
Best Luxury Hotels in Florida
The US’s southeasternmost state has long been a holiday favourite, offering leading beach resorts, golf courses and theme parks, of which Walt Disney World in Orlando headlines. Those in the market for a city break can hit the streets of Miami, with a buzzing arts scene and nightlife, particularly in South Beach. And if you’re seeking a more secluded escape, why not take a trip through the Everglades, or head for a hidden beach to see marine life through a snorkel?
Florida, Tampa
The Tampa EDITION
(5 stars)Situated in the new Water Street Tampa neighbourhood, The Tampa EDITION welcomes guests from across the globe to unwind in luxury. The hotel is comprised of 172 lavish guestrooms and spacious suites, featuring the unrivalled 204msq Penthouse Suite. There are 7 food and beverage venues to choose from including a rooftop bar and terrace. Lilac is the hotel’s Michelin-starred Mediterranean restaurant where local ingredients are key. The Arts Club serves innovative cocktails accompanied by live music and entertainment in a stylish venue. There is a rooftop swimming pool with private cabanas overlooking the city. Guests are welcome to make use of the rejuvenating spa and wellness facilities as well as the fully equipped fitness centre that is open 24 hours a day. There are multiple business and event facilities for private meetings and functions, complete with state-of-the-art equipment.
Florida, Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach
Waterline Villas & Marina, Autograph Collection
(5 stars)Waterline Villas & Marina, Autograph Collection is a boutique resort located on Anna Maria Island, a picturesque island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The resort enjoys a prime waterfront position, offering easy access to the island’s pristine beaches and local attractions. The Waterline is family-friendly, making it ideal for both couples seeking a romantic escape and families looking for a relaxing beach vacation. It is home to 37 spacious two-bedroom villas, each designed to feel like a private residence. The villas are equipped with kitchens, separate living and dining areas, and private balconies which makes them the perfect place to relax and unwind for a few days. The Waterline seamlessly blends coastal elegance with a laid-back island vibe throughout each Villa’s interior. The villas are bathed in natural light which is complemented by natural textures and colours that reflect the beauty of the surrounding waters and beaches.
The resort is home to a heated outdoor pool with cabanas, a well-equipped fitness centre, and an on-site marina with 50 boat slips, offering direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. The resort’s restaurant serves fresh, seasonal cuisine which revolves around seafood and regional flavours. Guests can use the resort’s bicycles and fishing gear, allowing them to fully explore the island.
A standout feature of Waterline is its proximity to the attractions of Anna Maria Island like the Historic Bridge Street Pier and the island’s beautiful, uncrowded beaches. The resort can also organise kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water-based activities for guests.
Florida, Fort Myers
Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection
(4 stars)Stay downtown at this AAA Four-Diamond resort perched on the Caloosahatchee River. The 12-storey building was completed in 2020 and is just a couple of blocks from the beach with views across the marina. Terraces house the fourth-floor pool and a bar, while 243 rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and urban chic decor, with artistic nods to the city’s illustrious “luminaries”. There are five places to eat and drink on-site; a seafood restaurant, a coffee shop, an American diner, a top-floor river-view cocktail bar and the latest addition, Oxbow Bar & Grill. The Luminary also accommodates a culinary theatre and indoor and outdoor fitness areas.
Florida, Delray Beach
The Ray Hotel Delray Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton
(4 stars)This recently opened design-forward property is found in the palm-flanked Pineapple Grove Arts District. The tropically inspired building by González Architects is accented with living walls, huge sculptures and a “floating glass cube” function space/yoga studio. Indeed glass plays an intrinsic part in its makeup, creating allowing the outside in. The Rosewood Rooftop houses a bar, restaurant and pool; Stingers is the coffee shop, Ember Grill serves US-style food and there’s a Japanese restaurant, Akira Back, led by a Michelin-starred chef. Bedroom interiors are by Virserius Studio and art installations are found throughout the public spaces.
The Ray Hotel Delray Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton
SAVE FOR LATERFlorida, Miami, Miami Beach
The Setai Miami Beach
(5 stars)The Setai, Miami Beach, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, features 87 Art Deco rooms in the original building, 50 Ocean Suites in the tower, and one exception Penthouse with a pool. Facilities include the Valmont Spa and a Clefs d’Or Chief Concierge. The gardens, punctuated with water pods, sculptures and tropical plants, are where guests will find three temperature-controlled pools, and then the private full-service beach. Dining is led by Executive Chef Vijayudu Veena, and includes the vibrant Jaya restaurant, and on the beach, The Ocean Grill. It is a fusion of intimate, boutique personalised hospitality with the flair and style of one of the best Florida resorts. Staying at The Setai is to experience something truly unique in Miami Beach. This is undeniably a landmark breach resort, yet the landmark architecture and ingenious design creates a welcoming boutique feel that reflects the hotel’s commitment to exclusive, personalised hospitality.
Florida, Miami, Brickell
Four Seasons Hotel Miami
(5 stars)This historic Surf Club on Miami Beach has been renovated owing to the Four Seasons. The original Mediterranean Revival clubhouse has been restored and an additional 12-storey glass tower has been built. All these have made this luxury resort bring a little bit of the Old Florida charm back to Surfside. This resort offers sublime rooms, each with luxurious finishes and a plush white bed. The services and facility are also on point. The dark, atmospheric Shiseido Spa tops among its top facilities. Other facilities include Bar, Beach, Kids’ club, Fitness centre, Laundry, Pool, Parking and Restaurants among others. The food and drinks all offer a great dining experience at this resort. To top it up, the staff is efficient and courteous.
Florida, Miami, Surfside
Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida
(5 stars)The Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Surfside, Miami, is a luxury beachfront retreat that combines the elegance of its 1930s origins with modern sophistication. The property offers a range of accommodations, including oceanfront rooms, suites, bungalows, and private residences, each with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel boasts three swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and a wellness spa offering bespoke treatments.
One of the standout features is the dining experience, with options including Le Sirenuse Miami, an outpost of the Michelin-starred restaurant from the Amalfi Coast, offering Italian cuisine in a refined setting. The Champagne Bar provides a glamorous spot for pre-dinner drinks, and the Churchill Bar pays homage to the hotel’s history with its vintage-inspired décor.
For those seeking relaxation, the Surf Club Spa offers a range of treatments that blend modern techniques with traditional therapies. The hotel also provides direct access to a pristine beach, where guests can enjoy watersports or simply unwind in the Florida sun.
Additionally, the hotel features unique historical elements, such as the Peacock Alley, a gathering space that recalls the golden age of Miami, and the legendary ballroom, which has hosted many notable events since the hotel’s opening.
Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida
SAVE FOR LATERFlorida, Fort Lauderdale
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
(5 stars)The oceanfront location of this Ritz-Carlton property sets the tone for a more relaxed vibe than is found in some of the brand’s more formal city-centre hotels. Twelve storeys in height with a curved shape and furnished balconies attached to every bedroom, it looks and feels much like a cruise liner. This theme continues inside, with a ship-like lobby offering boutique shops, a pool table, a spa and a salon The sunbathing/ pool area overlooks the sea, while on the seventh floor, there’s a stunning infinity pool Guests staying here have access to the Grande Oaks Golf Course and can eat in the Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits or the poolside cafe.
Florida, Orlando
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
(5 stars)If you’d like to stay as close to Disney as possible – but not in one of their themed hotels – this is the place to book. Part of the Bonnet Creek complex, it’s a short drive from the theme parks, yet a beautifully calm oasis to escape the tourist bustle. Featuring local artwork, a Rees Jones-designed golf course, fancy boutiques and a glamorous cocktail bar, it’s deeply refined. However, kids are warmly welcomed too, kept occupied with their own programme of activities and dedicated pool – allowing the adults to enjoy some freshly baked croissants, in-room Nespresso coffee, beauty treatments or even a poolside Prosecco Popsicle.
Florida, Miami, Bal Harbour
The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort
(5 stars)This hotel is located at the northern tip of Miami Beach. This 227-room hotel offers unrivalled service and amenities which includes a fitness centre, a bar, child care services and room service among others. The interiors consist of high ceilings, enormous crystal chandeliers and glass walls. The beach villas have their own butler and each villa has its own wet bar, bathroom, dining patio and indoor lounge. There is serves lunch and dinner throughout the week while the Wine Vault and St Regis Bar offer tea, cocktails and evening music events. This hotel offers access for guests with disabilities, it is family-friendly and offers great value for your cash.
Florida, Tampa
JW Marriott Tampa Water Street – Tampa
(4 stars)JW Marriott Tampa Water Street is located in the bustling downtown district where you’ll find some of the city’s main attractions including the Tampa Riverwalk. The hotel is comprised of 519 deluxe guestrooms and suites offering scenic water and city views from expansive windows. The most luxurious accommodation option is the spacious Presidential Suite, complete with a 1,000sqft private balcony. There are six on-site dining venues where local flavours can be savoured indoors or al fresco. The hotel boasts resort-style pools with private cabanas overlooking the water featuring two on the lavish sixth floor rooftop where you’ll find SiX gourmet restaurant and a chic pool bar. There is also an exclusive executive lounge, and guests are invited to unwind in the serene Spa by JW with its excellent wellness facilities and fitness centre. The hotel boasts the largest hotel ballroom in the Tampa Bay area.
Florida, Palm Beach
The Breakers Palm Beach – Palm Beach
(5 stars)The Breakers Palm Beach has everything you need to enjoy a relaxing stay by the sea. The hotel offers bright and modern guestrooms and suites overlooking the ocean, including the Imperial Suite and the Royal Poinciana Suite. There are ten distinct dining venues where guests can savour local and international flavours, including the Seafood Bar and Echo Restaurant with the Dragonfly Lounge. Guests can also opt to dine in the Beach Club Restaurant which sits on the hotel’s private beachfront. There are also four seafront swimming pools, including the infinity-style South Pool, and an indoor-outdoor spa where guests can enjoy a range of wellness facilities and treatments. The hotel is home to a 6,000ftsq Ocean Fitness Centre offering daily classes as well as world-class racketeering facilities including twelve tennis, two pickleball and two padel courts. For golf lovers, there are 36 holes of golf including the championship Rees Jones course at Breakers West. There are also thirteen signature boutiques where guests can shop and browse until their heart’s content.
