Boutique Beachfront Hotels in Florida

Photo Credit: Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa, Jensen Beach, Florida

A year-round destination, Florida is filled with plenty of grand and big-name hotels for the multitudes of tourists who visit the Sunshine State each year. But, oftentimes, visitors are looking for a more intimate sort of experience of the state’s sun-soaked shores, which is where boutique hotels can really shine, especially those situated right on the sand. Whether they’re nestled along the Gulf of Mexico’s tranquil shores or perched on the vibrant Atlantic coastline, these smaller-scale retreats offer travelers a luxurious yet cozy ambiance, often accompanied by stunning views, upscale amenities and distinctive local flavors. Ahead, we’ll look at some of Florida’s most enchanting boutique beachfront hotels, each of which promises to deliver its own small slice of paradise. 

Tranquility Bay Beach Resort

Waterfront Villas at Tranquility Bay Beach Resort  – Photo credit: Tranquility Bay Beach Resort 

Tranquility Bay Beach Resort in Marathon, Florida Keys, offers a luxurious and serene escape with spacious beachfront villas and cottages that provide stunning Gulf of Mexico views. Guests can relax by three pools, including an adults-only option, or enjoy water activities like kayaking and snorkeling from the private beach. The resort’s on-site Butterfly Café serves top-rated local cuisine, while nearby attractions such as the Dolphin Research Center and Bahia Honda State Park offer additional adventure. Tranquility Bay combines relaxation, natural beauty, and easy access to the best of the Florida Keys, making it an ideal destination for a romantic getaway, family vacation or solo retreat.

Elizabeth Pointe Lodge 

Ocean House – Breezes at Elizabeth Pointe Lodge – Photo credit: Elizabeth Pointe Lodge

Located on Amelia Island, this charming oceanfront bed-and-breakfast offers a classic, New England-style retreat with Southern hospitality. Located directly on the beach, the lodge provides stunning ocean views and a cozy, intimate atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing getaway. Guests can enjoy a complimentary gourmet breakfast each morning, as well as afternoon refreshments, all while taking in the serene coastal scenery. The lodge features elegantly appointed rooms, many with private balconies overlooking the Atlantic, and easy access to the island’s pristine beaches. With its blend of comfort, charm, and personalized service, Elizabeth Pointe Lodge is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a peaceful, beachfront escape on Amelia Island.

One Ocean Resort and Spa

Located in Atlantic Beach, this luxurious oceanfront resort offers a blend of modern elegance and personalized service, making it a perfect choice for a relaxing coastal getaway. The resort features chic, well-appointed rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, and thoughtful amenities like a customizable room service menu. Guests can unwind at the full-service spa, enjoy gourmet dining at the on-site restaurant Azurea, and take advantage of the resort’s beach access and oceanfront pool. Located just minutes from the vibrant Jacksonville Beach area, One Ocean Resort and Spa provides a tranquil, upscale retreat with easy access to shopping, dining and entertainment, making it an ideal option for both leisure and business travelers.

Isla Bella Beach Resort

Photo credit: Isla Bella Beach Resort

This luxurious beachfront resort in Marathon offers a tropical paradise in the heart of the Florida Keys. Situated on over a mile of private coastline, Isla Bella features spacious, modern rooms and suites, all with stunning ocean views and private outdoor spaces. The resort boasts five swimming pools, a private beach and a marina, offering endless opportunities for relaxation and water activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkeling. Dining options include several on-site restaurants serving fresh, locally inspired cuisine, and the full-service spa provides a serene retreat for ultimate relaxation. With its combination of luxury, natural beauty, and extensive amenities, Isla Bella Beach Resort is an ideal destination for couples, families and anyone seeking a refined yet relaxed getaway in the Florida Keys.

Lago Mar Beach Resort and Club

Lagoon Pool at Night – Photo credit: Lago Mar Beach Resort and Club

This elegant, family-owned Fort Lauderdale resort offers a secluded beachfront escape with a blend of luxury and laid-back charm. Set on a private 500-foot stretch of sand, the resort features spacious, well-appointed rooms and suites, many with balconies and ocean views. Guests can relax by the resort’s two outdoor pools, enjoy a range of activities like tennis, mini-golf, and beach volleyball, or unwind at the full-service spa. Dining options include several on-site restaurants and bars serving a variety of cuisines in casual and upscale settings. With its lush tropical gardens, exclusive beach access, and convenient location near Fort Lauderdale’s attractions, Lago Mar Beach Resort and Club is an ideal destination for families, couples, and anyone seeking a peaceful yet luxurious getaway.

The Pillars Hotel & Club

Birch House Grand Suite – Photo credit: The Pillars Hotel & Club

This boutique luxury hotel offers an intimate and refined experience, set in a beautifully restored 1930s property along the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale. With its elegant, colonial-inspired décor and personalized service, The Pillars provides a tranquil retreat just steps away from the vibrant Fort Lauderdale Beach. Guests can relax in the lush courtyard by the pool, dine at the highly acclaimed Secret Garden restaurant with waterfront views, or take advantage of the hotel’s private boat for sunset cruises. The Pillars Hotel’s prime location also offers easy access to nearby attractions, shopping, and dining, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a blend of sophistication, privacy, and convenience in the heart of Fort Lauderdale.

Hutchinson Shores Resort and Spa 

Photo Credit: Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa, Jensen Beach, Florida

Part of the Opal Collection, this modern oceanfront resort in Jensen Beach offers a luxurious and tranquil escape on Florida’s Treasure Coast. Balancing luxury with laid-back charm, this pristine property was the first new resort to be built on Hutchinson Island is almost two decades. The resort features contemporary, coastal-inspired rooms and suites, many of which come with private balconies and stunning ocean views. Guests can unwind by the resort’s two heated pools, indulge in treatments at the full-service spa or enjoy the pristine beach just steps away. The resort overlooks Jensen Sea Turtle Beach, a lifeguard-protected beach where you’ll find a waterfront café, volleyball courts, and chair and umbrella rentals. The resort’s on-site Drift Kitchen & Bar serves fresh, locally sourced cuisine with a focus on seafood, offering a true taste of the region. A haven for wellness, Hutchinson Shores Resort and Spa also boasts close proximity to local attractions like the Elliott Museum and Indian River Lagoon, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and activities.

Southernmost Beach Resort

Photo credit: Southernmost Beach Resort, @cait_manning

Southernmost Beach Resort in Key West offers a perfect blend of luxury, historic charm and island-style relaxation. Located at the quieter end of Duval Street, this resort provides a peaceful escape while still being within walking distance of Key West’s vibrant nightlife and attractions. The resort features elegant rooms and suites, many with private balconies or verandas offering ocean views, and is spread across a beautifully landscaped property with three pools, private access to two beaches and a pier extending into the Atlantic. Guests can enjoy poolside bars, live music and yoga classes on the beach, as well as dining at the Southernmost Beach Café, which serves fresh, local cuisine. Visitors can also opt to stay at The Guesthouses at Southernmost Beach Resort, which offer an even more elegantly historic atmosphere. The Guesthouses are located inside both a restored turn-of-the-century Victorian home and a beautifully appointed building from the 1920s.  

Bellwether Beach Resort

Photo credit: Bellwether Beach Resort

Bellwether Beach Resort in St. Pete Beach offers a unique and stylish beachfront experience with a retro-modern vibe. Situated directly on the Gulf of Mexico, this boutique hotel combines mid-century design with contemporary comforts, creating a chic and inviting atmosphere. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites with private balconies, many offering panoramic ocean views. Guests can enjoy the rooftop lounge with stunning sunset views, relax by the beachfront pool or dine at the iconic Spinners Rooftop Grille, a revolving restaurant offering 360-degree views of the coastline. Bellwether Beach Hotel’s prime location also provides easy access to the vibrant arts scene, shops and restaurants of nearby downtown St. Petersburg. With its blend of vintage charm, modern amenities and beachfront beauty, this property stands ready to provide unforgettable moments and immersive experiences on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The Saint Augustine Beach House  

Photo credit: St. Augustine Beach House

The cozy, award-winning Saint Augustine Beach House offers a charming and intimate beachfront experience set directly on Vilano Beach, just minutes from the historic heart of St. Augustine. This pet-friendly boutique hotel features spacious, coastal-themed suites with kitchenettes, each of which boasts a private balcony with views out over the Atlantic. Guests will appreciate the personalized service, daily complimentary hot breakfast delivered to their room and the laid-back, welcoming atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. The hotel’s location also provides easy access to the area’s historic sites, such as the Castillo de San Marcos and St. Augustine’s lighthouse, and you can even walk to local restaurants and shops in the nearby Vilano Beach Town Center.

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.