Dreamy Florida Resorts Worth Adding To Your Bucket List

Faena Miami Beach
Photo: Courtesy of Faena Miami Beach

With so many places to visit and things to do in Florida, it can be overwhelming. Sometimes you just need a place to get away and relax. Although a grand historic stay can be a splurge—not exactly the kind of place where you'd book a block of rooms for the family reunion—sometimes you deserve a little time for yourself. Whether you want to vacation with your sweetheart or plan a luxury weekend getaway with the girls, these resorts are ideal. Expansive pool decks, historic architecture, gorgeous designer rooms, and gourmet restaurants are just a few of the benefits that await upon booking.

While a room at any of these seaside stunners will certainly cost you a pretty penny, some may surprise you with their relative affordability. And sometimes you just can't put a price tag on a bucket list experience. Not looking like it's in the budget this year? Stop in for a drink at the bar, or just take a whirl around the lobby. All eight offer some serious eye candy.

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The Breakers Palm Beach

The Breakers Palm Beach
Courtesy of The Breakers Palm Beach

See what it's like to vacation like the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Astors, and Carnegies—all of whom have stayed here. (Which might explain the price tag—800 smackeroos and up. But a girl can dream.) As always, rates change with seasons.

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Casa Monica in St. Augustine

Casa Monica Resort
Robbie Caponetto

Originally opened in 1888, Casa Monica has gone through many incarnations, but today it's a gorgeous hotel with a Moorish vibe. The Cobalt Lounge is a prime people-watching spot—and you can luck into some affordable rooms, depending on when you go.

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The Don CeSar in St. Petersburg

The Don CeSar
Courtesy of The Don CeSar

The "pink palace" opened in 1928 and hosted the likes of Al Capone and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Lounging beside one of two heated pools, you'll be pampered with chilled hand towels and Evian mistings. Summer rates can start around $500—not cheap but not beyond the pale—and it's pet friendly.

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The Colony Hotel & Cabana Club in Delray Beach

The Colony Hotel & Cabana ClubThe Colony Hotel & Cabana Club (Delray Beach)
Robbie Caponetto

Built in the late 1920s and family-owned since 1935, this venerable but pet-friendly downtown hotel has its own private beach club. Your room includes breakfast, WiFi, parking, and use of the club.

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Faena Miami Beach

Faena Miami Beach
Courtesy of Faena Miami Beach

Though it's a relatively new property in Miami, this hotel incorporated the original Saxony Hotel—a Rat Pack hangout built in 1947. Yes, most of us could make a car payment (or two) for the price of a room, but this Art Deco jewel is a masterpiece. At least have dinner or libations there so you can see it.

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Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in Little Torch Key

The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida
Courtesy of Little Palm Island

Treat yourself to a stay at Little Palm Island Resort and Spa, America’s only private island resort. The adults-only, luxury resort is a sanctuary of swaying palm trees, thatched-roof bungalows, oceanside cabanas, and crystal-clear water. You'll feel like you've traveled to an exotic island, but you can leave your passport at home.

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White Elephant in Palm Beach

Aerial of the pool at White Elephant Palm Beach

Chi-Thien Nguyen/Elkus Manfredi Architects/Courtesy of White Elephant Palm Beach

With 32 rooms and suites in a re-imagined building from 1924, this Mediterranean revival-style hotel is practically begging for you to finally pull the trigger on that bucket list trip. The iconic black-and-white striped awnings are at the ready to welcome you home. Just shell out anywhere from $525-$2,000 a night, and this could be your view.

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The Colony Hotel Palm Beach

Two photos from Palm Beach's Colony hotel, including the lobby and exterior
Gesi Schilling

This blush-colored beauty has been a second home for the rich and famous since it opened in 1947. Each room is impeccably designed and will leave you feeling like you're in a real-life fairytale. Rooms start at $539 per night, so a one-night splurge could be your ticket to paradise.

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The Gasparilla Inn & Club

Gasparilla exterior
Originally opened in the early 1900s, the inn has been carefully preserved and renovated.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CARMEL BRANTLEY; STYLING BY PAGE MULLINS

Old Florida-style is what you'll step into at this charming inn tucked away in Boca Grande. Far away from the hustle and bustle of other warm weather destinations, this is a perfect getaway that you will never forget. Rates and rooms vary by season and package.

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Pier House Resort & Spa

The Pier House Resort & Caribbean Spa Key West
Courtesy of Pier House Resort & Spa

Paradise found. There is something to be said about the quirky charm of Key West and the the luxurious appeal of this resort. Enjoy the relaxing spa, private beach, and views of the Gulf of Mexico nestled in this charming Florida resort.

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The Pearl

The Pearl Hotel, exterior, Rosemary Beach, Florida
Courtesy of St. Joe Hospitality

Guests are greeted with a cocktail – and that is just the beginning of this splendid getaway at Rosemary Beach, which is located in the charming coastal town of South Walton, Florida, off 30A. White sand beaches, Gulf Coast views, and a coastal vibe make this a must-visit for a Florida bucket-list trip.

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