Plan an Elevated Escape to LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort

Tucked between Vanderbilt Bay and the Gulf of America, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort pairs ocean views with experiences that feel elevated at every turn. With three unique buildings, private golf access, toes-in-the-sand dining, and a full-service spa, the property caters to travelers who prefer more room, more privacy, and more intention behind every detail. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or celebrating something special, this three-day itinerary offers a closer look at how to make the most of your time at LaPlaya.

Day One: Arrival and Oceanfront Dining

Once you arrive at LaPlaya, valet parking and check-in are quick and courteous, with bell staff available to help you get settled in quickly. There are three different buildings you can stay in at LaPlaya: the Gulf Tower, the Beach House, or the Bay Tower. For incredible views of the Gulf and plenty of space, consider booking a Tower Suite. Or, if you’d rather be directly on the beach, a Lanai in the Beach House is a great choice, featuring a private terrace just steps from the sand.

After settling in, you may have worked up an appetite. Baleen Restaurant, the resort’s oceanfront dining venue, is perfect for your first night on the Gulf. Start with seafood-focused appetizers or a seasonal salad and move into main courses such as Chilean Sea Bass or Blackened Gulf Grouper. Celebrating a special occasion? Baleen actually offers private beach dining accompanied by rose petals, candles, tiki torches, and lanterns. Just make sure to request a reservation in advance by emailing awilliams@laplayaresort.com.

Post-dinner, take a short walk along the beach or stop by the outdoor fire pits before heading to your room. With the relaxing sounds of the ocean in the background, there’s little else you’ll need to ease into vacation mode.

Day Two: Spa, Golf, and a Club-Level Experience

Begin your first full day with a delicious brunch at Baleen. Expect live music, bottomless mimosas, and delicious entrees like Lobster Eggs Benedict and Plantain and Banana Bread French Toast. From there, you can make the short walk to SpaTerre (located in the Beach House).

This 4,500 square-foot spa offers a curated treatment menu with massages, body rituals, and facials. Private spa suites are also available, or you can even opt for an in-room massage if you’re staying in the Gulf Tower Suites. However, please keep in mind when planning that SpaTerre is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Once you’re refreshed, it’s time to explore the LaPlaya Golf Club. Access to this 18-hole Robert Cupp-designed course is reserved for members and resort guests only, making it one of the more exclusive tee times in the area. The course offers well-maintained greens, natural landscaping, and 17 acres of lakes.

Later in the afternoon, you may want to return to the resort to spend some time at the beach or pool. Grab a beach chair and umbrella for some time in the sun, or check to see if there are any fun activities happening on the beach during your visit! If you’d rather lounge at a pool, you’ll actually find four different options here, including one exclusively for adults. For a little more privacy, you can also opt to rent one of the 17 pool cabanas for the day, complete with personal poolside food and drink service.

Dinner tonight can be more casual. The Tiki Bar on the beach offers light bites, frozen drinks, and a relaxed setting. It’s an easy option if you’d rather not dress up, and the Gulf views are still very much in focus.

If you’re a club member, you can take advantage of the private dining room. It’s a slightly more formal option; however, no coats or ties are required.

Day Three: Sunrise and Departure

On your final morning, take some time to enjoy the quiet before checkout. Whether you opt for coffee on your balcony, a walk along the shore, or maybe beach yoga, the goal is to leave fully refreshed from your visit. If you have a little extra time, you can also schedule a brief spa treatment before heading out.

If you plan to explore the area more before making your way home, the concierge is available to assist with checkout or luggage storage.

From ocean view breakfasts and private tee times to spa treatments and toes-in-the-sand dinners, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort provides a stay that feels anything but ordinary. For travelers who expect more from every detail, ONLY Paradise will do.