Monday, November 5, 2012

Florida Beach Vacation and a Stay at Home

All is well. The soothing sound of the waves crashing up against the Florida beach cause you to drift into a state somewhere half way between sleep and being awake. The only other sound you can hear is the call of seagulls souring over the water.

You open your eyes and see the orange glow of the sun on the horizon as it rises. You close your eyes again as the cool sea breeze flows over your body. Yes, the temperature will rise as the day goes on, but now it's 75 degrees and the sea breeze makes it feel five to ten degrees cooler.

You've repeated this routine on several vacations over the past couple years. Europe, Hawaii, South Pacific...just a few places you and your family have visited over the past years.

As you walk back to the hotel you notice that you are the only one enjoying the beach on this heavenly morning. Looking at the street you realize why. Men and women are in suits and ties, carrying brief cases, all going to work. You smile as you remember that there was a time that you lived like that too. Then you took advantage of a stay at home mom's business opportunity and your life has never been the same.

You meet up with your husband and children back at the hotel. You're son seems to have a smile from ear to ear as he waits in eager anticipation for the days events. You all depart together to the marina where you will spend the whole day sailing on the ocean.

Cruising on the ocean, the wind blowing in your face, you and your family drop anchor near one of the many reefs off the Florida coast. Jumping in with mask and snorkel, you marvel at the sparkling of the sun off the coral. It is so stunning that, for a moment, you feel as if you have discovered an old sunken Spanish galleon.

You return to land and back to the hotel. This is not like the hotels you used to say in when you were on vacation. Five stars, multiple bedrooms, penthouse view overlooking both the beach and the city. Just a few years ago you thought that if you became a stay at home mom you would never be able to stay in any hotel other than a simple two star with a bed. Yet, your stay at home mom's business opportunity allowed you to be a stay at home mom AND have the money to take vacations you once only dreamed of.

After cleaning up, you all go out on the town for a first class dinner. Not Pizza Hut or some other low cost diner...that was several years ago. Instead, you enjoy the finest French cuisine. There is no concern about cost. Each of you orders anything and everything you want. It's the perfect end to yet another day on your Florida beach vacation.

Article Source: Ezine Articles

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Florida Beaches - Discover the Hidden Beauty

Whenever it comes to beaches in Florida, a lot of tourists assume of a congested spots in which they are unable to see the sand, too many families going free, and drunken college students roaming throughout the sand. This can at times be difficult to find in the finest hidden beaches, the places exactly where it is a lot easier to discover a wonderful sight rather than a number of other tourists. Although it may appear hard to think, Florida actually got quite a few just like this.

Think about State beaches rather than of local beaches. There are usually unencumbered by the high rise hotels, congested shopping areas, as well as bulk amounts of other tourists. The majority of tourists are likely to believe of northern Florida for the perfect beaches, yet this is actually a tiny piece of heaven in the southern portion of the state. The recreation area has 524 acres of land, along with fantastic areas for snorkeling and crystal clear, fresh water. The recreation are charges $4 for every automobile and 50 cents for each individual for a daily admittance.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area in Miami is actually another great hidden beach in Florida. Whenever tourists imagine of Miami, they assume of expensive priced dining places, costly hotels, and a glamorous nightlife. Believe it or not, even Miami offers a hidden beach with Bill Baggs. The beach includes a lighthouse built in 1825, a long way of clean sand, and an awesome break free out of the hustle and bustle of the city. The park costs $5 each day entrance for every vehicle.

And also consider a glimpse at Naples Beach in Naples, Florida. This beach has a 10 mile area that extends directly in front of Millionaire's Row. While walking around down the beach, you could get a glance of the historical past simply by watching the mansions. This beach frequently has a deserted and remote feeling to it, even for the duration of the most frantic periods of the day. With miles of beaches, it can be effortless to discover a space to take pleasure in the sites and sounds of the marine, without battling through a group of individuals. Best of all, the beach costs absolutely no admission.

In Sarasota, Florida start looking for Siesta Beach. This beach is the tiniest on the listing, at only a fraction of a mile and 500 feet broad, but it is also one of the most beautiful and secluded. The sand is much softer as compared to any you've actually experienced in your existence; it's so soft that it nearly feels just like wandering on flour. The beach also has excellent swimming with minimal possibility of an underflow, and a lifeguard on accountability. It may occasionally get a little bit of crowded during the summer time; however you will find no far better option throughout the off season.

A better option for tourists searching for the ideal remote beach spot is Caladesi Island State Park within Dunedin, Florida. The beach can not permit automobiles on site, which deters a few tourists and has a very secluded feel. It's the excellent place for bird viewing, floating around, and the possibility to get out from the hectic life of other beaches in Florida. The only method to arrive at the beach is via ferry, and admission is $4 for every vehicle and $7 for every adult.

There are a bunch of secluded Florida beaches for tourists seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of hectic family oriented spots in the state.

Article Source: Ezine Articles

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Choose Your Adventure - Exploring the Best in Florida Beach Vacations

There is nothing like a vacation with a beach, pristine waters, and lots of sun. If this sounds like paradise to you, a trip to the sunshine state is just the ticket. Florida beachfront resorts offer all this and much more at any time of the year. Not only can you take advantage of the beautiful weather, sand, and surf, but you can also relax and enjoy the pampering and amenities that only a resort can offer. Many provide spa services, water sports activities and fine dining experiences. For exciting and relaxing Florida beach vacations of a lifetime, here are three choices to consider. 
Shelling On Sanibel Island 
Sanibel Island is considered the shelling capital of the world. Tourists visit from all over to take advantage of Sanibel's large amount of shells washing up along their beaches to add to their collection. Sanibel boasts many premier Florida beachfront resorts, including Tortuga Beach Reosrt, which offers private beaches for vacationers, golfing and tennis, as well as fully equipped townhouses for family-friendly fun. To round out your Florida beach vacations, Tortuga Beach Resort also offers fine dining by exceptional chefs from around the world.

A Taste Of Italy On Marco Island

Considered the "gateway to the land of Ten Thousand Islands," Marco Island is located on the Gulf shore approximately 90 miles west of Miami. The first hotel was established in 1896 and is still in business today. The Marco Beach Ocean Resort is the newest addition, and strives to surpass the criteria of a five-star hotel. Evocative of the southern region of Italy in design and execution, this resort offers the ultimate vacation experience with saunas, fitness facilities, as well as facial and massage services. The beach is breathtaking and offers even more adventurous activities such as fishing, jet skiing and parasailing.

Imprisoned On Captiva Island

History tells us that pirates allegedly held female captives on this beautiful island as they awaited their ransom. Today, visitors are free to roam the island and take advantage of shopping, dining, fishing and golfing amenities. A favorite of celebrities, Captiva Island is also located on the warm Gulf shore with a South Seas flavor and an unconquerable spirit. In 2006 the South Seas Island Resort was rebuilt after devastation from Hurricane Charlie, and boasts a world-class exclusive harbor and marina. Tennis, fishing, cruises, and spa facilities are only some of the amenities offered by this gorgeous resort.

Article Source: Ezine Articles

Friday, November 2, 2012

5 Great Florida Keys Hotels You Don't Want to Miss

Florida Keys hotels rank among the worlds finest when it comes to style, design, value for money. The quality customer service welcomes you and attends to your every need during your stay. There is something for everyone here, whether you are after glitz and glamor or just quality at affordable prices.

So, where to stay in this tropical paradise? Here is a hand-picked selection of what is available for you to enjoy.

Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo


This resort sits in the middle of 60 acres of mangrove forest and it has some lovely nature trails in the grounds, which appeal to both children and adults. It has its own small private beach, perfect if you want to keep a close on the little ones. The suites are of a high standard and generous size.

The Mariner's Resort Villas & Marina, Key Largo

The Mariner's has an oceanfront position and offers gated security. It is close to some of the award winning restaurants on the island, but you can also cook up your own tasty barbecue on one of the many grills that are located around the resort for you to use. The lagoon style swimming pool here is the largest in the Florida Keys.

Banana Bay Resort & Marina, Marathon

The Banana Bay hotel is located on the sunset gulf side of Marathon. It is situated amid beautifully maintained tropical gardens, which are home to a great variety of birds. You can see and hear these colourful birds singing during the day. They offer a delicious complimentary breakfast, every morning by the pool.

Florida Keys hotels rank among the worlds finest when it comes to style, design, value for money. The quality customer service welcomes you and attends to your every need during your stay. There is something for everyone here, whether you are after glitz and glamor or just quality at affordable prices.

So, where to stay in this tropical paradise? Here is a hand-picked selection of what is available for you to enjoy.

Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo

This resort sits in the middle of 60 acres of mangrove forest and it has some lovely nature trails in the grounds, which appeal to both children and adults. It has its own small private beach, perfect if you want to keep a close on the little ones. The suites are of a high standard and generous size.

The Mariner's Resort Villas & Marina, Key Largo

The Mariner's has an oceanfront position and offers gated security. It is close to some of the award winning restaurants on the island, but you can also cook up your own tasty barbecue on one of the many grills that are located around the resort for you to use. The lagoon style swimming pool here is the largest in the Florida Keys.

Banana Bay Resort & Marina, Marathon

The Banana Bay hotel is located on the sunset gulf side of Marathon. It is situated amid beautifully maintained tropical gardens, which are home to a great variety of birds. You can see and hear these colourful birds singing during the day. They offer a delicious complimentary breakfast, every morning by the pool.

The Southernmost in Key West

The Southernmost is a lovely small quite hotel, but is located slap bang in the middle of Key West old town on Duval Street. You could not be more immersed in Key West life. The hotel is a great base to explore the old town. Even though it is centre town, the hotel does have two small pools. If you really want to get down with locals then staying here will give you a genuine Key experience.

Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club, Key West

The Casa Marina is one of the original Florida Keys hotels and one of the greats. It is listed on the Register for Historic Places and offers something special and different. There isn't anything that this hotel does not have. A fine grand dining room, bars overlooking the ocean and the rooms are simply stunning.

Article Source: Ezine Articles

Palms Hotel and Spa Miami Beach - A Tropical and Secluded Retreat

Miami Beach, Fl - Winding down for a relaxing getaway can be tricky. The mundane routines, the pressures of day-to-day life are difficult to shed unless you've chosen a place to stay during your vacation which melts your chains away upon stepping into the lobby.

Such a place is the Palms Hotel & Spa in beautiful Miami Beach. It's easy to unwind in a New York minute at this 4-Diamond luxury resort which is minutes from South Beach. The tropical and secluded ambience will instantaneously leave you feeling re-balanced, relaxed, and rejuvenated.

In 2009, the hotel underwent a top-to-bottom $20 million dollar renovation of 251 guest rooms and suites with spa-inspired bathrooms. Accommodations at the Palms Resort vary from superior oceanfront rooms with an additional double sleeper sofa and oceanfront rooms with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows overlooking tropical gardens and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.


Complementary to the room renovations is The Palms Spa, Aveda's first luxury beach resort spa in the U.S. The 5,000-square foot facility feature holistic treatments and rituals designed to deliver a highly personalized journey to relaxation. Facilities include a series of multi-purpose rooms including a couple's suite with a shower for two, an indoor/outdoor relaxation area with steam room, poolside treatment tiki cabanas, a beauty salon, a fitness room and an Aveda retail area offering the complete line of Aveda products.

Hungry after a day of pampering or relaxing in the sun? The Palms Hotel' Restaurant and Lounge - Essensia embodies the simplicity and elegance of natural gourmet dining. The concept focuses on the pure essence of taste serving wholesome gourmet cuisine. Highlights include a highly celebrated breakfast buffet in the morning, seasonal and organic ingredients whenever possible and a vast selection of fresh Florida seafood. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Tiki Bar serves light snacks and drinks throughout the day and it is the unique setting for passing the time complete with hammocks and palm trees swaying to the ocean breeze. Hotel staff will deliver light fare and delicious drinks right to the pool or beach lounge, or serve in the shade of the tropical tiki cabanas.

Whether you take a dip in the pool, settle into a hammock in the lush gardens with a book, or salute the morning sun with a walk along the white sandy beach - the Palms Hotel & Miami Beach is your tropical and secluded retreat. Yes, you will escape from your day to day routine.

Article Source: Ezine Articles

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Best Beaches in Florida - Clearwater Beach

Long considered one of the Best Beaches, Florida's Clearwater Beach is perhaps the busiest on the gulf coast. It is 3 miles long and broad, and you can walk from one end to the other. Its soft, powdery white quartz sand attracts locals, tourists and its fair share of spring breakers. Watersports like jet skiing, parasailing and water biking are popular. Clearwater Beach has something for everyone. Dinner cruises and Pirate Cruises are a fun diversion and if you must bring your laptop, there's free Wi-Fi access.

Two favorite Clearwater Beach restaurants are Bob Heilman's Beachcomber and Bobby's Bistro & Wine Bar located next door to one another on Mandalay Avenue in North Clearwater Beach. The Beachcomber is a Clearwater Beach tradition since 1948. A free bottle of wine with dinner for two from their world class wine cellar is yours with a certificate from The Florida Beach Book.
A favorite Clearwater Beach hotel is the Sandpearl Resort. There are plenty of affordable Clearwater Beach motels, inns and condos to choose from as well. The southern end of Clearwater Bch is chock full of hotels, restaurants and resorts. There's nightlife, shopping and plenty to do. Pier 60 is an event in and of itself! Every night at Sunset join the party (modeled after Key West's sunset event) with entertainers, artists and craftspeople.

Clearwater Beach is located in Pinellas County which is home to Clearwater, the county seat, St. Petersburg & Tarpon Springs. The county is located on a narrow 280 square mile peninsula with the Gulf on one side and Tampa Bay on the other. It is one of three counties that make up "Greater Tampa Bay."

Pinellas County offers 35 miles of white-sand bchs on 20 barrier islands. 1 or 2 of them frequently wind up on noteworthy Best Beach Lists!

Want to check out the area but tired of walking? Just hop on the trolley and it will take you there! From north to south and all the stops in between, from Clearwater Bch to Pass-A-Grille in St. Pete Bch, the trolley stops at every beach and town in between.

Article Source: Ezine Articles

Florida Hotels & Vacation Ideas For Unforgettable Getaways

With pristine beaches and the breathtaking Florida Everglades, plus thrilling theme parks and pulsing nightlife, Florida is an unforgettable vacation destination for families and grownups alike. And whether you're looking for Florida hotels in the heart of Orlando or Miami - or a more secluded spot for quiet relaxation - you'll find everything you're looking for in the perfect getaway.

Not sure where to go for the type of experience you're after? No problem! Just browse the vacation ideas below and start planning your stay.

Outdoor Fun
o Beaches. From the white sands of Fort Walton Beach to the wave less waters of Smathers Beach in Key West, surfing at Sebastian Inlet to shelling on Sanibel Island near Fort Myers, basking in the sun is a Florida tradition.
o Wildlife. Whether you're visiting John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in the Florida Keys, looking for black bears in Wekiwa Springs State Park near Orlando or catching a glimpse of manatees at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, with conveniently located Florida hotels, you can plan an unforgettable wildlife adventure.
o Everglades National Park. Stretching across almost one-and-one-half million acres of South Florida wilderness, Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness area in the U.S. and features hiking and canoe trails, along which you can spot alligators, turtles, rare species of birds, stunning plant life and more.
Theme Parks & Family-friendly Fun
o Theme Parks. SeaWorld, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando & Busch Gardens are all located in the Orlando area and offer everything from death-defying rides to educational experiences. And whether you're traveling with children or just want to play like a kid again, these are great places to relax and let go.
o Lowry Park Zoo. Named "the #1 zoo in America" by both Parents magazine and Child magazine, this kid-friendly attraction features more than 2,000 animals on 56 acres of natural habitats, including Asian Gardens, the Manatee and Aquatic Center, the Native Florida Wildlife Center, and more. Plus, with rides, two water play areas and family-friendly events, it's a great place for kids of all ages.
o Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Home to NASA's launch headquarters, this one-of-a-kind attraction lets you embark on your own Shuttle Launch Experience, relive historic missions and even offers the chance to watch a live shuttle launch. (If you can't get passes for the shuttle launch, many Florida hotels in the area offer outside lounge areas where you can get a peek at history in the making.

Article Source: Ezine Articles