FLORIDA
Princess castles and magical characters. Alligators and mysterious swamplands. Skyscrapers and designer shopping malls. White sandy beaches and glistening turquoise waters.
Whether you are seeking the thrills and spills of Walt Disney World, the movie magic of Universal Studios or the blissful calm of the Florida Key’s, the ‘sunshine state’ is home to so many out-of-this-world experiences.
Immerse yourself in a world of enchantment where witches and wizards walk amongst fairytale princesses and charismatic superheroes at one of Florida’s outstanding theme parks, before delving into a natural world adventure at Everglades National Park, where alligator and crocodile lurk in placid swamplands.
Slick and classy Miami City meanwhile, is a buzzing metropolis of designer shops and sophisticated restaurants. Enjoy a taste of Latin America with a Cuban coffee in Little Havana before soaking in the spectacular nightlife from a rooftop bar along the world-famous Miami beaches.
Home to so many unforgettable experiences for thrill-seekers, shopaholics, sun worshippers, kids and big kids alike, it is no wonder a luxury Florida holiday tops so many wish-lists!
ORLando
The biggest playground on Earth, Orlando draws families and couples alike looking for the ultimate thrills, spills and entertainment. With Disney World, Universal, Sea World, Discovery Cove and much more, you won’t get bored!
There are a number of areas you can stay in Orlando, including International Drive, home to a plethora of hotels, shops, restaurants and attractions. If you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter, consider Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista or alike.
Stay at a Disney or Universal hotel, an off-resort hotel with shuttle buses to parks, or a private villa with your own hire car.
MIAMI
A city with many diverse neighbourhoods, Miami is one of the world’s most popular vacations spots, with something for all.
South Beach is known as the American Riviera with its white sandy beaches, boutiques, galleries and luxury hotels. It’s home to an art-deco playground of colourful retro architecture and is popular for its casual beachside cuisine and nightlife.
Favoured as a hideaway for the rich and famous, Bal Harbour is a perfectly manicured shopping paradise, whilst Coral Gables with its tree-lined boulevards is one of the most desirable and old-fashioned neighbourhoods.
FORT LAUDERDALE
Set between Miami and Palm Beach, a myriad of inter-twining waterways is the reason for Fort Lauderdale being referred to as the ‘Venice of America’.
With never-ending golden sands and turquoise waters, blue skies and swaying palm trees, enjoy a plethora of boutiques, beachside cafes and bars, as well as many eateries in the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District.
Take a waterway tour of the mega yachts and mansions of the rich and famous, scuba dive the colourful reefs and shipwrecks, or enjoy a relaxing game of golf at one of the 60 courses.
PALM BEACH county
Boasting 47 miles of beautiful coastline, the Palm Beach area on the east coast of Florida is envied for its long stretches of sandy beaches and palm-lined promenades. Home to some of Florida’s finest hotels, luxury spas, incredible restaurants and golf galore, Palm Beach has something for every traveller.
Shop ‘til you drop in Palm Beach, with no less than five Macy’s stores, plus Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue and a wide variety of boutiques.
the EVERGLADES
Although you may not stay in The Everglades National Park, it makes the perfect day out whilst staying in Florida. Explore the largest sub-tropical wilderness in the United States, with its mangroves and swamplands; home to manatees, alligators, panthers and many more endangered species.
The best way to explore the national park is by taking a thrilling ride on an airboat, propelled by a large fan enabling you to fly at speed across the waters. You won’t get wet, but you’ll certainly be wind-swept.
FLORIDA KEYS
A chain of beautiful, tropical islands stretching 120 miles off the south coast of Florida’s mainland, the Florida Keys offer peace and tranquility with white sandy beaches and turquoise waters on its smaller islands, whilst also being known for their culture, nightlife and activities on its bigger islands.
From scuba diving off Key Largo, the most northern island, or off-shore fishing from Islamorada, to visiting the Dolphin Research Centre on Marathon and soaking up plenty of culture, enjoying great food, shopping ’til you drop and exploring the museums of Key West… there’s an island for every traveller.
NAPLES & Marco island
Perched on the Gulf Coast of Florida, Naples is a haven for those travellers seeking high-end boutiques, delicious fine-dining and a myriad of cultural hotspots. You’ll also find funky waterside bars, art galleries and world-class culture. Yet, Naples is also considered a more affordable family destination for those seeking beautiful beaches and family-friendly hotels.
Marco Island, on the other hand, is home to unspoilt parks and wildlife habitats, picturesque beaches and luxury resorts, and is within easy reach of Collier Seminole National Park.
ST. PETE & CLEARWATER
Within 90-minutes drive from Orlando, St Petersburg and Clearwater, situated in the Tampa Bay area, are popular destinations to include alongside the theme park capital.
Known for its long stretches of pure white sandy beaches, Clearwater offers waterside relaxation alongside a wide variety of entertainment, water sports and other outdoor activities.
You can also enjoy plenty of water activities in St. Petersburg, from jet skiing and parasailing, to diving and spearfishing. Not forgetting incredible nightlife, museums and theme parks.
FORT MYERS & SANIBEL
A collection of over 100 barrier islands, Fort Myers and Sanibel are renowned for a laidback lifestyle yet in very different ways.
A bustling metropolis, Fort Myers is home to a wealth of history and culture accompanied by boutiques, outdoor shopping malls and antique outlets.
Sanibel Island boasts some of America’s best beaches and most luxurious resorts from which you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets, just twelve miles from Fort Myers. Spot dolphins, manatees, alligators and much more from the island, which is proven to be a true haven for wildlife.
SARASOTA & LONGBOAT KEY
Situated between Tampa Bay and Naples, Longboat Key is home to some of Florida’s most exclusive properties, pristine beaches, waterfront golf and a vast array of fine-dining establishments.
The city of Sarasota has something for everyone. The Ringling Museum of Art for culture-vultures, St. Armand’s Circle for shopaholics with over 150 shops and restaurants, the award-winning Siesta Key for beach-lovers, and the Sarasota Jungle Gardens for animal-seekers where you’ll find flamingos, alligators, exotic birds and other wildlife.
my FAVOURITE HOTELS
Here are just some of the four- and five-star hotels I love and work with in Florida.
disney’s grand floridian
Situated near Disney’s Magic Kingdom, this victorian-style hotel is the most lavish of all Disney hotels, where you’ll find an orchestra in the lobby playing popular Disney tunes.
HARD ROCK UNIVERSAL
Amplify your visit to Universal with a stay at the Hard Rock; a show-stopping hotel in the heart of the action, where themed rooms and suites come with a Hard Rock twist.
FOUR SEASONS at DISNEY
Exuding a distinct Spanish revival style, this beautiful resort immerses families and couples in luxury on the doorstep of Walt Disney World and its many attractions.
RITZ-CARLTON ORLANDO
Set in the Grande Lakes area of Orlando, this lakefront hotel is located on a championship-level golf course within easy reach of Orlando’s many parks and attractions.
THE BILTMORE HOTEL
Situated in the exclusive Coral Gables area, known for its golf courses, this historic hotel is south-west of Downtown Miami and within close proximity to Miami Beach.
SHELBORNE SOUTH BEACH
An art-deco landmark in the heart of Miami South Beach, this oceanfront property offers a refreshing blend of urban energy and classic cool, close to many restaurants & shops.
RITZ-CARLTON BAL HARBOUR
Set in the exclusive area of North Miami Beach, surrounded by a plethora of luxury properties, the Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour offers a quiet retreat from life in Miami.
LOEWS MIAMI BEACH
Located in the heart of South Beach’s vibrant art-deco district, the Loews Miami Beach boasts an oceanfront pool deck with direct access to the beach, cabanas and daybeds.
W FORT LAUDERDALE
This modern oceanfront hotel is set in the heart of all that is vibrant on Fort Lauderdale Beach, with infinity pools, private cabanas, and stylish interiors inspired by the ocean.
FOUR SEASONS PALM BEACH
Home to a restaurant by three Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco, set on the island’s most pristine beach, together with a five-star spa and two ocean-facing swimming pools.
THE BREAKERS PALM BEACH
Originally built in the late-1800’s, The Breakers is renowned for its seaside glamour and world-class service. This world-class hotel is designed in an Italian-renaissance style.
JW MARRIOTT MARCO IS.
A family-friendly resort, set on a sprawling private sandy beach, with two 18-hole golf courses, three pools, many water sports, and a Kids Tiki Tribe camp.
CHEECA LODGE & SPA
An exclusive hideaway for U.S. Presidents, celebrities and business leaders alike, Cheeca Lodge & Spa on the Florida key of Islamorada is a romantic and serene resort.
SOUTHERNMOST BEACH
Set in the old town of Key West, Southernmost Beach Resort can be found on the quieter end of Duval Street, away from the busier areas of the popular island.
LITTLE PALM ISLAND
The magic of this adult-only island is its exclusive location; Enjoy captivating ocean views wherever you are on the island and stay in one of the thatched-roof bungalows.
RITZ-CARLTON NAPLES
A five-star beachfront property, the Ritz-Carlton Naples is home to a 51,000 square foot luxury spa, two heated swimming pools and a high-tech entertainment lounge.
EDGEWATER BEACH HOTEL
The Edgewater Beach Hotel is the only all-suite beachfront property in the upscale city of Naples, where you’ll enjoy an intimate boutique style, perfect for couples and families.
DON CESAR HOTEL
This iconic “pink palace” on St. Pete Beach was built to resemble a Mediterranean-style castle, and offers views of the pristine Gulf beach and Boca Ciega Bay..
THE WESTIN CAPE CORAL
Located in Cape Coral on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, adjacent to Sanibel Island, this luxury hotel provides the perfect setting for a relaxed waterfront stay.
RITZ-CARLTON SARASOTA
Lavish hotel rooms with sweeping bay and city views, exceptional dining, championship golf and a luxurious spa provide guests with a relaxing escape from everyday life.
LONGBOAT KEY CLUB
Set amongst 410 acres of lush lawns and pristine beachfront, The Resort at Longboat Key Club is a short drive from the upscale shopping, museums and theatres of Sarasota.
