Even though neither snow nor sleet bothers us here in the Sunshine State, sometimes it’s nice to take a break for a little rest and relaxation during the winter months. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious vacation, spa retreat, award-winning golf getaway, or just a casual family poolside weekend, check out these locations for a lovely in-state holiday.
Family Fun
If you want a low-key family Gulf vacation, you can’t go wrong with Sarasota Surf and Racquet Club. Enjoy a fun winter vacation in any of the club’s privately owned spacious one- and two-bedroom units. You can frolic in one of the two heated pools, pick up the fun sport of pickleball or tennis, and still get a good workout at the fitness center. Get your barbeque on and grill up your favorite meal at the beachside or poolside grills. Beach canopies and umbrellas are available to rent so you can relax in the shade. Take your pick of units from the cozy Tennis Court Villas to the 12 stories of Gulf views at the Tower Building. Fully equipped kitchenettes and screened-in lanais will make your visit spectacular. Check out availability. You don’t want to miss out.
Sarasota Surf and Racquet Club
5900 Midnight Pass Road
Sarasota, FL 34242
(800) 237-5671
www.sarasotasurf.com
Golf Getaway
If you’re a duffer who’s ready for a challenge, make a beeline to Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, which offers three of the hardest consecutive holes in Florida. Incorporating 315 acres, 12 lakes and plenty of native flora, this 18-hole, Tom Fazio-designed golf course has been named one of Golf Digest’s best courses in Florida. Transportation to and from the golf course, which is a short 13 miles away, lets you easily enjoy a few “adult beverages” after (or during) your game. You may see some of the area’s herons, egrets, and if you’re lucky the rarer pink roseate spoonbill on this Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary-certified golf course.
After (or instead of) golfing, check out the resort’s spa, which offers massages, facials, a whirlpool, a dry sauna, and a steam room to help you revitalize. Specialty treatments including skin exfoliation and hydration, as well as deep hair conditioning, are a great way to top off your winter vacation.
Ritz-Carlton Sarasota
1111 Ritz Carlton Dr.
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 309-2000
www.ritzcarlton.com/sarasota
Legendary Leisure
Want to live in the lap of luxury during your winter vacation? The iconic Mediterranean Revival-style Biltmore Miami & Coral Gables has what you’re looking for. Famous past guests include Al Capon, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Upgrade to a suite and feel like royalty. A terrace suite includes one bedroom, separate living space, and incredible views of the city, pool, and golf course from your balcony. Originally designed in 1925, the 18-hole, 71-par championship golf course boasts 419 emerald-green Bermuda grass fairways and 84 bunkers. The world-famous Biltmore pool is also a gem in this historic crown jewel. At 23,000 square feet and 600,000 gallons of water, it is one of the largest hotel swimming pools in the continental United States. There are nine private cabanas to lounge at the poolside. Large suite cabanas include HD TVs, teakwood chaises, banana leaf ceiling fans, and a personal server to handle your every need.
The Biltmore Hotel & Golf Club Miami & Coral Gables
1200 Anastasia Avenue
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 445-1926
www.biltmorehotel.com
Restore and Rejuvenate
Let the holistic healing begin. At Mondrian South Beach and The Spa at Baia Beach Club, you can relax and unwind with moonlight yoga, guided meditation, aromatherapy, and even CBD skin treatments. The modern 4,100-square-foot spa is your oasis for organic and nurturing therapies that will revitalize your body and soul. The Mondrian’s multi-million-dollar renovation maintains Marcel Anders’ expansive interior design, making the rooms and suites stylish, yet cozy. Once you finish your spa experience, you can enjoy a delicious chef-created meal at one of the hotel’s three premiere waterfront dining destinations: The Deck, The Terrace, or The Greenhouse. Ask about Roadtrip to South Beach promotion where Florida and Georgia guests can receive 20% off the hotel’s Best Available Rate and complimentary overnight parking.
Mondrian South Beach and
The Spa at Baia Beach Club
1100 West Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 514-1500
www.sbe.com/hotels/mondrian/south-beach
Pet Paradise
Including Rover in your winter vacation is easy when you visit St. Pete Beach. With 48 pet-friendly suites, a Pet Play Zone, and doggie drinking fountains, you and your furry family member will receive the best in hospitality at Tradewinds Island Grand. At RumFish Beach Resort, right next door, you can also receive room service for your cuddly buddy at any of the 10 pet-friendly suites. Fort De Soto Park Campground is just a 15-minute drive from the resorts, and although the 1,136-acre county park is not an off-leash dog park, it does welcome six-foot-leashed canines. For your doggie’s delight, there is Paw Playground also known as Fort De Soto Dog Park and Beach, St. Pete’s best dog-friendly beach. Here four-legged beachgoers can catch some waves in a specially fenced-in doggie beach area.
Tradewinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach
5500 & 6000 Gulf Boulevard
St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
(800) 360-4016
www.tradewindsresort.com