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Florida's magnificent Gulf Coast stretches some 600 miles from the Everglades in the south all the way to Pensacola on the northwestern edge of the Panhandle. This stunning almost always warm stretch of coastline is, perhaps not surprisingly, where you'll find many of the top hotels and resorts in the US.
And for good reason. It's to the Gulf Coast of Florida that so many Americans go when they need a memorable beach holiday, where they'll find themselves mingling with copious Canadian, British, and European travelers also wanting to escape winter.
Those on the lookout for great places to stay are certainly spoiled for choice. The big accommodation brands are all represented here on the Gulf of Mexico, among them some of the world's best luxury hotel and resort names. Leading our list of top resorts on the Gulf Coast are the luxury Ritz-Carlton locations in Naples, popular for their sheer opulence and sporting activities, as well as The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, located in the heart of the Gulf Coast's creative capital.
To help you find the very best place to stay for your next seaside vacation, be sure to bookmark and review our list of the best resorts on Florida's Gulf Coast.
1. The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
As the go-to place on the Gulf Coast for those looking for luxury – take a tour of its chic neighborhoods, and you'll see some of the most expensive real estate in Florida – Naples offers no end of elegant luxury accommodations. Leading the way in sophistication and opulence is The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. From check-in to check-out, this posh luxury resort's guests are spoiled by the sheer elegance of this beachside resort.
The resort offers 450 rooms and suites, and despite being big, attentive staff members ensure you won't ever get lost in the crowd. The feeling you're somewhere special is even more evident if you book a beach-view room. Here, you can enjoy magnificent Gulf of Mexico sunsets from the comfort of your furnished balcony, which are even better if accompanied by dinner courtesy of the resort's excellent in-room dining experience.
But wherever you lay your head, you'll be treated to other great features, including exquisite décor and well-appointed and spacious marble bathrooms that come with comfy bathrobes and complimentary luxury toiletries.
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, also boasts numerous fine amenities. Highlights include two heated outdoor swimming pools with private cabana rentals (one of the pools is adults only), a kids' splash area, and a video games room. There's also a large fitness center, floodlit tennis courts, a full-service spa, seven restaurants, and guest privileges at two championship golf courses.
Address: 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, Florida
2. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
Another of the leading luxury brand's Gulf Coast vacation properties to consider, the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, is perfect for those wanting a mix of urban and beach experiences during their vacation.
The resort's well-appointed and bright guest rooms comprise 266 rooms with a choice of king or double queen beds. Notable features include the elegant marble bathrooms, complete with plush bathrobes, as well as HDTVs and spacious balconies with great city views. If your budget allows, be sure to upgrade to the huge 2,450-square-foot penthouse. This huge luxury unit also comes with separate dining and living areas, as well as two large balconies.
It's a real treat being able to easily walk to the many attractions of historic downtown Sarasota from the hotel, too. Nearby highlights include the beautiful harbor area with its park-like setting, along with plenty of great shopping and dining opportunities. However, there are certainly plenty of good reasons to want to stay on the resort.
On-site amenities include a full-service spa and hair salon, a large fitness center, plus a restaurant that's also popular among locals for its brunches and special events, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. Concierge services are also available. When some down time on the beach is called for, guests have access to a nearby beach club, along with tennis and an 18-hole golf course.
Address: 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive, Sarasota, Florida
3. The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples
Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort Naples
Elegantly designed in a classical Italian style, the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples, offers some of the top accommodations on the Gulf Coast of Florida. All guest rooms at this sumptuous 5-star resort are bright and comfortable and include such standard features as a choice of king or double queen beds, large marble bathrooms with complimentary bathrobes, HDTVs, and spacious balconies.
If your budget allows, consider staying in one of the larger deluxe suites. These spacious units come with separate living areas, and are available as part of the resort's prestigious club level program. If even more space is needed, the ultra-luxury Presidential Suite comes with additional living space, including a dining room, living room, two bathrooms, and two spacious balconies.
As one of the Gulf coast's leading golf resorts, guests can choose to play on either of the two championship courses on-site. Also popular for sports enthusiasts are the floodlit tennis courts. Afterwards, find a quiet spot on the large pool deck area, or have the resort's shuttle service whisk you away to the private beach at the nearby Ritz Carlton, Naples.
Other amenities of note include a full-service spa, along with plenty of great dining options in its two award-winning restaurants. Fancy a snack? Lighter fare is available from the on-site café and a poolside eatery. In-room dining is also available.
Address: 2600 Tiburon Drive, Naples, Florida
4. The Resort at Longboat Key Club, Sarasota
Accommodation: The Resort at Longboat Key Club
This is a favorite for too many reasons to list, but we'll try anyway. For many, it's the sheer size of the property. Covering 440 acres adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico, The Resort at Longboat Key Club has everything needed for a memorable sun vacation: proximity to a beautiful 13-mile sandy beach with no end of water sports and adventures; fantastic on-site dining in its multiple restaurants; 45 holes of golf, plus tennis courts and a fitness center; and a world-class spa.
There's even a full-service marina offering Jet Ski and boat rentals. And if you do feel the urge to leave the grounds, make sure it includes a visit to nearby St. Armands Circle, popular for its excellent patio dining and people watching.
The luxury Resort at Longboat Key Club offers guests a choice of 223 bright and spacious rooms and suites. Standard features include pillow-top bedding, private balconies, HD TVs, and large bathrooms complete with plush bathrobes. Handy wet bars and kitchenettes are also included.
Those needing a little more room can spread out in one of the resort's one- or two-bedroom units. These spacious apartment-style suites include handy full-size kitchens plus separate dining and living rooms. (Be sure to request an ocean view.)
Address: 220 Sands Point Road, Longboat Key, Florida
5. The Pearl Hotel, Rosemary Beach
Accommodation: The Pearl Hotel, Rosemary Beach
Located at the northwestern-most area of Florida in an area known as the Panhandle, the recently built 4-star Pearl Hotel on Rosemary Beach opened its doors in 2013 and immediately became a favorite for those looking for a great place to spend a beach vacation.
Holiday highlights include lazing under an umbrella on the hotel's private beach, being pampered at the well-equipped spa, dining at the restaurant or in your room, or working out at the fitness center. Be sure to make use of the guest privileges at area golf and tennis clubs, too. A nice perk is the inclusion of complimentary use of bikes, canoes, and kayaks.
With just 55 rooms and suites, "The Pearl" is certainly one of the gulf's quieter luxury hotels – a fact that makes it all the more popular for couples, wedding parties, and honeymooners. All rooms come with quality features such as the virtual concierge service (via iPad), an Apple TV plus a large-screen HDTV to view it on, large bathrooms, and spacious balconies.
A nice touch are the treats left behind by staff at evening turndown, along with unlimited soft-drinks.
Address: 63 Main Street, Rosemary Beach, Florida
6. Sandpearl Resort, Clearwater Beach
Accommodation: Sandpearl Resort
One of the top-rated vacation properties in Clearwater Beach, The Sandpearl Resort is certainly worth considering if luxury accommodations are your thing.
This popular 4-star resort consists of bright, well-appointed one- and two-bedroom suites, and you'll enjoy great features, including full kitchens and separate living areas. They also feature large bathrooms with stand-alone showers and bathtubs, laundry facilities, as well as over-sized balconies. Popular with couples are the romantic king suites (double queen versions are available), each with a separate living area and pull-out couch.
A definite draw at Sandpearl is the magnificent beach, as well as its proximity to local attractions. Other things to do here include lounging around in the comfort of your own private cabana. The resort also provides wonderful beach hammocks, a great place to kick-back.
There's also a private marina offering rental slips, as well as boats and Jet Skis, and experiences such as dolphin spotting or fishing excursions can be arranged. Other notable amenities include a conference center, restaurants, a heated outdoor swimming pool, full-service spa, and fitness center.
Address: 500 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater Beach, Florida
7. LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, Naples
On-site amenities at this luxury resort include the chance to rent a private poolside cabana (the resort has four swimming pools), a world-class spa, and excellent dining in its reputable restaurants. For those wanting to work out - either solo or under the guidance of a personal trainer - there's also a large fitness center.
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort offers a variety of spacious and elegantly decorated guest rooms. These come complete with custom-made furnishings including exquisite four-poster beds and original art by local artists.
Options include the 600-square-foot king rooms featuring pillow-top mattresses, large bathrooms, and spacious furnished balconies with excellent beach or garden views. Larger 850-square-foot one-bedroom units are certainly worth the additional cost, and come with separate living areas and large bathrooms.
Address: 9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples, Florida
8. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, Bonita Springs
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
The delightful Hyatt Regency Point Resort & Spa offers guests a superlative vacation experience on Estero Bay in Bonita Springs, a lovely community not far from Naples.
Nestled on 26 acres overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the resort offers 454 guest rooms to choose from, each well-appointed and including amenities such as free Wi-Fi, large HD TVs, fridges, and coffee makers, along with a choice of two queen beds or a king bed.
A great option are the larger suites, which include a balcony. Better still, the 1,500-square-foot one-bedroom Island Suites are worth the extra expense and feature separate bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas. A club level upgrade is also available that provides access to a comfortable lounge area with free breakfast and hors d'oeuvres.
The large grounds mean there's plenty of room to spread out and plenty of room for some amazing water activities. Highlights include a superb 900-foot lazy river, four large swimming pools with waterslides. One of these larger swimming pools is more than 5,000 square feet in size, while another has been set aside for adult use only.
Other notable on-site amenities include a hot tub, and a private beach area. There's plenty of poolside seating, and luxury private cabanas are available for rent. There's also on-site dining in a variety of restaurants, as well as a full-service spa offering a wide variety of treatments, including relaxing couples' massages.
Address: 5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs, Florida
9. Watercolor Inn, Santa Rosa Beach
Accommodation: Watercolor Inn
Located in the Gulf Coast community of Santa Rosa Beach, the wonderfully named Watercolor Inn offers vacationers an intimate alternative to the area's many larger resorts.
The 60 rooms at this resort are each a good size (500 square feet) and come with great features, including spacious balconies with comfy seating and superb views. They also feature king beds (plus a pull-out queen sofa bed), large bathrooms with stand-alone showers, HDTVs with DVD players, mini-fridges, Keurig coffee makers, and separate seating areas.
A nice touch are the fresh cookies dropped off in your room during the evening turndown service. Complimentary soft drinks and juices are also provided.
In addition to its superb beach location - the gulf's famous soft sand is just feet away from the resort (beach bags provided) - guests can enjoy special privileges at three nearby golf courses, free bike and kayak use, and a gym. Other great features are the complimentary valet parking, boat and paddleboard rentals, and beach bonfires. There's also an adults-only pool.
Address: 34 Goldenrod Cir, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
10. Hyatt Regency Sarasota
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Sarasota
Being within walking distance of the lovely downtown area of Florida's most charming arts district is a definite plus for those staying at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. The area's also known for its excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities, along with a lovely marina and park area.
When booking your room, try to choose a view over Sarasota Bay if available – it's well worth requesting the upgrade. Traveling with pets? Be sure to request a pet-friendly room. The hotel's guest rooms are bright and well-appointed, and come in either two queen or one king options. Standard features include spacious bathrooms, separate living areas, large-screen HD TVs, and furnished balconies.
When not in their rooms, guests are most likely to be found relaxing around the heated outdoor swimming pool, or enjoying the hotel's free-to-use kayaks, paddleboats, and paddleboards.
If you're looking to explore further afield, motorized craft can be rented from the hotel's full-service marina. Also on-site: a restaurant (in-room dining available), a fitness center, meeting space, and a free shuttle service around town and to the beach. Valet parking is available.
Address: 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, Florida
11. Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
Accommodation: Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
The Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort is another great Panhandle vacation destination. This fine oceanfront resort offers a variety of first-rate accommodation options, ranging from luxurious suites suitable for couples, all the way up to much larger townhomes and villas boasting as many as four bedrooms.
Notable features of these spacious units include multiple bathrooms with separate showers and bathtubs, cozy fireplaces, kitchens, and good-sized living areas. They also feature furnished private balconies or terraces.
There's no end of fun things to do around this large resort, either, especially for sports enthusiasts. Highlights include golf privileges on the resort's course, as well as tennis (the resort has 15 courts), with the chance to get private tutoring in either discipline. Another plus are the four large heated swimming pools, which feature large terraces with plenty of room to lounge around and sunbathe.
The resort also provides complimentary bicycles, as well as water toys including paddleboards and kayaks (rentals of Jet Skis can be arranged). Also available is a full-service spa, a fitness center, and dining in the on-site restaurants.
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach, Florida
12. South Seas Island Resort, Sanibel Island
Accommodation: South Seas Island Resort
The fact its neighbor is a 330-acre wildlife preserve certainly adds to that feeling you're somewhere special when you're staying at the South Seas Island Resort, Sanibel Island. It's not only peaceful, it's distinctly lush and tropical.
In addition to exploring the nature reserve, outdoor activities include plenty of water-based fun, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, and sailing. Sports enthusiasts also have plenty of activities to enjoy, including a round of golf or a game of tennis. Bike rentals are also available.
There's also on-site dining, swimming pools offering private cabana rentals, plus a fitness center. Best of all, though, is the beach. Thanks to the wildlife preserve, you've got close to 2.5 miles of sandy heaven to explore.
Guest rooms are spacious and cover an area of 650 square feet, with either beach or marina views. Notable features of these bright and spacious rooms include a choice of king or two queen beds, large bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers, good-sized balconies, a work desk, and HD TVs.
Address: 5400 Plantation Road, Captiva, Florida
13. The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
Accommodation: The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
The Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club in St. Petersburg has taken a leaf from the grand old resorts of the past when it comes to providing guests with memorable luxury experiences. Although located close to the area's top attractions, as well as its best dining and shopping opportunities, The Vinoy offers no end of great excuses to stay on-site.
Amenities at this ritzy luxury resort include sports facilities such as a golf course and tennis courts, along with a fitness center, plus two heated outdoor swimming pools. There's also an on-site marina offering slip and boat rentals, on-site dining in the popular restaurant, full-service spa and hair salon, kids' activities and camps (plus babysitting services), and a games room. Bike rentals are also available.
When it comes to accommodations, guests are equally spoiled for choice. Popular choices include the standard 405-square-foot rooms with two queen or a single king bed, along with a spacious bathroom (plus bathrobes), desk, and good-sized balcony. For those needing more space, shoot for the one- or two-bedroom suites, each with an additional guest bathroom and pull-out couch.
Address: 501 5th Ave NE, St. Petersburg, Florida
14. TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, St. Pete Beach
Accommodation: TradeWinds Island Grand Resort
Set amid 20 acres overlooking the Gulf in St. Pete Beach, TradeWinds Island Grand – part of the same company that operates the neighboring RumFish Beach Resort – offers no end of family fun. Highlights of the property's top-notch amenities include the use of a cabana when at the beach, plus access to five heated outdoor swimming pools, including an adults-only pool and a three-story-tall waterslide in the water park area.
There are also plenty of on-site restaurants, from casual to fine-dining to family options (plus in-room dining). Add to this rentals of paddleboards and Jet Skis, a fitness center offering yoga classes, kids' craft programs and activities, outdoor movies, and a full-service spa, and you're looking at a wonderful beach vacation in Florida.
The rooms are also exceptional, and include a number with views overlooking the gulf. Options include cozy standard rooms with two double beds, as well as a handy wet bar area with sink, microwave, mini-fridge, toaster, and coffee maker. All rooms come with large screen HD TVs. Larger suites are also available that come with separate jet bathtubs and showers. A number of pet-friendly units are also available.
Address: 5500 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, Florida
15. RumFish Beach Resort by TradeWinds, St. Petersburg
Accommodation: RumFish Beach Resort by TradeWinds
Set amid five acres of prime real estate overlooking the beach in St. Petersburg, the recently renovated RumFish Beach Resort by TradeWinds should be on everyone's luxury getaway shortlist.
This 3-star resort itself offers many great features, one of the most notable being the huge 33,500-gallon aquarium in its main restaurant. Beach fun includes swimming and water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking, fire pits, and lounging in your own deluxe private cabana.
Other on-site amenities include a retail outlet, regular live entertainment, two swimming pools (one designated as adults only) plus a hot tub, and a marina. Exciting adventures and excursions, from fishing to diving, can be arranged by staff.
The bright, freshly decorated and spacious rooms are equally appealing. Features of note in the standard rooms include twin beds, spacious bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, HD TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, and toasters. Larger two-bedroom units are also available and come with a kitchenette, dining and living areas, and two bathrooms. A number of pet-friendly units are also available.
Address: 6000 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, Florida
16. The Henderson - A Salamander Beach & Spa Resort
Accommodation: The Henderson - A Salamander Beach & Spa Resort
Another first-rate vacation spot on the Florida Panhandle that's worth considering, The Henderson - A Salamander Beach & Spa Resort offers guests a choice of 170 beautifully appointed rooms and suites. One of the most popular options are the lavishly decorated gulf-view guest rooms.
These spacious king suites feature an exquisitely decorated bathroom with separate shower, a large sunken bathtub, and a window that can be opened and which looks into the sleeping area. The even larger spa suites come with their own private elevator. Room service is available, as is a concierge desk.
A highlight of your stay is spending time relaxing around the resort and enjoying its luxurious amenities. A must-try is the huge 10,000-square-foot spa, a world-class facility that offers everything from massages to beauty treatments.
Other notable amenities include a fitness center offering personal trainers and a variety of classes including yoga; two large outdoor swimming pools, one of which is designated adults only (cabana rentals available); plus great dining options in its restaurants, including in-room and private dining.
Address: 200 Henderson Resort Way, Destin, Florida
17. Gasparilla Inn & Club, Boca Grande
Accommodation: Gasparilla Inn & Club
The wonderful Gasparilla Inn & Club is perfect for those looking to enjoy a quieter, traditional Floridian vacation experience. This charming resort is more than 100 years old, and the quiet island after which it's named, Gasparilla Island, has managed to remain relatively untouched by the kind of resort development seen elsewhere in Florida.
The guest rooms are charming affairs, each of the 63 elegantly appointed standard guest rooms are available with either a king or two queen beds. There are also a number of spacious beach chalets, too.
Perfect for larger families and groups, the largest of these luxurious properties is 3,850 square feet and consists of four-bedrooms, a large kitchen with modern appliances, plus dining and living rooms. These units also come with handy laundry rooms.
On-site amenities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a full-service spa, and a restaurant. Staff can also handle bike and watercraft rentals, as well as assist with booking adventures and experiences along the beautiful coastline, such as fishing. Golf and croquet are also offered.
Address: 500 Palm Ave, Boca Grande, Florida