Holiday reviews

Sarasota is certainly not the most well known resort in Florida, but unlike many other Florida resort areas, Sarasota has a thriving local community, its not a “manufactured” resort built to service tourists. However, tourists and residents alike enjoy many attractions and amenities. We wont dwell much on the wonderful Florida weather, lets take that as a given - Sarasota has an average year-round temperature of 71°F, but what about the glorious 25 miles of beautiful gulf beaches, or the state parks with countless acres of natural beauty, or the museums, theme parks, theatres, golf courses, water sports,fishing and of the course the fantastic shopping.

Essentially Sarasota is made up of numerous Gulf keys, the most popular are Longboat Key, Casey Key, Siesta Key, Bird Key and Lido Key. A typical Sarasota key will have luxury beach front properties, lovely inns and hotels, public beaches along with many bars and restaurants to choose from. But some of the keys are more residential in nature. Never the less, many people believe that even the more popular “touristy keys” are much less developed than other Florida resorts like Clearwater or Daytona for instance.

Around one third of the population are retirees with middle aged couples and families being the second most popular demographic. This makes Sarasota an ideal location for families. This is not the sort of place large groups of young people descend on for a week of partying! The general ambience is one of relaxation and fun.

Travel Magazine has named Sarasota as one of the best places to live in whole of the USA. If you thinking about buying a second home here for holidays or rental income from holiday letting then there are a variety of housing options to suit most budgets and lifestyles. From quaint 1 or 2 bed bungalows right up to luxury beach front condo’s or gated bay front estates with manicured grounds, marble foyers and soaring ceilings!

Lido Beach Resort - With a superb beach front location on Sarasota’s exclusive Lido Key, the Lido Beach Resort in Sarasota offers the warm hospitality, tropical resort atmosphere and top-notch services sure to please everyone. The accommodations and suites at this resort are appointed with amenities including: refrigerator, microwave, coffee-maker, hair dryer, complimentary high-speed internet access, and telephone with data port and voice mail. Located at 700 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236.

Turtle Beach Resort in Siesta Key - Vacation in paradise at Turtle Beach Resort in Siesta Key; Sarasota, FL. Caribbean-style waterfront cottages with

private hot tubs, secluded patios and spectacular views available for daily, weekly, or monthly rentals. ideal as a family vacation or a romantic getaway for two (featured in The BEST Romantic Escapes in FL, Frommers and Critics Choice Award for Best Romantic Getaway) Resort has four boat docks, a gourmet waterfront restaurant and is just minutes from the world famous Siesta Key Public Beach. Turtle Beach Resort is a pet friendly accommodation.

Tropical Breeze Resort of Siesta Key - Although an often used cliche, this really is a tropical garden paradise, it’s family owned and operated and you can tell from the quality of service and attention to detail. Located on the world’s finest white sand and the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico! There are 71 charming 1 and 2-bedroom suites and cottages, three swimming pools, BBQ grills, bicycles and much more. This resort is great for honeymooners and families alike.

Aloha Kai Vacation Rentals - Aloha Kai is tucked away on the powder sand shores of the famous Siesta Key. The private villa’s greet you with all of the comforts of home, with fully equipped kitchen’s. Has the largest heated outdoor pool on the Siesta Key. Aloha Kai is the perfect place to enjoy the Gulf beaches and the impossibly beautiful sunsets.

Banana Bay Club - Located on the south end of the Siesta Key, this is a truly unique tropical island waterside resort. Accommodations comprise of luxury ground floor 1, 2, and 3 bedroom fully equipped cottages with free high speed Internet access, cable TV and calls within the US & Canada.Its own heated swimming pool and a large dock with kayaks, canoes and fishing poles and is pet friendly.

Verdana Beach Club - On Longboat Key this resort offers a matchless location, directly on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. The Veranda Beach Club is an Interval Ownership Resort (ie timeshare or fractal ownership). 2509 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228.

White Sands of Longboat - White Sands resortis bordered one one side by the azure Gulf of Mexico and the other side by Sarasota Bay. Surrounded by white powdery sand beaches and lush tropical gardens, the views from this resort are spectacular. 5114 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, Florida 34228.