housing 44 rooms. The pastel facades under tin roofs with white perimeter balconies are surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, under which the courtyard hides three secluded pools. All rooms are spacious and original, with solid wooden furniture and glossy wooden floors. The eponymous restaurant has gained fame as one of the best in Key West for its creative seasonal menu featuring local seafood. This place will appeal to privacy fanatics who prefer bed and breakfasts but don't want to limit themselves to luxury. After your island and water adventures, end the day on the hotel's lovely veranda, enjoying an assortment of tapas, drinks and delightful sunsets.
The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón
A serene haven for couples and families in Naples to relax and enjoy a luxurious vacation, it is surrounded by migratory bird sanctuaries and wetlands. The resort has prepared guest rooms and suites decorated in tranquil tones with contemporary designs inspired by the state's coastal areas. Among Florida's top resorts in 2024, it stands out for its extensive variety of vacation options. There is a golf club with two legendary courses, a spa with massage services and a menu of facials, and a fitness center. The gem of this resort is The Reservoir water park with water slides, a winding "lazy river," a playground for children, swimming pools and private changing cabanas. Guests will also be able to devote a significant part of their time to water sports and beach activities. The restaurants at the Ritz-Carlton Naples also leave an unforgettable impression. Guests can start the day with a cup of coffee and homemade pastries at eXpress(o), enjoy a Latin-inspired lunch at Ria, dine at the exquisite Lemonia Restaurant and enjoy a cocktail or glass of champagne at Bella Vista Lounge.
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort
A personal oasis at one of the best resorts in Naples, Florida awaits travelers between Vanderbilt Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, drawing them in with white sandy beaches and shimmering turquoise waters. It's a good choice if your vacation dreams include playing golf, spending time on the beach, lounging in the pool and enjoying relaxing spa treatments. The golf club is located a couple of minutes drive from the resort. The 18-hole course is surrounded by lakes and picturesque landscapes. If you're not a fan of the sport, you can diversify your stay with beach yoga, boating, bird watching, bike rentals or shopping. The interiors of LaPlaya rooms and suites are characterized by casual elegance. They are adorned with luxurious fabrics, wrought iron furniture and artwork, complemented by beautiful window views. The resort's restaurant, BALEEN Naples, maintains a beach theme: guests can watch the water from the windows or choose a table directly on the sand while enjoying specialties to the sound of the surf.
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
One of Florida's iconic resorts has been a family favorite since 1928. It sits on a stretch of pristine beach in the northeastern part of the state, opening up a world of chic oceanfront accommodations, top-notch service and limitless leisure options. Generations of travelers have created memories here, and you can follow suit as well. The resort's AAA Five-Diamond rated hotel features 262 sleek rooms that offer access to one of Florida's most beautiful beaches. Guests can customize their room style, from historic to contemporary. You won't need to leave the resort grounds to indulge your taste buds either, as the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club has about a dozen restaurants, from light snacks in the beach areas to elegant dining rooms. Other resort amenities include a luxurious spa with over 100 services on the menu, a 36-hole golf course, 15 tennis courts, four heated pools, a state-of-the-art beachfront fitness center, a playground and room and equipment rentals for kayaking, surfing and more.
The Alfond Inn
The Alfond Inn Resort is located within walking distance of the museums and stylish stores of Winter Park, but away from the hustle and bustle of Main Street. Its beautiful Mediterranean-style architecture with terracotta roof is typical of Florida resorts. The initial phase of its construction was completed in 2013: the 112-room boutique property created quickly became a popular destination for travelers and locals. Guests can enjoy a stay in one of the luxuriously appointed guest rooms, stroll through the conservatory and lush courtyard, relax in the pool, visit the fitness center, and view the resort's central attraction - the art collection, the brainchild of renowned collectors Theodore and Barbara Alfond - in the spacious, bright lobby. It is an extension of the art collection at Rollins College, but the bulk of the collection is housed at the Alfond Inn. This art-filled boutique hotel will be the perfect place for adult company vacations and business travel.
The Breakers
Travelers looking for a luxury beach paradise in Florida can safely choose The Breakers among the popular local resorts. It features a 140-acre oceanfront property on Palm Beach Island. Its historic Italian Renaissance-style hotel has been welcoming guests since 1896 and is still one of the most luxurious havens. It has 534 rooms (including 72 suites) that offer beautiful views of the surrounding greenery and the Atlantic Ocean. Part of the hotel is the exclusive Flagler Club, a 21-room boutique at the top of the resort with first-class amenities, a club lounge, panoramic rooftop terrace and personalized service. Amenities at The Breakers include ten restaurants and a private beach club with 4 pools and bungalows near them, 6 hot tubs, two golf courses, a world-class outdoor and indoor spa, 10 tennis courts, an oceanfront fitness center, more than 10 signature boutiques and a family entertainment center.
