Travel Florida 5 Bucket List Florida Resorts By Valerie Fraser Luesse Valerie Fraser Luesse Senior Travel Editor Valerie Fraser Luesse has been associated with Southern Living and its affiliates since 1988 or, as she puts it, "I predate voicemail." After a decade in corporate communications, she moved to Southern Living Editorial as creative development director in 2001 and was later a senior writer in the travel department. Valerie left the magazine to freelance for a while (Valerie hated freelancing) and returned in 2016. Since then, she has had many adventures in storytelling, online and on the road.The Alabama native lives in Birmingham and writes novels on the side, including Under the Bayou Moon, The Key to Everything, Almost Home, and Missing Isaac. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on May 24, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos 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. But some of these resorts will surprise you with their affordability. All 5 offer some serious eye candy. 01 of 05 The Breakers Palm Beach Courtesy of The Breakers Palm Beach See what it's like to vacay like the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Astors, and Carnegies—all of whom stayed here. (Which might explain the price tag—400 smackeroos and up. But a girl can dream.) thebreakers.com 02 of 05 Casa Monica—St. Augustine 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. casamonica.com 03 of 05 The Don CeSar—St. Pete Beach 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 start around $279—not cheap but not beyond the pale—and it's pet friendly. doncesar.com 04 of 05 The 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 affordable room (many start around $165) includes breakfast, WiFi, parking, and use of the club. colonyflorida.com 05 of 05 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. faena.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit