Miami Spice in Clearwater Nice

The Opal Sands Resort, opened in 2016, is a visually striking anomaly amid the traditionally outfitted family properties lining the waterfront of Clearwater Beach. And here, being an anomaly is definitely a good thing, especially for couples craving a “modern luxury” boutique hotel experience even when the kids travel with them.

View of the Opal Sands from the beach © Elyse Glickman

The 15-story, 230-room building, as devised by firm Duncan Miller Ullman, is something that would fit perfectly into Miami’s landscape, from the architecture’s curving lines, to generous and panoramic wrap-around terraces, to airy interiors awash with aquamarine blues and sea-foam greens. It feels exactly like the sumptuous South Beach apartment complex everybody dreams about living in or owning at one time or another. Larger suites blend luxury and practicality, from panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico to a fully outfitted kitchen perfect for cozy family breakfasts to a stylish separate living room with plush furnishings and generous marble bathroom. Every floor also has its own pantry stocked with cookies, fresh fruit and ice cold water.

Though it doesn’t have a kids’ club like its sister property, The Sandpearl Resort and Spa, it is welcoming to families (especially those with older children and teens) and offers some of the same perks, from a sparkling pool and easy beach access, to a free shuttle to the Clearwater Aquarium, free public transportation around town using one’s room key and a well-appointed fitness center. The concierge is a gem, with her easygoing personality and spot-on advice for families wanting honest guidance on what attractions will best fit with individual family members.

Pizza-making class at The Opal Sands © Elyse Glickman

While on-property restaurant Sea Guini is rated one of the best fine dining restaurants in town (the dinner menu — especially the pasta dishes — are an impeccable fusion of Floridian and Italian), it also offers Saturday pizza making classes that have been a hit among kids and business travel groups alike. Sandbar, its daytime poolside dining venue, offers excellent light bites, salads and superb burgers. Other on-property perks and features include “corn hole” courts on the hotel lawn area, free bike rentals and an elaborate sand castle inside the main lobby that changes four times a year.

Chances are you may not want to leave such swanky digs, and your kids will probably want to while away their time at the pool or beach. However, the Opal Sands is walking distance from Pier 60, the Clearwater Marina (and, therefore, fishing trip charters, ferries and guided tours to the almost-pristine Caladesi Island State Park), to dolphin spotting tours interspersed with local history and glances at beachfront homes of sports and Hollywood celebrities, and a seemingly endless stretch of surf shops with cool beach gear for the whole family.

Opal Sands Interior © Elyse Glickman