Luxury Family Travel: The Best Luxury Resorts in Florida for Families

I'm really happy to be sharing another guest post with you all today, a post all about the best luxury resorts in Florida families, which is going to feed your wanderlust like its the ultimate comfort food, especially on a cold, dark day if that's what you're experiencing right now (like I am in Amsterdam!).

It's written by Tracy Shaw, a family travel and food blogger who is actually based in the Sunshine State so it's safe to say she knows what she's writing about.

As you may already know, Florida is a very popular go-to destination for families but as this post will reveal it's an ideal place for a special, luxury family vacation not just because of the theme parks but because there are many special family-friendly hotels worth checking out. As this is a family travel blog that focuses on luxury family travel more than anything, we are of course going to focus on the best luxury resorts in Florida, perfect for families with kids of all ages! Aaand there is also a special surprise section for those who may not have kids, or more importantly perhaps, those parents and guardians who may get the opportunity to have a luxury vacation without kids! 

So without anymore waffle from me, let's get stuck into the best luxury resorts in Florida.

DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission off any purchases made via these links, but they don't cost you anything extra, and often I do a lot of research to find you the best possible deal in the link - yay!

Luxury Family Travel in Florida

When you think of Florida family travel, you may think of Mickey Mouse and Harry Potter and ALL THE THEME PARKS, but with the largest coastline in the contiguous US, many families come to Florida for a luxury family vacation by staying in a luxury resort close to one of the State's many beaches.

And beaches are what Florida has an abundance of! As the most southeastern state in the United States and is surrounded by water with the Atlantic Ocean is to the east, the Straits of Florida to the south and the Gulf of Mexico to the west.

While the theme parks and the beaches are well known, Florida's best luxury resorts are lesser known. But this needs to change! I mean, who doesn't appreciate luxury hotels in beautiful surroundings, or luxury resorts offering personalized experiences, and luxury vacations that offer bespoke services and unforgettable meals - for kids of all ages and their parents too!

Together these things promise a maximum amount of pleasure and a minimum of stress, something all parents crave every now and again and so it's an honour to gather some of the most luxurious family-friendly resorts and hotels in Florida to help you plan your next getaway to the Sunshine State.

Whether you are travelling with a baby, toddlers or older kids, if you're planning a solo adventure or a couple's only getaway there is a luxury hotel on this list that you will want to experience.

FURTHER READING: Find more luxury family travel posts here including the world's best luxury resorts for families with young kids, the best Maldives resorts for families, the best airlines to fly on with kids, our favourite stroller for travel, the best airplane bed/suitcase on wheels, my toddler travel essentials and a packing list for travel with babies.

The Best Luxury Resorts in Florida for Families

The following Florida luxury resorts and hotels have been picked because they're perfect for kids and parents in terms of offering family-friendly facilities from kids clubs and babysitter services, through to watersports and activities the whole family can do together, through to luxury spas and swimming pools that parents can enjoy while the kids are busy.

Speaking of which, at the bottom of the list are some luxury resorts that are adults-only so you may want to save those for your next luxury Florida vacation.

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Located in downtown Sarasota but offering private beach club access, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota offers a convenient location while indulging in luxury. Many come to Sarasota for white-sand beaches, museums, and upscale dining.

Whether you are planning on rejuvenating at the onsite spa, or playing a few rounds championship golf, or simply relaxing in one of the gorgeous suites or guest rooms there is something for everyone to do here. Even the kids. They have a program called Ritz Kids that offers a variety of supervised activities designed especially for kids aged 5-12.

Find the best rates for the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota on Booking.com and see real traveller photos on TripAdvisor.

The Villa Casa Casuarina, Miami (Former Versace Mansion)

Villa Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by the architect, author, and philanthropist, Alden Freeman. Mr. Freeman was the heir to the Standard Oil fortune. In 1992, The Villa was purchased by Gianni Versace, the famous Italian fashion designer. So you can just imagine how this boutique hotel is decorated!

Today you can stay in one of ten luxury hotel suites for as little as $749 per night. Included in that price is quite a few amenities however, including a full breakfast, use of bikes, use of beach chairs, drinks by the pool, water in your room, and more. Villa Casa Casuarina, Former Versace Mansion has several bars, a rooftop lounge, outdoor swimming, and Restaurant Gianni's at the Villa.  While this resort is not adult-only, it definitely has a more exilic décor.

Find the best rates for the Villa Casa Casuarina, Miami, on Booking and see lots of real traveller photos on TripAdvisor.

The Don CeSar Hotel on St Pete Beach

Known as the Pink Palace. This legendary hotel built in 1928 is located on St. Pete Beach and offers views of the water or city in every direction. From the moment you walk into The Don CeSar you are enveloped in old-world glamour and sophistication. Since opening many of the world's elite have stayed here, from actors to presidents.

You could be next. Between the spa, pool and private beach access you may never want to leave. The kids won't either! The Don CeSar offers kids activities for a variety of age ranges starting at age 4 to teenagers.

Find the best rates for The Don Cesar on Booking and see real traveller photos and reviews on TripAdvisor.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

If your plans in Florida include visiting the most Magical Place On Earth and you are looking for luxury, the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is definitely the place to stay on Disney property. This lavish Disney resort offers Victorian elegance with a touch of modern sophistication.

From the moment you walk into the grand lobby you are welcomed with tunes from a live orchestra with views beautiful outdoors. You will find numerous pools to relax by and there is plenty for the kids to do, you are in Disney World after all. But if you need a break from it all, the spa promises relaxation.

Don’t forget to watch the fireworks at night as they take off from behind Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom. And if you have plans to go to the parks or visit other Disney resorts on your hotel, the complimentary Resort Monorail is just outside.

Find the best available rates for Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa on Hotels.com and look at real traveller reviews and photos on TripAdvisor.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

If you are looking for a less Disney-focused kind of luxury while still visiting Disney World, but don't necessarily have the desire to be right on property, then Four Seasons Resort Orlando is where you want to be. It is secluded, which makes you feel like you are away from the hustle and bustle of this popular tourist attraction.

Walk the gardens, enjoy the lake views, lounge at one of the pools, unwind at the spa or schedule a tee time at the exclusive Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando. Of course, there is plenty for the kids to do here too, Disney is one of the most family-friendly vacation spots in the country.

See the best available rates for Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort and find real traveller photos a 5-star average for all their reviews on TripAdvisor.

Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection in Tampa

Tampa offers history, theme parks, a hip downtown scene, a foodie lovers paradise and lots of things to do with kids or without. And if you are looking for retreat that puts you in the heart of urban chic, comfort and some of the most famous flavors Tampa has to offer, then you will want to stay at the Epicurean Hotel in Tampa.

There are 137 guest rooms and suites and hotel are decorated to reflect their culinary heritage. Located right next door to the world-famous Bern’s Steakhouse be prepared to indulge your appetite as well as well as enjoying Tampa's best recommended boutique hotel.

Check out the best available rates on Booking and find more real traveller reviews and photos on TripAdvisor.

Best Luxury Adults-Only Resorts in Florida

I know, this post's title says that this is a list of the best Florida luxury hotels for families, but hey, parents deserve adults-only time too and if you're lucky enough to have the opportunity to enjoy a luxury vacation in Florida without kids, then you may well want to know where you can really escape kids completely. You may also know that Florida is one of the world's best golfing holiday destinations and if that's what floats your boat, or swings your club, I guess, then check out this list of Florida's best golf course.

So here it is, a list of the best luxury adults-only getaways in Florida, an exclusive selection of Florida resorts that promise luxury like no other.

Bungalows Key Largo

Key Largo is the first of approximately 1,700 Keys that make up the Florida Keys. Bungalows Key Largo is an inclusive Adult Only resort. They pride themselves in handling everything for you so that you can relax and enjoy your time. Which is, after-all, the greatest luxury.

This bungalow style resort is actually in a botanical garden edged by the ocean and is just a few miles from the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Included at the resort are your drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), all your meals (including fine-dining experiences), watersports activities such as snorkeling and paddle boarding, fitness classes and in-town transportation. There are also several pools onsite at Bungalows Key Largo.

Rates start around $1000 per night but remember this is an all-inclusive resort on an island so you really are getting a first class experience for what you pay. Find the best available rates for Bungalows Key Largo on Booking and TripAdvisor.

H2O Suites Hotel, Key West

While Key Largo is the first Florida Key, Key West is the last. Key West is known for having the Southern Most Point in the United States, beautiful beaches, history and lively parties on Duval Street. But at H2O Suites Hotel you will experience a whole other side of Key West.

The suites are spacious and offer the comforts of home along with a balcony or private patio with plunge pool. The rooftop pool and bar offer views for miles. If you want to spend time on the beach, and who doesn't, you have 24-hour access to the white-sand beaches. This chic adults-only hotel in the heart of the Key West will you give the luxury you have been looking for.

See real traveller photos and reviews for H2O Suites Hotel on TripAdvisor and find the best available rates on Booking.

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort

In between Key Largo and Key West you will find the private island of Little Torch Key. Little Torch Key is an island in the lower part of the Florida Keys. While Little Palm Island Resort & Spa suffered a lot of damage during Hurricane Irma, they have been working tirelessly to rebuild it and make it even better. In fact, they are accepting reservations now for March 2020.

They have thirty thatched-roof oceanfront bungalows that are only accessible via boat or seaplane. Your island paradise awaits you. Among the lush gardens, crushed seashell walkways, water views and four acres of beach Little Palm promises privacy and luxury like no other.

To ensure that you are relaxed, there is a no phone and no TV policy. This removal of distractions helps you to reconnect with nature and, most importantly, yourself. Now before you freak out, you can bring your phone with you, but you must keep it on silent and they are very much not welcome in public areas.

Rates start at approximately $1500 per night. Find the best available prices for Little Palm Island Resort & Spa and see real traveller photos on TripAdvisor.

The Standard at Miami Beach, Miami

Here is another adult-only resort in south Florida. Miami is the most southern city before you head to the Florida Keys. Miami has its world-famous beach, which is exactly where The Standard is located, on South Beach. You will find plenty of night life, beautiful Art Deco architecture and Cuban influences Close to the action, yet so far away. The Standard Spa, Miami Beach boasts that they are more a spa with guest rooms than a hotel.

You will find tropical gardens, rooms feature private terraces, many with outdoor soaking tubs, as well as an indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy, all of which are complimentary to hotel guests. The Spa encourages the communal rituals of ancient bathing traditions and is hub for sessions by some of the world’s top yogis and treatments by expert practitioners.

There is a juice café, fitness center, clothing boutique, nail salon, and Danish modern bar and lounge all on-site, so if you would rather not be a part of the Miami heat, you don’t have to be.

Please note that guests must be 21+ years old to check in, and 18+ to stay at The Standard Miami Beach. Find the best available rates for The Standard Miami Beach on Booking and see real traveller photos on TripAdvisor.

About the Author

Tracy is a Florida-based travel blogger who loves creating family-friendly recipes with a sip of good wine. When she's not at home, I’m out exploring Tampa Bay or off on an adventure travelling further afield. Tracy is passionate about sharing healthy food and sunny travel advice on her blog, Food Wine Sunshine and sharing updates on Instagram and Facebook.

Have you been to Florida? Are there are any other luxury hotels in Florida you can recommend for families, or adults-only?

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Frances M. Thompson

Londoner turned wanderer, Frankie is an author, freelance writer and blogger. Currently based in Amsterdam, Frankie was nomadic for two years before starting a family with her Australian partner. Frankie is the author of three short story collections, and is a freelance writer for travel and creative brands. In 2017, she launched WriteNOW Cards, affirmation cards for writers that help build a productive and positive writing practice. When not writing contemporary fiction, Frankie shops for vintage clothes, dances to 70s disco music and chases her two young sons around Amsterdam.
Find Frankie on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+.

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