This season, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota unveiled its $5 million property-wide upgrade which afforded the hotel an entirely new and modern look inspired by the views and history of the Floridian city. The lobby, guestrooms, Club Level and Lounge, and even ballroom and meeting spaces were given a total revamp. The fresh look and color palette is intended to emulate the surrounding scenery and offer guests a calm and beautiful seaside retreat.

The 266 guestrooms are designed in a soft color palette to bring in the hues of the flora and fauna from the nearby Selby Botanical Gardens. Shades of blue, tan and lavender call to mind the colors of the city's seaside sunsets and even the furniture is inspired by the pieces in circus owner John Ringling's Sarasota Mediterranean Revival home. The in-suite art is a curated collection of paintings and photographs from local artists and the students of the Ringling School of the Arts. 

Communal spaces such as the Club Level and Lounge evoke the feeling of relaxing under a banyan tree on the beach. Photographs from the surrounding shores and local sea life hang on the walls and relaxing sandy hues are used throughout the décor. The 12,000-sqaure-foot ballroom and five meeting rooms were inspired by the mosaics on the grounds of the Ringling estate. The abstract constellation designs are intended as a nod to the sailors of Sarasota who once used their light to guide their way. The sailor theme continues into the hotel's main restaurant, Jack Dusty, where guests will find a chic waterfront restaurant serving fresh seafood, local favorites and artisan cocktails.

Rates start at $419 per night.