7 Florida hotels that evoke a Caribbean vibe

If you're seeking the azure waters and soft white sands typically found in the Caribbean, Florida is the perfect choice. With over 600 miles of coastline and nearly 250 sunny days each year, the Sunshine State shines bright.

To indulge your Caribbean desires, we've curated a list of fantastic beachfront hotels in Florida that exude an island spirit.

The Don CeSar — St. Petersburg

Feels like: Bermuda

Perched on a private beach in St. Petersburg, The Don CeSar is lovingly referred to as "The Pink Palace" due to its charming pastel facade. Recently, the hotel has completed a full renovation of its 277 guest rooms, six dining options, and two heated swimming pools. Established in 1928, it retains its vintage allure with original archways and art deco details. Dining is a delight — savor meals at the newly launched Society Table or enjoy a cocktail at the lobby bar, which evokes the ambiance of "The Great Gatsby." Families are welcome too, with a kids camp allowing adults to unwind at Spa Oceana.

Caribbean connection: The white sandy shores and pink facade of The Don CeSar evoke memories of The Hamilton Princess, a high-end hotel in Bermuda. Although Bermuda is situated in the North Atlantic, The Hamilton Princess, like the Don CeSar, is affectionately dubbed the "Pink Palace" and boasts a legacy spanning over a century.

Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort — Marathon

Feels like: Jamaica

For those seeking a hotel with all the perks of a Caribbean resort, Tranquility Bay is an ideal choice. This 200-room resort features a dolphin lagoon and a putting green, along with a variety of water sports including kayaking, parasailing, and snorkeling. Located in Marathon, part of a chain of islands stretching from Key Largo to Key West, Marathon is renowned for its stunning beaches and excellent fishing. Accommodations at Tranquility Bay consist of Victorian-style cottages and suites overlooking the private white sand beach, with some rooms equipped with full kitchens, perfect for extended stays.

Caribbean connection: The Victorian-style architecture and abundant activities at Tranquility Bay evoke the essence of a Jamaican getaway, much like Excellence Oyster Bay, a seaside resort in Montego Bay. Guests at this Jamaican haven can also partake in paddleboarding and scuba diving lessons right on-site, similar to offerings at Tranquility Bay.

The Palms Hotel & Spa — South Beach

Feels like: Puerto Rico

The Palms Hotel offers a tranquil escape amid the vibrant energy of South Beach. This 251-room resort sits directly on the warm Atlantic sands, making it an ideal spot for a weekend retreat. Sip on a coconut mojito from the tiki bar by the pool or relax beneath one of the numerous tiki cabanas. With its lush greenery, swaying palm trees, and tropical gardens, you’ll feel as though you’ve been whisked away to an exotic locale. The on-site dining features outdoor seating on a covered terrace, where you can savor dishes like Florida Keys conch chowder made from local ingredients.

Caribbean connection: The natural beauty and serene luxury of The Palms Hotel evokes memories of the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico. Both resorts are nestled among majestic palm trees and offer breathtaking garden vistas.

Pelican Grand Beach Resort — Fort Lauderdale

Feels like: The Cayman Islands

Gone are the days when Fort Lauderdale was merely known for wild spring break parties. The city now boasts several upscale family-friendly hotels, including the Pelican Grand Beach Resort. This unique property features the only lazy river in Fort Lauderdale and offers a thoughtfully curated schedule of daily events. Collaborating with local businesses like Funky Fish Ocean Camp, the hotel provides a day program for kids, along with partnerships for scuba diving and boat rentals to enhance your stay. At day's end, unwind in a rocking chair on the wraparound deck that overlooks the pristine private beach.

Caribbean connection: The Pelican Grand is a family-oriented hotel in a region renowned for scuba diving and fishing, reminiscent of The Wyndham Reef Resort in the Cayman Islands. Both beachfront properties offer a range of snorkeling, kayaking, and other family-friendly activities for guests to enjoy.

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa — Torch Key

Feels like: Necker Island

If you’re eager to embrace your "Swiss Family Robinson" dream, the Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is a splurge worth considering. This resort is perfect for those looking to escape and fully disconnect from the outside world. Nestled on a private island in the Keys, it’s accessible only by seaplane or boat. This adults-only haven spans 4 acres of pristine white sand beach, offering Wi-Fi but no telephones or televisions in the guest suites. Accommodations feature private thatched-roof bungalows with outdoor showers and stunning ocean views. Guests can enjoy fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and sailing, or simply relax by the pool.

Caribbean connection: Offering a private and secluded experience, Little Palm Island Resort and Spa delivers a retreat reminiscent of Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson's private island in the Virgin Islands. Both resorts can only be reached by private boat or aircraft.

The Reach Key West — Key West

Feels like: The Bahamas

What distinguishes this property from other Key West hotels is its exclusive beach. The Reach, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, features the only private natural sand beach in Key West. Each nautically themed room and suite comes with a private balcony, allowing guests to enjoy the outdoors. Just steps away from downtown Key West and Duval Street, you can unwind in a hammock, visit the historic Hemingway Home, catch a sunset at Mallory Square, or take a photo by the Southernmost Point buoy. This family-friendly hotel offers a full range of water activities, and the on-site restaurant, Four Marlins, serves local specialties like grilled spiny lobster and the beloved Key lime pie.

Caribbean connection: The Reach is a contemporary beachfront resort conveniently located near historic attractions in Key West, much like the Old Bahama Bay Resort in Grand Bahama. The Old Bahama Bay Resort is situated in the West End of Grand Bahama Island, regarded as the historic capital.

1 Hotel South Beach — South Beach

Feels like: Turks and Caicos

Just two words: rooftop pool. That’s all you need to know about this stylish hotel, the only one on South Beach with a rooftop pool. 1 Hotel South Beach provides fitness classes, personal trainers, and complimentary bike rentals, allowing you to explore South Beach in style. Additionally, the hotel features three more pools and offers direct access to the beach. There’s also a kids club and an electric Audi shuttle for guests around Miami. It’s hard to resist snapping photos here — every view is more Instagram-worthy than the last. When you’re ready to unwind, retreat to one of the beach cabanas and drift off to the soothing sound of the waves.

Caribbean connection: For those seeking a glamorous beach getaway, 1 Hotel South Beach evokes memories of The Wymara Resort in Turks and Caicos. Both are luxury hotels featuring breathtaking pool views and stunning ocean vistas.