The 8 Best Island Resorts in Florida

We analyzed all the islands across the Sunshine State and found the best island resorts in Florida where sunshine, sea breeze, and coastal relaxation collide.

best island resorts in florida

Florida, with its extensive coastline, abundance of barrier islands, and subtropical charm, is practically built for laid-back island resort living.

Table of Contents

Methodology

To determine the best island resorts Florida has to offer, we reviewed thousands of online ratings from Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Expedia.

We focused on properties located on true islands or keys rather than mainland beaches, giving priority to waterfront access, upscale amenities, and consistent guest satisfaction.

Our editorial team also used a proprietary scoring system that compares amenities, price-to-value ratio, dining options, room variety, and beach quality. By combining quantitative review data with expert insights, we identified the eight best island resorts Florida offers right now.

The 8 Best Florida Island Resorts – 2025 Full Guide

8. Sundial Beach Resort & Spa

See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Sanibel Island, Florida
Key Highlights:

Sprawled across 400 feet of private Gulf-front beach
Features five pools, including one that’s zero-entry for kids
Offers 1- to 3-bedroom condo-style suites with full kitchens

This Gulf-front retreat, located on laid-back Sanibel Island, feels more like a small beach village than a standard resort, and that’s honestly part of the appeal.

It’s almost built for people looking for roomy accommodations and a bit of independence while staying right next to the water.

The vibe is a little bit residential, a little bit tropical, and very, very family-friendly. You’ll find oversized suites with full kitchens, so it’s basically perfect for longer vacations or larger groups.

Sundial includes multiple outdoor pools, bike rentals, beach cabanas, and even a resort-run activities calendar. Their spa and wellness center offers a range of fairly relaxing treatments, though the beach itself is clearly the standout attraction here.

Dining options cover both casual and slightly more upscale choices, and there’s a local market for groceries if you want to cook. Nature preserves and kayaking around the mangroves are right nearby, too.

7. Three Waters Resort And Marina, Islamorada – Most Affordable

See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Islamorada Island, Florida Keys
Key Highlights:

Situated directly between the ocean and Florida Bay
Home to a private marina and on-site watersports rentals
One of the most budget-friendly island resorts Florida offers

This resort brings together a sort of relaxed Keys energy with some polished Marriott touches, and for the price, it’s honestly one of the smartest island resort picks in Florida.

The location in Islamorada is incredibly scenic, especially with its private marina and views over both sides of the island.

The property features a blend of retro-modern aesthetics and updated amenities, with guest rooms that feel both simple and surprisingly stylish. There’s a good-sized pool, several shaded lounging areas, and direct water access for snorkeling, kayaking, or boating.

Families can appreciate the wide-open spaces and outdoor games, while couples enjoy the quiet corners and unbeatable sunset views.

Their on-site restaurant features Florida coastal classics with a creative twist, and drinks tend to be a bit more budget-friendly compared to resorts down in Key West.

Being in the Middle Keys also means you’re close to dolphin encounters, snorkeling tours, and unique museums without the price tag of the southernmost islands.

Plus, it’s a Marriott property, which makes it one of the best island resorts in Florida for those looking to use their loyalty points.

6. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Marco Island, Florida
Key Highlights:

Three miles of uninterrupted white sand beachfront
Features two massive resort pools and an adults-only rooftop pool
Offers over 700 rooms and suites, many with Gulf views

This property feels larger-than-life, yet still manages to feel like a true island escape thanks to its location on picturesque Marco Island.

With its massive beachfront and polished, modern design, the property gives off a very upscale but still approachable atmosphere.

The JW Marriott is practically its own little world, with a wide mix of restaurants, bars, pools, and even a world-class spa.

The guestrooms are elegant yet still warm, with most offering balconies that stare straight into those Gulf sunsets people travel thousands of miles to see.

Families will love the game areas and water features, while adults have access to a quiet rooftop pool and an ultra-exclusive club level. Dining includes everything from sushi to Italian, and the beachfront tiki bars keep things lively but not rowdy.

Outside the resort, you’ve got easy access to Everglades boat tours, shelling trips, and local nature preserves. For an upscale getaway with a tropical twist, this resort definitely checks most of the boxes.

5. Anna Maria Beach Resort

See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Anna Maria Island, Florida
Key Highlights:

Located directly on the Gulf with just 31 boutique-style rooms
Zero-entry pool with cabanas and a fire pit lounge area
Walking distance to Pine Avenue shops and dining

This property is a little gem tucked away on charming Anna Maria Island, and what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in peacefulness.

The boutique setup means it never feels crowded, and the beach access is practically at your doorstep, just steps away from all 31 rooms.

Each room is freshly updated with a clean, coastal design and modern features, and nearly every unit includes a view of the beach or pool. The property is noticeably quiet and designed for relaxation, with very little noise and plenty of space to just, well, unwind.

The pool area is compact but elegant, with sun loungers and private cabanas, and there’s a cozy fire pit lounge for evening gatherings.

Food-wise, it’s not loaded with restaurants on-site, but it’s close to lots of great local spots offering fresh seafood and casual island fare.

Everything about Anna Maria Beach Resort feels like a grown-up beach vacation with fewer distractions and more comfort. It’s very much the opposite of a mega-resort, and that’s what makes it one of the best Florida island resorts for a calm, picturesque retreat.

4. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island – Best-Seller

See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Amelia Island, Florida
Key Highlights:

446 luxury rooms, each with ocean views and private balconies
Full-service spa, championship golf course, and four dining venues
Over 13 miles of protected beach coastline

The Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island has consistently ranked among the most loved Florida resorts, and for good reason.

It’s elegant, thoughtfully designed, and remarkably close to untouched coastal beauty. Located on the northeastern corner of Florida, this island feels a little quieter than most others in the state, and that’s a major draw.

The resort itself is spacious but surprisingly serene, with beach views from every room and a commitment to service that’s clearly on another level. There are multiple pools, an on-site spa with ocean-inspired treatments, and a golf course for guests who want a bit more activity.

Families find the beach and kids’ activities very appealing, while couples gravitate toward the tranquil spa and fine dining options. Salt, their flagship restaurant, is often regarded as one of the best dining spots in all of North Florida.

Nearby attractions include Fort Clinch State Park, historic downtown Fernandina Beach, and miles of biking trails. It’s easy to see why this is one of the best island resorts in Florida and a consistent top-seller.

3. Sunset Key Cottages

See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Sunset Key, Florida
Key Highlights:

Private 27-acre island accessible only by boat
Individual cottages with 1–4 bedrooms and wraparound porches
On-site restaurant Latitude’s known for romantic beachfront dining

If you’re going for exclusivity, Sunset Key Cottages absolutely hits the mark. It’s located on its own island just minutes by boat from Key West, but the vibe is totally removed from the busy tourist areas.

With pastel-colored cottages, lush gardens, and a sense of privacy that’s nearly unmatched, it’s a truly unique island escape.

Each guest stays in a standalone cottage with multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and spacious outdoor living areas. The layout feels more like a village than a typical resort, and that adds a cozy, quiet tone to the experience.

The resort includes a serene pool, white-sand beach with chair service, and a spa cabin offering massages and facials. Latitude’s, their on-site beachfront restaurant, serves up refined coastal cuisine and cocktails with open-air views.

Even though you’re only minutes away from Key West by ferry, it still feels like a world apart. It’s romantic, secluded, and one of the most exceptional Florida island resorts if you’re after peace and comfort without sacrificing luxury.

2. Treasure Island Beach Resort – Top Value Pick

See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Treasure Island, Florida
Key Highlights:

Nearly every suite faces the Gulf, with balconies or patios
Just steps from a wide, uncrowded beachfront
Roomy accommodations include kitchenettes and washer/dryers

Treasure Island Beach Resort gives you a great location along the Gulf without the inflated price tag you’d expect, which is what makes it one of the top island resorts Florida travelers choose again and again.

The resort sits right on a massive stretch of sandy beach that rarely feels crowded, even during high season.

The accommodations feel more like upscale apartments than hotel rooms, with stylish decor, kitchenettes, and even washers and dryers, ideal for families and long stays. Everything is light, bright, and very Florida-coastal in style.

There’s a decent-sized pool, a small but relaxing spa, and easy walking access to local restaurants and beach shops. The on-site restaurant serves up seafood-focused meals and casual bites, with good portions and beachside views.

Overall, it’s clean, comfortable, and fairly priced, and that combination is what makes it one of the best Florida island resorts for travelers who want style and substance without going over budget.

1. The Resort at Longboat Key Club – Top Overall

See Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Location: Longboat Key, Florida
Key Highlights:

410 acres of island property with private beach and marina
45 holes of championship golf and full-service spa
Six dining venues including waterfront and poolside options

Longboat Key Club stands out because it really does it all, which is why we think it is the best island resort in Florida.

Luxury, privacy, activities, and beach access—all on one of the prettiest islands along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

This property is more than just a resort; it’s a sprawling, full-service island retreat with every amenity you’d expect from a high-end destination, but without the crowds.

The property includes multiple pools, a spa with a wide variety of treatments, and a marina that allows for private charters or boat rentals. The beach is expansive and quiet, with plenty of shaded loungers and daybeds available.

The rooms and suites are decorated in soothing, modern tones with coastal details, and most come with private balconies that overlook the ocean or the golf course. The dining is diverse enough that you won’t need to leave the resort to have a full culinary experience.

Between the tennis courts, golf courses, beachfront, and exceptional service, it’s hard to think of a more complete island resort experience in Florida.

For anyone looking for the best island resorts in Florida with everything included in one scenic destination, this is the one that clearly rises to the top.