No passport? No problem. You don’t need one to feel like you’ve been transported to a tropical island. Head to Florida instead, which is, at times, cheaper and more accessible than a trip to the Caribbean.
In certain parts of Florida, you’ll find beach resorts fronting gin-clear, turquoise waters that rival the Caribbean Sea and offer similar toes-in-the-sand experiences. Hotels range from quiet and exclusive escapes to family-friendly spots with banana boat rides and pools with a lazy river.
With steady ocean breezes, tropical music, and cocktails served in a coconut, close your eyes, and you’re in the Caribbean without ever leaving the U.S. at these five Florida beachfront resorts.
In this article
1. The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, Longboat Key
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Many people outside of Florida have never heard of Longboat Key, which is a quiet barrier island near Sarasota. But its turquoise to emerald-green Gulf waters, white quartz sand, and mind-bending sunsets might have you feeling as if you’ve been swept away to the Caribbean.
Set on a quiet stretch of beach, The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort has all the makings of a swanky Caribbean resort: plush rooms and suites that deliver big on water views, separate swimming pools for both families and adults including a meandering river for leisurely tubing, and even a secret grotto where the push of a button delivers a glass of champagne to the hot tub.
For those who love snorkeling, guests can pay to swim with colorful fish and rays in the on-property saltwater marine lagoon. Tip: The resort offers a bathing suit service, where they’ll rinse and dry your swimsuit so it’s fresh by morning.
2. Isla Bella Beach Resort, Marathon
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When it comes to crystalline waters and epic snorkeling, a trip to the Florida Keys is as close to traveling to the Caribbean as it gets. Isla Bella Beach Resort in Marathon, about an hour north of Key West, sits on 24 acres with its own private beach facing the Atlantic Ocean and feels like a remote island retreat thanks to its secluded setting.
At check-in, intoxicating water views from the glassy doors may cause you to let out an excited squeal, and the tropical landscaping and white buildings dotting the property only make the aqua water shine brighter. Five pools line the water, and all rooms flaunt ocean views. For fans of all-inclusive resorts, Isla Bella now offers all-inclusive dining packages at its numerous on-property restaurants.
3. Loews Miami Beach, Miami
Miami, particularly South Beach, is known for its turquoise-tinged water and white sand beach lined with swaying palm trees, and the oceanfront Loews Miami Beach is a family-friendly dream that mimics a stay in the Caribbean. The resort, which provides direct beach access, recently renovated its 790 rooms and suites, drenching them in sea-glass blues and sandy hues that lull one into a sense of true island relaxation. Secure one of their ocean-facing rooms with a balcony to get the full Caribbean-like effect.
While guests can sunbathe on a beach chair (up to four are complimentary per room), the resort’s star amenity is their huge pool. The bottom floor is etched with palm trees and there's a flat zero-entry that’s welcoming to little ones. The resort also has a dedicated kids club, and families can jet off for water sports or daily banana boat rides.
4. Beach Club at The Boca Raton, Boca Raton
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The Boca Raton is a sprawling resort that includes five distinct accommodations housed within one property. One is the Beach Club at The Boca Raton, which checks all the boxes for a luxurious island-like vacation, while still providing the perks of a mega resort. Perched above a pristine private beach where the water shimmers in various hues of blue, Beach Club feels like you’re staying at a ritzy beach house. Guests can grab a lounger in the sand for beach service or opt to use one of three oceanfront pools. The 210 rooms and suites lean toward coastal sophistication; select a Lanai Suite for direct access to poolside living spaces.
You’ll also find coastal cuisine reminiscent of Puerto Rico at Onda, a breezy restaurant steps from the sand. Hop on a free water taxi that connects the Beach Club to the main resort, a 10-minute scenic ride, where you can take advantage of amenities like a huge poolscape with a lazy river and tropical-inspired lounges. Between the Beach Club and the main resort, there are 19 different dining outlets, so there’s something for every preference.
5. Little Palm Island, Little Torch Key
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For couples looking for barefoot luxury and remote exclusivity similar to Pine Cay Resort in Turks & Caicos, Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys is a Caribbean-style sanctuary. This private island retreat is a fantasy for adults, starting with the boat ride that takes you there from the welcome station on Little Torch Key, likely with a potent Gumby Slumber rum drink in hand. Or, you can also arrive by seaplane, which feels like you’ve jetted off somewhere tropical and far-flung, even if the flight is only about an hour from Fort Lauderdale or Miami.
Once on-site, the 30 thatch-roofed bungalow suites are fashioned with a British West Indies vibe and are purposely spaced apart along seashell paths to offer privacy. Some even have outdoor copper soaking tubs. The tone is intimate and hushed; guests are asked to take calls in their rooms so as to not disturb the peace.
Days here revolve around floating in the lagoon-style pool, exploring the water by kayak or paddle board, or taking off on one of the complimentary Boston Whaler boats to a nearby sandbar. (Ask them to load up a cooler with a bottle of wine or beer.) Fresh seafood is always on the menu, and one of the most magical experiences is a toes-in-the-sand private dining experience at sunset.
The Shortcut
If you’re craving the tropical vibes and clear, turquoise waters of the Caribbean, but don’t want to jet-set internationally, you'll find a Caribbean dupe right here in the U.S.
Florida offers its own version of island bliss with resorts fronting crystalline blue waters edged by swaying palm trees resembling what you’d find in the islands.
These Florida hotels and resorts also offer similar amenities, including lazy rivers, tropical drinks, plentiful dining options, and even a marine park for snorkeling.
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