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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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