It’s not easy being in a long distance relationship, especially after your routine involved your partner every day for 14 years. Tim and I have a number of ways that we make it work, but little rendezvous around the world like that time we holed up on a private island in the Philippines, met up for a ski holiday in Andorra, celebrated our anniversary in a luxury villa at the beach and most recently fled to the Seychelles for some sunshine, are essential for us. You don’t even have to be in a long distance relationship to need a little sizzle to combat the fizzle that happens from the day-to-day things that leave you exhausted. Since our next rendezvous will be back in the US, Visit Florida challenged us to find romantic Florida resorts for the perfect getaway.
We’ve picked five resorts we’d personally stay at, but you can find many more recommendations on Visit Florida’s new Florida resort resource page.
1. The Angler’s Boutique Resort, Miami Beach
We ended up in Miami overnight when a late flight made us miss our connection to the Bahamas. Never ones to pass up an opportunity to explore, we did what anyone with a few hours would do: we hit Miami Beach. Miami’s white sand, warm water, fun vibe and flair for delicious food are plenty to entice us back for a proper visit.
The Angler’s is a Kimpton hotel, a brand we discovered when we stayed at their cool Pittsburgh property a few months ago. This Miami beach hotel describes their boutique property as “intimate and full of cozy enclaves,” plus they have private jacuzzis and rooftop terraces perfect for watching a Miami sunset – which is undoubtedly one of the most romantic nighttime activities in Miami.
Just two blocks off the beach in the Art Deco district, the location is perfect for us to combine some adventure like diving and kayaking with a bit of quiet romance.
2. Sunset Key Cottages, Key West
Ever since we discovered just how beautiful Florida beaches are and how warm the water is, Key West has been on our Florida bucket list. Key West is wreck rich, making it a great year round dive destination and the Keys are home to one of our favorite desserts: key lime pie. Need we say more?
Sunset Key Cottages offer luxurious private cottages with 1 – 4 bedrooms, though who wants to bring the family along on a romantic getaway? A one bedroom where the breakfast basket full of muffins and fresh fruit is delivered to be enjoyed on our own veranda each morning is our kind of place.
The property’s Latitudes Restaurants was recently ranked as one of the 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America for 2017 by OpenTable. Waterfront dining on Florida lobster tails as the sun kisses the sea sounds like the perfect romantic indulgence to us.
3. The Don CeSar, St. Pete Beach
Boasting 361 days of sunshine per year, it seems you can’t go wrong with a getaway to St. Pete Beach. Unless you happen to end up there on one of those four other pesky days when it’s apparently cloudy. But really, what are the odds?
The Don CeSar is quite literally a pink castle that has been welcoming guests since 1928. It was built in the height of the Jazz Age and we imagine Gatsby-esque soirees. It’s a much larger resort than the boutique ones we chose in Miami and Key West, but it does offer romantic sunset cruises and a spa.
We’d unwind and indulge in the couple’s spa retreat with a bath intended for two, followed by side-by-side couple’s massages and capping off the experience with champagne.
4. Casa Monica, St. Augustine
Our friend Angie Away says that Florida just wouldn’t be Florida without St. Augustine. As a Florida native, she would definitely know so we’re taking her word that St. Augustine is a must visit. Plus, St. Augustine even has a winery! We knew Florida is famous for its oranges, but wine?
Casa Monica, another of America’s historic hotels, was voted one of the Top 20 Hotels in Florida by Conde Nast Traveler. Built in 1888, the hotel is one of the oldest in America and it’s been a glamorous getaway destination since the day it opened its doors. Just ogling the photos takes us back to Morocco with the colorful textiles and old world feel.
A day exploring the Spanish architecture of St. Augustine, wine tasting, a visit to the brand new Poseidon Spa to ease achy feet and an evening with a pitcher of sangria and plates of tapas at the hotel’s Costa Brava restaurant would be our perfect day.
5. Pelican Cove, Islamorada
Islamorada is known as the Sport Fishing Capital of America. But you might not also know that it is home to the only living coral reef in the Continental US. We’d come for the diving.
Pelican Cove is one of Florida’s classic Atlantic Ocean front resorts and is nestled on its own private beach. Mixing tropical and tranquility, this resort has invested millions – quite literally during a multi-million dollar renovation in 2015 – to ensuring the most relaxing stay in Florida.
And after a day of diving which physically exhausts us, relaxation is just what we want.
Agness says
Miami beach is a dream for me. I really hope to cross it off my bucket list soon, Jennifer!