This Exclusive Island Resort Was Ranked No. 1 in Florida — A Romantic, Adults-only Paradise Retreat

For warm-weather escapes, Americans have consistently flocked to Florida. While families often find excitement at the Central Florida theme parks and those seeking a lively atmosphere gather in Miami, this year's World’s Best Awards highlight the diverse offerings of the southernmost state. Featuring a luxury property in the panhandle and a renowned Ritz-Carlton location on the east coast near the Georgia border, the list also includes a pier-front Key West property celebrated for its sunset views. Additionally, the Gulf Coast cities of Clearwater Beach and Naples, as well as Atlantic Ocean hotspots like Vero Beach and Fort Lauderdale, host readers’ top selections, showcasing that any part of the Sunshine State is a fantastic destination for a resort retreat.

Understanding the Voting Process

Each year, for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their travel experiences from around the globe — offering insights on the finest hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. Over 186,000 T+L readers participated in the 2024 survey, casting more than 700,000 votes across over 8,700 properties (including hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were categorized as resort hotels, city hotels, inns, or safari lodges based on their location and amenities, and were specifically evaluated on the following criteria:

• Room and facility quality
• Location
• Service quality
• Culinary offerings
• Overall value

Participants were able to rate each characteristic as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores represent the average of these ratings.

Highlights from Readers

With Florida's 8,436 miles of coastline, it’s no wonder that readers preferred accommodations by the beach. Even the inland favorites around Orlando were often situated near lakes. The Breakers Palm Beach (No. 9) received praise for its “spectacular” oceanfront beach and “breathtaking” room views, coupled with “impeccable service.” Close by, The Colony Hotel (No. 2) entices visitors with its “charming vintage decor” from 1947. Its “fantastic location” strikes a balance between upscale shopping and dining on Worth Avenue, just a block from the sandy beaches of Palm Beach. Further up the coast, The Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island (No. 6) has established itself as a “preferred spot for relaxation” and a “top-notch” experience where “everyone knows your name and truly cares.” Special touches, such as fresh flowers creating a welcoming atmosphere at Hotel Effie (No. 14), paired with a rooftop pool that’s “so much fun,” add to the charm.

The Champion

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa: Little Torch Key

This enchanting resort in the Lower Keys tells a remarkable tale of resilience. After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus due to Hurricane Irma's destruction, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa reopened in 2020, coinciding with the pandemic. During this time, travelers began to quietly uncover this “fabulous hidden gem,” delighting in the solitude of its four-acre private island — accessible only by seaplane or boat — situated on Little Torch Key. By 2021, the resort ranked No. 7 on our list, climbing to No. 2 in 2022, and ultimately capturing the top position last year. Featuring 30 private bungalows described by readers as “well-designed,” this adults-only haven is adorned with British West Indies influences that create a wonderfully romantic atmosphere, complete with “personal beachside fire pit[s].” One reader even recounted how she “fell in love on Little Palm Island,” where her boyfriend later proposed: “We will continue to return to such a special place… pure bliss!”

The Complete List 

1. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Little Torch Key

Reader Score: 96.29

2. The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach

Reader Score: 94.96

3. The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale

Reader Score: 94.93

4. The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando Grande Lakes, Orlando

Reader Score: 93.94

5. Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, Vero Beach

Reader Score: 93.60

6. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Amelia Island

Reader Score: 93.01

7. Ocean Key Resort & Spa, Key West

Reader Score: 92.80

8. The Alfond Inn, Winter Park

Reader Score: 92.50

9. The Breakers Palm Beach, Palm Beach

Reader Score: 91.61

10. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando

Reader Score: 91.56

11. Sandpearl Resort, Clearwater Beach

Reader Score: 91.11

12. The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, Naples

Reader Score: 91.08

13. The Ben West Palm, Autograph Collection, West Palm Beach

Reader Score: 91.06

14. (tie) Hotel Effie, Miramar Beach

Reader Score: 91.00

14. (tie) JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, Orlando

Reader Score: 91.00