13 Best Resorts in South Florida for Every Type of Traveler

The best resorts in South Florida offer sun, fun, and loads of relaxation. Many even have all that and more. If you’re planning a family vacation, honeymoon, destination wedding, or solo adventure, you’ll find resorts with multiple pools, private beaches, on-site restaurants, kids’ activities, and luxury spas.

Are you wondering where exactly South Florida is? We get it. There can be some confusion. Based on the official Visit Florida website, Jupiter is the northernmost section of South Florida.

It’s followed in a southerly fashion by Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Beach, and Miami all the way to the Florida Keys and Key West. It also extends to the Everglades and some of the southwest sections of the state, such as Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples.

As you can see, there are a lot of resorts and areas of town to choose from. Check out our collection of the best resorts in South Florida for your next Sunshine State vacation.

While you’re planning, don’t forget to check TravelInsurance.com. It offers the best way to search for top-rated travel insurance that can protect you in the event of trip cancellation, accidental injury, sickness, or even weather events (this is South Florida, folks).

TL;DR – Our Top 5 South Florida Resorts

Best Resorts in South Florida

1. The Breakers Palm Beach

Address: 1 S. County Road, Palm Beach, Florida 33480

Built in 1896, the Breakers Palm Beach extends a touch of Old Florida elegance and coastal relaxation for families, couples, and business travelers. Enjoy the Italian Renaissance ambiance of chandeliers, stately columns, ceiling murals, and fountains in an oceanfront location. Located near the upscale shopping of Worth Avenue, the resort offers convenience to dining and attractions in West Palm Beach.

Chic rooms feature premium linens, marble countertops, and sophisticated décor. Some suites have living areas and private balconies.

This South Florida resort sits on 140 acres and offers an on-site spa, ten restaurants, a playground, on-site boutiques, four oceanfront pools, six hot tubs, and a family entertainment center. If you’re into fitness and competitive activities, you’ll be happy to know that there are ten tennis courts and two 18-hole golf courses, along with private fitness and wellness coaching options.

Things to do Near Breakers Palm Beach

Pros

• Multiple pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, and golf courses
• Private beach with sun loungers and umbrellas
• On-site restaurants with kid-friendly choices

Cons

• Rather pricey
• Large and sprawling complex (if you’re looking for small and secluded, it might not be for you)

2. Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

Address: 100 S. Ocean Boulevard, Manalapan, Florida 33462

The Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, in the Palm Beach area, is situated on seven oceanfront acres complete with palm trees and tropical gardens. Formerly a Ritz-Carlton property, the resort has 309 rooms in three towers.

The Forbes Five-Star resort offers relaxed luxury on the Atlantic. If you’re looking for a destination wedding location, you’ll find gorgeous and glamorous venues at Eau Palm.

Eau Palm is a terrific resort destination for families and golfers who enjoy luxury and resort amenities like swimming pools, a luxurious spa, multiple on-site restaurants, bars, and banquet facilities. Enjoy tennis courts, complimentary bicycle rental, and use of non-motorized watersports gear.

The resort has a Kids Club that offers youth activities such as a teen center, a game room, a puppet theater, arts and crafts, and outdoor adventure. For honeymooners and couples, there’s a peaceful spa and wellness center and an adults-only tranquility pool.

Things to do Near Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

• Loggerhead Marine Life Center (sea turtle conservation center)
• Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum
• Take a Palm Beach Snorkeling Lesson
• Go horseback riding with Jupiter Equestrian Center or Pink Flamingo Stables

Pros

• Game room and kid’s activities for ages 5 to 12 and teens ages 13 to 17
• Pet-friendly with no extra fee
• Gorgeous pool and waterfront views

Cons

3. Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard

Address: 620 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301

Looking for a mid-range resort in a fun and lively location? Riverside Hotel is one of the best options around.

Located along trendy Las Olas Boulevard, the pet-friendly resort has a pool, a 3,300-square-foot fitness club, several restaurants, a bar, a banquet area, and boat dockage along the New River that can accommodate vessels up to 150 feet. This is Fort Lauderdale; luxury yachts are the norm in these parts.

Riverside is within walking distance of restaurants, bars, shopping, and (lest we forget) lots of ice cream shops. It’s a stop on the Water Taxi route, which makes it a terrific option for sightseeing on the New River and the surrounding area.

Things to do Near Riverside Hotel

Pros

• On-site restaurant and convenience to Las Olas Boulevard shopping and dining
• Fitness center, pool, and gift shop

Cons

• Busy area (maybe a plus for some)

4. Acqualina Resort & Spa

Address: 17875 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160

Situated between Hollywood Beach and Miami, Acqualina Resort & Spa offers modern luxury and Mediterranean-inspired ambiance on 4.5 acres of beachfront property. Family-owned and operated, the resort holds a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award and an AAA Five-Diamond Award. It makes an excellent option for families, groups, and destination weddings.

The resort has 54 guest rooms and 44 suites. There are four restaurants, three oceanfront pools, an adults-only infinity pool, a spa, and meeting rooms for business travelers.

AcquaMarine is a marine biology children’s program, which gives youngsters fun things to do while the grown-ups enjoy a frosty drink or two. This resort offers convenient access to the Art Deco District, the South Beach area, and shopping and dining at Bal Harbour.

Things to do Near Acqualina Resort & Spa

• Oleta River State Park
• Anne Kolb Nature Center
• International Swimming Hall of Fame

Pros

• Children’s programs, activities, and games
• Adults-only pool

Cons

• On the luxury (read: expensive) side

5. Fontainebleau

Address: 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33140

For a beachfront location perfect for jet setters and nightlife lovers, the historic Fontainebleau Miami Beach ticks all the boxes. Enjoy lively nightlife, shopping at Lincoln Road Mall, and dining at some of the best restaurants in South Beach.

Or, just sit back and relax on the beach. No judgment here.

This mid-range resort sits right on the beach and features contemporary coastal décor with modern amenities. Some rooms have balconies and kitchenettes. There are six outdoor swimming pools, nine restaurants, a spa, a nightclub, and a fitness center.

Originally opened in 1954, the resort is on the National Register of Historic Places. The resort features gorgeous sweeping architecture designed by Morris Lapidus. Big screen and television appearances include Amazon Prime’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, 1992’s The Bodyguard, 1982’s Scarface, and 1964’s Goldfinger.

Things to do Near Fontainebleau

Pros

• On-site restaurants, pools, spa, and fitness center
• Beachfront location

Cons

• Sprawling property may be overwhelming

6. St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

Address: 9703 Collins Avenue Bal Harbour, Miami Beach, Florida 33154

Located in the trendy Bal Harbour Village, the pet-friendly St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort is the perfect choice if you’re in town for any of South Beach’s many food fairs and cultural, art, and music events. The luxury resort makes a gorgeous venue for a destination wedding or honeymoon. Choose from 227 elegant rooms with designer furnishings, luxury linens, and ocean views.

The resort has two outdoor infinity pools, poolside bars, four restaurants, and a fitness center. Enjoy access to a full-service spa with deep-tissue massage, body wraps, and facials. Kids ages four to 12 can have fun at the Sea Turtle Club.

Things to do Near St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

Pros

• Beachfront setting with umbrellas and cabanas
• Full-service spa
• Babysitting services and private swimming lessons are available (for an additional cost)

Cons

7. Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne

Address: 455 Grand Bay Drive, Key Biscayne, Florida 33149

Key Biscayne makes a tranquil setting for a family vacation or a romantic getaway. Enjoy secluded beaches, mangroves, and marine life such as loggerhead turtles and birds on this four-mile stretch of barrier island sandwiched between two tropical parks.  

 This island in Florida features the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, a luxury resort with 11 tennis courts, four restaurants, two swimming pools, a fitness center, and a 25,000-square-foot spa. It’s a terrific choice if you’re searching for a resort with mid-range price options and luxury-centric amenities.

Guest rooms feature soothing colors and neutral décor and have a private balcony with stunning views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Suites have separate living areas, which is perfect for families and groups traveling together.

Things to do Near Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne

• Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
• Miami Seaquarium
• Key Biscayne Yacht Club

Pros

• Separate family and adults-only pools
• Multiple restaurants, tennis courts, and spa

Cons

8. Bungalows Key Largo

Address: 99010 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida 33037

If you’re searching for a secluded and all-inclusive adults-only resort, Bungalows Key Largo should be at the top of your list for a honeymoon or destination wedding location. The property offers a botanical garden and a tropical setting on the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Choose from waterfront and garden bungalows. Guest rooms have private outdoor verandas.

Room amenities include Keurig machines, double pillow-top mattresses, rain showers, and free-standing tubs. One of the only all-inclusive resorts in South Florida, amenities include all meals (and premium alcoholic beverages) and unlimited dining at five restaurants.

The resort has a Zen garden spa, two outdoor pools, and a hot tub. Enjoy the use of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and other water sports gear.

Bikes are available to pedal around the property. Enjoy activities like daily boat cruises, sunset cruises, and floating tiki boats that sail around the bay (at additional costs).

Things to do Near Bungalows Key Largo

Pros

• All-inclusive amenities
• Spa, hot tub, pool, and watersports activities

Cons

9. Amara Cay Resort

Address: 80001 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036

For a South Florida vacation filled with watersports, natural attractions, and relaxation, Amara Cay is a wonderful mid-range resort destination for families, couples, and boaters. Enjoy private beach lagoons, views of Alligator Reef Lighthouse, multiple pools, waterfront dining, a marina, and on-site dive centers. Guest rooms offer private balconies, kitchenettes, a mini fridge, a microwave, and Keurig machines.

Located near Bud n’ Mary’s Dive Center, Amara Cay guests can use all the amenities at sister locations at Pelican Cove Resort & Marina, Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina, and Las Siesta Resort & Villas. Postcard Inn has even more marina services if you happen to be traveling by boat.

Things to do Near Amara Cay

• Robbie’s of Islamorada
• Theater of the Sea
• Indian Key Historic State Park

Pros

• Waterfront dining, a private beach lagoon, and multiple pools
• Access to amenities at three sister resorts

Cons

• High daily resort fee ($40 per day)

10. Little Palm Island Resort

Address: 28500 Overseas Highway, Little Torch Key, Florida 33042 (mainland check-in location)

For a taste of luxury, romance, and secluded paradise, you can’t beat a private island. Little Palm Island Resort, an adults-only property, is just that place. It’s a favorite hangout of Sandra Bullock, John Stamos, Drew Barrymore, President Harry Truman (back when it was the much less luxury-centric Munson Island Fishing Camp), and others.

Located on a 5.5-acre secluded barrier island formerly known as Munson Island, just off Little Torch Key, this exclusive resort is only accessible via seaplane, private boat, or the island’s ferry service (which is a gorgeous wooden yacht named The Truman). Guests check in at the Shore Station welcome center on Little Torch Key before being whisked away to a secluded island retreat.

The resort consists of 30 luxury bungalow-style suites with thatched roofs, West Indian architecture, and waterfront views. Little Palm Island Resort has a spa and a fine dining restaurant, making it perfect for honeymooners, luxury travelers, and seclusion seekers.

The resort has a marina with slips that can accommodate boats up to 120 feet in length and a draft of six feet. The marina has 575 feet of dock space on a protected lagoon. Boaters can enjoy the resort’s pool, spa, and other amenities.

Things to do Near Little Palm Island Resort

• Snorkeling, diving, and watersports
• Enjoy a relaxing Palm Island Resort spa treatment

Pros

• Lap of luxury tropical setting on your own (practically) private island

Cons

• Secluded location away from the mainland (that could be a plus for many)

11. Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton

Address: 1500 Reynolds Street, Key West, Florida 33040

Formerly a Waldorf Astoria Resort, the Casa Marina Key West is one of the best luxury resorts in Key West. The 1920s resort has two pools, a restaurant, and a marina. Visit Spa al Mare for luxurious facials, rejuvenating body treatments, and relaxing massages.

Among the best hotels in Key West, Casa Marina offers easy access to activities, nightlife, historic attractions, the best fishing destinations in the world, and the best restaurants in Key West. It’s a terrific choice for families, couples, and groups of travel buddies.

Things to do near Casa Marian Key West

• Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservancy
• Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
• Key West Golf Club

Pros

• Waterfront location
• Two pools, spa treatments, and an on-site restaurant

Cons

12. Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina

Address: 275 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33931

If your South Florida travel dreams lean to the white sand beaches of Florida’s Gulf Coast, check out one of the best beach resorts in Florida for families, the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina. It’s even a dreamy shade of pink. Take a gander at those Gulf and Sanibel Island views if you need more convincing.

This South Florida resort sits on a 12-acre strip of land between Matanzas Pass and the Gulf of Mexico. It offers a pool with a waterfall, a spa, a restaurant, complimentary breakfast, meeting space, and beachfront villas with two bedrooms and living and dining space.

If you’re navigating the Florida Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) by boat, this is an excellent spot to toss out an anchor for a few days. The full-service marina has 41 slips that can accommodate boats up to 120 feet in length. Marina guests can use all amenities at the resort, and resort guests can access marina services such as sailboat and pontoon rentals, sunset cruises, and fishing excursions.

Things to do Near Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina

Pros

• Beachfront pool
• Spa, restaurant, and complimentary breakfast

Cons

13. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa

Address: 5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs, Florida 34134

The pet-friendly Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa has three restaurants, a coffee shop, a spa, a conference center, a fitness center, and a water park with a lazy river. With 462 rooms over 18 floors, the resort is a great choice for families, couples, and groups seeking beachfront relaxation and on-site amenities in a natural setting of fountains, lakes, and banyan trees.  

Guest rooms and suites offer amenities such as work desks, dining areas, and balconies with views of the resort’s gardens and the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy family-friendly competition with a round of cornhole, giant Jenga, or giant Connect Four. The resort has a boardwalk nature trail and fire pits for romantic cocktails or a perfectly toasted plate of s’mores.

Things to do Near Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa

Pros

• Children’s club (additional cost)
• On-site golf driving range and free water park
• Beautiful and secluded natural setting

 Cons

• Not a lot of attractions nearby (but this could be just what you want)
• Internet and phone access may be limited 

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