Florida has sandy beaches and emerald waters along its coast and watery highways of inland rivers, lakes and springs. Waterfalls, however, are one natural feature that visitors have to find elsewhere -- like at one of the state's many hotels that boast shimmery cascades of water that drop into pools, hot tubs, or landscaping.
The Octopol on Fort Myers Beach, on Florida's southwest coast has a waterfall that tumbles down from overhead rocks. This pool, located steps from the Gulf of Mexico, is part of the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Spa, and also boasts underwater features like large sponges and shells. This spa resort offers specials that include local activities like fishing, sailing or dolphin interactions.
Near the hotel guests can paddle the Great Calusa Blueway, a state paddling trail that takes kayakers through mangrove tunnels and spoil islands. In addition to paddling, hotel guests can rent bikes to explore Fort Myers Beach, go shelling just north of Fort Myers in Sanibel, or choose a nature or sightseeing cruise booked through the resort. On the property, guests can take sailing lessons, visit a butterfly garden or fish off the 200-foot-long fishing pier.
The Marriott Harbor Beach is on Florida's east coast in Fort Lauderdale, and has a tropically-landscaped pool. This lagoon-style pool, ringed with palm trees and lush foliage, has several waterfalls that cascade into it. The resort has a full-service spa, fitness center and private beach.
This resort and the surrounding area has the distinction of catering to the outdoor enthusiast as well as the vacationer seeking to engage in retail therapy. Fort Lauderdale has scuba diving, snorkeling and freshwater and saltwater fishing -- all less than 45 minutes from the resort. Guests can also tour museums and historic buildings, shop, or watch live theater or sports.
In Naples, on Florida's southwest coast, the Naples Grand has three pools. One of these three pools, the Mangrove, has water slides and waterfalls. The slides shoot riders into the pool, while the waterfalls step gently down into the water in increments.
In addition to catering to families, the Naples Grand has a par-72 golf course designed by Rees Jones, and 15 Har-Tru tennis courts, tennis clinics and a pro shop. For families traveling together but looking for a little time apart, the resort has activity days for kids as well as nighttime babysitting available.
In the middle of the state, the Marriott's World Center Resort devoted one of its six pools to waterfalls and water slides. This pool, geared for kids of all ages,has six separate waterfalls as well as kids activities poolside. This resort caters to families as well as business travelers.
The World Center Resort has golf, kids activities, a spa and a fitness center. Guests can also purchase tickets to area attractions like Walt Disney World and Sea World at the concierge desk. For a small charge the hotel also provides transportation to the theme parks.
