There’s so much more to Florida than its year round warm climate, world-class beaches and theme parks. Whether you combine some theme park fun in Orlando with a beach holiday, or simply want to fly and flop, the beauty of the Sunshine State is that it offers such an easily-accessible choice of diverse resorts.
Florida’s playground
Possibly the world’s favourite family playground, Orlando’s list of attractions is almost endless. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Universal’s, Islands of Adventure, Sea World, Wet ‘n’ Wild, Typhoon Lagoon, Discovery Cove and more are all here. Whether you travel with children or not, our extensive choice of luxury hotels will ensure you can relax in style at the end of each hectic day’s fun.
Rodeo Drive of the East
Palm Beach and Boca Raton are Florida’s most exclusive and opulent beach resorts with exclusive and opulent hotels to match. If you like your beach holiday with a large dose of glamour, pampering spas and golf, all in the lap of luxury, Palm Beach won’t disappoint. There’s a world-class restaurant scene too.
Where the USA meets the Caribbean
Florida’s answer to the Caribbean, the Florida Keys, comprise a magical 140-mile string of islands stretching out into the Gulf of Mexico. There’s a distinctly tropical vibe with secluded beaches, world-class deep-sea fishing and excellent scuba diving. We’ll help you find the right hotels to suit you from exclusive private island hideaways to the heart-of-the-action in lively Key West.
The Glittering Gold Coast
Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood Beach may not be far from Miami but the atmosphere on and off the beaches is altogether different. Built around inland waterways, whichever way you turn you’ll see countless extravagant yachts and fun beaches, all complemented by a wonderful choice of fine resort hotels.
Dazzling SoBe
The magic of Miami lies in its eclectic mix of influences. It’s also paradise for foodies and shopaholics. South Beach (known as ‘SoBe’ to the locals!) is the über-trendy favourite for many with glamorous bars, restaurants, nightclubs and hotels, not forgetting the Art Deco architecture. Alternatively, tuck yourselves away in one of the more secluded enclaves such as Bal Harbour, Brickell Key or Key Biscayne.
Relax on the Gulf
Our pick of the resorts along the Gulf Coast have all the ingredients for a relaxed yet stylish beach holiday. It’s home to some of Florida’s finest resorts. Naples and Longboat Key, Marco Island and Captiva Island all boast elegant shopping and dining as well as sugar white sand beaches that are littered with seashells rather than people.
Our Top tips
1. From May to October, look out for the sea turtles laying their eggs in the sand and the subsequent migration of the hatchlings from their nest to the ocean. Some turtles will lay up to 250 eggs in the one nest! Naples is a great place to experience this.
2. Driving through the Florida Keys is straightforward as there is just one road in and out - Highway 1. Everything is measured by 'Mile Markers'. Start at MM127 and go through to MM0, which is when you know you've arrived in Key West.
3. Whilst in the Keys, visit the Dolphin Research Centre in Marathon. You'll not only learn all about our favourite marine mammal, you can swim with them too.
4. For the best Florida shopping experience, and there are plenty of them, our vote goes to Mizner Park in Boca Raton for a relaxed, upscale shopping and dining experience.
5. Another 'must do' shopping experience is of course Worth Avenue, Palm Beach, even if it's just for a little window-shopping.
6. There are lots of toll roads in Florida, and you may find you're on one soon after you leave the airport so be prepared with some quarters to save time. Charges vary but expect to pay approximately $1.50 each time
7. For a really fun experience, take an airboat ride on the Everglades spotting alligators and manatees. It's an experience that all the family will enjoy.
8. If you're travelling during the summer months, be prepared for afternoon showers most days. They only last a couple of hours and it soon dries up...and of course it's usually warm rain!
9. Longboat Key, Naples and Marco Island are three of Florida's best kept secrets. All have wonderful beaches as well as great golf, fine dining and luxury shopping.
10. One of Florida's most scenic drives is route A1A which hugs the coast all the way from Fernandino Beach in the north to Fort Lauderdale where it becomes Highway 1 and continues down to Key West.
