Best Value
Sandpearl Resort Clearwater Beach
Daytona Beach – Surf’s Up
We always seem to find a special offer worth booking at the Shores Resort & Spa in Daytona. Hard to resist, this boutique property sits on the southern end of the Daytona stretch where the hard- packed sandy shore is perfect for bicycling, kicking back in a chaise or even taking a surf- ing lesson. Log on now. shoresresort.com
Sarasota – All You Need
Extended families, the girlfriend-getaway crowd and couples who travel well together love the Hyatt Siesta Key Beach. You can’t top the huge suites, 1,800 to 3,000 square feet, at this Hyatt Residence Club where multihead rain- showers, Bose sound systems, Sub-Zero appliances and even heated toliet seats spoil. Oh, and the beach for sunset cocktails is incredible. The cost for such luxury? You do the math — divide and conquer for savings. siestakeybeach.hyatt.com
Clearwater Beach – Local Perks
Florida residents happily take 15 to 25 percent off the rates for rooms, all with water views, at the Sandpearl Resort. Also set romance in motion with an intimate dinner at Caretta on the Gulf, where the personalized service doesn’t disappoint. Follow up with sunset on the soft Gulf sands (or from one of Caretta’s ocean-view tables). Then lounge by the light of the fire pit and even roast marshmallows for s’mores. sandpearl.com
Ultimate Experiences
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
Miami Beach – Spa Heaven
Carillon Hotel is a luxurious venue where spa devotees rejuvenate. Sky-high windows in the fitness zone allow for gazing at the Atlantic as you burn calories, while water elements in the spa soothe. Turn off your iphone and become one with the Zen sensibility. Calm and quiet are the norm. carillonhotel.com
Little Torch Key – Utterly Romantic
Leave any concerns but each other on the mainland. Dine on the sand by the light of tiki torches and retire to a rose-petal-filled, hut-style bungalow in Little Palm Island’s private paradise. littlepalmisland.com
Epicurean Hotel – Food & Wine Paradise
The guests here are true lovers of the culinary world. Enjoy a craft cocktail served on the rooftop, then prepare for a stellar meal at Élevage. If you prefer to get behind the stove, step into the Epicurean Theatre for a cooking class. epicureanhotel.com
Key West – Island Encounter
Set on a secluded 27-acre island, Sunset Key Guest Cottages screams luxury, Old Key West style. Tin roofs, louvered shutters and pastel paint mark the 37 cottages. Relax under huts on the shore or in the pool. A 24-hour shuttle whisks you to Duval Street. sunsetkeyisland.com
Urban Retreats
Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne
Miami Beach – The In Crowd
The world-renowned Fontainebleau, where chic urbanites strut their stuff around the beachfront poolscape, always draws a large crowd. After a $1 billion renovation, the lobby sparkles from its marble bow-tie floors to giant crystal chandeliers, and an iMac greets guests in every room. fontainebleau.com
South Beach – Pool Party
The Gansevoort embodies South Beach energy as well as elegance. Primary colors pop in rooms designed in a modern 1950s style. A rooftop pool plaza, which sits 18 stories above the Atlantic Ocean, transforms into one of South Beach’s hottest lounge scenes. gansevoortmiamibeach.com
Key Biscayne – Island Escape
Just a 15-minute drive from Miami’s financial hub, the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne rests on golden sands facing the Atlantic. Rooms have mother-of-pearl wall coverings and sumptuous silks. Also enjoy plush Ritz robes and Frette bed linens. ritzcarlton.com
Fort Lauderdale – Beachy Chic
Fresh off a beaucoup-bucks redo, the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel is one of the few hotels in the area with beachfront real estate that puts you right smack on the sand. Watch the waves from an ocean-view room tinted in a palette inspired by sea and shore. sheratonftlauderdalebeach.com
Family Affair
Port St. Lucie – All Ages
Newly renovated and all-inclusive, the Sandpiper Bay Club Med glistens on the St. Lucie River. Accommodations (whitewashed wood floors and fabrics with a coral motif) include multi-bedroom deluxe family units. Daily resort activities keep the clan together. clubmed.us
Panama City Beach – Romper Room
Towering 23 stories, the Shores of Panama has stunning views of the Gulf’s emerald waters — and that’s if you can draw your eyes past the massive zero-entry pool with footbridges as well as palm tree gardens. Suites with up to three bedrooms and full kitchens give everyone their space. shoresofpanamacitybeach.com
Boca Raton – Stylish Fun
Choose from tower, bungalow and beachfront accommodations at the iconic Boca Raton Resort. Family activities include junior golf, kite flying on a half-mile private beach, and s’mores and a movie by one of seven pools. Adults find cocktails and ocean views at The Blue on the 27th floor. bocaresort.com
Amelia Island – Beach Adventure
Take the family hunting for shark teeth on the shores fronting the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. Wrap the day in an oceanview room with a pirate tuck-in; treats and bedtime stories delivered by a buccaneer. ritzcarlton.com
Golf Resorts
Miami – Urban Swings
The golf course at the Turnberry Isle Miami has a fairy tale allure — with wooden bridges over curved water hazards, a towering stone waterfall at the 18th hole and palms even a botanist would kill for. Tucked in an urban neighborhood, the Mediterranean resort is a secret gem. turnberryislemiami.com
Palm Coast – Ocean Holes
When you can’t see it, you can hear it. The Atlantic is part of the game at the Hammock Beach Resort. The Ocean Course’s six holes skirt the mighty blue. Landlubbers play the Conservatory Course. Add tennis, a spa and a water park. hammockbeach.com
Gasparilla Island – Old Florida Style
The island course at the lovely Gasparilla Inn & Club in Boca Grande hooks golfers with its 15th hole that plays out along Charlotte Harbor’s oceanlike sprawl. The spacious cottages, painted a soothing yellow, have manicured yards. Bring your whites if you want to play a game of croquet. the-gasparilla-inn.com
Orlando – Most Playable
An FT+L favorite, the course at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando lets you take your pick from five tees on every hole, and thus tailoring your shot to your skill level. Expect the impeccable hotel service that goes with the Waldorf name. waldorfastoriaorlando.com
