Florida Gulf Coast Archives

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

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

An aerial view of The Sound at Coachman Park in Clearwater, Florida.

An Insider’s Guide to Coachman Park in Clearwater, Florida

Since its opening in June 2023, Coachman Park has quickly become a centerpiece of Clearwater’s cultural and recreational scene. Here’s everything you need to know about getting there, staying up to date on the latest events, and insider tips for maximizing your visit. Read More