Florida offers a myriad of new accommodation options – for both fly-in and road-tripping visitors – at all price points, including Outdoorsy RV experiences, the Oasis Collection subscription rental service, SLS beach and city hotels and an all-inclusive Florida Keys stay.
All-inclusive: Bungalows Key Largo
Bungalows Key Largo — Photo courtesy of Sherel Purcell
Travelers who want it all can check into Bungalows Key Largo, the only all-inclusive property in the Florida Keys.
This peaceful, adults-only resort sitting in a botanical garden on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico caters primarily to couples who indulge in wellness programs, water sports and sunset cruises as they reconnect with nature.
The 135 individual bungalows (garden and waterfront) include private verandas complete with outdoor rain showers, large soaking tubs and two cruiser bikes to explore the 11.5-acre property.
Interiors feature a spa bathroom with rainfall shower and plush robes, a mini fridge stocked with non-alcoholic beverages and a 60” BeyondTV. Natural materials in tropical colors create a relaxed and romantic vibe. All include daily housekeeping and turn-down services.
Along with three distinct restaurants and a sunset bar, notable shared amenities include two cabana pools and a private beach, daily yoga classes, Zen Garden Spa treatments, a relaxation area for sipping spa-inspired cocktails and five outdoor treatment cabanas near the tranquil Zen Pool. The bayside waterfront tiki offers massages with a view of Florida Bay.
Watercrafts include stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and water trikes, while Tiki and Duffy electric boats offer new ways to experience the sunset cocktail hour. Daily excursions explore the surrounding waters and islands and offer Everglades eco-tours, sunset cruises and swimming and snorkeling trips.
RV-ing: Outdoorsy and Harvest Hosts
"Eugene" Outdoorsy RV rental at Harvest Hosts member property Summerfield Crossings Golf Club — Photo courtesy of Sherel Purcell
For the ultimate private escape, would-be RV-ers without a rig can rent a camping van, full-size trailer or everything in between from Outdoorsy (the Airbnb of RVs) and park it on Harvest Hosts properties at over 3,000 farms, churches, museums, wineries, distilleries, golf courses, bars and "Boondockers Welcome" community host sites across North America.
The reliable and trusted Outdoorsy provides insurance and excellent customer service for the community of 600,000+ travelers and RV owners. Thirty-foot "Eugene" (above) named for the father of RV owner, Ken Munoz, of Bradenton includes a comfortable queen ensuite.
A yearly membership to Harvest Hosts ($99 or $139 – the extra $38 includes access to the highly recommended golf course camping) provides one free night at all member venues, including those on favorite Florida routes. Additional nights are available at the discretion of property owners with a modest fee.
The Harvest Hosts membership is a great way to experience peaceful, private camping while supporting small businesses. Favorite Florida sites include Ferg's Sports Bar and Grill (home of the pizza ATM) on trendy Central Avenue in St. Petersburg and golf clubs Summerfield Crossings and Lansbrook around Tampa Bay.
City or beach stays: SLS and Hyde
SLS South Beach Miami hotel — Photo courtesy of Sherel Purcell
Visitors to Miami can choose city or beach stays – or mix it up for the best of both worlds at SLS Hotels in Miami Beach, Midtown Miami and the Brickell area.
"I wouldn't stay here if I were looking for peace and quiet," says Simon Sorpresi, the General Manager of the Philippe Starck-designed SLS South Beach hotel. It's the scene of all the beach action with two happening bar/restaurants on site: Bazaar and Katsuya South Beach. From Sunday to Thursday, chef Hiro Asano offers an omakase food and sake pairing experience for private groups (6-10 persons) in the SLS South Beach South Tower Penthouse designed by Lenny Kravitz.
Hyde Midtown Miami — Photo courtesy of Sherel Purcell
The Hyde Midtown Miami hotel features a perfect setting near the Design District, complete with a pleasing contemporary art-filled lobby, gorgeous rooftop pool, putting green, gardens, tennis courts, a hip and tasty Japanese fusion restaurant and superb rooftop and balcony views of the lively midtown area.
SLS Brickell also features a contemporary art collection along with Philippe Starck designs amidst an excellent bar and restaurant scene in bustling downtown Miami.
Short-term stays: Oasis Passport
Oasis Collection AMLI Midtown Miami — Photo courtesy of Sherel Purcell
For longer-term globe-trotters, the worldwide Oasis Passport offers a flat-rate monthly subscription service at three price points (depending on the city) that allows unlimited luxury stays of four days to a month, including several Miami locations.
The flexible Oasis Passport covers seven U.S. and 16 international cities. Subscribers pay a fixed monthly "rent" depending on the property type and the three tiers of cities starting at $1,750 including furnishings and utilities. A three-month commitment allows renters to move between all properties worldwide on a month-by-month basis. Subscribers could stay a month in Miami and then move onto Mexico City or Barcelona, for example. The Oasis Passport allows free movement between tiers and floorplans, too.
