The Sunshine State
- ashleyfranqui
- Sep 16
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 23
INTRO
Unmatched. Faena Hotel isn't just one of a kind, its bold art, luxury, and nightlife make it one of the city’s most iconic escapes. Beyond insta-worthy, every corner begs for a photo, from Damien Hirst’s golden mammoth to private sands, and evenings that flow from Francis Mallmann’s Los Fuegos to The Theater, it’s no surprise A-listers like Beyonce and Madonna return again and again.
This gorgeous spot SCREAMS Miami. Art Deco design, a dreamy courtyard pool, and chic pastel vibes that feel straight out of a magazine. Steps from the beach with private access, plus a buzzy on-site sushi bar and cocktail lounge, it’s equal parts stylish and intimate. Perfect for birthdays, girls’ trips, or anyone looking to experience that exclusive, luxurious, Miami feel.
This property looks like it was made solely to be featured in Travel & Leisure. Breathtaking, jaw-dropping. Two oceanfront pools, private cabanas stocked with Bellinis, and rooms that open straight to the sand make it impossible to leave. Dinner at Florie’s is a must, and the spa’s eucalyptus steam and saltwater tubs hit full reset. Classic Palm Beach. No notes. Just amazing.
The Ritz-Carlton South Beach is classic Miami done right. Art Deco glamour, a pool that feels like the city’s front row, and a lobby bar buzzing with the who’s-who. Cabanas by day, cocktails by night, and the beach literally at your doorstep. It’s sleek, social, and gives you that A-list energy without even trying.
The Setai defines South Beach luxury. With Asian-inspired design, spacious suites, and three oceanfront pools, it’s a serene escape surrounded by Miami’s best dining and nightlife. Known for its discretion, polished service, and world-class cuisine, it’s a favorite, top choice among celebrities who want that exclusivity and privacy without ever compromising style or comfort.
Big history, bigger glamour. A historic landmark turned luxury playground, The Beach Club at Boca Raton is old-money luxury with palms, a private beach club, tennis courts, a spa that feels like a world apart, and restaurants rivaling anything in Miami. You’re staying where decades of style, society, and sunshine collide, and honestly, you’ll feel every bit as important as the icons who’ve visited.
The Breakers is Palm Beach royalty, period. A century of history, Italian-style architecture, and a guest list that’s always been stacked with socialites and celebs. Between the private beach, sprawling gardens, and more restaurants than you can hit in one weekend, it’s the kind of old-school luxury that still feels impossibly chic.
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando brings top-tier, five-star glamour to Bonnet Creek. Suites are spacious and elegant, the spa is world-class, and the private cabanas lining the pool make lounging an art form. Add in championship golf, Peacock Alley cocktails, and Michelin-star dining, it’s indulgence at every turn. Disney may be near, but the real magic is here.
Checking into Lido Beach Resort instantly puts you into vacation mode. Huge suites, full kitchens, living areas, and balconies big enough for sunset wine nights. Mornings start with coffee overlooking the Gulf, afternoons mean pool-hopping between the family deck and the adults-only side, frozen drink in hand. Evenings? Barefoot walks on the sand, tiki bar bites, and that perfect Gulf Coast glow.
Conrad Fort Lauderdale is the definition of tropical high-rise glam. Every suite has ocean views, the rooftop pool is all sunshine and champagne, and the restaurants buzz from morning lattes to late-night cocktails. It’s polished, playful, and perfectly placed on the beach, the spot that proves you really can have it all. Views, vibes, and a beach at your doorstep.
If you’re staying in West Palm, The Ben is the move. Waterfront views, a rooftop pool and bar that locals actually claim as their own, and a design that feels more curated than corporate. Rooms are chic, service is on point, and yacht-charter hookups are just a call away. It captures everything great about West Palm, stylish, vibrant, and impossible not to enjoy.
Staying at White Elephant feels like finding Palm Beach’s best-kept secret. Mediterranean revival architecture, striped awnings, and suites that feel more like chic residences than hotel rooms. The pool is calm, the beach is a short stroll, and Worth Avenue is around the corner. Service is personal without being over the top, making it one of Palm Beach’s most stylish stays
The Tampa EDITION is one of downtown’s newest showstoppers. Gorgeous, luxury rooms, a rooftop pool with cabanas, and a Michelin-starred restaurant make it the city’s most stylish stay. The vibe is upscale, more than ideal, with bars and lounges that feel like a night out built in. Steps from the iconic Riverwalk, at this hotel you don’t just sleep, you stay, play, and repeat.
Omni Amelia Island feels like its own little world. Miles of beachfront, endless pools, golf, and a spa you’ll want to move into, it’s the kind of place that makes you cancel your plans just to stay longer. Evenings mean cocktails under the mossy oaks and sunsets that remind you why you came. Luxury, but with the space to actually enjoy it.
If Miami had a couture label, it’d be The St. Regis Bal Harbour. Suites open to endless turquoise, the pool scene is all designer sunglasses and private cabanas, and the staff have this sixth sense about what you need. Add in dinner that feels Michelin without the pretension and Bal Harbour Shops steps away—you’ll never want to check out.
The Don CeSar is a literal legend. Rising from St. Pete Beach in its signature pink, this 1920s icon has hosted everyone from presidents to movie stars. With beachfront pools, a decadent spa, lively restaurants, and Gulf sunsets that stop you in your tracks, it’s the definition of Florida glam. Staying here feels like stepping into history, but with much better cocktails.
The Mondrian, where the "it" crowd knows to go. On Brickell Key, it’s unapologetically luxe—floor-to-ceiling bay views, a spa that sets the standard, and dining that rivals Nobu. Suites are polished, service is flawless, and every detail screams five-star. This is where Miami’s elite and celebs check in when only the best will do.
Hotel Flor gives you amazing views of downtown Tampa, taking you back to its 1920s roots with its glam Art Deco vibe and boutique feel. The rooms keep their historic charm with modern touches, while the onsite restaurant and bar make staying in just as fun as heading out. Right in the heart of downtown, bars, the iconic Riverwalk, Amalie Arena, and Buccaneers Stadium are at your fingertips.
Hotel Duval, Tallahassee's finest. A historic spot with a modern edge, it offers sleek rooms, a rooftop bar with the best city views, and dining that rivals bigger markets. It’s boutique but polished, perfect for weekends in the capital or game-day escapes. Effortlessly stylish and refreshingly unexpected, it’s Tallahassee’s most fashionable stay.
Need the perfect place to hold your events? Look no further! This hotel is nestled in the best spot of downtown, steps away from countless restaurants, experiences, things to do, and more. Not to mention, they’re right on the water!!
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