Blog - Opal Collection

A gourmet dish featuring grilled octopus served in Ringside, Cirque St. Armands newest Sarasota restaurant.

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10 Best New Sarasota Restaurants to Visit in 2025

Whether you’re a local foodie or planning an upcoming visit, this insider’s guide reveals the most anticipated restaurants to open in Sarasota, Florida, including Opal’s own Ringside restaurant at Cirque St. Armands Beachside. Read More

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Opal Sol or Opal Sands? A Guide to Clearwater Beach’s New Resort Duo

Considering a stay at either Opal Sol or Opal Sands? Here are the essential things you should know about Opal Collection’s new "sol" mate properties – including what makes each resort unique, their shared resort amenities, and which one best suits your unique stay. Read More

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Stone Crab Season in Florida: What to Know & Where to Get It

Beloved for their delicate, sweet meat, Florida stone crabs dominate minds and menus from October to May. Here’s why they’re so sought after and the best places to get your claws on, well, these delicious claws. Read More

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5 Digital Detox Retreats Designed for Distancing

We live in a noisy world with so much content vying for our attention. If you’re looking to distance yourself with a digital detox retreat, we have five worthy – and diversly different – picks in Opal destinations. Read More

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Best Beaches in Florida: Why Delray Beach Was Voted Number One in 2024

Scenic, natural, and accessible – these are just a few of the reasons Delray Beach was deservedly awarded “Best Beach in Florida” in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Read More

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10 Experiences to Level Up Your Next Opal Escape

Opal Collection resorts and hotels are more than just luxurious places to lay your head. From private chef-led culinary events to hands-on outdoor adventures you’ll be raving about for years to come, here’s how our collection can craft and connect you to indelible experiences that discerning travelers covet. Read More

Whether you're planning where to go next or what to do on an already‑booked vacation, discover the travel destinations with Opal

A serene beach scene unfolds in Clearwater, Florida, with a long pier extending into calm, blue waters. Sandy dunes with patches of grass grace the foreground. The clear sky holds a whisper of clouds near the horizon, while small structures dot this idyllic attraction on the pier.

Must-See Clearwater Florida Attractions You Never Knew About

Think you’ve experienced all of Clearwater Beach? This list of hidden gems might make you think again. Read More

Two people relax on lounge chairs under a palm tree on a sandy beach. The calm sea stretches out to the horizon under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Best Things to Do in Key Largo from February through June

Perfect water visibility for the ultimate diving experiences, seasonal fish specials, and one heck of a St. Patty’s Day party are just a few reasons to visit Key Largo, Florida, during these select spring months. Read More

A couple takes photos of the giant red Adirondack chair in Mid's Park in Lake Placid.

3 Charming Adirondack Towns to Visit in New York’s High Peaks Region

Whether you’re here in summer, winter, or fall, or are looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, the Adirondack towns of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Keene Valley – all within easy driving distance of Lake Placid Lodge – set the stage for an unforgettable Adirondack vacation. Read More

A man in white attire walks along a wooden pier under a sign that reads Juno Beach Park Fishing Pier, Juno Beach, Florida.

Best Vacation Destinations in Florida

The quest for the best Florida vacation destinations is a common inquiry – and deeply researched topic – among our guests. So we did the legwork to deliver these curated selections tailored to various travel interests. Read More

A group of people participate in a cooking class led by Opal chefs.

Meetings & Events: What’s New Across Opal for 2025

With exciting expansions and a focus on creating memorable retreats, 2025 is the year to plan your transformative gathering at one of Opal’s 28 resorts and hotels. Read More

A frozen cocktail at the annual Glacier ice bar.

Opal’s Coolest Attraction: Inside The Annual Glacier Ice Bars

Simply a swan sculpture it is not. The Glacier Ice Bars that descend upon The Sagamore and Samoset each January are Instagram eye-candy extravaganzas entirely made out of ice. Read More

A scenic view of a sunset city skyline of Sarasota over water.

Top Things to Do in Sarasota January Through April

Up-close and personal with MLB stars, exclusive art tours, and an aquarium-based craft beer festival are just a few reasons to visit Sarasota, Florida, during these select winter and spring months. Read More

A winter view of the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse in Rockport, Maine.

7 Questions You Didn’t Know You Had About the Rockland Breakwater

The Rockland Breakwater is more than just a scenic path extending into Penobscot Bay, Maine. Its rich history holds intriguing details. For example, did you know it’s made of the same iconic granite that was used to build the Washington Monument? Read More

The Running of the Bulls with during the Hemingway Days event.

The Top 2025 Key West Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss

Here's a look at the conch-blowing contests, Hemingway lookalikes, and mind-blowing masquerades to frame a 2025 Key West vacation around. Read More

A rendering of the circus-inpsired lobby at Cirque St. Armands Beachside in Lido Key, Florida.

Cirque St. Armands: A New Sarasota Hotel with a Circus-Sophisticated Spin

Sure, it has the classic hallmarks of an Opal: signature hospitality, the best in food and beverage, and a prime location just steps from the beach. But when you see the collection’s newest reimagined Lido Beach hotel, you just can’t deny, there is something oh-so singular about this property that masterly blends sophistication, spectacular, and surprising. Read More

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