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If you are looking for the turquoise waters and white sand beaches that are usually found in the CaribbeanFlorida is an ideal travel destination. The Sunshine State has over 600 miles of beaches and nearly 250 days of sunshine year round.
To satisfy your Caribbean cravings, we’ve put together a list of fantastic beach hotels in Florida that has an island mood.
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The Don CeSar – St. Petersburg
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The Don CeSar. (Courtesy Photo of The Don CeSar / Facebook)
Feels like: Bermuda
The Don CeSar is located on a private beach in St. Petersburg and is affectionately known as “The Pink Palace” because of its pastel-colored exterior. The property was recently completely renovated and has 277 guest rooms, six restaurants and lounges, and two heated pools. The hotel, built in 1928, has retained all of its charm. The original archways and Art Deco style are retained. The food is great too – dine at the newly opened Society Table or have a drink at the lobby bar that looks like it’s straight out of The Great Gatsby’s pages. The hotel also has a children’s camp so adults can relax and enjoy the services at the Oceana Spa to the fullest.
Caribbean connection: The white sand and pink exterior of Don CeSar remind us of the Hamilton Princess, a luxury hotel in Bermuda. Like the Don CeSar, the Hamilton Princess is nicknamed the “Pink Palace” and has been around for over a century.
Connected: A country-specific guide to reopening the Caribbean
Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort – Marathon
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Quiet bay in the marathon. (Courtesy Photo Tranquility Bay / Facebook)
Feels like: Jamaica
If you are looking for a hotel that is equipped with all the amenities of a hotel Caribbean resort, Tranquility Bay is for you. The 200-room resort features a dolphin lagoon and putting green, and offers a range of water sports including kayaking, parasailing, and snorkeling. The hotel is located in Marathon, part of a stretch of island that stretches down from Key Largo Key West. Marathon is also known for having some of the most beautiful beaches and some of the best fishing in Florida. Tranquility Bay accommodations include Victorian-style guest houses and suites overlooking the private white-sand beach. Some rooms have a large kitchen that is perfect for a longer stay.
Caribbean connection: Tranquility Bay’s Victorian architecture and access to activities feels like a Jamaican vacation at Excellence Oyster Bay, a waterfront resort in Montego Bay. Similar to Tranquility Bay, guests of the Jamaican resort can enjoy paddleboarding and diving courses right at the resort.
Connected: 13 of the best beaches in Florida
The Palms Hotel & Spa – South Beach
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The Palms Hotel. (Courtesy Photo of The Palms Hotel / Facebook)
Feels like: Puerto Rico
The Palms Hotel is a slice of paradise amid the hustle and bustle of South beach. The resort with 251 rooms is located directly on the warm sand of the Atlantic Ocean and is ideal for a weekend getaway. Treat yourself to a coconut mojito at the tiki bar by the pool or in the lounge under one of the many tiki cabanas. The lush landscape, swaying palm trees and tropical gardens make you feel like you’ve been taken to an international destination. The on-site restaurant offers al fresco dining on a covered terrace, where guests can enjoy meals such as Florida Keys clam soup, made with local ingredients.
Connected: Hotel rating: Royal Palm South Beach Miami
Caribbean connection: The natural surroundings and tranquil luxury of the Palm Hotel are reminiscent of the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico. Both accommodations are set amidst towering palm trees and offer a breathtaking view of the garden.
Pelican Grand Beach Resort – Fort Lauderdale
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The Pelican Grand Beach Resort. (Courtesy photo of PelicanBeach.com)
Feels like: The Cayman Islands
Fort Lauderdale No longer has a reputation for just being a wild spring vacation destination. The city is home to several upscale family-friendly hotels, including the Pelican Grand Beach Resort. The property is the only Fort Lauderdale hotel with a lazy river. The resort provides a curated list of the daily events on the property. The hotel has also partnered with local companies like Funky Fish Ocean Camp to offer a daily program for children, as well as local dive and boat rental companies to get the most out of your stay. At the end of the day, relax on one of the rocking chairs on the wrap-around deck overlooking the private beach.
Connected: Complete Guide to Cruise Fort Lauderdales Port Everglades
Caribbean connection: The Pelican Grand is a family-friendly hotel in an area known for diving and fishing, as is Wyndham Reef Resort in the Cayman Islands. Both beach resorts offer snorkeling, kayaking, and other family-friendly activities for guests.
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa – Torch Key
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The Little Palm Island Resort & Spa. (Courtesy Photo of Little Palm Island Resort & Spa / Facebook)
Feels like: Necker Island
If you are ready to act out your Swiss Family Robinson fantasy, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is well worth the effort. The resort is best for anyone looking to break away from the world. On a Private island In the Keys, you can only get there by seaplane or boat. The adults-only resort is located on 4 acres of white sand beach. While WiFi is available, there are no phones or TVs in the guest suites. Accommodation includes private thatched-roof bungalows, outdoor showers, and unobstructed sea views. There’s fishing, diving, snorkeling, and sailing for those who want a little more action, but you can also spend your days by the pool.
Connected: 8 private island resorts you can book with points
Caribbean connection: The private and secluded Little Palm Island Resort & Spa offers the kind of getaway one can find on Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson’s private island in the Virgin Islands. The two hotels can only be reached by private boat or plane.
The range of Key West – Key West
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The range of Key West. (Courtesy Photo of The Reach Key West / Facebook)
Feels like: The Bahamas
What makes this property different from others Key West Hotels is his beach. The Reach (part of the Curio Collection by Hilton) has the only private natural sandy beach in Key West, and the nautically decorated rooms and suites all have their own balcony where guests can enjoy nature from their rooms. Downtown Key West and Duval Street are just steps away. After relaxing in a hammock, tour the historic Hemingway Home, watch a sunset in Mallory Square, or snap a picture next to the Southernmost Point buoy. The family-friendly hotel offers a wide range of water sports activities. The on-site Four Marlins Restaurant serves local dishes such as grilled lobster and a Florida key lime pie.
Caribbean connection: The Reach is a modern beach resort, but it’s also close to historic Key West attractions, as is the Old Bahama Bay Resort in Grand Bahama. The Old Bahama Bay Resort is located in the West End of Grand Bahama Island, which is considered the historic capital.
Connected: The best ways to fly to the Bahamas with points and miles
1 Hotel South Beach – South Beach
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The 1 Hotel South Beach. (Courtesy Photo of 1 Hotel South Beach / Facebook)
Feels like: Turks and Caicos Islands
Two words: rooftop pool. That’s all you need to know about this chic hotel, the only hotel on South Beach with a rooftop pool. 1 Hotel South Beach offers fitness classes, personal trainers and free bike rentals to help you move around South Beach in style. In addition to direct access to the beach, the hotel has three other separate pools. There’s also a kids’ club and an electric Audi to get hotel guests around Miami. It’s hard to put your phone here – each view is more Instagram worthy than the last. But when you’re ready to relax, head to one of the beach cabins and fall asleep while the waves hit the shore.
Caribbean connection: For travelers wanting a glamorous beach vacation, 1 Hotel South Beach reminds us of the Wymara Resort in T.Urks and Caicos. Both are luxury hotels with breathtaking pool views and spectacular ocean views.
Featured photo courtesy of 1 Hotel South Beach.
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Editorial disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, not those of a bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain. They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these companies.
