Florida is packed full of accommodation options catering to varying tastes and budgets – and among them are a large number of all-inclusive resorts.
(Photo: Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa)
As one of America’s biggest tourist destinations, Florida attracts huge numbers of visitors every year, attracted by the state’s famous sun, sea, sand, shopping and nightlife opportunities. Many of those who come here choose to stay in one of the numerous all-inclusive resorts, where meals, drinks and sometimes activities too are included in the price. We’ve picked out 12 of the best all-inclusive resorts that Florida has to offer.
Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa
Situated in Jensen Beach, a quiet ocean and riverfront town with beautiful beaches, great fishing, and a quaint downtown with a small town pace, on Florida‘s East Coast, this 4-store resort offers all-inclusive deals. Guests can avail themselves on amenities including a spa, two outdoor pools, a fitness room, a restaurant specialising in seafood, and a bar. There’s also a business centre and 24-hour front desk, while local activities such as snorkelling and fishing can also be booked at the resort. Palm Beach International Airport is just under 40 miles away.
Casa Marina Key West
(Photo: Casa Marina Key West, A Waldorf Astoria Resort)
Part of the distinguished Waldorf Astoria chain of luxury hotels, this historic Mediterranean-inspired 1920s resort is located on a private beach in downtown Key West. It features two oceanfront swimming pools, a sumptuous spa, and a restaurant with all-day dining and sublime ocean vistas. Guest rooms are classically designed and contain a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, coffee-making facilities, and a small refrigerator. A short drive away is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, where a range of activities such as bicycling, fishing, and kayaking can be enjoyed.
Bungalows Key Largo
(Photo: Bungalows Key Largo)
For those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of families, this adults-only resort in Key Largo combines serenity with ultra-luxurious facilities. There’s a private beach, four restaurants, two outdoor pools and Jacuzzi, a full-service spa and a high-tech fitness centre. As the name suggests, accommodation is in the form of sumptuous bungalows which come with coffee-making equipment, microwaves and fridges, private verandas with large soaking tubs, outdoor showers, and outdoor seating. The closest airport is Miami International Airport, which is just under 50 miles away.
South Seas Island Resort
Perched on the sea shell-lined Captiva Island, the 4-star South Seas Island Resort offers a secluded setting but with no shortage of things to see and do nearby. Indeed, local trips such as shelling kayak tours, family cruises, and fishing excursions can all be arranged at the resort. Guest rooms feature free WiFi, a private balcony, a fully-equipped kitchen and a coffee maker, while elsewhere on the resort there are a choice of 9 dining options including an on-site Starbucks and market, three swimming pools, outdoor yoga sessions, fitness facilities, and a tennis court. Notable nearby attractions include the Sanibel Lighthouse.
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
(Photo: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island)
Located a quick drive away from Fort Clinch State Park on Amelia Island, home to miles of beautiful beaches, abundant native wildlife, and pristine waters, this 5-star oceanfront golf resort combines luxurious amenities with an idyllic setting. Guest rooms are furnished with sumptuous Egyptian cotton sheets and are equipped with a flat-screen TV and an iPod docking station, while some rooms also have panoramic ocean views. As well as featuring the acclaimed Amelia Island Golf Club, other notable on-site facilities include 5 restaurants, a billiards lounge with several TVs, a heated outdoor pool, and a hot tub.
The Don CeSar
Situated on St. Pete Beach, a Florida resort city set on a barrier island, west of St. Petersburg, this legendary resort has become known as The Pink Palace thanks to its eye-catching pink-Moorish style façade and grand architecture. The resort hotel has been a staple of Florida’s luxury accommodation scene since opening its doors in the late 1920s. Guest rooms come with a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, and a private bathroom, and some also have a private balcony or patio. On-site amenities include a spa, beach yoga, jet ski hire, shops, a 24-hour fitness centre, a grill restaurant and a separate eatery serving casual all-day dining. The Dalí Museum, a homage to the art of Salvador Dalí, is a short drive away.
Treasure Island Beach Resort
Also set on St. Pete Beach, this resort is surrounded by the white sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Guests rooms are decked out in coastal decor and have floor-to-ceiling windows, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and desk, and free WiFi. Elsewhere in the resort, there’s a beachfront outdoor pool and sun terrace, a restaurant, and a fitness centre. Visitors arriving in their own transport can make use of the free on-site private parking. For local attractions and places of interest, the vibrant John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk is a few minutes’ drive away and Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve just a little further on.
Carillon Miami Wellness Resort
Situated in Miami Beach, with direct access to a private stretch of sand, this 5-star resort is awash with enticing amenities. There are four pools and hot tubs, a full-service spa, a cycling and walking trail surrounding the property, a rock-climbing wall, and a bar and grill restaurant complete with ocean views, floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor patio. Guest rooms come with a flat-screen TV, kitchenette, and luxurious private bathroom tiled with Italian glass and stone flooring. For a spot of retail therapy, Lincoln Road Mall is a few miles away, while golf fans will enjoy the proximity of the La Gorce Golf Course, which is also nearby.
Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa
(Photo: Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa)
Positioned in the tranquil beach town of Vero Beach, with Atlantic-facing beaches on a barrier island across the Indian River Lagoon, this 4-star resort is owned by the famous musician Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio. It offers guests state-of-the-art amenities, including an outdoor pool, concierge services and opportunities for local adventure in the shape of diving, surfing, and deep-sea fishing. A number of award-winning golf courses are also located within easy reach. For a dash of culture, Vero Beach Museum of Art is just a few minutes’ walk away.
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
Located on 300 acres of coastline, this resort is less than a half-hour drive from downtown Jacksonville, Florida’s most populous city. All guest rooms are equipped with a fully stocked wet bar, a flat-screen TV, and an iPod docking station. Elsewhere, amenities include two golf courses, seven restaurants and lounges, four heated swimming pools, fifteen tennis courts, several boutiques, and cycle paths that run around the resort. Guests have a number of attractions and landmarks they can visit nearby, including The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Jacksonville International Airport is 32 miles away.
Bilmar Beach Resort
(Photo: Bilmar Beach Resort)
Set on Treasure Island along the Gulf of Mexico, where you’ll find white sandy beaches, pristine waters, and unique restaurants, this 4-star resort is a popular all-inclusive resort with families thanks to its array of child-friendly amenities such as two heated pools and casual on-site eateries serving all day food and drinks. There are also more adult-oriented facilities including a beach side exercise trail, a dedicated fitness centre, a sun terrace, and a stylish bar. Free public parking is available nearby. Tennis enthusiasts can make use of the Treasure Island Golf Tennis Recreation Center, which is just over half-a-mile away.
TradeWinds Island Grand
Surrounded by magnificent ocean views, TradeWinds Island Grand is set amid 20 acres in Saint Pete Beach. Amenities include five outdoor swimming pools, four restaurants, a spa, two hot tubs, and two tennis courts, and visitors can also enjoy paddle boats, beach volleyball, a water slide, and beach cabanas. Guest rooms come with a flat-screen TV, microwave, coffee machine, toaster, small refrigerator, and kitchenware. Babysitting services and themed drop-off camps for kids are also available. Central St. Petersburg is just over 10 miles away.