When it comes to no-brainers, Florida and honeymoons are truly the perfect match. You don’t need to second-guess yourself, just decide what kind of post-wedding holiday you want and sign on the dotted line. Romantic beach resorts? The Sunshine State has them in spades. A secluded island destination? Yes, got those, too. An active, excitement-packed holiday? Take your pick. Candlelit dinners for two? Guaranteed.
In fact, Florida and honeymoons are such an idyllic combo, they really ought to be called Flori-moons. And this week’s blog completes a bookmark-and-keep line-up of essential advice for everything to do with your nuptials!
First, there was the blog all about the 10 Best Places to Propose in Florida.
Then we chipped in with our blog that highlighted the Best Places to Get Married.
Now we have the perfect conclusion, by highlighting our top tips for that truly memorable honeymoon; sorry, Flori-moon.
It is an unfair advantage, of course. The state is fringed with an utterly superb array of white-sand beaches, many of which have a luxury hotel or three within a short stroll of that glittering seafront. Add in the pampering of couples’ treatments at a variety of spas, plus delectable dining that specialises in memorable meals for two, and you genuinely have a menu of post-wedding delights of the finest kind.
Visit Florida has its own dedicated section for honeymooners, but we would also like to highlight our own selection of idyllic possibilities, especially as we got married in the Orlando area, and would recommend it to anyone. For the record, Simon proposed during the IllumiNations show at EPCOT; the marriage ceremony was held in a public park on the shore of scenic Lake Toho in Kissimmee; and our honeymoon was all of one night at the fabulous Renaissance Orlando resort close to SeaWorld!
So here is our Top 10 of totally blissful Flori-moon choices, all of which we have visited at one time or another:
10. Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island
This delightfully secluded hideaway is located in the north-east corner of Florida and is suitably beach-fringed. The food is fabulous, the dedicated spa features several treatments suitable for couples, and it has a properly grown-up vibe that doesn’t attract a lot of families, hence it has strong appeal for that all-important post-wedding trip.
9. The Don Cesar, St Pete Beach
There’s no mistaking the ‘Pink Palace,’ right on the beachfront in the lower section of this wonderful coastline. Dating back to 1928, The Don has been a distinctive bolthole for the rich and famous for decades, and hasn’t lost any of its refined charm nearly 100 years later. The pool area alone is the stuff of holiday dreams, and the dining is just as good.
8. The Vinoy Resort, St Petersburg
Not to be confused with the beachy part of the coast, the city of St Petersburg is home to another 1920s period piece that is just tailor-made for a special occasion stay, and it welcomes newlyweds with distinct appreciation. This fine resort also comes with its own golf club and marina, the latter of which is perfect for providing a memorable sunset cruise.
7. The Breakers, Palm Beach
Simply the most distinguished and eye-catching resort on Florida’s Atlantic coastline, The Breakers also pays homage to the days of Henry Flagler, in the late 19th century, hence they really know how to look after guests. The architecture, the service and the style are all geared towards making this an uber-special destination on its own stretch of this glorious beachfront.
6. The Fenway, Dunedin
Here’s another period piece that can also turn on the modern style for its grown-up guests. Built in 1924 and an icon of the Jazz Age, it was revived in 2018 with all mod cons and given a bright, new vibe, albeit one that still pays homage to its heyday. Plus, it boasts a superb rooftop terrace bar overlooking the grounds, providing a perfect spot for cocktails at sundown.
5. Brazilian Court Hotel, Palm Beach
This luxurious boutique National Trust property also dates back to the 1920s, and has long been popular with the well-to-do as a hideaway of rare distinction and style. Built in Mediterranean style, the 17 suites are named for Hollywood stars such as Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and Rita Hayworth and imbue the whole property with a sense of classic je ne sais quoi.
4. Ritz-Carlton, Orlando
Tucked away within the extensive grounds of the Grande Lakes Resort, on the headwaters of the Everglades, this five-star prospect is packed with contemporary creature comforts and overflowing with all the reasons for taking a honeymoon here. Elegant Spa, array of fine-dining restaurants, super-comfy rooms and an air of refined tranquility, this is the hotel when you want total refinement.
3. Casa Marina, Key West, and Casa Monica, St Augustine
We’ve grouped these two together as they are both grand holdovers of Henry Flagler’s great 19th century railway building empire that put Florida firmly on the tourist map and still offer a nod to that gracious period of refined charm today. Casa Monica also acts as the gateway to discovering the fascinating history of St Augustine, the USA’s oldest city.
2. The Eau Palm Beach
Bright, stylish and ideal for couples, the Eau has undergone a major recent makeover to ensure its distinguished service continues for many years to come. The Eau Spa is simply one of the top chill-out spots in the state, while the restaurants run the gamut of relaxed to formal, including a gorgeous seafront café. It’s hugely popular for weddings, hence it is also a top draw for honeymooners.
1. Four Seasons Orlando
For that ultra-special Orlando experience, the Four Seasons is our finest resort, close to all the Disney parks and with a supreme style all its own. We could easily spend all our days lounging by the adults-only pool and dining at Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant Capa, but there’s also golf, a splendid spa, proper coffee house and even its own lazy river feature. For a true Flori-moon, we think it’s an undisputed No.1.
What’s your idea of a perfect Florida honeymoon? Tell us about it on the friendly AttractionTickets.com Community Facebook page, on Twitter or Instagram.
