| Looking to plan your next escape from the daily grind? Well, look no further. I’ve discovered another hidden gem, and this one is set into an island paradise.
The boutique resort called An Island Getaway at Palm Tree Villas is located on Anna Maria Island, just north of Sarasota on Florida’s Gulf coast.
Surrounded by sugar-sand beaches, crystal blue waters and balmy temps year round, this seven-mile-long island is secluded and peaceful.
Prepare to be whisked away to the Old Florida of slow living and quiet beaches … light years away from high-rises, fast food and traffic.
Palm Tree Villas rents one and two-bedroom villas by the day, week and month. Each comes fully equipped with king-size beds, spacious living and dining areas, full-size kitchens (my favorite!) and garden patios.
Idyllic beaches are just a three-minute stroll away. Guests rave about the place, dropping words like “paradise” and “perfect” in every review.
Rates are reasonable, even during their peak season (May through August, December through January) when daily rentals start at $155/night. Reserve your villa for a week and save even more.
It’s a great deal when everything you need is at your fingertips – seashells and sunshine, pool and spa, kayaking, fishing and more.
Packages such as“Romance the Soul” can whisk you and your sweetheart away for spa treatments, fine dining and sunset sailing.
For the lowest rates, rent a villa between August and late November, when the daily fee dips as low as $115 per night ($725 per week). Check specific travel dates on the resort website for quotes.
Once settled in, get your seafood fix with a grouper sandwich or conch fritters from the Sandbar Restaurant (100 Spring Ave., 941-778-0444). Full of Floridian charm, this restaurant has a history dating back to the early 1900s. Dine indoors or on the beach, and enjoy local music as your stresses float away.
Skim through Anna Maria Island’s local newspaper, The Islander, for a peek into fun community activities like the Saturday Bridge Street Market or horseshoe pitching at city hall.
Ah, lovely Anna Maria Island. If you’re not dreaming about a trip by now, you must already live there. |
