The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Florida, USA

Bright red beach chairs are a staple on the sands of the 4.5 acres (1.8ha) Acqualina Resort in Miami’s Sunny Isles Beach – a standout feature best seen framing breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views from the elevated floors of this 54-room high-rise property. When guests aren’t indulging in elegant Japanese fusion at Ke-Uh restaurant or al fresco beachfront dining at Il Mulino New York, they’re likely holed up in the richly-appointed guest rooms curated by famed Miami designer Isabel Tragash or the world-class spa. Either way, the gilded wrought-iron gates leading to this luxurious waterfront escape tend to function one-way only.

The Argentine-steeped luxury of Buenos Aires’ Faena family is a perfect fit for Florida, where their decadent design, luxe amenities, and legendary service serve a sophisticated cavalcade of Miami Beach trendsetters. The Baz Luhrmann- and Catherine Martin-designed interiors are awash in art deco accents, 1950’s European glamor, and the brand’s signature red color scheme, evoking a bygone era feel with whimsical artistic flourishes throughout. The $1 billion, six-block project also features an arts center and world-class theater.

Fourth-generation hoteliers Ignazio and Maggio Cipriani are the faces behind this lavish South Florida choice where old-school Italian hospitality meets modern luxury against a backdrop of Biscayne Bay and the Coconut Grove skyline. Stylish European glamor pervades inside the 100 gorgeous blue guestrooms and suites, all of which feature private outdoor terraces, impossibly sumptuous bedding, and hexagonal bathroom tiling. Classic staples highlight a homeland-heavy menu at Bellini, the rustic, yacht-inspired dining room that tops Mr C’s roof. Together, a night here will have you feeling like Clooney in Como.

Old-world British extravagance (classic English afternoon tea, Rolls Royce at the ready) and Southern flair (sun-soaked courtyard and swimming pool, palm-fringed exteriors) are blended seamlessly at the 53-room Chesterfield in Palm Beach. Set in a 1920’s Mediterranean revival-style structure, the Chesterfield exudes historic charm coupled with refined modern amenities and sophisticated service dressed up in the playful color schemes of coastal Florida – powder blue, green apple, and candy-stripe pink. The al fresco dining courtyard and live music in the legendary Leopold Lounge are stages for one of the classiest see-and-be-seen congregations in Palm Beach.

Madonna, Naomi Campbell, Elton John, and Princess Diana are just some of the famous names that Gianni Versace hosted at his Ocean Drive mansion in the 1990s. Now a hotel, the Mediterranean revival villa is still sprinkled with stardust memories, which you’ll realize as you swim in the mosaic pool lined with tiles from Italy. Book Gianni’s Suite and discover what it’s like to call a mansion home. Your stay includes exclusive access to the Rooftop Lounge and the restaurant Gianni’s at the Villa.

As you might expect of a place with Tesla charging stations, guests used to living in the lap of luxury adore Costa d’Este. That luxury is part-natural – Vero Beach is magical, from yoga at dawn until the tangerine glow of dusk. Book an Ocean Cabana King for direct access or, more affordably, an Oceanfront with balcony views of the pool and the Atlantic. The food is great, too – try the filet mignon at the Wave restaurant – but the spa’s the star. Book a four-treatment day package.

The Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with luxury, so it’s only natural that their South Beach property should be a Miami landmark. Choose between suites overlooking either South Beach or the pool – either way, you’ll get a private balcony, a marble bathroom with a standalone tub, and the coolest, creamiest white interiors to recline in. The spa elevates your holiday with treatments that revive your muscles and your mental state. That just leaves nights of rum cocktails to enjoy at Lapidus Bar.

Welcome to your own private tropical Key Largo oasis: 177 rooms, suites, bungalows, and a beach house on the Florida Bay side of the Overseas Highway. The Hammocks – the beach bungalows – are super-secluded, surrounded by lush foliage. But we’re happiest at the convivial Sand Bar, toasting the sunset with an Aperol spritz. Hit Ocean Spa for customized, self-guided treatments, or swap sandals for smart attire and dine on a wasabi tuna burger at Sol by the Sea.

On the top side of the Gulf of Mexico, Destin is a world away from Disney – think dunes and nature trails. The Henderson cuts a grand figure, with its wind-buffeted grey facades. Rooms and suites are plushly carpeted, with timber-frame beds you’d expect in a ski resort. The Emerald Coast waters glitter, beckoning you with boogie-boarding and beachside bike rides. You’ll return famished – luckily, restaurants include Primrose, for sushi, and Horizons, for hand-shucked oysters.

Enter a world of magic at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort – the Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy and his pals will get your children smiling. Set on Disney property, this Four Seasons caters just as much to adults, with its rooftop steakhouse and its spa offering exquisite exfoliation treatments and vibrational sound therapy. There’s an adults-only pool – but you’d have to be a meanie not to join the kids on a fun float down the lazy river.