The Gulf Coast shoreline is blessed with balmy waters which stay warm all through the summer. An ideal holiday destination for sunbathing, you’ll find long tantalising stretches of white sandy beach from Bradenton in the north down to Naples and Marco Island in the south. Swimming, boating, fantastic fishing and diving are all popular along the sun-drenched Gulf Coast - a shoreline dotted with excellent facilities including great restaurants, picnic areas and beachside volleyball.

Leisure meets pleasure on the Gulf Coast to create a relaxing holiday environment filled with activities to suit every taste. Whether you choose a round of golf (there’s over 100 challenging courses to pick from) cycling, windsurfing or sailing, you’ll find a fantastic variety of sports facilities here. The Gulf Coast also gives you the chance to get up close to nature with its endless waterways, wetland reserves and the famous Everglades National Park – home to alligators, crocs and rich bird life. Sunset boat trips, deep sea-fishing and island tours are all on offer, often accompanied by the friendly pelicans and dolphins. Children will love a day at the world famous Ringling circus museum and the hands-on Science museum in Sarasota

From big bustling malls to unique little boutiques, Florida’s Gulf Coast has it all. You can explore Sarasota’s Armand Circle, an exclusive district with more than 150 boutiques and a great choice of restaurants and cafes ideal for a long lazy lunch. Or visit one of the Gulf Coast’s many air-conditioned shopping malls and outlets, offering everything from the latest fashions to discounted designer seconds. Small local precincts, pretty and secluded, give a distinctly European feel as you’re wandering around, making sure that time is forgotten and shopping is savoured.

Visitors and locals alike gather every evening to experience the famous Gulf Coast sunset. Enjoy the spectacular scenery from a bayside restaurant, or take one of the popular sunset cruises and dance to live music as you watch the beautiful skyline change. A wonderful choice of restaurants and bars can be found along the shoreline, some lively and others more tranquil and relaxing. For a complete taste of Florida on your villa holiday, Sarasota offers dozens of great restaurants and fun entertainment; while in Naples and Fort Myers you can relax in a waterfront eatery and watch the pelicans gracefully skimming the sea.

• Bradenton beach, Anna Maria Island. A day on the beach watching the pelicans, searching for sea shells, a game of volleyball, and watching the sunset at the Sandbar restaurant.

• All the family will enjoy the history of the circus at the Ringling Museum, old 50’s cars at the Classic Car Museum and the children’s science museum in Sarasota.

• Explore the sophisticated delights of Sarasota, with its chic live music bars and restaurants and a sunset cruise from the harbour.

• Stay in Naples or Marco Island and tour the many nature parks and wildlife refuges – including the world-famous Everglades National Park to catch sight of a basking alligator