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As we wind down 2023 and start looking ahead to the new year, one Florida island has made Travel + Leisure's list of the best places to travel in 2024.
Living in Florida, it's a pretty great thing that we live where people vacation. Between Fort Myers, the islands of Sanibel & Captiva, Naples and Marco Island, we have some major vacation destinations here. And lucky for us, we're only a short drive away. Living in paradise definitely has it's perks. And of course, if you wanted to hop in the car and drive even just a few hours, you can be somewhere totally different, whether it be another beach or a big city, for a weekend getaway. One place you'll have to put on your list for 2024 to check out, if you haven't already or maybe to revisit, is Anna Maria Island. In the Sarasota/Bradenton area is this gorgeous beach town free of high-rises and full of natural beauty.
Florida Island Makes Travel + Leisure's Best Places To Travel In 2024 List
Travel + Leisure is tops when it comes to expert travel advice. Last week, they released their choices for the 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024. And these choices aren't limited to just the United States, this list covers the entire world. More than 20 people on staff put together the list "that thoughtful, curious travelers should consider in 2024." Wonder if they got to visit all these places for consideration? (Sign me up!) Travel + Leisure's list of the 50 Best Places is divided into seven categories. Food and Drinks, Big-City Thrills, For Nature Lovers, Cultural Immersion, Moments on the Water, Beach Vibes and Adventurous Travelers.
Anna Maria Island is at the top of the Beach Vibes category. Much like I drive across the bridge from Fort Myers to Sanibel to feel like I'm vacation, when I used to live in Sarasota, a drive to Anna Maria Island did the trick. It's an island that's very easy to get around on bikes or golf carts. Some places noted in the blurb by Travel + Leisure include resorts Joie Inn, and Mello on the Beach, and The Doctor's Office restaurant.
To check out the full list, click here
One Florida Hotel Is Among The Most Expensive In America
When it comes to luxury accommodations, the sky is the limit when it comes to the price per night and one Florida hotel is among the most expensive in America.
When I travel, the type of hotel I stay in really depends on how much time I plan on spending there and what amenities I plan on using. I took myself on a little getaway up to Clearwater Beach a few months ago and went with a higher-end resort so I could take advantage of the bars/restaurants, bike & kayak rentals, the complimentary beach chairs and the rooftop pool. When I go to Disney, I like to stay on property so I can use the park transportation and get in an hour early, plus all their properties are so gorgeous. But if I’m only going for one night, like I did last week, I just stayed at a cheap motel, it was just a place to crash for the night. I think I spent a total of 10 hours there total.
One Florida Hotel Is Among The Most Expensive In America
GoBankingRates put together a list of the 11 most expensive hotels here in the U.S. While I’m sure we’d all take an upscale hotel if we could, the reality is that even one night at some hotels could eat up your entire budget for a week-long vacation. Acqualina Resort & Spa is located in Sunny Isles and the price for one night starts at $847. BUT included in the price is a $45 spa credit so you can enjoy a massage or scrub. What do you get for $847/night? The resort has both indoor and outdoor pools, 5 restaurants and plenty of activities for kids like soccer and basketball.
You can check out the full list here. Below are the top 5 most expensive hotels in America.
5. Beverly Wilshire- Beverly Hills, CA
A night at the Beverly Wilshire starts at $862. They hotel offers the “Pretty Woman for a Day” experience that starts at $15,000 which includes a stay in the presidential suite, plus a personal shopping consultation and a couples massage.
4. Mandarin Oriental Boston- Boston, MA
A night at the Mandarin Oriental Boston starts at $1,077. The hotel is within walking distance from a lot of the city's attractions, has a five-star spa and a Gordon Ramsay restaurant, Ramsay's Kitchen.
3. Four Seasons Hotel New York- New York, NY
One night at the Four Seasons NY starts at $1,275. This hotel is located near Central Park in midtown Manhattan. For running errands around the city, the hotel has a Rolls-Royce to take get you there. Plus, the Four Seasons offers the Empire Suite Experience which includes a helicopter ride to and from the airport, plus a limo to take you around the city.
2. The Beverly Hills Hotel- Beverly Hills, CA
A night at the famed Beverly Hills hotel starts at $1,325. Enjoy complimentary mojitos and someone to clean your sunglasses poolside.
1. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa- Rancho Santa Fe, CA
The Rancho Valencia is the most expensive hotel in America with a one night stay starting at $1,396. The hotel offers e-bikes, fitness classes, complimentary golf clubs to use at a number of nearby courses, plus fresh-squeezed OJ and a paper delivered to your room each morning.
Florida Best Places Travel
