Getting away from it all Florida
Glorious beaches, fab food and quirky shopping – the Sunshine State’s west coast offers a holiday with a twist
WHY GO?
The island city of anna maria might be less than a two-hour drive from orlando’s theme parks, but it feels a million miles away. This finger of land on the west coast has a thriving arts and foodie scene, serene nature and seven miles of pristine beaches. Thanks to the pastel-painted boarded houses and sand strewn streets, it has retained a low-key charm, making it perfect for couples looking to relax.
HOME FROM HOME
We opted to stay in a self-catering cottage at Tradewinds Beach resort. our pastel pink home was on a private street with a deck, garden and large heated pool set among palm trees with views over the bay to Sarasota. Just a few minutes’ walk from the sea, after a day in sun we could stroll back, spark up the barbecue and watch the sunset with a cocktail. Bliss! nightly rates start from £112; tradewinds-resort.com.
BEST BITES
Whether it’s fine dining or a casual snack, restaurants aim to source food locally. Something to celebrate? Treat yourself to dinner at euphemia Haye (euphemiahaye. com). Their signature dish is a huge peppered steak that will challenge even the biggest of carnivores. Seafood fans should head to the Beach House Waterfront restaurant; beachhouse.groupersandwich. com. if you can, reserve a beach-side table at sunset to watch the dolphins.
SWEET TREATS
dessert is a real event here and there’s no avoiding the sweet stuff. upstairs from euphemia Haye is Haye Loft, legendary among the locals for its karaoke evenings and pies. There’s a wide selection on offer, but our favourite was the Peanut Butter mousse Pie – so good we had seconds. Skip lunch one day in favour of a huge portion of homemade ice cream and fudge at Joe’s eats & Sweets. directly opposite Bradenton Beach, you can’t miss this place, with its brightly coloured walls. if your sweet tooth still hasn’t been satisfied, head down to The donut experiment, where you can create your own toppings while you wait. get there early to beat the crowds who are known to drive for miles for these gooey rounds of perfection.
SUNSET MADE FOR TWO
as if the sunsets in Florida aren’t dreamy enough, Searenity Spa offers couple massages in Tiki tents on the beach. Prices from £52pp; searenityspa.com/beach/massage.
or how about a sunset boat trip? kathleen d’s Sail catamarans carry up to six passengers so you can sail with family and friends or as a couple. Prices from £45pp; kathleend.net.
LEAVE THE CAR BEHIND
if you want to stretch your legs then walking from one end of the island to the other takes a morning. But getting around on public transport is easy too. if you don’t want to drive, catch the manatee Trolley. This free trolley bus service runs every 20 minutes until 9pm from the city Pier in the north, down to coquina beach in the south. alternatively why not hire a bike or even a golf trolley from the wonderfully named beach bum rentals on Pine avenue; beachbumsami. com/bicycle-rentals.
GENTLE SHOPPING
Take a leisurely stroll up Pine avenue in the heart of the historic northern part of the island, past the museum and old city jail and you’ll find a host of fine boutique stores. From clothes and jewellery shops, to gift stores and artwork by anna maria artist-in-residence emerson Quillin, you’re sure to find something a little bit different. But if you feel the need for some seriously discounted bargains, then it’s just a 30-minute drive to ellenton Premium outlets (premium outlets.com) where we found at least 40% off us brands like converse and J.crew.
GET ME THERE!
British airways flies from London gatwick to Tampa international from £474pp return; ba.com. Seven days’ car hire with hertz.co.uk costs from £182, with the Hertz neverlost system costing an additional £92. For more information on the area, see bradenton gulfislands.com and visitflorida.com.