9 Florida Resorts That Feel Like You Left the Country

Florida has some of the most beautiful resorts in America, but some of them feel like you’ve traveled thousands of miles away to another country. From Mediterranean palaces to Caribbean hideaways, these special places bring international luxury right to the Sunshine State.

You don’t need a passport to experience the magic of distant shores when these incredible resorts can transport you there without ever leaving Florida.

1. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa (Summerland Key)

Arriving by boat or seaplane is your first clue that this isn’t your typical Florida vacation. Little Palm Island sits on its own private island, where thatched-roof bungalows peek out from beneath swaying palms and tropical gardens.

No televisions, no kids, no distractions—just pure Caribbean tranquility. The whole property channels the vibe of a remote British West Indies hideout, complete with hammocks strung between trees and sand paths leading to secluded beaches.

Sunset here feels like you’ve sailed away to a place where time moves slower and worries disappear with the tide.

2. Cheeca Lodge & Spa (Islamorada)

Islamorada’s laid-back island rhythm pulses through every corner of this sprawling oceanfront gem. Cheeca Lodge captures that effortless “barefoot luxury” feeling you’d expect on a classic Caribbean escape, where flip-flops are always acceptable and the ocean is never far away.

Walk the iconic pier that stretches out over the Atlantic, where fishing and sunset watching become daily rituals. The West Indies-inspired decor adds authentic tropical charm without feeling overdone.

Between the swaying palms and endless turquoise views, you’ll forget the mainland exists just a short drive away.

3. Casa Marina Key West (Key West)

Built back in the roaring twenties, Casa Marina carries the soul of old-school Caribbean colonial charm mixed with Key West’s quirky conch-republic spirit. Spanish Colonial Revival architecture gives the property timeless bones that modern resorts just can’t replicate.

Massive palm trees tower over manicured grounds that stretch down to a private beach, where the vibe shifts from elegant to easygoing in seconds. Historic details blend seamlessly with updated luxury throughout the rooms and common spaces.

Walking these grounds feels like stepping into a vintage postcard from a Caribbean resort town frozen in its golden age.

4. Acqualina Resort & Residences (Sunny Isles Beach)

Imagine the French Riviera but with Florida’s warmer weather and you’ve captured Acqualina’s essence perfectly. This Mediterranean masterpiece showcases villa-style glamour at every turn, from the elegant columns to the oceanfront terraces that beg for afternoon lounging.

Marble details and carefully chosen artwork give the interiors a European sophistication that feels authentic rather than imitated. The beach service rivals anything you’d find along the Italian or French coast.

Guests often remark that walking through the lobby feels like arriving at a five-star resort in Monaco, minus the overseas flight and jet lag.

5. The Biltmore Hotel (Coral Gables, Miami)

Step through the arched entrance and you’re transported straight to 1920s Spain or Italy, where grand hotels defined luxury travel. The Biltmore’s Moorish tower dominates the skyline while Spanish and Italian influences dance through every architectural detail.

Arched loggias frame peaceful courtyards where fountains bubble and Mediterranean plants thrive in Florida’s climate. The massive pool area ranks among America’s most European-feeling resort pools, complete with colonnades and Old World elegance.

This National Historic Landmark doesn’t just look like a vintage European resort—it embodies the golden age of international travel without requiring your passport.

6. The Breakers Palm Beach (Palm Beach)

Inspired by Rome’s legendary Villa Medici, The Breakers stands as Florida’s answer to Italian Renaissance grandeur. Frescoed ceilings soar overhead while ornate arches frame views of perfectly manicured grounds and the Atlantic beyond.

Every detail channels Old World opulence, from the hand-painted murals to the fountain-dotted courtyards that could belong in Tuscany. The property’s scale and artistry rival Europe’s most celebrated grand hotels.

Guests wander marble hallways feeling like they’ve checked into a seaside palace rather than a Florida resort, making this the ultimate European fantasy without crossing an ocean.

7. The Boca Raton (Boca Raton)

Originally designed to capture pure Mediterranean charm, this iconic pink resort delivers Spanish and French Riviera vibes in equal measure. Cloistered courtyards invite peaceful strolls while arched walkways connect different sections of the sprawling property.

The soft pink tones of the architecture glow beautifully at sunset, creating that warm coastal feeling you’d find in seaside villages along Europe’s southern shores. Multiple pools, restaurants, and beach areas spread across the grounds like a Mediterranean resort city.

Whether you’re exploring the historic Cloister building or relaxing at the beach club, every moment feels delightfully European.

8. Casa Monica Resort & Spa (St. Augustine)

Rising dramatically in America’s oldest city, Casa Monica channels the exotic beauty of Morocco and Spain’s Andalusia region. Moorish Revival architecture creates instant drama with ornate arches, intricate tilework, and fortress-like towers that command attention.

Inside, Moroccan-inspired interiors feature rich colors, carved wood details, and atmospheric lighting that transports you straight to Marrakech or Granada. The property’s historic bones date back over a century, adding authentic character to the international aesthetic.

Walking these halls feels like exploring a North African palace that somehow landed in Florida centuries ago and decided to stay.

9. The Don CeSar (St. Pete Beach)

Standing proud and pink against St. Pete Beach’s white sand, this legendary resort resembles a Mediterranean seaside fortress from a glamorous bygone era. Built to capture the romance of European castles, The Don CeSar features turrets, pink stucco walls, and Gatsby-era elegance throughout.

The architecture draws inspiration from Mediterranean coastal fortresses, creating a fairytale appearance that’s become an iconic Florida landmark. Inside, vintage glamour meets modern luxury in spaces that honor the building’s 1920s heritage.

Guests feel like they’ve checked into a European castle vacation rather than a Florida beach hotel, especially during golden hour when the pink walls glow magnificently.