The historic Gasparilla Inn in Boca Grande, Lee County, has earned the top distinction as Florida’s premier resort in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards, reaffirming its legacy as one of the Sunshine State’s most storied hospitality landmarks. Having last appeared on the list in 2021, the family-owned inn made a remarkable return, seizing the coveted number one spot and highlighting the enduring appeal of Old Florida luxury experiences.

The prestigious annual survey relies on feedback from nearly 180,000 Travel + Leisure readers, who share their insights on top hospitality destinations worldwide. With more than 657,000 votes cast across 8,700 properties—from luxury city hotels and island resorts to spas and safari lodges—the awards set a gold standard for the hospitality and travel industries. Hotels are rated by readers on several criteria: rooms and facilities, location, service, food, and value, ensuring a comprehensive and competitive selection process.

A Resurgence for Gasparilla Inn

Sitting at the entrance to beautiful Gasparilla Island and overlooking the tranquil Gulf of Mexico, the Gasparilla Inn has charmed travelers for over a century. Founded in 1913 and continuously family-owned since 1964, the Inn has preserved unique architectural features and cultivated a nostalgic, exclusive atmosphere. Following Hurricane Helene’s impact in 2023, the property underwent significant restorations, particularly to its historic beach club, further enhancing the guest experience while maintaining its beloved traditional aesthetic.

Travel + Leisure noted, “Gasparilla Inn made a comeback this year. Family-owned since 1964, the property has retained a distinct Old Florida charm that dates back to the inn’s opening in 1913.” One reader summed up the sentiment: “There truly is no place like The Gasparilla Inn. Its unique character and historic charm create an elegant atmosphere that is fast disappearing from most, if not all, other hotels and resorts.”

This legacy of elegance resonates with new generations of travelers seeking respite from crowded urban resorts, with demand for heritage properties and smaller, experience-driven accommodations rising steadily. According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association, 2024 and 2025 forecasts point to continued growth in the high-end travel segment, fueled in part by guests’ desire for historically significant and immersive experiences.

What Sets the Gasparilla Inn Apart?

The Gasparilla Inn’s 95.06 reader score narrowly edged out other contenders, thanks to an exceptional offering of amenities, authentic hospitality, and a coveted barrier island setting. The property’s tranquil grounds are dotted with antique furnishings, lush gardens, and elegant verandas. Luxury amenities include:

• Pristine 18-hole championship golf course
• Recently renovated, full-service spa with treatments inspired by local botanicals
• Private beach club with exclusive guest access
• Outdoor tennis courts and croquet lawns
• Award-winning dining venues emphasizing regional seafood and farm-fresh ingredients

Boca Grande’s surrounding community enhances the allure, offering world-class fishing, scenic cycling trails, art galleries, and easy access to the undeveloped outer islands of Southwest Florida. The inn’s blend of seclusion and accessibility — two hours south of Tampa and 40 miles from Fort Myers International Airport — makes it a top pick for luxury travelers seeking both convenience and escape.

Florida’s Elite: 2025 Top 15 Resorts

The Gasparilla Inn’s victory is emblematic of Southwest Florida’s enduring reputation as a leader in U.S. luxury hospitality. Three other area resorts were highlighted among Travel + Leisure’s 15 Best Florida Resorts for 2025:

1. The Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande – Reader Score: 95.06
2. The Boca Raton – 95.02
3. The Ritz-Carlton, Naples – 94.74
4. Waldorf Astoria Orlando – 94.24
5. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Little Torch Key – 94.20
6. Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach – 93.38
7. Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, Manalapan – 93.33
8. Sandpearl Resort, Clearwater Beach – 92.89
9. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort – 92.30
10. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Amelia Island – 91.87
11. Hawks Cay Resort, Duck Key – 91.73
12. Inn on Fifth, Naples – 91.29
13. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, Bonita Springs – 91.20
14. Opal Sands Resort, Clearwater Beach – 91.07
15. The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection, St. Petersburg – 90.93

Florida’s consistent dominance in luxury travel is reflected in these diverse, high-scoring properties. Notably, Southwest Florida had four resorts in the top 15, with The Ritz-Carlton, Naples (#3), Inn on Fifth in Naples (#12), and Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs (#13) joining Gasparilla Inn in representing the region’s sophisticated, service-forward hospitality market.

Statewide and National Tourism Trends

Florida continues to report record-breaking tourism, with Visit Florida noting over 137 million visitors in 2024—a 5% increase from pre-pandemic levels. The luxury hospitality sector is particularly strong, buoyed by post-pandemic travel surges and the proliferation of remote work, which has extended the average length of stay at high-end properties. According to CBRE Hotels Research, Florida’s resort occupancy and revenue per available room (RevPAR) both outpaced national averages in 2024, and the trend looks set to continue through 2025.

The State’s best-in-class properties like Gasparilla Inn, with their focus on personalized experiences, extensive wellness offerings, and distinctive local character, are capturing the attention—and repeat business—of well-heeled travelers from around the nation and the globe.