Most luxury resorts in Florida offer an enviable relaxed vibe that puts guests immediately in a Fins Up mood. Florida is one of the few places where you can wear shorts and flip flops to resort restaurants. I know, because I did—and I do! Please, though, no wet swimsuits in the restaurants.
This list of relaxed luxury resorts in Florida is organized from north to south, as you might encounter them on Sunshine State road trips. I also included at least one special feature (a McCool Travel tip) for each property. And if you visit these fun relaxed luxury Florida resorts after Thanksgiving, their tropical holiday decorations are amazing.
While I personally visited these Florida luxury resorts, I realize there are dozens of others. Leave a comment below with suggestions of other Florida resorts I should visit.
Fabulous Relaxed Luxury Resorts in Florida
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
All rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island have their own balcony—great for relaxing to ocean sounds and scents. The property has four restaurants, including SALT, one of only two AAA 5 diamond restaurants in the entire state of Florida.
For more Amelia Island information, please read Things to Do in Amelia Island.
Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort
Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort is a massive 1,300 acre property, with tons of space to explore and play. All of their rooms face the Atlantic Ocean. Nine dining venues, all under the direction of Omni Executive Chef Daven Wardynski, offer a variety of culinary experiences.
Also see our article about US Resorts With Water Activities.
Epicurean Hotel, Tampa
Epicurean Hotel in Tampa, Florida is inspired by Bern Laxer, founder of Bern’s Steakhouse. Bern’s Steakhouse is located across the street from Epicurean Hotel and houses one of the world’s largest wine collections (over a half million bottles).
The Epicurean Hotel is the only hotel I have been to with its own Cooking Theater—featuring culinary demonstrations, seminars, and competitions. We love spending a pleasant evening sipping craft cocktails at the rooftop bar.
See our Epicurean Hotel review and click here for best Epicurean Hotel rates.
South Seas Resort on Captiva
Occupying 330 acres of nature preserve with 2.5 miles of private beach, South Seas Resort is a tranquil but also adventurous (your choice!) waterfront resort on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Make sure you rent a golf cart to explore all of the hidden gems and secret paths. See our South Seas Resort review and click here for best South Seas Resort rates.
For more information on the area, please read Things to Do in Fort Myers Beach.
Inn on Fifth, Naples
Inn on Fifth is an esteemed Forbes Travel Guide 4-star rated hotel and the only luxury hotel located in the heart of downtown Naples. It is within walking distance of the beach, fantastic shops and amazing restaurants, and Tin City. For an enhanced experience, stay across the street at the Inn on Fifth Club Level Suites, with a private rooftop deck (with pool and hot tub) and dedicated concierge lounge (great snacks and drinks).
For more Naples information, please see our favorite places to eat in Naples Florida.
Boca Resort, Boca Raton
Boca Resort is not one but two magnificent relaxed luxury resorts in Florida.
The Main Resort includes the Tower, Yacht Club, Bungalows, and The Cloister—the original classic resort from the 1920s but completely modernized and refurbished. Both resorts have a variety of activities and dining options.
Choose the Beach Club, where rooms have massive ceiling to floor windows to tempt you to get outside.
Choose the Beach Club, where rooms have massive ceiling to floor windows to tempt you to get outside.
>>> See the McCool Travel article: Boca Resort Relaxed Luxury Features
Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort
Margaritaville Resort Hollywood Beach is a perfect example of relaxed luxury resort in Florida. You can put your toes in the sand in several places, chill in the spa, and eat very well. You bet I wore flip flops to their fine dining restaurant (JWB) and I definitely was not the only one! Guest rooms have comfortable bed and pillows, elegant but comfortable wood decor, and two adirondack chairs on the balcony.
>>> See our Margarita Hollywood Beach Resort review
The Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove
With its Old World design and elegant marble and decor, the lobby of the The Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove instantly transports your mind to Europe’s finest luxury hotels. Here, though, is a great location to stay when you sail from Dinner Key marina, visit the University of Miami, or attend the world famous Coconut Grove Art Festival. Treat yourself by relaxing in the salt water pool.
The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne
Close to Miami yet a world away is The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne. The property has a large tennis center, extensive fitness center, amazing spa, but also a spacious, clean beach and two pool areas to relax.
For South Florida road trips, please read South Florida scenic drives and Best Miami Scenic Drives. See also Romantic US hotels.
Our favorite relaxed luxury resort in the Florida Keys is Casa Morada in Islamorada.
Do you have favorite relaxed luxury resorts in Florida that are not yet included on this list? Leave a comment below and I hope to visit them and might include them in an article update.
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Terrific list Charles. We loved the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando their Bull & Bear Restaurant is outstanding! I’d love to check out Epicurean Hotel in Tampa.
Nice suggestion. I need to ‘splore all dem luxury resorts in Mickeyville.
Any hotel that makes its own honey is cool in my book! These are all stunning properties… I wouldn’t even know what to choose! Thanks for putting these on my radar, I’ll bookmark this for the future. Happy travels 🙂
Thank you for the note, JS Jenn. The honey is cool and that honey bourbon was amazing. Might have been the best thing I ate or drink in the last year.
I currently live in Florida and can definitely say that you picked some fabulous properties! I’m hoping to visit Amelia Island soon so I’ll definitely check out that Omni Resort. Thanks for sharing and happy travels 🙂
Thank you, Carmen. You probably know some other fabulous relaxed luxury resorts, especially in South Florida.
I’d love to take the art tour at the Ritz Coconut Grove! How fun to combine that with a luxury stay! Great list… Wish I could visit them all…
Definitely fun. And educational and cool.
I love this! Florida is a favorite state of mine and you showcased some nice properties and all they have to offer. I enjoyed following your social media posts of these properties, as well. Thanks for a nice round up of these beautiful Florida properties.
Thank you for the nice note, Sara.
You’ve personally visited all these resorts? Living the dream! Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort looks like an amazing property, I also really like the style of the Margaritaville Resort Hollywood Beach – one day!
Ha, yes, Sheena. Great places. I am hoping to visit (and cover) more relaxed luxury resorts in Florida soon.
I love Florida and go frequently since I can drive to most of the areas. I’ve never stayed at the Margaritaville hotel — that’s going on the bucket list!
Excellent. Margaritaville is a fun place!
All these places look amazing. We would be happy to stay at any of these places. They all have facilities that would keep our kids occupied which is great.
Most of these resorts do have Kids’ Clubs and are quite family friendly.
I feel as if I need to feel pampered at any one of these luxury resorts right now! Better yet, a few days at each so I could pick my personal favourite!
Oh, yes. A tour of all the resorts is definitely the way to do it!
The Heaven in a Hammock spa treatment sounds very tempting. Time I visited Ritz Carlton Amelia Island!
Sounds like a great plan.
All look fabulous! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for the note, Tam!