Seeking to avoid the stress of international flights and long journeys? Consider indulging in world-class amenities and experiences just a short trip away. South Florida offers many high-end getaway options, from opulent beachfront resorts to exclusive spa retreats. Whether one is in search of a romantic couple’s weekend or a rejuvenating solo retreat, South Florida hotels offer luxury destinations that cater to discerning travelers looking to escape without venturing far, providing an ideal balance of convenience and indulgence.
AC Hotel By Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach
3029 Alhambra Street, Fort Lauderdale
(954) 356-7900
Summer wow: You don’t need that expensive flight to Europe. This Fort Lauderdale Beach hotspot unexpectedly is loaded with oodles of European flair at a singular address.
Among its touches is a daily European-inspired breakfast buffet with croissants from France and fresh slices of prosciutto. Its AC Lounge is typically bumpin’ on the libations front, serving up shareable Spanish tapas and signature cocktails aplenty.
No summer staycation at these South Florida hotels is complete without a bit of water action. In addition to Fort Lauderdale Beach’s majestic white sands and oft-tranquil waves, this spot has a fourth-floor pool and bar for making a splash.
Pro tip: Take advantage of everything included in its daily destination fee, including a $25 food and beverage credit, a daily fitness class, two beach chairs and a two-hour bike rental.
If you somehow get bored with this activity, some of Fort Lauderdale beach’s most iconic bars—Elbo Room, Rock Bar and more—are within a five-minute stroll south.
Isn’t that special: Summer savings may be available on select nights through September 30 using the code ZJL for online bookings. The property also offers regular savings for AAA members and those staying for five or more nights.
Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale
525 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
fourseasons.com/fortlauderdale
(754) 336-3100
Summer wow: The Four Seasons is calling, so pick up the phone and treat yourself this summer. One of the newer South Florida hotels on Fort Lauderdale Beach, this is a hotel-residential hybrid offering 189 rooms.
The property opened in 2022 and was designed by Kobi Karp. Inside, it’s a classic yacht club-inspired utopia. The water lifestyle abounds from its 22-story façade —reminiscent of a yacht’s design—to its contemporary lobby.
For soaking up the South Florida sun, the Four Seasons has two horizon-edge pools, each surrounded by daybeds and boasting Atlantic vistas.
When you want a reprieve from the summer heat, its spa is an intimate oasis. It has six treatment rooms and an overarching experience inspired by the movement of water, specifically Fort Lauderdale’s iconic canals. Its spa lounges are as relaxed as it gets, equipped with ice fountains, aroma steam baths, and salt saunas.
Don’t miss its signature restaurant, MAASS, by Michelin-starred chef Ryan Ratino, which is considered a culinary game changer for the city.
Isn’t that special: Keep an eye on the Four Seasons website for “Value Dates,” which have lower-than-usual rates. Additionally, the property offers a third night for select stays for free when you purchase a two-night stay. Florida residents also get a special rate—you’ll have to call their reservation line for that scoop.
Ocean Key Resort & Spa
0 Duval Street, Key West
(305) 809-8072
Summer wow: With a Duval Street address, it’s one thing. Throw a zero in front of said street and you know you’ve reached somewhere special.
Ocean Key Resort & Spa is tucked at the north end of Key West’s main drag, overlooking Sunset Key and Wisteria Island. Mallory Square is its southern neighbor, and there’s a daily sunset celebration with magicians, jugglers, and more.
The fun vibe continues on-property, which is truly a convenient-meets-tranquil oasis. At Ocean Key, you can ball out in the resort’s recently reimagined penthouse suite, the Flamingo Royale Suite, which includes a “tropical camp” vibe and an oceanfront balcony with Key West Harbor and ocean vistas.
If a penthouse isn’t in the works, there are 100 rooms and suites to choose from. Musts include dining at the on-property restaurant Hot Tin Roof, which dishes up conch-fusion delicacies and treatment at the lux SpaTerre.
Isn’t that special: The resort is offering two summer specials. The first—“Stay, Swim and Save!”—includes two cocktails per room daily and a 15 percent off bonus with a minimum two-night stay. The Romance in Paradise package includes oceanfront accommodations, $200 in total credits to the spa and restaurants each day and a champagne welcome.
W Fort Lauderdale
401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
(954) 414-8200
Summer wow: You can’t spell wow without W. In this W’s case, it delivers all the wow all year long. But the summer is special as its Insta-worthy rooftop poolscape, WET, particularly comes alive. It’s on the fifth floor and includes panoramic vistas of Fort Lauderdale Beach below—swoon. Also, on-property and always hoppin’ is its signature Living Room communal space, where there’s often a DJ spinning.
For pampering, its AWAY Spa is bright with pops of neon colors here and there. For the active crowd, a stay at the W includes access to its 24-hour FIT gym, beach fitness classes and free cruiser bicycle rentals. Once you sweat it out, there are reserved beach chairs and umbrellas oceanside with your name on them.
The culinary scene at The W is among the best among South Florida hotels, with Steak 954 as its undeniable anchor. Beyond prime cuts, its cheesesteak (made with wagyu and truffle-infused cheese wiz) is wild. El Vez—boasting a patio with unobstructed ocean vistas—is stellar for unwinding with a margarita or three.
Isn’t that special: Keep an eye on W’s website for its ever-poppy specials, spanning a VIP Pink Paradise Barbie-core poolside package with a Barbie-inspired box for photo ops to Bark & Bougie amenities for four-legged friends, which includes a pet-sized lounger for Fido. For a daycation, the property offers day passes for folks to enjoy the pool and more on-site.
