Anna Maria Island News

2009-07-04T01:30:00.001-07:00

On the relaxing island of Anna Maria, Florida, Anna Maria Vacations has a superb group of properties. The island lies just off the mainland in the Gulf of Mexico on the west coast of Florida below Tampa Bay. It has a peaceful and friendly atmosphere, a great variety of individual restaurants from gourmet to beach side cafe and has easy access over either of 2 bridges to the mainland. It is an easy drive to Tampa and Orlando. Take the children up to Busch Gardens or enjoy a couple of days in Disney then return to the natural seaside pleasures of 7 miles of pristine white sand beaches and a gorgeous villa with its own private swimming pool http://annamaria.com/ Try to visit an island favorite, The Sign of the Mermaid restaurant. It is a must to experience the art of Floridian culinary perfection during your vacation - their prize winning home made Key Lime Pie is first class.

Torquay, UK

Walk down to the harbour to stroll around past sailboats and cruisers, shops, cafes and restaurants. For the ladies, drop into Hoopers, an exclusive department store that overlooks the seafront overlooking the Marina for a coffee and a look through their latest consignment of designer shoes, bags and clothes. If you love fashion, Maggie's is a must see - it is the type of exclusive shop you would normally find in Bond Street or Rodeo drive. for friendly personal service and the most beautiful small range of hand picked designer clothes & costume jewellery. Maggie's personal shopper will guide you through the collections and if you are just window shopping they are happy just to chat about the clothes and the top designers they stock - definitely passion for fashion. For the guys, while you are waiting enjoy a cooling beer sitting overlook the water in one of the waterfront bars or cafse and watch the world go by and sailboats slip into the marina. Meet up and sample fresh local caught seafood at No.7 Bistro just along at the crescent. Stay at the exclusive West Wing Cottage http://www.torquay.uk.com/ with its extensive lawns and gardens overlooking Tor Bay. Halcyon Summer days in Torquay.

Carmarthenshire, UK

You can now see video footage of Wheatsheaf, Barley and Meadow Cottages on U tube if yousearch for "Bwlch Tre Banau". Translated from Welsh this means gap through the hills, but the historical name is used locally and it is important to the Welsh community to preserve old and new traditions. Over on U Tube you can take a visual stroll through all the cottages and also around The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate. This morning we are taking the pretty drive over to the nearby historic university town of Lampeter for leisurely lunch in the restaurant that won The Best Fish & Chips in Wales followed by a stroll 2 doors down to Conti's Ice Cream for their delicious home-made ices & a cappuccino or espresso. Forget the waistline, this is heaven! Free parking in the town and a walk through the Lampeter reveals individual small shops, boutiques and bakeries . Don't miss the exploring the traditional ironmongers, I can never pass it without picking up some useful item for the Estate.

2009-07-02T23:32:00.000-07:00

Here in Florida we are right in the middle of turtle hatching season on Anna Maria Island. Turtles lay their eggs in the beach and then cover them with sand and return to the sea. Guess who have booked a vacation property though Anna Maria Vacations will have the chance to see a turtle hatching. Just keep an eye on the local press for news updates. There are a few vacancies left for the Summer so come on down to Anna Maria Island and enjoy nature, sunshine and some real southern style hospitality. It's easy to organize, just click on http://annamaria.com/

Over in the UK, the British coastal areas of the southwest are preparing for their sailing regattas. Dartmouth and Torbay are among the best and include a daring flying demonstration by the Red Arrows with an extraordinary display of aerobatics over the water. The West Wing Cottage is part of a 1923 coastal Lutyens's style Arts & crafts era mansion house that is perched right on the edge of the water. A divine destination for the best of Britain.

http://www.torquay.uk.com/

Warm balmy Summer days make it such a pleasure to enjoy the beautiful hills and valleys of Carmarthenshire

http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ Book a vacation cottage and spend time with families and friends in this rural paradise. There are amazingly good top restaurants within easy reach of the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate including The Angel Inn, The Carlton Riverside and The Lasswade.

2009-06-28T00:56:00.000-07:00

Take a picnic and enjoy a boat trip around the Anna Maria island's waterways with Don Meilner's cruises. Meander past the Leffis Key Nature Reserve and stop off at Beer Can Island on the south end of Longboat for a lazy beachside lunch.

Take a look at some of the beautiful island properties available on http://annamaria.com/ It's about time families start arriving on Anna Maria Island. Villa Tuscany is a favorite as the price is really excellent value and it accommodates up to 6 people. It has its own private pool and is just a short stroll over to the beach, making it one of the best deals on the island.

Traveling to Europe this year, then take a look at http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ and http://www.torquay.uk.com/ Friends took a 2 center break in the west of England and south Wales in the United Kingdom and came back to Florida raving about it. They called it the vacation of a lifetime.

2009-06-16T01:04:00.000-07:00

Don't miss out on Florida. You deserve a vacation as an oasis of calm in your stressful life. Forget the credit crunch and come down to Florida. Throw off your worries and your cares (and your clothes - it's strictly casual and swim wear year round) and enjoy 7 miles of peaceful white sand beach. Over 30 island vacation properties to choose from. Want to be on the edge of 7 miles of superb white sand beach, have a holiday villa with its own private swimming pool? Visit our website at http://annamaria.com/

Travelling in the UK? visit the West Country and Devon's South Hams this year?The sun is shining and the sea is crystal blue, come on down to Torquay to spend some quality time with your family. The West Wing is newly opened and part of a historic 1923 mansion house in a half acre of completely private gardens right on the edge of the water. A unique property with best quality linens and fluffy white towels, elegant new furnishings and a decor that reflects the 20's with a modern twist.

Thinking of going to Wales and the UK's beautiful Brecon Beacons? http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ for the best holiday cottages that South Wales & Carmarthenshire have to offer. History, superb views and 104 private acres of gorgeous countryside including parkland, meadow, woodland, hillside and riverside to explore. http://www.torquay.uk.com/

Travelling further afield then don't miss out on Florida. Over 30 island vacation properties to choose from. Want to be on the edge of 7 miles of peaceful white sand beach, have a holiday villa with its own private swimming pool. Visit our website at http://annamaria.com/

2009-06-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

There are some superb new properties for vacation rental on http://annamaria.com/ Sunrise Cottage, Sunset Cottage, Palm Villa and Great Palms are beautiful island homes that are now available for you to spend your vacation on one of Florida's most beautiful islands.

Travelling to the UK to take advantage of the great exchange rate? http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/index.php
http://www.torquay.uk.com/

2009-04-19T01:34:00.000-07:00

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Anna Maria Island, Florida USA
Colorful hibiscus are starting to bloom in the gardens http://annamaria.com/ - the pool heating will be switched off and the weather is really starting to warm up. Pelicans and white cranes are seen on the beaches and soon will be the start of the loggerhead turtle seasons. Nature really is amazing on the island - sea grapes, palms and sea grasses fringe the beach and boaters are out in the intercoastal and the Gulf of Mexico enjoying the sunshine. The island is quiet and peaceful after the busier winter season and it is the perfect time of year to enjoy the delights of island living in Florida.
http://annamaria.com/villas/holmes-beach/villa-serena.html
http://annamaria.com/villas/holmes-beach-/4110-6th-avenue.html
Check out Villa Serena and Villa Tuscany on the main Anna Maria Vacations web site, make a reservation then come on down and experience the best Anna Maria Island has to offer - sun, sands, great restaurants and plenty to do for all the family - or just kick off your shoes and relax and do absolutely nothing!

Over in the UK Spring is defitely here. What a superb morning, the sun is streaming in through the window. Guests arrived at Wheatsheaf Cottage yesterday and I took them over some new laid eggs for their breakfast this morning. If the weather stays like this there is nowhere better in the world than The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate in Carmarthenshire.
http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/

We came back from Devon last weekend and spent time working on the grounds, the orangery and the greenhouses. Everything is growing -shrubs are bursting into flower, the roses and the grapevines are in leaf and climbing and there were two beautiful black & white wagtails cavorting in the courtyard in the sunshine yesterday. What a terrific place, it never fails to amaze me.

Talking of Devon, down in Torquay http://www.torquay.uk.com/ the weather was sunny and warm and the sea sparkled in the bay. Sailboats and tiny fishing boats dot the water. Although I say Carmarthenshire is divine, the South Hams area of Devon also enjoys superb scenery and the views from the West Wing Cottage are panoramic - looking out over the crystal blue waters of the bay from the seafront gardens is an experience not be be missed.

2009-03-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

On Anna Maria Island in Florida http://annamaria.com/ it is time for the white flamingos to arrive in the bay. They don't stay around for long and the flock is an incredible sight to see. Take aboat trip with Captain Don Meilmer out around the island and explore the intracoastal waterway. Ask him to take along a barbeque grill and cookout on a sandy beach or small island. Just pick up a few steaks, a salad and some crusty white mountain bread and you have a feast to enjoy in the sunshine. Washed down with a cold beer or a glass of Californian wine, this is outdoor dining at its best. Anna Maria Island is all about the sunshine and the water.

Over in the UK on the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate Spring has arrived. The carp pond is fed by spring water and at this time of year the water iris are starting to grow around the edge, protecting the fish from the heron. They should be starting to come to the surface soon to feed. http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ The pond is also home to a myriad of wildlife including a couple of frogs who languish in the shallows enjoying the spring sunshine. When you walk by they hide under the nearest stone or just freeze, thinking that you can't see them if they don't move, floating suspended in the water.

Down at Torquay in England's west country http://www.torquay.uk.com/ the driveway has just been repaved with brindle pavers and it is now lined with golden daffodils, flowering shrubs and trees emerging from Winter into Spring. The lawns are greening and the flowers in the borders appearing. I never fail to be bowled over by the expansive view of the water that unfolds as you walk through the French windows onto the terrace.

2009-03-26T01:03:00.001-07:00

For unrivalled sunshine and a relaxed and friendly environment http://annamaria.com/ you cannot beat Anna Maria Island on Florida's west coast. Fly direct to Tampa. The island lies in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico just off the coast and is accessed by either of 2 bridges from the mainland.

Torquay's premier vacation rental, The West Wing Cottage http://www.torquay.uk.com/ has one of the best positions on the South Devon coastline.

Choosing a holiday by the sea or in the countyside need not be an issue. Spend some time in both places http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ Carmarthenshire is home to 3 holiday rental cottages near the Brecon Beacons is South Wales. Easy access from the motway and set in stunning countryside with unsurpassed views.

2009-03-25T00:40:00.000-07:00

If you want to stay on Anna Maria Island it is not essential to have a car. Renters can fly into Tampa, St Petersburg or Sarasota airports and then travel down by limo. Once here, visitors find the tram travels up and down the length of the island every 20 minutes and connect with transport to both Bradenton and Sarasota. Our local taxis are very helpful and can be used for a more personal door to door service. http://annamaria.com/ Villa Serena is looking delightful and is very popular with our clientele. The other property we have recently received compliments on is Villa Tuscany, at the moment our least expensive property and superb value for the dollar.

If you are visiting the UK this summer you must stay for a few days in Carmarthenshire or Devon. this are five star country properties in England and Wales
http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/
http://www.torquay.uk.com/

2009-03-20T01:39:00.000-07:00

March is the perfect time of year to be in Florida. Sunshine and flowers, great restaurants and friendly islanders. Anna Maria Island is a real gem.

2009-03-07T01:16:00.000-08:00

You can get most things on Anna Maria Island, from provisions, to gifts, sporting goods and even pets. But if you really have to get away and put your credit card to the test there are plenty of malls and major stores located within a short drive.

For provisions use Publix – 3900 East Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217. Phone 941 778 5422. All you could need, with fresh fruit, vegetables, a super bakery which bakes fresh bread, cakes and doughnuts daily. Large selection of wines, excellent meat selection, a good delicatessen and everything else you could need to cook a special meal, or stock up on provisions for a picnic.

There is a good selection of shops in all three of the cities on Anna Maria Island. The Holmes Beach shopping center, located just past the traffic lights on Gulf Drive, has small cafes, gift shops, rental shops and art galleries.

In Bradenton Beach, check out historic Bridge Street, with its boutiques, bars, restaurants and art shops. And head north to Anna Maria and you will find plenty of small boutiques, clothes shops and small cafes. Here are a few highlights. For the vacation of a lifetime http://annamaria.com/

2009-03-06T01:10:00.000-08:00

Winter sunshine and warmth are a real tonic during the long cold winter months and where better to experience this than on Anna Maria Island, just south of Tampa bay in Florida. Seven miles of white sand beach, some of Florida's best restaurants, friendly and welcoming people and easy access to the mainland make Anna Maria Island a great place to chill out, make new friends, spend time with the family and enjoy the best vacations. http://annamaria.com/ Sun and sand, great food and wine, plus the coldest beer this side of heaven.

If you are heading for Europe this summer then there a couple of places to put on the agenda. The first is Torquay in the county of Devon http://www.torquay.uk.com/ and second is Camarthenshire in Wales. Both are in the western part of the United Kingdom and are not to be missed. http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/

2009-03-03T00:49:00.001-08:00

Anna Maria Island welcomes the Snowbirds, visitors from the colder northern states and Brits looking for a great welcome, a warm climate and some sunshine. http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/the-estate-views.htmlAnna Maria Island has a well deserved reputation for friendliness, great service and gorgeous rental properties. The beaches are peaceful,, the water stretches out like a mirror between the island and the mainland and the Gulf of Mexico is a haven for dolphine, manatees and seabirds. http://annamaria.com/
Just heard about the exciting new vacation rental in South Devon’s elegant restort of Torquay over in the UK. It is where the Brits go for a long weekend or to spend long lazy weeks in the Spring and Summer. Sure to attract its fair share of visitors from the United States this year as the dollar is so strong against the UK pound. There has never been a better time to visit Britain, so come on Americans, visit the Bwlch Tre Banau Country Estate in Wales and The West Wing Cottage in Torquay to experience a little of our British hospitality. http://www.torquay.uk.com/

2009-02-07T14:36:00.000-08:00

Heard from some great people who live in Nova Scotia. They said they can't wait to get back to Anna Maria again this year as the weather up there is so cold. They love the island, the restaurants and the shops. We hope they are coming to stay in one of Anna Maria Island's gorgeous houses or condos.

All the properties are first class and our great team of Housekeepers, Maintenance, Pool Care and Gardeners work hard to keep them that way. Guests are invited to comment on their visit after their stay and we always take their views into account, passing them on to all our staff.

2009-01-30T22:55:00.001-08:00

Guests who previously stayed at Villa Serena have emailed to say that they would like to return in February. I agree with them that this house with private heated swimming pool is one of the most beautiful 4 bedroom and 4 bathroom homes on Anna Maria Island.

Heard from Jenny over in the UK. The UK pound is so low against the dollar that Americans should be flocking to the UK this year because everything is so inexpensive there now. Experience vacationing in a 16th Century property with the luxury of 21st century bathrooms, extremely comfortable brand new beds, plenty of fluffy white towels and incredible views over the Welsh countryside. The private estate of 104 acres is set in the most beautiful countryside in the whole of Carmarthenshire. To check it out go do http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/

The accommodation, prices and views are all amazing. This is an invitation to come on over and experience some real Welsh hospitality.

2009-01-26T00:55:00.000-08:00

Anna Maria Island is such a great place to spend January. You just don't seem to suffer with colds and flu, the weather is divine and everyone is so darn cheerful! Spring-like sunny days to be enjoyed walking the beach, exploring the island by bike (it is entirely flat so not arduous), stopping off for lunch at the Sandbar Restaurant's deck right on the edge of the sands. Whether spending a few days, a week or for a longer sojourn, you will always want stay longer. Anna Maria Vacations are introducing a new property for larger groups. Palm Villa sleeps up to 12 and is perfect for family get-togethers. Check it out at http://annamaria.com/ (just type Palm in the Search Box on the Home Page)

2009-01-25T02:01:00.000-08:00

Spoke to Colin over in the UK about the wonders of modern travel. It is amazing how fast we can travel between continents these days!

2009-01-25T01:23:00.001-08:00

Hearing about the awful weather elsewhere in the USA and over in Europe I can well understand why people want to escape for some winter sunshine here in Florida. Where better than the entrancing Gulf Coast. We have the sea, superb white sand beaches, state parks teaming with wildlife, some great shopping, loads of superb golf courses, a world famous tennis academy, theaters with dance, drama, opera, musicals, concerts and recitals and the perfect setting in which to relax and retune your body clock to nature and your surroundings. Warmth, friendly Anna Maria Island locals, good food and long lazy days - what more can a body want?

2009-01-20T01:09:00.000-08:00

Off to the Sandbar for lunch on the beach today, then a stroll around bean point on the soft white sands. I think we will ride on the trolley as we may well sample a glass of cool, crisp Californian chardonnay. The views from Bean Point are out over the Gulf of Mexico.

2009-01-14T00:25:00.000-08:00

Taking a boat trip from the Cortez fishing village just beside the bridge leading onto Anna Maria Island up through the intercoastal waterway and across to an uninhabited islan just north of here. The island lies to the south of Clearwater and north from Anna Maria island and used to be used as a fort. The remains of the fort are still visible and it is the perfect spot for exploring and picnics on the beach. Sometimes we take along a small grill and cook out - cold beer or spritzers and freshly grilled burgers - sitting in the sand in the sunshine. My idea of heaven!

2009-01-13T01:56:00.000-08:00

The new http://annamaria.com/ web site is now up and running. Compliments from returning customers tell us that it it is working well and coming up with the right information quickly, together with the photographs that show the customer exactly what they will get for their dollar. Cold weather encourages the rest of the USA to come on down to the deep South for a little R & R and some warmth. The island's shops, stores and restaurants do a roaring trade and the island buzzes with anticipation. Visitors enjoy terrific sunsets, good food and a warm welcome.

Heard today from friends at http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ Can't wait to se The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate in Carmarthenshire, Wales, again soon

2009-01-12T15:15:00.000-08:00

Just time today to update you on the latest news. The fishing here on Anna Maria Island has never been better, the weather is sure a great deal nicer than up around New York and other northern cities, so com on down and experience some southern hospitality in our equitable climate. Instead of wearing heavy coats, gloves, hats and scarves, pull on some light cotton clothing and stroll the beach. Sit outside on the beach at one of our waterfront restaurants and take a boat trip on the crystal blue water of the Gulf. Get away from that cold weather and make for Anna Maria Island.

2009-01-09T16:11:00.000-08:00

Found a great web site http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ If visiting Europe, must stop in the UK and travel over from England into Wales to stay at the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate. It is known to be one of the most beautiful spots in the world.

2009-01-09T16:07:00.001-08:00

Heard from Mike yesterday. He has written a great article on Florida fishing, island living and Anna Maria Island in particular. It is witty, amusing and caused me to laugh out loud on several occasions. Cheerful, fun to read and full of useful tips including finding a beautiful vacation rental property on www.annamaria.com.

2009-01-07T23:40:00.000-08:00

America is waking up after the festive holiday season with thoughts of travel and warmer climes. Anna Maria Vacations has some of the best vacation rental properties on the west coast of Florida and guests who want to experience the best that the Gulf Coast has to offer are heading down to Anna Maria Island. Exploring the web site at www.annamaria.com is a great way to while away a dark evening searching for your perfect choice. Long sunny days, temperate climate with plenty of sunshine and no high rise buildings, come on down to Anna Maria Island and live a little. Strolls on the beach at sunset, the sound of the crystal waters of the Gulf lapping the white sugar sands and a beautiful house or condo to relax in. If you bring the family there are plenty of trips to take and the opportunity to spend quality times together at cook outs around your own private pool, swimming and exploring the island's many delights.