Winter in the Sun: 4 Florida Resorts to Escape the Cold

Winter in the Sun: 4 Florida Resorts to Escape the Cold

Known for having the mildest winters in the continental United States, it’s no surprise that Florida is replete with upscale hotels and beachfront resorts ready to welcome sun-chasing tourists.

Here are 4 of the most amazing beachfront hotels for your next winter escapade to sunny Florida.

The Lord Balfour Hotel

A cheeky tribute to the irreverent former British Minister, the Lord Balfour Hotel is a boutique hotel set in the South Beach area of Miami. Featuring 64 rooms decked out in retro style, each injected with a dose of Miami playfulness. From a mural of a tattooed woman peeking out from behind the headboard to quirky hand-shaped soaps, the hotel perfectly encapsulates Arthur Balfour’s larger-than-life spirit.

Located just a street away from the beach in SoFi (South of Fifth), the hotel keeps you safe from the crowd and just close enough to the action. Surrounded by swanky bars, upscale eateries, and hundreds of art deco buildings dating back to the 1920s, you’re always walking distance from a smashing good time.

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The Setai Miami Beach

If you love beach culture and the comforts of upscale chain hotels, the Setai is the clear winner. Located on Collins Avenue, the luxury hotel boasts a full suite of amenities and an ocean view that rivals any beach resort on the Miami strip.  Built on the site of the 1930s Art Deco Dempsey Vanderbilt Hotel, the design concept of the Setai draws heavily from Chinese and Balinese influence, making it a hot favourite amongst well-heeled international clientele.

Featuring 133 suites that spot dark teak floors, built-in couches, and expensive Oriental rugs, the rooms are suited for guests who prefer to spend their nights in a more sophisticated space. Each room comes with a flat-screen TV, a handmade Duxiana king-sized bed from Sweden, an espresso machine, and a well-stocked minibar. For those in the know, check out the line of Acqua di Parma products in the bathroom.

When it comes to facilities, your only complaint would be that your stay is too short. Boasting three spectacular beachfront pools, a Pilates studio, and an Asian-themed spa that offers facials and massages, the Setai makes it hard to go back to the grind after a few days in this fully-decked out oasis.

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1 Hotel South Beach

Opened in 2015, 1 Hotel South Beach is the most eco-conscious hotel on this list. If you’re looking for accommodation that cares deeply for our planet, this is our recommended pick. From furniture made from salvaged wood to offering take-home socks instead of disposable ones, the hotel seeks to incorporate eco-friendly practices into its decor and operations wherever possible.

Upon arrival, the hotel’s commitment to eco-conscious aesthetics is evident. Wooden ceilings and white rock walls dominate the high-ceiling space as minimalistic furniture packs the lobby with a clean and relaxing vibe. The hotel features 426 rooms, each continuing the eco-friendly theme in decor and amenities. In every room, you would find comfortable beds with organic sheets, an oblong wooden desk, HEPA air filters, cotton jersey robes, and glass terrariums filled with cacti and succulents. For modern amenities, you have free Wi-Fi, a flat screen TV,  wooden bluetooth speakers that can be connected to your mobile devices, and a fully-stocked minibar.

All guests have direct access to a 600-foot stretch of sandy beach with comfortable lounge chairs and umbrellas. If you would like to go for an afternoon dip, you have four pools to choose from - a massive pool on the main deck, a chic rooftop pool, the Cabana Pool that converts into a hot tub, and the largest of all, the South pool, which is situated closest to the beach.

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The Betsy Hotel South Beach

Nestled in the quiet stretch of Ocean Drive between 14th and 15th street, the Betsy Hotel offers guests the quieter side of South Beach. With easy access to Lummus Park Beach and shops on Lincoln Road, the hotel is ideal for guests looking to stay on the edge of the bustle.

The hotel features 61 guestrooms that exude a classic old country charm. Each room is outfitted with clean white walls offset by dark wooden floors; complete with simple furniture, a four-poster bed, as well as modern touches such as a flat-screen TV and a mini-fridge. However, the rooms are on the smaller side, which makes the hotel more suitable for solo or couples travellers.

When it comes to amenities, the hotel boasts a rooftop lounge area with a panoramic view of the ocean and a Wellness Garden & Spa, where you can go for a massage or beauty treatment. If you would like to stay out of the sun, we recommend grabbing a drink at the hotel’s very own underground cocktail lounge before heading to its famous BLT steak restaurant for a hearty dinner.

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Josiah Tan

Bumbling through university on spindly legs, it’s in the world of Travel that Josiah Tan finds a home. When away from his workstation, Josiah can often be found bartering leftover bacon for morsels of affection from his disinterested Maltese.