Rent a Gulf Coast villa to experience the 'utopian delights' of old Florida

Those hoping to get away and experience the "utopian delights" of old Florida should consider renting a Gulf Coast villa.

Far from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks in Orlando, this particular part of the Sunshine State is "serene" and "ecologically attuned".

This is the view of travel journalist Duncan Craig, who said in an article for the Daily Express that if Florida is "heaven's waiting room" then the Gulf Coast is definitely the "executive lounge".

During his break, the writer spent time on Anna Maria island, where he was delighted by the wildlife he saw, particularly the pelicans.

"A great spot to watch their dramatic dive-bomb fishing raids is horizon-brushing Anna Maria pier, to the north of the island where it thickens like a bone end," he remarked.

Mr Craig also visited Bradenton, where he spotted manatees and went kayaking, and spent time in Cortez, one of the last commercial fishing villages in the Gulf.

Families can rent their own Gulf Coast villas in Bradenton, from where they will enjoy easy access to Anna Maria island as well as the Longboat, Lido and Siesta Keys.

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