With warm weather, easy flights and no passport required, statistics show Florida is the most frequently visited state by Connecticut residents year after year. Whether planning a multigenerational vacation, looking for a weekend escape or trying to figure out where to hide from the snow this winter, we’ve rounded up a few stunning properties in the Sunshine State, with white sand beaches, world-class dining and newly unveiled amenities.
The Boca Raton
The Boca Raton resort is set on 200 waterfront acres and home to five distinct hotels: Beach Club at The Boca Raton (an oceanfront hotel that reopened in January 2025 following a complete renovation), Yacht Club at The Boca Raton (an all-suite, adults-only hotel overlooking the Intracoastal), Tower at The Boca Raton (a high-rise with sweeping views of the coastline and newly renovated rooms), Cloister at The Boca Raton (a grand hotel built in 1926 that blends modern and historic details), and Bungalows at The Boca Raton (offering extended stay residences with full kitchens and spacious living areas). American architect Addison Mizner’s original Spanish-style architecture sets the tone here, but the property has undergone major renovations recently, creating a relaxed, luxurious vibe that feels timeless yet fresh.
What sets The Boca Raton apart is its combination of scale, exclusivity, and elevated offerings,” says Daniel Hostettler, president and CEO of The Boca Raton. Experiences include the Forbes Five-Star Spa Palmera, an 18-hole golf course, a Racquet Club with 14 tennis courts and 12 pickleball courts, a private beach and the Harborside Pool Club. “Resort guests are treated like honorary club members during their stay and can use The Boca Raton as their playground,” adds Hostettler.
Restaurants are numerable (there are 18 dining options here ranging from elegant sit-downs to sexy lounges and casual bars). Be sure to try Flybridge. Perched at the top of the Yacht Club, it has incredible views of the intracoastal and the ocean in an intimate setting, and Chef Peter Annewanter brings his Michelin-star experience to the kitchen. Flamingo Grill, the resort’s first restaurant, evokes the midcentury glamour that launched the resort as a luxury vacation destination. Try the broiled oysters, chilled heirloom tomato gazpacho with watermelon, or Mediterranean Branzino. End dinner with the Bananas Foster, prepared tableside for a theatrical moment.
Recent renovations to The Boca Raton unveiled six more pickleball courts and a courtside bar at The Racquet Club, and a host of luxury suite options at the Tower, Beach Club and Yacht Club hotels. Guests of the Suite Collection enjoy exclusive benefits, including a dedicated butler and pre-arrival concierge, priority dining and activity reservations, private beach and pool seating, and access to the 27th floor Top of the Tower lounge featuring panoramic views and gourmet offerings. Says Hostettler: “The experience also includes unique surprise-and-delight moments.”
Andaz Miami
Much like the hotel’s rich art deco architecture, the Andaz Miami Beach celebrates the past while looking toward the future. “Andaz Miami beach is a true reflection of Miami’s electric spirit—effortlessly cool, culturally vibrant and endlessly dynamic,” says Fernando Rivera, general manager of Andaz Miami Beach, which is located mid-beach in Miami, FL, close enough to the hum of South Beach while offering serene oceanfront relaxation. “We designed every touchpoint to mirror the rhythm of the city.”
There is no front-desk check-in. Rather, guests are welcomed with a cocktail from Bar Centro while looking out at the ocean. Balearic beats infused with Cuban rhythms fill the air. Décor wraps you in coastal colors, reminding guests that here, they can relax and slow down in a luxurious atmosphere. Ondara Spa is opening this month and offers day-to-night pampering, from touchless therapies to body and massage treatments like the Ondara Sea Glow or the Tide Sculpt. The hotel’s hydraulic pool is a swimming space by day, but at night, you’ll find runway shows, concerts and private events taking place here.
Dining At Andaz Miami includes Aguasal or Bar Centro. “Aguasal is a like a passport to the Mediterranean—light, vibrant and perfectly suited for beachside dining,” says Rivera, who recommends the red snapper with tartar sauce and Zhuog and the Melissa cocktail with Greek gin, Calvados, honey, lemon and orange blossom. At Bar Centro, order the popular signature olives and caviar cones with a craft cocktail like the Reverse Carajillo (Spanish brandy, dark rum, cold brew, vanilla and trés leches espuma).
New this year, the historic 1930s backyard beach house will debut as a members’ club. Look for cultural programming, VIP events and elevated beach experiences. In 2026, The Bazaar by José Andrés will reopen, returning one of Miami’s most iconic dining concepts to the restaurant scene. “As we settle into our first season, the goal is to continuously surprise and delight our guests with fresh, relevant experiences that reflect the ever-evolving spirit of Miami,” says Rivera.
Little Palm Island
This private island resort in the Florida Keys is accessible only by boat or seaplane, so it feels like a no-passport-needed trip to the Caribbean. Thirty thatched-roof bungalow suites provide an intimate and exclusive experience (No more than 60 guests can stay here at any given time.) Guests are asked to completely unplug and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the resort’s lush four acres, where Key deer, exotic birds and tropical flora abound.
“Being a Relais & Châteaux property signifies that Little Palm Island meets the highest standards of luxury, hospitality and unique character recognized worldwide,” says Bill Foster, regional director of Marketing for Little Palm Island. “It means an intimate, thoughtfully curated experience where every detail, from personalized service to the stunning natural surroundings, reflects the commitment to excellence and authenticity that defines Relais & Châteaux.”
Active travelers will love the water sports, like kayaking and paddle boarding. The concierge can arrange a seaplane tour, coordinate a fishing, snorkeling or scuba excursion, or help you rent a Boston Whaler. Explore the wellness program at the spa, with Balinese-inspired treatments, sunrise yoga, meditation, sound bowl therapy and standup paddleboard yoga classes. “A must-try is the Madrugada Sunrise Massage,” says Foster. “It takes place in the ocean.
The dining room at Little Palm Island serves breakfast, lunch and dinner to the intimate list of guests that can sometimes include celebrities, CEOs and dignitaries. The menu evolves daily, combining international techniques and local fresh ingredients. Order light bites poolside from the Palapa Bar or pull up to the Monkey Hut lounge bar for happy hour. The exclusive Chef’s Table experience accommodates up to four guests for those seeking an elevated and personalized gastronomic journey.
The resort is celebrating its fifth anniversary since it reopened in 2020 after Hurricane Irma devastated the island in 2017. “This milestone not only honors our resilience but also invites guests to experience the exquisite blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication that defines the resort today,” says Foster. “We look forward to sharing this renewed vision and unparalleled sanctuary with our guests.”
St. Regis Longboat Key Resort
Guests of the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort in Sarasota, FL, can stay for days without ever leaving the resort. The beachside property feels like a visit to the Caribbean or Europe without ever leaving the mainland. There are 168 guest rooms, 800 feet of private white sand beach and seven distinct dining options.
“The resort is ideal for families with children and multigenerational families,” says Winfred van Workum, general manager at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. The resort’s Reef Rangers Children’s Club offers hands-on, educational adventures like feeding tortoises and swimming with marine life. Together, families can snorkel in the Under the Sea Lagoon, a 500,000-gallon secluded lagoon that is home to stingrays, Aldabra tortoises and tropical fish, or reserve a cabana and spend the day by the pool. There is a family pool and a winding river.
Parents looking for a little alone time can unwind at the 20,000-square-foot St. Regis Spa or, new this year, spend some time at the Vilebrequin Pool and Cabana Club, a private adults-online club. “Through our partnership with Vilebrequin, we are creating a one-of-a-kind, immersive pool and cabana club, inspired by the Saint-Tropez way of life,” says Winfred van Workum, general manager at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. “The space concept and visual identity is distinctive, showcasing our bespoke Vilebrequin design, in all the décor elements within this exceptional beachfront venue.” To celebrate the partnership, Vilebrequin has released an exclusive line of swim and beachwear.
The extensive dining options at Longboat Key range from classic Italian at Riva to surf and turf at CW Prime. For lighter fare, try Oshen, a rooftop lounge with elevated cocktails, seafood-focused small plates and panoramic views of the ocean. For Latin American dining, visit Aura, with open-air seating and a menu that draws inspiration from Mexico, Cuba, Peru and Brazil. Don’t miss the daily tequila here. The Monkey Bar is a classic beachside tiki bar with an old Hollywood vibe, where the Murf Dog, a classic gourmet hot dog, is a must-try. Meet for after-dinner drinks at the St. Regis Bar, which has an exquisite Floridian mural by local artist William Savarese and nightly entertainment including live pianists and vocalists. The Afternoon tea program is also held here.
“Longboat Key is a hidden gem, removed from the bustle, but close enough to Sarasota’s vibrant arts, culture and dining scene to keep every visit fresh,” says van Workum. “The world-class amenities, including our bespoke butler service and thoughtfully curated experiences, it feels like an international escape with the ease of domestic travel.”
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