Blog articles

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

FEATURED

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
Read more

FEATURED

Opal Sol or Opal Sands? A Guide to Clearwater Beach’s New Resort Duo
“Sol” mate properties Opal Sol and Opal Sands are about to become Clearwater Beach’s most sought-after resort experience. Discover what makes each property unique, their shared amenities, and their diverse dining options. Read More
Read more

FEATURED

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
Read more

FEATURED

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
Read more

FEATURED

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
Read more

FEATURED

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
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

Florda and Maine beers

Battle of the Brews: Florida & Maine Craft Beer

Maine and Florida are two of the most hopping (and hoppy) states in America’s white-hot craft beer scene, but also a study in contrasts. We sample some highlights. The Maine craft beer scene dates back to the early ’90s, with legendary brewers like Allagash and Atlantic Brewing Company doing high-quality… Read More

Read more
Jupiter and Naples

This or That: Jupiter or Naples

While vibrant Naples and sunny Jupiter are just two-and-a-half hours apart, two of Florida’s most popular beach cities boast very different Florida vacations for those seeking adventure in the Sunshine State. Best Wildlife Adventure Jupiter: Loggerhead Marinelife Center June Beach has become one of the most active nesting beaches for… Read More

Read more
Couple on Lake George overlooking The Sagamore Resort

The Best Lake George Water Activities

When the temperatures rise, the waters surrounding Lake George feature plenty of water activities that are inviting to kayakers, swimmers, fishermen, and wildlife explorers. Cruise with The Morgan An hour-and-a-half tour peeking over the railing of The Sagamore Resort’s replica nineteenth-century touring vessel, The Morgan, reveals a shoreline full… Read More

Read more
florida ghosts

Ghost Stories and the Haunted History of Florida

A chill is rarely in the air in Florida – except when learning about some of the spookiest ghost stories found along its coasts.   Voodoo Doll [Key West] While his tale was inspiration for the 1988 horror film Child’s Play, in reality, there’s no ghost story, just a… Read More

Read more
Hemingway Days

Inside Key West’s Hemingway Days

Each July on the birthday of Key West’s most famed writer, hundreds of white-bearded, cocktail-slinging Ernest Hemingway doppelgangers take to the streets for a mock bull run and then to the stage with song and dance at Sloppy Joe’s Bar. For visitors, there’s great history and enjoyable events everywhere you… Read More

Read more
Latitudes restaurant

Different Latitudes for a Seafood Restaurant

When the Delray Sands Resort on Highland Beach introduced its newest restaurant, Latitudes in 2015, it vowed to take a different approach to a nautically infused menu and decor. Here, there are no salt-encrusted ropes, lobster traps, or weather-worn wooden signs that hang above tables – just pristine white… Read More

Read more
Lake Placid Bar Harbor

This or That: Bar Harbor vs. Lake Placid

For mountains alongside the water, it’s hard to beat Bar Harbor…or Lake Placid. We compare these two Northeast outposts known for their natural spoils and picturesque downtowns. Most Picturesque Hike Bar Harbor: Jordan Pond Loop – 3 miles This moderate route takes hikers along the water’s edge at Acadia National… Read More

Read more