Clearwater, FloridaClearwater Beach
Opal Sands Resort
Curved beachfront resort
Clearwater Beach Clearwater, Florida
Opened
2016
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Resort SocialOutside the door
The house
Opal CollectionCurved beachfront resort
The curved tower turns the entire resort toward the water, orienting daily life around open Gulf breezes and evening sunsets.
What it’s good at
What they say
Also in AFAR.
A sleek high-rise overlooking Clearwater Beach, Opal Sands Resort stands out for its modern architecture and stylish vibe.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The beachfront promenade runs right outside the front doors, and Pier 60 sits a short walk up the sand.
The rooms
Floor-to-ceiling windows look straight onto the Gulf, and every room has a private balcony angled toward the sunset.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated pool is cantilevered over the Gulf of Mexico, bordered by palms, sun loungers, and three private cabanas.
The spa
Treatment rooms host massages and body rituals, with facials drawing on botanical skincare from Yon-Ka Paris.
The gym
Peloton bikes, treadmills, and strength-training equipment sit alongside exterior windows in the fitness center.
Bar
Sandbar
The thatched tiki bar sits right on the beach, serving local grouper sandwiches and cocktails beside outdoor fire pits.
At the table
SeaGuini serves fresh seafood and handmade pasta beside an underlit cocktail lounge and private wine rooms.
How it began
Florida artist Christopher Still curated the resort's collection, collaborating with local sculptors on a 30-foot wave of stained glass.
Clearwater
More like this
JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
“Secluded coastal hideaway”
The Hiatus Clearwater Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton
“Mural-fronted coastal boutique”
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Suites
“Flamingo-pink suite resort”
Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
“Gulf-front resort towers”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.