What to expect: Mariner's Resort Villas & Marina welcomes guests by land and by sea – boaters can dock at the resort's 43-slip marina, which is tended by a full-time harbormaster and marina staff. The villas and townhomes of the resort feature views of the marina, grounds, and ocean, and are surrounded by lush tropical landscaping.

Amenity highlights: Visitors can take a dip in one of the resort's two swimming pools or soak in the coral grotto spa tub. For more adventuresome water sports, guests can sign up for scuba diving or snorkeling at the resort's on-site dive shop. The resort also offers two tennis courts, an on-site restaurant and tiki bar, and a fitness center equipped with cardio and strength-training machines and free weights.

Insider tip: A 200-foot pier leads out to an observation deck over the Atlantic Ocean. It's an ideal spot to catch the sunrise or enjoy a quiet moment.

What to expect: Lightly illuminated by neon at night and basking in sun and ocean breezes during the day, the 17-acre resort attracts vacationing families seeking island ambience, lots of water sports, and kid-friendly fun. Noisier activities are concentrated on one end of the resort, leaving the other end quiet for adults to stroll along the marina's Gulf-side promenades and relax in shady cabanas.

Amenity highlights: The oversized swimming pool stays open late. A fountain and six-person spa tub are adjacent to the pool and surrounded by lounge chairs and palm trees. The Marriott's private, 125-foot white-sand beach slopes gently into calm Gulf water. Thatched cabanas offer tranquil rest and sunset views along waterfront promenades fronting the marina. An open-air day spa offers massage and body/facial treatments amid gauzy curtains ruffled by bay breezes.

Insider tip: Three miles offshore, in international waters, a casino yacht anchors daily from afternoon until late evening. The hotel provides a complimentary water shuttle to and from the vessel. Onboard, guests enjoy live entertainment, complimentary hors d'oeuvres, card and dice games, roulette, and slot machines.