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Favorite Luxury Resorts
Resort R&R
From offbeat to old-timey, Florida resorts cover the spectrum. Some are well-known; others are off the beaten path.
Other Favorites
Safety Harbor Resort and Spa
Safety Harbor
safetyharborresort.com
Memorable feature: The resort is recognized for its history as well as its reputation in folklore as a source of water with healing powers, says Kathy Gaye, vice president of marketing. It's the site of the famous Espiritu Santo Springs, which Hernando de Soto called "the fountain of youth." All 189 rooms have been renovated since last year, and its 50,000-sq.-ft. spa and fitness center has added 12 multiservice rooms.
Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Amelia Island
ritzcarlton.com
Memorable feature: A 27,500 sq.-ft. spa that opened in December with a signature treatment called "Heaven in a Hammock." The oceanfront resort has also undergone extensive renovations and added a fine dining restaurant. "We have almost reinvented ourselves," says public relations director Farley Kerns.
Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa
Fort Myers
sanibel-resort.com
Memorable feature: The views. Almost all accommodations overlook the water. More notably, most of the resort's 45,000 square feet of meeting space provides natural light through windows that look out over the 80-plus acres of protected land. Charley's Cabana Bar, a round lounge, offers the resort's best sunset view, says Paul Dugan, national sales manager.
Sonesta Hotel & Suites Coconut Grove
Miami
sonesta.com/coconutgrove
Memorable feature: Its location in Miami's oldest neighborhood along Biscayne Bay. The 215 rooms are on floors nine through 22, and each comes with a view of the blue water, green islands and white sails of the boats below, says Vice President and general manager George Cozonis. The resort's restaurant, Panorama, offers not only views from the eighth floor but also classic and contemporary Peruvian dishes.