Florida isn’t all Mickey Mouse ears and theme parks – it’s also a slice of paradise offering island-hopping adventures and beautifully vibrant beachfront hotels, well away from the crowds of Disney World.
To find the hidden beauty of America’s Sunshine State, you need to do as we did and head for the tranquil isles scattered off the West Coast in the southern stretches of the Gulf of Mexico.
The city of Fort Myers, nestled between Tampa and the Everglades National Park, is the gateway to a string of tiny islands including Pine, Sanibel, Cabbage Key and Captiva, where crystal clear waters lap on the golden sands.
Further up the coast, at the southern mouth of Tampa Bay, you’ll find the seven-mile long Anna Maria Island. It is home to the luxury golf coast resort of Longboat Key and the white sand beaches of Bradenton, where brightly coloured homes nestle alongside friendly beachfront restaurants. Here, we browsed the stores along the charming Pine Avenue, which spans the width of Anna Maria Island, and sipped fresh coconut juice in the sun, soaking up the sunny vibes.
“OLD FLORIDA” CHARM
Our first hotel stop was the laidback Pine Island, where we experienced the comfort of “Old Florida” at the traditional Tarpon Lodge. Accommodation includes the 1926 Historic Lodge, the Cottage, the Boathouse or the white stilted Island House. We stayed at the latter, where six of the 12 rooms boast views of the water from a private porch.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Savoury saviours
Get ahead with simple spicy suppers from Nadiya Hussain
RECIPES FOR SUCCESS - I want to share the way I cook and the way I eat'
Chef Nadiya Hussain on the money-saving cooking tips and vital life skills that she teaches her children.
THE WILD ONE - Nobody tried to change me that was who I am
Rock star Suzi Quatro on leading the way for women, being true to herself and her 60th anniversary tour
CELEBRITIES PUT ON THE GLITZ FOR TV'S BIGGEST NIGHT
Famous faces gathered at the National Television Awards last week to celebrate the best of Britain's TV talent
IN THE PINK - I feel like myself again now I'm back in the Strictly family'
After documenting her brutal cancer journey, Strictly favourite Amy Dowden shares her joy at returning to the dance floor
STYLE COUNSEL - My friendships are one of my greatest successes'
As stylist Gok Wan celebrates his milestone birthday, he reflects on his personal losses, biggest achievements and plans for the future
STEP BACK IN TIME - STARS ENJOY A DAY AT THE RACES
A host of celebrities attended the Goodwood Revival festival last week to see the classic cars and fabulous retro fashions
GOOD CLEAN FUN - 'I really like to organise things I find it therapeutic'
Sort Your Life Out presenter Stacey Solomon on how tidying up helps her shut out anxious thoughts, the reason she only shares happy memories on social media, and why it's husband Joe Swash who puts out the bins
SHINING BRIGHT - KATE'S MESSAGE OF HOPE
Her emotional health update video made it clear that the Princess of Wales' family comes first, says former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond.
My family will always be my main priority'
Model and actress Caprice invites OK! into her stylish home to talk about fame and why nothing beats being with her kids.