The five high rise towers of Portofino Island Resort are the last condos on Pensacola Beach before the developments give way to nothing but secluded beaches, snorkeling reefs, and wispy dunes. It’s also one of the few resorts in the area that spans the entire islet, so you have access to two distinct beaches, one facing the Gulf and another on the sound. Start your day with a smoothie or Starbucks latte from the on-site Smoothie Bar. There are so many pools (seven outdoor and one indoor), you may need a whiteboard and morning team huddle to call the play. The resort provides several family and children’s activities such as dive-in movies and poolside s’mores. If you are visiting during spring or summer, make sure that the kids check out Adventure Cove. The resort’s on-site inflatable water park features slides and a water trampoline. Kids won’t be able to get enough of it! But that’s not all! The resort also has four tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, on-site dining, shopping, and a full-service spa that offers poolside and in-suite spa treatments.

Two- to three-bedroom condos sleep six to eight guests and feature sweeping beach views, full kitchens, spacious living rooms, dining areas, in-suite washer/dryers, and balconies with private outdoor grills. There are two on-site restaurants if you’re not up to cooking. If you prefer to dine in your condo, the resort offers gourmet meal and pizza delivery. Or if you really want to get fancy, take advantage of the options to book your own personal chef for the evening. In-suite entertainment includes flat screen TVs with cable and DVD players. Bring favorite movies from home to enjoy after a long day at the beach.

Far cooler than a rental car: bike, trike, and motor scooter rentals are a fun way to cruise around town. The resort offers on-site Adventure Beach water sport rentals, Pensacola Beach cruises and fishing charters (extra charges may apply). Portofino is just over four miles to the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk which features unique shopping and dining. Envie Boutique features women’s and men’s apparel, swimwear, footwear and accessories from brands like Lilly Pullitzer, Kendra Scott, and Free People. For beach apparel, accessories and sunglasses check out Islanders Coastal Outfitter. When you get hungry, try Hemingway’s Island Grill, Boardwalk Cafe or Bamboo Willie’s Beach Bar.