Florida may be synonymous with sun and sand, but only a few resorts actually put you right on the beach. From a top-notch spa to a secluded island, here are the very best Florida beach resorts based on beach access, and amenities.
| Resort | Price | Location | Oceanside Cabanas |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTHERN | |||
| Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach | $$$$ | Sunny Isles Beach | Yes |
| Southernmost Beach Resort | $ | Key West | Yes |
| Lago Mar Beach Resort and Club | $$ | Ft. Lauderdale | Yes |
| The Breakers | $$$$ | Palm Beach | No |
| Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort | $$ | Marathon | No |
| The Carillon Miami Wellness Resort | $$ | Miami Beach | No |
| St Regis Bal Harbour Resort | $$$$ | Miami Beach | Yes |
| Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa | $$$ | Manalapan | Yes |
| The Boca Raton | $$$ | Boca Raton | Yes |
| CENTRAL | |||
| Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa | $ | Vero Beach | Yes |
| The Shores Resort and Spa | $ | Daytona Beach Shores | Yes |
| NORTHERN | |||
| Ponte Vedra Inn & Club | $$ | Ponte Vedra | No |
| The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa | $$$ | Destin | No |
| Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa | $ | Palm Coast | No |
| Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach | $$$$ | Palm Beach | Yes |
| Omni Amelia Island Resort | $$ | Fernandina Beach | Yes |
Southern Florida Beach Resorts
Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach
Situated on 4.5 acres of blissful beachside property in Sunny Isles Beach (between Fort Lauderdale and Miami), Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach gives new meaning to fun in the sun. The Mediterranean-style villa sits directly overlooking the ocean, without any barriers between guests and its 400 feet of Atlantic shoreline.
A recipient of the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award and the AAA Five Diamond Award, Acqualina doesn’t disappoint when it comes to service and amenities. The resort features three outdoor swimming pools, beachfront yoga, a world-class oceanfront spa, and three on-site restaurants.
Southernmost Beach Resort
Key West may not be known for its beaches—Duval Street always steals the spotlight—but there are plenty of places to dig your feet in the sand. Southernmost Beach Resort is just such a spot, with two beaches, three pools, a poolside bar, and a private pier perfect for sunset viewing.
Many of the rooms have ocean views, and all come with access to South Beach and the use of rental beach chairs and umbrellas. Located a stone’s throw from the historic Old Town, Southernmost Beach Resort delivers the best of both worlds when it comes to Key West vacations.
Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club
With a 500-foot private beach and a secluded location in Fort Lauderdale, Lago Mar Beach Resort and Club feels like a true escape from the everyday. Cabanas, chaise lounges, steamer chairs, and umbrellas are provided to take lounging to the next level. Lago Mar also features two swimming pools—one is a 9,000-foot lagoon-inspired area with its very own island—and plenty of on-site activities, such as four tennis courts, a resort shop, and a spa. Six on-site eateries offer a range of cuisines and dining options, including a soda shop (ice cream fanatics rejoice) and a wine cellar lounge.
The Breakers
Situated on 140 acres of pristine oceanfront property in the heart of Palm Beach, a stay at The Breakers is a tropical experience unlike any other in Florida. The Italian Renaissance-style resort provides a half-mile of private beach, four oceanfront pools, five whirlpool spas, and poolside bungalows. Outdoor enthusiasts can partake in the Breakers’ many activities, such as scuba diving, sunset cruises, kayaking, snorkeling, tennis, and golf. There’s also a spa and eight on-site restaurants.
Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort
Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico in the heart of the Florida Keys, Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort is known for its white sandy beaches, tropical swimming pools, and lush gardens. Tranquility Bay also offers on-site diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding.
The Carillon Miami Wellness Resort
Formerly Canyon Ranch Miami Beach, the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort combines a dramatic setting overlooking the water with southern Florida’s largest spa. Numerous activities are offered each day, ranging from yoga and meditation classes to boot camps and boxing workouts. Four pools and the beach, only steps from the hotel, make it easy to soak up the sun.
St Regis Bal Harbour Resort
Enjoy stunning ocean views from twenty-seven floors up at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. For an ultimate oceanside experience, Oceanfront Day Villas are available, featuring a private indoor air-conditioned lounge, bathroom, a full outdoor dining table, an oversized day bed for lounging with a gorgeous ocean view, and more. Relax at one of two pools, or by treating yourself at the spa.
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
With seven acres of oceanfront, Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa is the perfect spot for your Florida beach vacation. Located in Manalapan, less than a half hour from West Palm Beach, you’ll be able to relish in the sand on the beach when you reserve one of their oceanfront cabanas and explore the water with their complimentary non-motorized water sports like bodyboarding, standup paddle boarding, and snorkeling. Enjoy some quiet time at the tranquility pool or spa, eat at one of their eight bars and restaurants or work out in the fitness center.
The Boca Raton
Made up of five hotels to create a massive resort, the Boca Raton is seeped in history, having opened in 1926. Currently undergoing a massive rejuvenation, you will be able to experience the wonder of the hotel as it was meant to be. Stay in the iconic Cloister to get a feel of the days of yore, or for a more modern feel, try the Beach Club and its “breezy style.” Use their water taxis to go from harborside to beachside, enjoy a cabana or a daybed on the beach, or treat yourself to a massage at the spa- no matter what you do, your stay will leave you feeling satisfied.
Central Florida Beach Resorts
Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa
Gloria and Emilio Estefan founded Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa in Central Florida’s Treasure Coast as the ultimate escape from the ordinary. The beachfront haven provides ocean views alongside locally grown dishes served at the Wave Kitchen & Bar or the Beachside Cabana Bar. Guests can take a dip in the beachfront pool or enjoy water activities on Vero Beach, such as snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking.
The Shores Resort & Spa
Located in popular Daytona Beach, The Shores Resort & Spa offers everything you need for the ideal beach vacation in a convenient location. Enjoy oceanfront views while you dine at the in-house restaurant, Azure, or relax in the hot tub or in an oceanfront cabana- no matter what you choose, you’ll love the ocean breeze on you while doing it. The pool, spa, surf lessons, and s’more making are popular amenities.
Northern Florida Beach Resorts
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
Located 20 miles southeast of Jacksonville in northeast Florida, the 300-acre Ponte Vedra Inn & Club lures travelers with amenities such as seaside golf, tennis, sailing, and cycling. It doesn’t end there, however, as the resort also features miles of beaches, four swimming pools, a full-service spa, and numerous dining options.
The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa
Enjoy timeless luxury at the Henderson Beach Resort & Spa. The hotel has something for everyone- from bike rentals, a private beach, to two pools – one that is specifically for families with a lazy river and splash pad for the kids. Have fun with a paddle board or kayak rental, or stroll around HarborWalk Village in Destin for shopping and dining. Choose from rooms, suites and even condominiums for ultimate space during your stay.
Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa
The entire family will enjoy a stay at the Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Besides the private beach (where you can reserve a chair or umbrella for an extra fee), there are four pools to satisfy every poolgoer type: the family-friendly outdoor pool with a waterslide and poolside sandcastle building, the indoor pool, which also features two hot tubs, or two quieter outdoor pools. The fitness center offers classes, there are bike rentals, a putting course, a spa, golf, and tennis. Be sure to take advantage of their complimentary 45-minute photography session with Atventure photography- a great way to capture your vacation.
Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach
Palm Beach Island’s only five-star, five-diamond resort, the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach is the perfect spot for a beach vacation with a touch of grandeur. Enjoy dining at one of the three on-site restaurants, relax at the day spa, unwind with a yoga class, or rent a beach bed for the day – no matter what you do, your every need will be catered to.
Omni Amelia Island Resort
With over three miles of secluded beach, pools, nine on-site restaurants, and a full-service spa, there is something for everyone at Omni Amelia Island Resort. The resort is chock full of events to participate in, from segway tours, tennis instruction, pickleball to live music and their special “Sprouting Project” that gives guests a tour of their aquaponic greenhouse, beehives, and more!
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