Top 10 Resorts in Miami in 2027
PULSEKNOWLEDGE LIBRARY
The 10 best resorts in miami are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.
1. Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club
The Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club ranks first as Miami's most refined luxury resort, landing at No. 9 on U.S. News & World Report's 2026 list of best hotels in the United States and earning Forbes Five-Star status. Set on nine beachfront acres in Surfside, the property restores the legendary 1930s Surf Club and pairs it with sleek contemporary towers.
Nightly rates typically run from about $900 to $2,500 depending on season and view, climbing higher for oceanfront suites in peak winter. This resort is for travelers who want the best of Miami luxury without the South Beach frenzy, trading nightlife energy for polished serenity. Compared to Acqualina below, the Four Seasons offers a more historic, design-forward setting with slightly higher entry pricing. Its service is the polished Four Seasons standard, making it the top pick for discerning guests.
2. Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach
Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach ranks second as a Forbes Five-Star, Mediterranean-inspired oceanfront resort in Sunny Isles Beach that consistently ranks among Miami's very best. The property is anchored by three oceanfront pools, the acclaimed ESPA at Acqualina spa, and a beachfront marine-biology program for kids, all on a glamorous stretch of Atlantic sand.
Nightly rates generally start around $700 and rise past $1,500 for oceanfront suites during high season. This resort is for families and travelers who want polished beach luxury with room to spread out, trading the historic charm of the Four Seasons for a more opulent, resort-style atmosphere. Compared to the Four Seasons above, Acqualina offers more pool variety and kid-focused programming at a slightly lower entry price.
3. Faena Hotel Miami Beach
Faena Hotel Miami Beach ranks third as Miami's most theatrical Forbes Five-Star resort, filled with dramatic art including a gilded mammoth skeleton by Damien Hirst, a hand-painted ceiling, and a red-and-gold cabaret theater. It is luxury staged as spectacle, and it does it brilliantly, with the Faena Spa, an oceanfront pool, and acclaimed restaurants backing up the drama.
Nightly rates typically start near $564 in shoulder periods and climb past $1,500 for suites and peak dates. This resort is for travelers who want a resort with genuine artistic flair and a vibrant social atmosphere, trading the quiet refinement of Acqualina for bold, immersive design. Compared to Acqualina above, Faena offers a more intimate, art-focused experience with a lower starting rate but fewer family-oriented amenities.
4. The Setai Miami Beach
The Setai Miami Beach ranks fourth as a serene sanctuary in the heart of South Beach, blending Art Deco architecture with Asian-inspired interiors of muted tones and clean lines. Guests consistently praise its three infinity pools set at graduated temperatures, the destination spa, and the calm that sets it apart from the surrounding party scene. The atmosphere is more zen retreat than nightclub hotel, which discerning travelers prize in a South Beach address.
Nightly rates commonly run from about $800 to $2,000, rising for suites and peak winter weeks. This resort is for travelers who want a peaceful, design-focused stay in the middle of South Beach, trading the theatrical drama of Faena for a more minimal, tranquil aesthetic. Compared to Faena above, The Setai offers a quieter, more intimate experience with a higher starting rate but a more central location.
5. 1 Hotel South Beach
1 Hotel South Beach ranks fifth as the pioneer of eco-conscious luxury in South Beach, setting the tone for the brand since 2015. The LEED Certified Silver building uses reclaimed wood and lush biophilic design to minimize energy and water use, and the 425-room property, including 168 suites, feels organic and airy. Guests get four pools, including a rooftop pool with skyline views, a strong wellness and fitness program, and an oceanfront location.
Nightly rates typically range from about $600 to $1,500 depending on season and room type. This resort is for eco-minded travelers who want sustainability without sacrificing comfort, trading the Asian-inspired calm of The Setai for a more vibrant, nature-focused atmosphere. Compared to The Setai above, 1 Hotel offers more pools and a larger property at a lower starting rate, but with a busier, more family-friendly vibe.
6. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort
The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort ranks sixth as a Forbes Five-Star oceanfront resort in upscale Bal Harbour, steps from the luxury Bal Harbour Shops. The property delivers the brand's signature butler service, an expansive spa, multiple beachfront pools, and large residential-style rooms with ocean views. The Bal Harbour setting is quieter and more refined than South Beach, drawing travelers who want luxury shopping and calm beaches over nightlife.
Nightly rates generally run from about $800 to $2,000, climbing for suites and peak winter. This resort is for travelers who want St. Regis polish in Miami's most exclusive enclave, trading the eco-chic vibe of 1 Hotel for a more traditional, service-driven luxury. Compared to 1 Hotel above, The St. Regis offers butler service and a more serene, upscale location at a higher price point.
7. The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami ranks seventh, named to the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Hot List following its renovation. Sitting on a quiet barrier island minutes from downtown, it feels removed from the city while offering a private beach, a large spa, multiple pools, and a well-regarded tennis program. The island location gives it a calmer, more residential feel than the beach hotels of South Beach, which couples and families seeking quiet appreciate.
Nightly rates commonly run from about $600 to $1,400 depending on season and view. This resort is for travelers who want Ritz-Carlton service with genuine island seclusion near the city, trading the shopping-district glamour of Bal Harbour for a more relaxed, nature-oriented setting. Compared to The St. Regis above, The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne offers a lower starting rate and a more secluded, residential atmosphere.
8. Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Fontainebleau Miami Beach ranks eighth as Miami's most recognizable resort, a sprawling Morris Lapidus masterpiece that fuses mid-century glamour with a high-energy modern scene. With more than 1,500 rooms, multiple pools, a major spa, celebrity-chef dining, and the famed LIV nightclub, it is the city's quintessential big-resort experience. It is lively rather than tranquil, and that is the appeal: this is where you come for the full Miami Beach spectacle without leaving the property.
Nightly rates typically range from about $400 to $1,200, with suites and peak weekends higher. This resort is for travelers who want the iconic, energetic Miami Beach resort experience, trading the island calm of Key Biscayne for a bustling, social atmosphere. Compared to The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne above, Fontainebleau offers a much larger property with more dining and nightlife options at a lower starting rate.
9. Loews Miami Beach Hotel
Loews Miami Beach Hotel ranks ninth as the best-value pick, delivering a prime South Beach oceanfront address and full resort amenities at rates noticeably below the city's Five-Star tier. The large property anchors the northern, calmer end of Ocean Drive with a beachfront pool, a spa, multiple restaurants, and strong family programming. It manages to be both a genuine resort and an accessible one, which is rare on South Beach.
Nightly rates commonly run from about $350 to $900, rising for oceanfront rooms and peak winter. This resort is for travelers who want a real South Beach resort experience without ultra-luxury pricing, trading the iconic spectacle of Fontainebleau for a more laid-back, family-oriented atmosphere. Compared to Fontainebleau above, Loews offers a smaller, quieter property with a lower starting rate and better value for families.
10. The Ritz-Carlton South Beach
The Ritz-Carlton South Beach ranks tenth, bringing the brand's reliable luxury to a restored Art Deco landmark in the heart of South Beach. The property pairs a beachfront pool, a spa, and oceanfront dining with the energy of its Collins Avenue location, balancing service polish with South Beach style. It suits travelers who want Ritz-Carlton consistency but prefer to be in the middle of the action rather than on a quiet island.
Nightly rates typically run from about $600 to $1,500 depending on season and room type. This resort is for travelers who want dependable luxury right in South Beach, trading the family-friendly value of Loews for a more polished, upscale experience. Compared to Loews above, The Ritz-Carlton offers more refined service and a more central location at a higher price point.
How we ranked these
We weighted Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star recognition, U.S. News best-hotels placement, verified guest sentiment on Tripadvisor and Google, amenity depth (private beach, pools, spa, dining), and real nightly pricing from official channels and major platforms. We spread the list across Miami's distinct beach districts so it serves a South Beach party trip, a Mid-Beach art-and-design stay, and a quiet Bal Harbour or Key Biscayne escape.
We deliberately ignored properties we could not independently confirm as open and bookable. We also excluded any resort that lacked a genuine beachfront location or full resort amenities, regardless of reputation. We did not consider unverified social media buzz or influencer endorsements, as these often reflect paid promotions rather than actual guest experiences. Our focus remained on verifiable, current operational status and consistent quality across multiple independent review platforms.
Related questions
What is the best luxury resort in Miami for 2027?
Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Surfside is the top pick, ranked No. 9 on U.S. News & World Report's 2026 best hotels in the United States and holding Forbes Five-Star status. It offers nine beachfront acres, ocean-facing rooms, adults-only and family pools, and dining from a Michelin-starred chef, making it Miami's most refined luxury experience.
Which Miami resort is best for families?
Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach in Sunny Isles is excellent for families, featuring three oceanfront pools, a beachfront marine-biology program for kids, and spacious residential-style suites. It blends family-friendliness with serious luxury, offering a complete resort experience with dining like the on-sand Costa Grill, all on a glamorous Atlantic beach.
What is the most iconic Miami Beach resort?
Fontainebleau Miami Beach is the most iconic, a Morris Lapidus mid-century masterpiece with over 1,500 rooms, multiple pools, a major spa, celebrity-chef dining, and the famed LIV nightclub. It offers the quintessential high-energy Miami Beach spectacle, where you can experience the full glamour without leaving the property.
Which Miami resort is best for a quiet, romantic getaway?
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne offers genuine island seclusion on a quiet barrier island minutes from downtown. It features a private beach, a large spa, multiple pools, and a tennis program, providing a calm, residential feel that couples seeking peace and privacy will appreciate, especially after its recent renovation.
What is the best value resort in Miami?
Loews Miami Beach Hotel is the best value pick, delivering a prime South Beach oceanfront location, a beachfront pool, a spa, multiple restaurants, and strong family programming at rates typically between $350 and $900 per night. This is well below the city's Five-Star tier, making it a smart spend for a real resort experience.
Which Miami resorts have Forbes Five-Star status?
The 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star winners in the Miami area include Acqualina Resort & Residences, Faena Hotel Miami Beach, Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, The Setai Miami Beach, and The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. These properties represent the pinnacle of luxury, service, and amenities in the region.
Which Miami resort is best for art and design lovers?
Faena Hotel Miami Beach is the city's most theatrical resort, filled with dramatic art including a gilded mammoth skeleton by Damien Hirst, a hand-painted ceiling, and a red-and-gold cabaret theater. Beneath the showmanship, it offers a serious resort with the Faena Spa, an oceanfront pool, and acclaimed restaurants, making it a unique artistic stay.
Which Miami resort is best for eco-conscious travelers?
1 Hotel South Beach is the top choice for eco-conscious travelers, being LEED Certified Silver with reclaimed wood and biophilic design. It features four pools including a rooftop pool, a strong wellness program, and an oceanfront location, pairing sustainability with genuine style in a 425-room property that feels organic and airy.
FAQ
What is the single best resort in Miami for 2027?
Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Surfside, which ranked No. 9 on U.S. News & World Report's 2026 best hotels in the United States and holds Forbes Five-Star status, set on nine private beachfront acres. It offers a refined luxury experience with ocean-facing rooms, multiple pools, and Michelin-starred dining.
Which Miami resort offers the best value?
Loews Miami Beach Hotel delivers a prime South Beach oceanfront location, a beachfront pool, a spa, and family amenities at roughly $350-$900 a night, well below the city's Five-Star resorts. It is a genuine resort with an accessible price point, rare on South Beach, making it the smart spend for many travelers.
Which Miami resorts earned Forbes Five-Star status for 2026?
The 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star winners in the Miami area are Acqualina Resort & Residences, Faena Hotel Miami Beach, Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, The Setai Miami Beach, and The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. These properties are recognized for exceptional service and facilities.
Which Miami resort is best for a quiet, luxury escape?
Four Seasons at The Surf Club and The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne offer the calmest top-tier stays, removed from the South Beach crowds while still on the water. The Surf Club provides refined luxury in Surfside, while Key Biscayne offers island seclusion with a private beach and tranquil atmosphere.
Which Miami resort is most iconic for the full Miami Beach experience?
The Fontainebleau Miami Beach, a Morris Lapidus mid-century landmark with legendary pools, celebrity-chef dining, and the LIV nightclub, is the quintessential high-energy Miami Beach resort. With over 1,500 rooms, it offers a complete spectacle where you can enjoy the city's glamour without leaving the property.
When should I book to get the best Miami rates?
Book 3-6 months ahead for peak winter (December-March) and avoid Art Basel and holiday weeks when rates spike. Late spring and early fall bring the lowest nightly prices across the city. Planning ahead ensures availability and better rates, especially for beachfront rooms at top resorts.
Which Miami resort is best for a family with kids?
Acqualina Resort & Residences is highly family-friendly, offering a beachfront marine-biology program for kids, three oceanfront pools, and spacious suites. It blends luxury with family amenities, making it a top choice for those traveling with children who want a high-end experience without sacrificing kid-friendly activities.
Which Miami resort is closest to the Art Deco District?
The Ritz-Carlton South Beach is located in the heart of South Beach on Collins Avenue, steps from the Art Deco District. It offers a restored Art Deco landmark with a beachfront pool, spa, and oceanfront dining, balancing Ritz-Carlton service polish with the energy of its prime location.
Which Miami resort has the best spa?
Acqualina's ESPA at Acqualina is highly acclaimed, and the Four Seasons Surf Club also offers a destination spa. Both provide extensive treatment menus and luxurious facilities. The St. Regis Bal Harbour also has an expansive spa, making these top choices for spa enthusiasts.
Which Miami resort is best for a honeymoon?
The Setai Miami Beach offers a serene, zen retreat in South Beach with three infinity pools at graduated temperatures and Asian-inspired interiors. Its calm atmosphere and prime oceanfront location make it ideal for couples seeking a romantic, design-forward escape away from the party scene.
Sources
- https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-hotels-in-the-usa/
- https://www.forbestravelguide.com/award-winners
- https://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/lists/best-luxury-hotels-miami-1237552394/
- https://www.acqualinaresort.com/
- https://www.kayak.com/Miami-Beach-Hotels-Faena-Hotel-Miami-Beach.2291272.ksp
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/HotelsList-Miami_Beach-Luxury-Beach-Resorts-zfp34032.html
- https://www.expedia.com/Miami-Hotels-The-St-Regis-Bal-Harbour-Resort.h4648699.Hotel-Information
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