In This Article

The one problem I have every time I plan a trip to Florida? I want to do EVERYTHING. Beaches in the morning. Museums. Restaurants. Beaches in the evening (for sunsets!) Nightlife. Get up early to explore the next beach. You see what I mean. I love Florida!

Do you crave sunshine, palm trees, and ocean breezes? Read on because I discovered places filled with oceanfront luxury, tropical pools, and palm-lined serenity. Each one is offering coastal charm, upscale comfort, and the laid-back spirit of the Sunshine State. "These Florida resorts deliver everything from beachfront luxury to fun-filled family escapes." But don't be like me--take plenty of time to slow down and unwind!

Unique Florida Resorts:

1. The Breakers Palm Beach


"Admire oceanfront luxury and savor timeless elegance on a romantic weekend."

The Breakers Palm Beach

© The Breakers Palm Beach

Location:

Palm Beach, FL

Highlights:

Want to stay at one of America’s most iconic oceanfront resorts? The Breakers Palm Beach blends Gilded Age grandeur with cutting-edge amenities, all set on 140 breathtaking acres of beachfront luxury.

We Recommend This For:

Couples, families, golf lovers, luxury travelers, you name it! This Palm Beach icon offers top-tier service and amenities. The only drawback? It's quite pricey, even in low season.

What we Love:

Palatial Renaissance-style architecture, Exclusive experience at the boutique Flagler Club within the resort (think honeymoon!).
  • Stay in one of 538 high-end guest rooms and suites, including ultra-luxury spaces in the private Flagler Club, offering bespoke services and privacy.
  • Relax at four oceanfront pools, a world-class spa and fitness center, and a dedicated family entertainment center.
  • Golf at either the Ocean Course—Florida’s oldest 18-hole course—or the Breakers Rees Jones Course, each offering championship-level play and lush views.
  • Dine at nine award-winning restaurants, including:
    • HMF – a glamorous cocktail lounge with vintage vibes
    • Flagler Steakhouse – classic, elegant steakhouse dining
    • Echo – vibrant, modern pan-Asian cuisine
  • Explore the property’s historic charm and contemporary polish—complete with manicured gardens, luxury shopping, and unmatched coastal views.

Address:

1 S County Rd, Palm Beach, FL 33480
Phone: 561-655-6611

2. South Seas Island Resort


"Explore island beauty and enjoy beach activities on a summer family trip."

South Seas Island Resort

© South Seas Island Resort

Location:

Captiva Island, FL

Highlights:

Looking for a beach escape wrapped in wildlife, white sands, and island charm? South Seas Island Resort offers laid-back luxury on 330 acres of natural beauty with something for everyone. I love the lagoon pools! Kids swear by their sea school adventures.

We Recommend This For:

Families, couples, multigenerational travelers, and nature lovers looking for a scenic Gulf Coast getaway near Fort Myers.

What we Love:

3 lagoon pools with cabanas and slides. The Sanibel Sea School for kids. And the trolley system that makes getting around the resort easy and fun!
  • Stay in 471 comfortable guest rooms and suites at the Harbourside Hotel, or choose from private condos, villas, and rental cottages in Land’s End Village for added privacy.
  • Swim & Splash at three lagoon-style pools. Rent a cabana. Glide down two water slides. Just steps away are miles of sugar-sand beach for relaxation or play.
  • Unwind at the on-site luxury spa offering a full menu of soothing treatments and coastal-inspired therapies.
  • Explore with group water sports like kayaking and boating tours—or sign up the kids for hands-on marine discovery at the Sanibel Sea School.
  • Dine at casual and gourmet venues including:
    • Harbourside Bar and Grill – classic coastal fare with water views
    • Scoops and Slices – pizza, burgers, and ice cream
    • Captiva Provision Company – upscale market and deli
  • Get Around with ease thanks to a resort-wide trolley system and optional golf cart rentals—fun and functional!

Address:

5400 Plantation Rd, Captiva, FL 33924
Phone: 239-472-5111

3. Streamsong Golf Resort


If you think like me: "Play world-class golf and admire modern design on an exciting getaway."

Streamsong Golf Resort

© Streamsong

Location:

Bowling Green, FL

Highlights:

Looking for an unforgettable golf escape in the heart of Florida? Streamsong is a world-class resort! Championship-level golf. On top of that, you get luxurious lodging, plenty of dining choices, and a spa—all surrounded by breathtaking natural terrain.

We Recommend This For:

Golf enthusiasts, couples, business travelers, and anyone looking for an upscale Florida resort with a strong recreational focus.

What we Love:

The trio of architect-designed courses, the sleek guest rooms, and the post-round dining at Restaurant Fifty-Nine with one of the region’s best wine lists.
  • Play three distinct Scottish-links-style courses designed by the game's greatest architects:
    • Streamsong Black – par-73 championship course with dramatic vistas and a private putting green
    • Streamsong Blue – known for bold elevation shifts and strategic contours
    • Streamsong Red – winds through native dunes, Bermuda fairways, and artistic bunkers
  • Stay in beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites offering modern luxury and a peaceful retreat between rounds or spa visits.
  • Dine at Restaurant Fifty-Nine, a seafood-forward grill perfect for après-golf fare and fine wines housed in the elegant Clubhouse.
  • Unwind with spa services or browse premium gear at the on-site golf pro shop.

Address:

1000 Streamsong Dr, Bowling Green, FL 33834
Phone: 888-294-6322

4. Amara Cay Resort


"Lounge by the pool and look at ocean views during a spring trip."

Amara Cay Resort

© Amara Cay Resort

Location:

Islamorada, FL (Upper Florida Keys)

Highlights:

Looking for island charm with a modern, design-forward twist? Amara Cay Resort brings effortless luxury and award-winning interiors to a beachfront setting in the heart of Islamorada.

We Recommend This For:

Couples, design lovers, solo travelers, and anyone looking for an upscale yet unpretentious beachside retreat in the Florida Keys.

What we Love:

The resort’s Sandi Design Award-winning interiors, private balconies in every room, and those unforgettable prickly pear mojitos at Sparrows Rum Bar.
  • Stay in stylish king or queen rooms and suites outfitted with rattan accents, natural textures, private balconies, climate control, and optional adjoining doors for group stays.
  • Swim & Sun at the outdoor pool or relax on the resort’s private beach, complete with comfy loungers and sea breezes.
  • Dine on casual American classics—like made-to-order burgers and handspun milkshakes—at Reelburger.
  • Sip craft cocktails, including the signature prickly pear mojito, at the breezy Sparrows Rum Bar.
  • Enjoy upgraded amenities via the resort fee, including Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and shuttle service to nearby attractions.

Address:

80001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
Phone: 305-664-0073

5. Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa


My top 5: "Visit for luxury spa treatments and enjoy stylish coastal sights."

Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

© Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

Location:

Manalapan, FL (Palm Beach County)

Highlights:

If you're craving sun-soaked sophistication on a private stretch of beachfront, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa delivers Forbes five-star service, whimsical design, and indulgent touches like champagne check-ins and oceanfront pampering.

We Recommend This For:

Couples, luxury seekers, spa lovers, and travelers looking for a glamorous yet playful escape in South Florida.

What we Love:

The Jonathan Adler-designed rooms, award-winning spa, and the resort’s effortless blend of coastal charm and elevated hospitality.
  • Stay in one of 309 bright, sunny guest rooms and suites, each featuring private balconies, minibars, and bold, beach-inspired interiors by Jonathan Adler.
  • Dine at four distinct venues:
    • Angle – modern American farm-to-table with upscale ambiance
    • Temple Orange – a Mediterranean-Floridian blend with ocean views
    • Breeze Ocean Kitchen – trendy and relaxed beachfront dining
    • Stir Bar and Terrace – perfect for cocktails and lounging
  • Unwind at the sprawling 42,000-square-foot Eau Spa, offering luxury treatments in a playful, sensorial space unlike any other.
  • Experience touches of flair like the resort’s signature champagne check-in, setting the tone for a truly pampering getaway.

Address:

100 S Ocean Blvd, Manalapan, FL 33462-3368
Phone: 877-415-5096

Romantic Florida Resorts:

6. Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa


I recommend: "Savor ocean breezes and play golf on a relaxing retirement stay."

Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa

© Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa

Location:

Palm Coast, FL (near historic St. Augustine)

Highlights:

Looking for a beachside escape with something for everyone? Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa combines coastal luxury with family-friendly fun, world-class golf, and a splash-worthy water park—all just minutes from America’s oldest city.

We Recommend This For:

Families, golf enthusiasts, spa lovers, and travelers seeking a resort experience on Florida’s quieter Atlantic coast.

What we Love:

The multi-level water park with lazy river and water slide, 36 championship golf holes, and the shore-to-table dining at Atlantic Grille with ocean views.
  • Stay in one of 330 luxury guest rooms with ocean views, Wi-Fi, refrigerators, and microwaves—plus spacious upgrades to family suites and multi-bedroom condos.
  • Swim & Play in the expansive multi-level water park with a lazy river, a three-story water slide, and an adults-only pool for serene moments.
  • Golf two legendary courses: the Jack Nicklaus-designed Ocean Course and the Tom Watson-designed Conservatory Course.
  • Dine at several on-site options:
    • Atlantic Grille – oceanfront, seafood-forward cuisine
    • Delfino’s – classic Italian fare
    • Loggerheads – casual gastropub favorites
    • Coffee Bar – featuring Rainforest Alliance-certified teas and coffees
  • Relax with spa treatments, get active at the fitness center, or let the kids enjoy supervised activities while you explore or unwind.

Address:

200 Ocean Crest Dr, Palm Coast, FL 32137
Phone: 866-841-0287

7. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort


"Enjoy beachside fun and explore fine dining with kids and stuff."

JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

© JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

Location:

Marco Island, FL (near Naples, Southwest Florida)

Highlights:

Dreaming of a white sand beach escape with family fun and upscale flair? JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort delivers beachfront bliss with Balinese-inspired elegance, kids’ activities, and top-tier dining—all set against the serene Gulf of Mexico.

We Recommend This For:

Families, couples, multigenerational travelers, and golf lovers looking for a polished and playful Gulf Coast resort.

What we Love:

The mix of tropical tranquility and family-friendly amenities—from kids’ camps and water sports to luxury dining and spa relaxation.
  • Stay in one of 664 newly-renovated guest rooms and suites featuring Balinese design touches, private balconies, and breathtaking ocean views.
  • Swim & Play across three resort pools, including children’s areas and beachside loungers, or dive into water sports and recreational activities arranged on-site.
  • Dine at a variety of on-site restaurants:
    • Ario – elevated global steakhouse
    • Maia – all-American buffet with something for everyone
    • Quinn’s on the Beach – casual, oceanfront dining
    • 400 Pazzi’s – Italian-American bistro fare
  • Entertain the little ones with Tiki Tribe Camp, offering supervised kids’ activities and themed fun throughout the day.
  • Golf two 18-hole championship courses for a world-class challenge in a lush tropical setting.

Address:

400 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145
Phone: 239-394-2511

I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:

  • What makes Florida’s coastline special?
    • Florida’s coastline extends 1,350 miles along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, the longest stretch of coastline of any state within the contiguous United States, making it a top resort area for vacationers looking for relaxing beachfront getaways.
  • What attractions can be found in central and southern Florida?
    • The central Orlando region offers access to some of the nation’s top theme parks, while the southern Miami area is noted for its vibrant arts and entertainment scene.
  • What type of accommodations do Florida resorts offer?
    • Florida’s all-inclusive resorts provide luxury accommodations, featuring award-winning restaurants, glamorous spa centers, and top-rated golf courses.

Map:


How did I do?

Is the article too broad, too narrow, or just right ? Do you like the presentation of photos and text? Let me know in the comments! If you want to see more in this location, I can put it on my editorial calendar. I'm listening!

Plan Your Trip