New and Renewed Hotels

Hyatt Regency Sarasota is now the very incarnation of sleek and cool. The resort’s extensive renovations have resulted in a newly sophisticated look; bi-level suites – with contemporary Florida décor, floor-to-ceiling views of the water and staircases leading to loft bedrooms – feature comforts of home like flat-screen TVs and iHome stereos with iPod docks.

Sterling Breeze, a new condominium resort in Panama City Beach, boasts all the amenities of a grand-scale property (a wine bar, enormous indoor pool, luxurious rooms) but with a decidedly boutique sensibility. Located near popular Pier Park, the resort is full of personal touches.

In Daytona Beach, the just-opened River Lily Inn is set right on the Halifax River and offers hopeless romantics some serious hope. Rooms here are stylishly appointed, the breakfasts are warm and welcoming and at night there’s wine and music.

The new Sandpearl Resort on Clearwater Beach was devised with the environment in mind, and it has already received Florida Green Lodging certification. The Sandpearl also boasts a full-service spa and original programs, such as an aquarium enrichment excursion.

For boating enthusiasts, the new Water Street Hotel & Marina on the Apalachicola River offers guests a full-service marina that can accommodate boats up to 55 feet.

Families will have plenty to be happy about, too. The Holiday Inn Express Jacksonville Beach opened in June 2008 with tons of features for kids, including suites with bunk beds and Sony PlayStation 3 videogames. Orlando’s newly renovated Regal Sun Resort (formerly The Grosvenor) features an aquatic center and great views of nearby Disney World, but it feels a world away from the bustle.

 Hot New Restaurants

This year, Naples’ dining scene is heating up with the debut of several stylish restaurants. The chic Trilogy on Fifth Avenue brings global fusion to the fore with its scrumptious “light bite” menu and a well-chosen wine list. For a nightcap, head to Ultra Naples, a new club featuring the latest in sound and light technology as well as guest DJs. For Napa Valley by way of Naples, try the just-opened Olio at Naples Bay Resort. Olio serves up regionally grown produce and local seafood dishes influenced by both Italy and Napa. The restaurant affords guests views of both the water and food preparation via the open demo kitchen.

In Atlantic Beach, near Jacksonville, One Ocean Resort Hotel and Spa welcomes Azuréa, a restaurant with cuisine based on the “locavore” philosophy (that is, using locally produced food and ingredients). Also in Northeast Florida is Thyme, a smart new eatery on Amelia Island, known for its imaginative martinis (try “Italian Wedding Cake” or “Mozzarella”) and a thoughtful wine list. The restaurant overlooks the Intracoastal and offers Italian-influenced classics and more offbeat selections.

Cars, Bars and Circus Tours

A range of new attractions is unveiled this year, from unusual museums to water parks. Want to see some of the country’s most noteworthy vehicles? Head to North Florida’s Tallahassee Automobile Museum. Here you can sidle up to a Batmobile or marvel at the hearse that once carried President Lincoln. The 95,000-square-foot building is a car-lover’s dream.

For gaming aficionados, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood brings blackjack, baccarat and three-card poker to 71 new tables this summer, thanks to a major upgrade (and to a change in what legally can be played in the state).

Sarasota plays to its strengths this fall with the debut of two new tour planning guides, available online and in print. Choose a circus tour or try the architecture circuit.

In Northeast Florida, First Coast Excursions charters has started offering private dinner cruises from Fernandina Harbor Marina on board the luxury yacht The Infinity.

Big Cypress Market Place, near downtown Naples, combines the thrifty sensibility of a flea market with an upscale winery, featuring a Tiki Bar, entertainment complex and an Expo Center. Also in the Naples area, North Collier Regional Park welcomes Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, a new water park complete with thrilling slides and a lazy river for tubing.