Florida may attract families and partiers in droves, but it’s also an excellent choice for couples who want to dial up the romance. From sexy hot spots and adult-only South Beach resorts to 19th-century bed-and-breakfasts and private-island retreats, here are Florida‘s most romantic getaways.
The Breakers
Advantage
Prime location on a private beach
Beautiful European architecture and charming grounds
Two 18-hole golf courses, ten tennis courts, and ten boutiques
Five heated pools plus four whirlpools
Nine restaurants and multiple bars
Two gyms and a full-service spa
Beach cabanas with kitchenettes, Wi-Fi, TVs, and full bathrooms
Golf and tennis lessons, free fitness classes
Kid-friendly with a kids’ camp and babysitting services
Half-price rooms and many discounts during the summer
Complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas
Free WIFI
Cons
Costly food and drinks
Rooms can be noisy
Standard rooms are pretty small.
There is no food service on the beach or by the pool (only in the cabanas)
Valet parking only
There is a charge to use the tennis courts
No coffee makers in the room
Their armchairs are missing cushions
Summary
This sprawling 140-acre resort feels more like a Renaissance palace than a hotel. Its oceanfront property is defined by its historic architecture and elegant setting. Its facilities include swimming pools, two 18-hole golf courses, ten tennis courts, nine restaurants, and ten boutiques. The Breakers’ 540 rooms have all modern conveniences: minibars, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and iPod stereos, but for the most part, they seem a bit cramped for their price. The only significant drawback to Breakers is the high price of their in-house dining options, which are still delicious. A family of four would easily spend $350 on food without ordering anything special. But, as far as its competing Palm Beach hotels are concerned, nothing compares to the luxury found at this historic property.
The St. Regis Bal Harbor Resort
A 243-room hotel is an excellent option for visitors indifferent to the South Beach party scene. Highlights include upscale decor, spacious rooms with ocean-view balconies, two infinity pools, an expansive spa with sauna and steam rooms, and three dining options. There is also food and drink service poolside and on the beach.
Advantage
Beachfront location in the exclusive Bal Harbor area
Full-service white-sand beach with daybed rentals
Elegant and luxurious rooms with ocean views and marble bathrooms
High-tech in-room amenities, minibars, and kitchenettes
Some rooms have butler service
Four restaurants, including a French service and sushi room
Bar with vintage wines, champagne, and live music
Two pools, including an adults-only area with a hot tub
Full-service spa with saunas and steam rooms
State-of-the-art gym and fitness classes
Beachfront villa rental with butler service
Club for children from 4 to 12 years old
Free property-wide Wi-Fi
Cons
Beach service can be slow
Expensive parking (valet only)
Daily resort fee (common for Miami)
Summary
The St. Regis Bal Harbor Resort is a luxury beachfront property in the exclusive Bal Harbor area. Marble floors, well-designed interiors, and upscale features draw well-heeled guests. The 216 spacious rooms and suites have a refined yet relevant feel with five-piece bathrooms, high-tech features, and contemporary decor. All rooms have furnished ocean-view balconies, while suites add Nespresso machines, kitchens, and butler service. Grand and beautiful spaces fill the property; the highlights are an elegant spa, two pool areas, and a lobby dining area. Big hits include the hotel’s day villas, semi-private beach area, vintage birdcage tea service, and champagne night saber. There’s also a kids’ club, fitness center, three restaurants, and free Wi-Fi with the resort fee. By comparison, the Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbor also has an upscale feel but without the over-the-top vibe.
The Setai, Miami Beach
A flashy, moody design; impeccable service; three pools (each a different temperature); and the prime beachside location make the Setai one of the best hotels in Miami. The hotel’s 85 rooms are gorgeous, gigantic, and filled with luxurious amenities like deep soaking tubs.
Advantage
Beautiful Asian-influenced design
direct access to the beach
Large, deep bathtubs (in most rooms)
Huge rooms (55 square meters on average)
Committed service
Located on the upscale stretch of Collins Avenue
Cons
Mediocre and costly food.
No iPod dock
small plasma tv
Summary
Paradise is not cheap. Attractive but understated mood lighting design; impeccable service; vast and clean rooms; Three pools, each at a different temperature, and a prime beachside location make the Setai one of the best hotels in Miami. Its restaurants place more emphasis on design than food, but several of Miami’s best restaurants are just a block away.
W South Beach
Elaborate natural design flows through this stunning 312-room beachfront. Spacious and modern rooms (with the best terraces in Miami, all with sea views); a luxury spa and a modern and well-equipped fitness center; and renowned chef Andrew Carmellini’s trendy Dutch restaurant – the W tops the Miami greats.
Advantage
A modern beach hotel with fantastic sea views and a laid-back atmosphere
Stylish rooms with coffeemakers, minibars, and outdoor spaces
Suites have kitchenettes; some add extra perks, and pools
Two pools, including an adults-only semi-private pool
Two excellent restaurants include fine-dining Chinese and American restaurants
Bliss Spa with steam room, treatment rooms, and sauna
A 24-hour fitness center with free fitness classes
The resort fee covers Wi-Fi, beach chairs, and fitness classes
Pet-friendly (fee), plus doggy kits available
Luxury car rental available
Cons
Pool loungers go quickly in the high season
Visible wear in rooms
Loud music and DJs by the pool (pro for some)
Valet service only (daily fee)
Summary
The W South Beach is a modern luxury hotel with a sophisticated look and a relaxed atmosphere, popular with young professionals and families. The 401 rooms and suites are spacious and stylish, with minibars, furnished balconies, and Bliss products, though wear and tear can take away from the luxurious feel. The suite has additional extras, small kitchens, and plunge pools. The pool and beach areas are preferred, but expect loud music in the former and occasionally very few loungers. Free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour gym, a small spa, and delicious restaurants are available on-site. For a larger pool and a less lively atmosphere, consider the nearby 1 Hotel South Beach.
Sunset Key Cottages
This 40-room resort caters to upscale travelers with luxe, beach-chic cabanas and high-end amenities, including a zero-degree entry pool with two hot tubs, a gorgeous palm-fringed beach with clear waters, and a pleasant spa. However, while idyllic and exclusive, its location could be inconvenient for travelers who want to be close to shops and restaurants (the hotel only has one restaurant on-site).
Advantage
Luxurious cabanas with beach décor, porches, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players
All cabins have kitchens or kitchenettes; grocery shopping service is available.
Beautiful white sand beach
Pleasant and reasonably priced beauty salon and spa
Charming pool with in-ground access, shaded areas, and two Jacuzzis
Complimentary gifts include: breakfast basket delivery, morning paper delivery, Wi-Fi, and library rentals (books, movies, and music)
Four-bedroom cabins with plunge pools and washer-dryers
Two tennis courts on site
A 7-minute ferry ride to Key West; the ferry leaves every 30 minutes
Cons
Only one restaurant and poolside bar on site.
Four-bedroom cabins that are small
Most amenities are located at its sister property in Key West, the Westin
No pets allowed
Summary
This 40-room resort offers exquisite traveler luxurious cabins with elegant beaches and superior quality services. It is located on Sunset Key, a residential island near Key West. It is affiliated with the Westin Key West, with which it shares some features, such as a gym and restaurants (although only Sunset Key guests can use the services at the site, Westin guests do not have access to them). The hotel has terrific benefits, including a lovely swimming pool, a beautiful beach with palm trees and crystal clear waters, and a pampering spa. While idyllic and exclusive, its location can be a bit inconvenient for travelers who want to be close to shops and restaurants (the hotel only has one restaurant on-site).
The Miami Beach EDITION
A beautiful beach, two pools, a luxury spa, and fitness center, a fine-dining Matador restaurant, and an underground nightclub/bowling alley/skating rink are some of the notable features of this hip luxury hotel. The 294 elegant rooms — many with ocean-view balconies — feature light woods, white fabrics, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, and Le Labo toiletries.
Advantage
Beautiful beach with chairs and umbrellas available
Elegant and comfortable rooms, many with balconies and ocean views
Two pools with poolside food and drink service
Right on the beach, a short cab ride from the famous South Beach
Matador Restaurant by renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten
Multiple indoor and outdoor bars
Spa with treatment rooms, steam room, infrared sauna, and salon
The 24-hour fitness center has free weights and cardio machines
The basement has a disco, bowling alley, and ice skating rink
Free WIFI
Turn-down service with free bottled water
Cons
Daily rate (standard in Miami)
fee for umbrellas
Expensive valet parking
Not all rooms have a balcony or sea view
On-site restaurants are expensive
no coffee/tea
Summary
Following a complete renovation of the former Hotel Sevilla, the Miami Beach EDITION opened in December 2014 to provide hip, luxury accommodations in the booming Mid-Beach area. Mimicking the general design of the hotel, the 294 rooms feature elegant pieces of light wood and white fabrics. The amenities are top-notch: Two outdoor pools; a beachfront with chairs and umbrellas; good food Matador restaurant; a luxury spa; and a nightclub/underground bowling/skate rink. While couples, families, and business professionals all frequent the hotel, the edition draws mainly fashion-forward travelers who will appreciate the Beats Bluetooth speakers and paper magazine copy in each room.
The Brazilian Court Hotel
Advantage
Eight-minute walk to the stunning beaches of Palm Beach
The beautiful century-old property oozes Spanish colonial charm
Stylish rooms with wet bars, premium minibars, and whirlpool tubs
Elegant Café Boulud restaurant with outdoor dining and room service
Boulud Bar has a bespoke cocktail menu
Intimate heated pool with jacuzzi
Full-service salon from celebrity stylist Frédéric Fekkai
Fast and free Wi-Fi in all rooms and common areas
Free airport transfers
24-hour gym and concierge service
Pet-friendly (for a fee)
Cons
Only paid parking is available
No dedicated spa
Summary
The four-pearl Brazilian Court Hotel is an intimate, boutique option with a healthy dose of elegant Spanish colonial charm initially built in the 1920s. What it lacks in the scale of amenities, it makes up for in quality of What’s on offer: An elegant French restaurant by Daniel Boulud, a Frédéric Fekkai lounge, and a private heated pool set among gardens with tinkling fountains. In addition, it is two blocks from one of the most beautiful beaches in South Florida. The 80 rooms are stately and feature free Wi-Fi, wet bars, full minibars, and whirlpool tubs. Suites upgrade to spacious layouts with multiple baths. Expect to pay more for parking, but airport transfers are free. As an alternative, the Hilton West Palm Beach has a more modern vibe, additional features, and lower rates.
Dream South Beach
A minute’s walk from the beach, this trendy boutique hotel caters to a young, hip clientele like many others in the area. The lobby is decorated in a chic black-and-white motif, the pool and bar ceiling is hopping late into the night, and house music plays throughout the property.
Advantage
In the heart of the South Beach Art Deco District, one block from the beach
Stylish rooms with large flat-screen TVs, minibars, and iPod docks
Pension with covered terrace on the roof available for stays or events
Naked Taco restaurant with excellent Mexican food and a huge tequila list
Spa with a wide range of treatments and a boutique
Rooftop infinity pool with cabanas and pool bar
Pets are accepted (for a fee)
Free wi-fi in all the hotel
Cons
no gym
Bathrooms are small, and counter space is lacking
No parking
Summary
Located in the heart of Miami’s South Beach Art Deco district, one block from the beach, Dream South Beach is a 107-room luxury hotel and hostel that serves as event space. Room decor is sleek and modern, and all rooms and suites have rain showers. Common areas include a Mexican restaurant with an impressive tequila list, a spa with a good range of services, and a rooftop infinity pool with a bar that stays open late. However, while it’s great for those looking for a buzzy, chic scene, it lacks a gym and doesn’t offer much for kids; Families (and fitness enthusiasts) may want to consider Loews Miami Beach Hotel instead offers kids’ programs and a fitness center.
Purple House
Initially opened in the 1950s, the Casa Morada is an upscale, intimate boutique hotel that has been completely renovated with elegant suite-style rooms, hammocks hanging between the trees, a serene pool deck and bar, and a Zen garden. With the rock cave. There are only 16 rooms on the property, each with incredible water views and distinct decor and atmosphere.
Advantage
Beautiful beachfront location in a quiet, convenient, and walkable location
Sixteen deluxe rooms with green garden or water views
Some rooms have huge jetted tubs, separate sitting areas, and/or private terraces
Small private island with a sparkling pool, lounge chairs, and cabana bar
Free use of snorkel gear, bikes, kayaks, and yoga classes
The gardens have a relaxation area and a bocce court
In-room massages, sunset cruises, and water activities are available
Guests with boats can dock at the hotel for free
Complimentary continental breakfast and appetizers (paid) and lunch menu
Free WIFI
friendly pet
Cons
Children under 16 not allowed (pro for some)
No private island boardwalk beach drops directly into the w.ater
Summary
Epitomizing the laid-back Keys lifestyle, Casa Morada is a unique 16-room boutique ideal for groups of friends or couples looking for a romantic getaway. The atmosphere is calm and serene, with tropical gardens and a small private island with a pool and plenty of loungers. Guests can choose from free activities such as yoga classes, boules, lounging in the plunge pool, or renting kayaks, push bikes, or snorkeling gear. There is also complimentary breakfast and small snacks and drinks for purchase. This property offers excellent value for money compared to nearby hotels, and many spacious rooms have water views.
Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
Centrally located near many of St. Augustine’s attractions, the 138-room Casa Monica Hotel is a magnificent historic building dating from 1888. The dramatic Spanish-chalet-meets-Moorish-Nights theme includes low lighting, velvet headboards, wrought-iron hardware, and red carpeting. Findings include a sunny rooftop pool with a sizeable surrounding patio, a spacious fitness center, an on-site cafe, a restaurant, a bar, and manicured gardens.
Advantage
Convenient, central location near historic district attractions
Gorgeous landmark building dating from 1888
Rooms have Spanish-inspired decor and bathrobes
Sunny rooftop pool with extensive patio surrounds
The lobby has an attractive, landmark vibe
Spacious gym with cardio and weight machines
On-site cafe with Starbucks coffee, restaurant, and lobby lounge
Beautiful, manicured gardens
Free newspapers tomorrow
Cons
Some rooms have old tube TVs
Fee for Wi-Fi
Only valet parking Expensive
Summary
The Casa Monica Hotel is a magnificent, historic building dating back to 1888. This 138-room hotel is situated in a convenient, central location, close to many of St. Augustine’s top attractions. The Spanish-meets-Arabian-Nights theme villa creates a historic, romantic atmosphere in the lobby, and the theme continues in the rooms. Details like dim lighting, dramatic velvet headboards, wrought-iron details, and oriental-style red rugs will appeal to some, though others might find them kitschy. Findings include a sunny rooftop pool, an expansive wrap-around patio, and a spacious fitness center. There is also a comfortable hotel cafe, restaurant, bar, and manicured gardens. However, expensive fees for Wi-Fi and parking might encourage some guests to compare other options in St. Augustine.
Boca Raton Resort, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Beautiful and regal, the Boca Raton Resort is an expansive hotel on 365 acres. Rooms in different buildings are designed differently, but all are large and stylish and include flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, iPod docks, and Keurig coffeemakers. A shuttle boat ferries guests from its sister property’s leading resort, the Beach Club Boca, which sits along a private ocean beach.
Advantage
Luxurious hotel located in a beautiful marina with golf and tennis on the premises
Beautiful spa in a Roman architectural style and two pools (one for spa clients only)
Large, modern rooms with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and iPod docks; some have balconies.
An expansive 24-hour fitness center with modern equipment
Boat shuttle bus to Boca Beach Club, with a half-mile of private beach
A variety of on-site dining and drinking options include both fine dining and grab-and-go
Club search with children’s programming
Business center and extensive conference space
Room service is available 24 hours
Dogs under 25 pounds are allowed in Bungalows for a one-time. fee
Cons
Accommodation fees for other Internet client services, gym access, and
Expensive valet parking
Summary
The beautiful and regal Boca Raton Resort is a hotel that offers a wide range of room styles, activities, and restaurants. On 365 hectares of land, the complex provides top-of-the-line golf and tennis facilities and runs a beautiful spa. Rooms in different buildings are designed differently, but all are large and stylish and include flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, iPod docks, and Keurig coffeemakers. A shuttle boat ferries guests to its sister property’s leading resort, the Boca Beach Club, which sits along a private ocean beach. However, some guests have complained of a pesky resort fee and high valet parking costs.
Marquise Hotel
Restored from 1884 shell houses, the Marquesa Hotel is a complex of buildings that surround interior gardens and two swimming pools. The 27 individually decorated rooms are light and airy and feature flat-screen TVs and cozy sitting areas with ottomans. Suites have private terraces with cute wicker furniture, and some are adjacent to one of the hotel’s pools. An attractive on-site restaurant, Cafe Marquesa, serves fresh local seafood.
Advantage
Historic property full of character, centrally located
Bright, spacious rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and cozy seating areas
Poolside rooms offer easy access to the pool, and suites have private porches or patios
Two pools are surrounded by trees and lush landscaping
The hotel’s warm and welcoming restaurant, Cafe Marquesa, serves fresh local seafood
Free Wi-Fi, free parking, and complimentary wine are served at check-in
The romantic and homely atmosphere in these restored 1884 shell houses
Nightly turndown service and complimentary morning coffee and tea by the pool
Cons
Poolside rooms might experience noise during the day.
Summary
Restored from 1884 spiral houses, the Hotel Marquesa is a compound of four buildings that surround beautiful interior gardens and two swimming pools. A narrow staircase in the hall leads to the individually decorated rooms. Bright rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and cozy seating areas with ottomans. The bathrooms are basic and clean, with shower/tub combos and marble sinks. Suites have private terraces with cute wicker furniture; some are next to one of the hotel’s pools. The hotel’s attractive restaurant, Cafe Marquesa, serves fresh local seafood. Children under 14 are not allowed in the hotel, giving this property a distinctly romantic atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi and parking add value, and the Old Town location two blocks from Duval Street is convenient.
