Florida escapes to cure your cabin fever this winter

Opal Sands Resort offers guests an upscale, modern, and coastal-inspired experience that exudes a South Beach vibe – but on Florida’s Gulf coast. Whether it’s a smoking cocktail at one of the bars, fresh pasta from onsite Italian seafood restaurant Sea-Guini, or one of 100+ indigenous dolphins swimming by, there’s always something new to be experienced at this hotspot. Thanks to its curved exterior, each guest room offers panoramic views of the Gulf from your private balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows. In addition to luxurious accommodations, the property features a zero-entry pool, indoor-outdoor spa, upscale amenities, and local art collection. Just steps from the best-named beach in the nation, Opal Sands is an ideal oceanfront escape. Travelers who book the “Cabin Fever Cure” offer can save up 20% off and enjoy breakfast for two daily.  *Must book by Feb. 28 and valid for travel now to April 30, 2019. Blackout dates may apply.

Located in the heart of one of Miami’s most desirable neighborhoods, Hyde Hotel & Residences Midtown Miami puts snowbirds at the epicenter of all things art and culture in the Magic City this winter. The six-story hybrid hotel & residential property opened in September and features a chic, modern design and 60 hotel rooms and suites that include split layouts and private kitchens, ideal for travelers looking for a warm place to call home for a few days. Travelers can expect to find temps in the mid-70s during this time of year, and the hotel is walking distance from the city’s most notable restaurants and bars in the hottest cultural hubs – Wynwood and The Design District. Whether they want to take a stroll down the colorful outdoor museum of Wynwood and check out the world’s best-known street and graffiti artists or hit the Design District for some shopping, this property is ideal for travelers who love being outdoors. Snowbirds looking to wind down after a day of exploring can soak up the Miami sun and relax on Hyde’s rooftop amenity floor which features a heated infinity pool, tennis courts, a putting green, luxurious sunbeds and cabanas, and a full service Ciel Spa.. all with Midtown’s chic skyline serving as the backdrop.. Not to mention, the property also offers guests complimentary beach/pool access at its South Beach sister hotel, The Delano.

Sarasota’s signature hotel of the arts, Art Ovation Hotel, invites visitors to escape the cold weather and explore their creative side this holiday season. The property celebrates, supports, and embraces the surrounding arts community by cultivating partnerships with local artists and art organizations to provide unique guest experiences. Until December 23rd, Art Ovation’s Pop Up Holiday Mini Market will take place daily from 4-8 p.m., providing guests and the local community with a combination of creative experiences hosted by three local artists every day. From paint and sketch classes to hand-poured candles and even holiday card making to ornament decorating – you’re bound to get in the holiday spirit once you visit Art Ovation Hotel! When guests aren’t getting their creative juices flowing, they can retreat to Perspective Rooftop Bar and the rooftop pool deck that overlooks Sarasota Bay to soak up the sun and enjoy artistically-crafted cocktails. For more information, visit artovationhotel.com

This winter season, leave the snow in the north and make your way down to Miami Beach to experience the newly renovated  Marriott Stanton South Beach. One of the only hotels along Ocean Drive with direct beach access, this hotel turned resort is situated in the South of Fifth district of Miami Beach and serves as the ideal retreat for those looking to escape cabin fever. Winter days spent here are all about fun in the sun. With its exclusive location, guests get the best of both worlds being in the SoFi neighborhood (less-crowded beaches!), while also just steps from all the city action with top nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and boutiques within walking distance. Upon checking in, travelers realize this is “not your mama’s Marriott,” as the recently renovated hotel embraces a cool, trendy beach club ambiance and relaxed luxury vibe, offering  224 rooms and suites, two pools overlooking the ocean, a chic sun deck, an intimate spa, fitness center, and two restaurants including the newly-opened Michelin Star concept, Azabu Miami Beach and Mexican restaurant, Lolo’s Surf Cantina. It’s a perfect place to experience everything that makes Miami, Miami.

Jupiter is an incredibly laid-back beach town with great outdoor activities  (i.e. boating, shipwreck diving, snorkeling,) and great waterfront bars with nightly live music. The area is known for having warm temperatures year-round so travelers can expect warm, sunny days with highs in the 70s and nighttime lows in the mid-60s during winter. Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa is the area’s only oceanfront hotel, located on a pristine stretch of golden Atlantic coastline and just 25 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport, which makes for an easy escape. Guests can take in the rays on the property’s secluded beach, practice their backswing on tennis courts, unwind with cocktails in the adults-only hammock garden, or indulge in ocean-inspired treatments at the resort’s incredible spa. When they’re ready to explore the local area, travelers can opt for SUP or kayaking tours with a chance to check out local marine life, take a Pontiki cruise while admiring mansions that line the Jupiter Inlet or catch nightly live music at one of the area’s local affordable waterfront bars.

Winter’s harsh weather can often bring on a case of severe cabin fever because it’s just too cold to be outside. Avoid the claustrophobia and head to the Gulf of Mexico beaches along Florida’s west coast where temperatures are always mild and the beaches seem to never end. Located on Sarasota’s stunning barrier islands, The Resort at Longboat Key Club is a luxurious active/wellness retreat and the only AAA Four-Diamond resort in the area. The property spans 410 acres to explore and play on and is known for its outdoor offerings including 45 holes of PGA-approved championship golf, 20 Har-Tru tennis courts and the largest deep-water resort marina on Florida’s west coast. Guest can get active outdoors with beach cruiser bikes, stand-up paddleboards, boogie boards, and kayaks. When it’s time to unwind, guests can take in the multicolored sunsets on the beach or take a turn at the Labyrinth Garden under the stars where ancient methods lead to a relaxed mind.

No getaway in Florida is complete without heading to the Florida Keys. The Perry Key West at Stock Island Marina opened its doors summer 2017 just over the bridge from downtown’s Duval Street and offers a tranquil escape for snowbirds looking to escape the cold. At the 100-room waterfront property, guests can enjoy industrial-inspired accommodations (much different than other Key West hotels), two seafood-driven restaurants, Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar and Salty Oyster Dockside Bar & Grill, guest rooms with marina views and direct access to the pool, touches like outdoor fire pits and hammocks, and excursions ranging from sunset sails to snorkeling and scuba diving that leave right from the hotel’s private marina. Not to mention, complimentary hourly shuttle service so travelers can still enjoy downtown Key West and all of the area’s famous landmarks.