St. Pete-Clearwater is home to 35-miles of award-winning white sugar sand beaches, world-renowned museums, and a booming foodie scene that has been recognized by the Florida MICHELIN Guide 2025. This Year has also brought the opening of stand-out new hotels, like the Opal Sol, and restaurants, like Elliott Aster at The Vinoy, that reinforce St. Pete-Clearwater as a top destination for Brits wanting to experience a slice of America’s Best Beaches this year.
Read on for more information on what is new in St. Pete-Clearwater…
St. Pete-Clearwater is a destination partner of the Florida MICHELIN Guide 2025
Recently chosen as the only Gulf coast beach destination partner of the Florida MICHELIN Guide 2025 and noted as “The Best Food City in The United States” in Travel + Leisure, this Florida Gulf Coast hot spot is a must for anyone seeking to elevate their holiday experience with exceptional cuisine.
Whether it is enhanced beach classics along paradisial barrier islands, the freshest seafood along John’s Pass boardwalk, or adventuring through international cuisine with ease along 30-block long Central Avenue in downtown St. Pete, each turn brings with it a new flavour to try.
Opal Sol opens on Clearwater Beach
Perched on the award-winning sands of Clearwater Beach, the 248-all Gulf view suite Opal Sol opened in February 2025. The property has cemented itself as one of the top hotels in the destination, elevating the already beloved Clearwater experience. Opal Sol, connected to popular Opal Sands via a sky bridge, enhances the upscale classic ocean-inspired charm of the beachfront property. Guests of the Opal Sol have access to both properties’ amenities, including four pools, two spas, and 10 restaurants, bars and grab’n’go outlets.
Michelin Chef-backed Elliott Aster opens at The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club
Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club is a historic hotel located in the heart of downtown St. Pete, where visitors can now try the highly anticipated Elliott Aster – a Michelin Chef backed eatery that opened in May 2025.
Located within the Vinoy’s grand dining room, Elliott Aster is one of the most exciting culinary openings within recent years. Completing the Vinoy’s multi-year renovation plans to refresh the property, the restaurant opening brings the iconic pink-hued hotel and its classic retro fittings into a brand-new era.
Award-winning Chef Lee Wollen of the BOKA Restaurant Group has crafted Elliott Aster into an elegant lounge that offers contemporary twists on classic Italian American favourites. Finished with a sophisticated patio, it’s perfect for soaking in colourful sunsets that sweep across Tampa Bay and the skyline of downtown St. Pete. Elliott Aster has already established itself as a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike, and has quickly become one of the culinary gems on offer in-destination.