Luxury Holidays to Florida

Enjoy a magical trip to the luxurious Sunshine State of Florida

Fly to Florida in just over nine hours, relax, watch a movie and an action packed and indulgent holiday awaits.

With average summer temperatures of 28°C Florida justly deserves its nickname, The Sunshine State. Its high end hotels, glitzy shopping malls, vast theme parks and array of championship golf courses make holidays here ones to remember.

With 15 theme parks and a myriad of outdoor experiences you could be riding a rollercoaster one minute, and taking to the air in a hot air balloon over one of the national parks the next. Away from the parks there are velvety sands, gentle surf and an array of upmarket fish restaurants dotting the beachfront parades of resorts like St Petersburg and Clearwater in the west.

Luxury hotels offer high standards and many provide access to sumptuous spas, fine dining and plentiful watersports options, ensuring guests enjoy every moment of their luxury Florida break. If you’re staying in a theme park hotel you also get added benefits and the chance to choose VIP park options.

Living the high life in Florida

Many visitors choose to do a twin centre break, spending a week at the beach and a week at the parks, or vice versa. St Petersburg is the ideal place to relax and unwind, ready for an adrenaline-fuelled week of fun and theme parks. The resort boasts sun bleached sands, stylish restaurants and plenty of chic shops. Watersports are plentiful or take a day cruise and go dolphin spotting.

International Drive is a favourite spot for those wanting to make the most of the theme parks. With all the big hitters within easy reach – Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios, Aquatica and many more – staying in I-Drive, as it’s called, is more than convenient.

Many hotels offer free transportation to the parks, or car hire is a great option so you can steer your own course. Shopaholics will be spoilt for choice in I-Drive with several sparkling malls to choose from, each packed with a selection of designer brand shops and quirky boutiques. In the evenings there’s nightlife galore, with sleek cocktail bars, family friendly themed restaurants and dinner shows vying for attention. A trip to ICEBAR Orlando is a must – it’s the biggest permanent ice-bar in the world.

Some Florida visitors choose to stay right on top of the action, with Universal Orlando Resort providing a selection of hotel options within the parks themselves. They offer themed interiors and close proximity to Universal Studios Florida, Universals Islands of Adventure, Universal’s Volcano Bay and Universal CityWalk.

Other luxury holidays to have a look at

If the thrills and spills of Florida aren’t your bag, there are many more options for luxury breaks.

The Caribbean is a classic holiday venue if sumptuous beaches and swaying palms are your thing. For a classic mix of sightseeing and beachlife Cyprus and it’s elegant hotels are worth considering. Or, for year round sunshine and relaxation, why not choose Cape Verde.

But, if Florida’s taken your fancy take a look at our travel guide to find out more. Below are a selection of top notch hotels to get you started.

Mexico | Costa Blanca | Tenerife

Hard Rock Hotel At Universal Orlando Resort

Elegant and fun, the 5* Hard Rock Hotel At Universal Orlando Resort puts guests in the heart of the action, with free transport to major nearby attractions. The hotel has a stunning swimming pool area with it’s own beach, plus two hot tubs. Dining options are varied, covering everything from American favourites to Italian cuisine, and Velvet Bar is a smooth venue for pre-dinner cocktails and appetisers. Other features include a fitness centre, volleyball court and shops.

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando

Stay at the 4* Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando and make use of a free water-taxi to local theme parks. The large swimming pool area incorporates a sandy beach and waterslide plus there’s plenty of terrace space for relaxation. The full-service restaurant gives the option of al fresco dining plus there’s a poolside bar and grill for lighter meals. A themed lobby bar is on hand for ice cold beers and cocktails after a day of thrill-seeking at the parks.

Rosen Shingle Creek

The sleek, lakeside 4* Rosen Shingle Creek is set in the grounds of the Rosen Creek Golf Course, with I-Drive just a short taxi ride away. Three outdoor pools provide scope for both fun and relaxation, while foodies will be spoilt for choice with eight restaurants offering everything from Mexican food to sushi. There’s a shuttle bus to nearby parks and those in need of pampering can indulge in spa treatments for an additional cost.