Kiwi Curated
Chasing Winter Sun in the Sunshine State
by Darren DunneWhile those in more northern climes are putting on winter tires and wrapping up warm, the locals in Florida are putting on another layer of sunscreen and wrapping themselves in a beach towel. It’s all too easy to picture one’s self relaxing under a swaying palm in the middle of December and the Sunshine State offers the perfect venue for a winter escape. Read on as we share some of our favorite winter sun destinations in Florida.
The Seagate Hotel & Spa, Delray Beach
The first stop on our tour of the Sunshine State takes us to the laid-back surrounds of Delray Beach and The Seagate. Delray Beach is located on the outskirts of the Miami metropolitan area and offers a more languid option than the neon lights of the big city – perfect for those seeking to catch some rays and recharge. Within a beach-chic façade it houses 154 welcoming rooms and suites, and guests can expect to find a full-service spa, fitness center and six distinctive dining venues within.
The Breakers, Palm Beach
The Breakers is one of Florida’s most historic vacation spots and it’s been a fixture at Palm Beach since 1896. Oil baron Henry Flagler originally built the hotel to provide a luxurious seaside playground for travelers on his Florida East Coast Railroad, with rates starting from $4 per night. While rates might have crept up a little since then, guests can still enjoy a little old-school hospitality and tradition in an Italian-Renaissance setting. Set over a sweeping five-acre estate, The Breakers boasts four oceanfront pools, three restaurants, a spa and two championship golf courses.
Sample a sophisticated take on the Sunshine State from a perch at the lavish Eau Palm Beach. Housed on a historic site for Palm Beach hospitality, the hotel recently underwent a $100-million renovation project, transforming it into one of the destination hotels in South Florida. A family-friendly resort, Eau boasts sprawling outdoor pools, the opulent Eau Spa, tennis courts and spectacular meeting and event space, some of which even looks directly out onto the ocean. Don’t want to leave Fido at home? Eau Palm Beach welcomes small dogs to accompany their owners in the lap of luxury.
Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach, Miami Beach
Resembling an oversized Mediterranean villa, Acqualina Resort & Spa opens out onto glistening white sands to offer a truly oceanfront getaway. This old-world gem features 98-luxury rooms and is located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami on the coast. An eclectic guest experience awaits with activities as diverse as a marine biology program for children, reflexology, an ESPA Spa, and nightlife. After working up an appetite, guests are invited to sample the fare at one of Acqualina’s three oceanfront restaurants.
For many, golf is the main reason for visiting Florida in winter, and The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort Naples is a must-see for devotees of the sport. Greg “The Shark” Norman helmed the creation of the two PGA-caliber courses here, while the presence of a PGA Tour Academy will help aspiring golfers shake off any rust before taking to the fairways. Golf may be the focus here, but it’s fair to say there’s more than one feather in the cap of this grand resort. Away from the greens, guests can discover private white sand beaches, fine dining, spa, pools and even a kids program.
Little Palm Island Resort, Florida Keys
Put down the smartphone and make haste for Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, a secluded retreat in the Florida Keys with no phones and no televisions. Life moves at a glacial pace at this island paradise in the Gulf of Mexico, which is accessible only by boat or seaplane. Hammocks sway between trees outside the 30 thatch-roof bungalows here, and a library, Zen Garden and lagoon-style pool help to foster an atmosphere of total relaxation.
It would be remiss to cover the Sunshine State without a trip to the theme park capital of the world, and what better venue to explore it than the grand confines of Waldorf Astoria Orlando. This hotel marked a big step in the evolution of the Waldorf brand, becoming the first North American hotel to bear the name outside of New York City. Care has been taken to ensure guests enjoy the best possible Orlando experience, with gourmet dining, world-class golf, a luxurious spa and several outdoor pools all on-site.