3 Of The 10 Best Hotel Spas In The Country Are In Florida

USA has released another one of their "10 Best" lists. This lists has Florida all over it. For those of us who are looking for a relaxing stay, the 10 best hotel spas in the US  list is out. And it looks like some of the best hotel spas is the country are just a couple hours drive away from us.

Coming in a number 5 on the list is the Eau Spa at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa. This magnificent spa on Ocean Boulevard in Palm Beach has also earned the AAA Five Diamond Award. The spa is 42,000 square feet and their website boasts " Put on your magical slippers, be whisked away to our adult’s playground and prepare to be completely spoiled rotten."

This spa is on the northern end of Miami in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. It's not just the spa winning awards at this hotel. According to the website, They're the #1 Beachfront Hotel in the U.S. on TripAdvisor. Also, "Acqualina was named the #1 Best Resort in the U.S. and the #1 Best Hotel in the U.S. in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report's Best Hotels rankings." The five star Acqualina Spa "features state-of-the-art treatment rooms, relaxation lounges, private and special occasion Royal Spa Suite, and magnificent outdoor terrace retreat."

Located within Grande Lakes Orlando, the 500-acre luxury resort destination in the headwaters of the Florida everglades, which is also home to JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, The Ritz-Carlton Spa is a relaxing retreat only steps from some of the city's most famed attractions. Boasting award-winning wellness and beauty offerings, the 40,000-square-foot spa houses 40 treatment rooms, a 4,000-square-foot heated lap pool, a lavish boutique, health-centric café and more. Featuring an array of treatments and products with many ingredients sourced directly from the resort's on-site organic farm, Whisper Creek Farm, the spa offers an upscale oasis with an emphasis on holistic rest and relaxation that has carved out a new and unique wellness space in the Orlando region.

In a press release from Grande Lakes Orlando, they state "This award is a testament not only to our thoughtfully curated spa programming and highly dedicated expert staff, but to our visiting guests and surrounding Orlando community at large," said Area General Manager, Jon McGavin. "As we continue to push the envelope and elevate our guest experiences across the resort, we remain committed to offering a haven for all guests and providing the level of service that have defined us."

There's still time to squeeze in one last getaway before school starts in Southwest Florida. It's amazing how fast summer has gone. Since flying out of town requires a lot more planning, let's focus on some amazing destinations you can drive to from SWFL. Today we'll focus on some picturesque small towns here in Florida you can visit, relax, and take pictures. After all, taking great selfies is part of the trip. So we'll talk of places that have some great backdrops for your photos.

A new study by the travel experts at the travel website North Carolina Travel Guides ranked the most picturesque small towns in America by comparing 500 small towns across the following categories: popularity for photography with the general public, popularity with photographers, and search trends. Here's the overall top 5.

Seaside, located on the Gulf of Mexico, is a picturesque small town with turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and a beautiful coastline. From quaint cobblestone streets to  pastel houses, the town has something to offer for everyone's liking. One of the most beautiful spots in the town is the historic Seaside Post Office.

This one is no secret. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine, FL, is a picturesque small town that served as the capital of Spanish Florida for more than 200 years. The town is packed with historic sights, such as the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, Aviles Street, Castillo de San Marcos, Llambias House, and the Bridge of Lions. In addition to that, there are a lot of fun things to do in the town such as going on a scenic cruise, doing a train tour, and visiting one of the town's unique museums, such as the Pirate and Treasure Museum. There's also a haunted tour if that's your style. 

Apalachicola, FL, is a picturesque fishing town with a maritime atmosphere. From pristine beaches to historic houses to beautiful viewpoints, the town has many gorgeous spots. Some interesting sights in the town are the Raney House Museum and the Apalachicola Maritime Museum. Lots of history in this place. 

Palm Beach, Florida, settled in 1872 and located on a barrier island, is a picturesque town that is home to grand mansions, historic landmarks, and the beautiful palm tree-lined Worth Avenue. It's also the closest on this list to Southwest Florida with a drive down Alligator Alley. The Gilded Age architecture of Palm Beach is incredible to see, and a great example of this is the Whitehall mansion. There’s a lot to do in Palm Beach including enjoying food at a chic waterfront restaurant, shopping at local boutique shops, playing golf with a view of the Atlantic Ocean, and attending the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival.

With its gorgeous beaches, Cape Canaveral, Florida, is one of the most picturesque small towns in America. The town is located on the Atlantic Coast and is known for the Kennedy Space Center. Its beauty and opportunities to learn about space make Cape Canaveral a perfect destination for a getaway. Time your trip right, and you can witness a rocket launch. 

The full list of 120 small towns from around the country can be found here.