The Gulf Coast’s immaculate waters and vibrant cities are fast attracting more and more people to the ‘other side’ of Florida. After all, it’s home to some of the most blissful beaches in the States - if not the world. The hardest part of a Gulf Coast holiday is choosing a rental home beside its 770 miles of sugar-white shoreline. Thankfully, we’ve rounded up the very best Gulf Coast villas from Fort Myers to Naples and beyond…
CONDOS
This collection of affordable condos is perfectly positioned in the heart of Bradenton, which puts you day tripping distance from a load of Gulf Coast gems.
It’s a short 10-minute drive to Bradenton Beach, on Anna Maria Island, for sugar-soft sands and laid-back shops and restaurants. It’s also just half an hour’s drive from St Petersburg, home to award-winning beaches, artsy museums and a top-rated dining scene. It was even named one of the Top Big Cities in the US by Condé Nast Traveller in 2020. And, last but not least, you can get your adrenaline rushes in Tampa, an hour away, at the world-famous Busch Gardens theme park.
What’s more, you’ve got even more within strolling distance in Bradenton. There are over 10 restaurants just down the road, along with supermarkets, shops, a cinema and a bowling alley. The two-bedroom condos also come with fully equipped kitchens for homecooked meals. Plus, there are barbecues on site for family cookouts.
The 30-acre resort has plenty of facilities to keep you busy, too. Condos are sprinkled around six fishing lakes and tree-lined walkways. There are two heated pools, tennis courts and a clubhouse, complete with ping-pong tables, shuffleboard and a kids’ playground.
This resort has facilities coming out of its ears. The two and three-bedroom cottages sleep up to eight, making them perfect for a big family getaway. You’ve got some facilities on your doorstep, plus you can make use of even more at the
Naples Bay Resort and Marina next door.
Pool-wise, you’ve got a couple to choose from. There’s an adults-only pool for laps and a whirlpool, along with a 5,000-square-foot family-sized pool, complete with a waterfall. Or, you can sit back and relax on the lazy river. More relaxation comes in the form of sauna and steam rooms. And you can join yoga and Pilates sessions at the state-of-the-art fitness centre. For something a little more active, there are tennis courts, as well as kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and bikes for hire. The Naples Bay Resort also has its own 97-slip marina with a fleet of rental boats.
Each cottage has its own kitchen, but you’ve got on-site restaurants to choose from, too, including a popular poolside restaurant. Plus, over at the Naples Bay Resort, there’s 1500 South, with its South American menu designed by award-winning celeb chef Art Smith. Or, a waterfront grill for lunch with a view. If you do want to dine out, you’re within easy reach of Fifth Avenue’s bistros, bars and art alleries. Or, you can make the 10-minute drive to the coast for a beachside meal.
Looking for an island escape that’s still close to the action? These best-of-both-worlds condos will do the trick.
Beach-loving families will love the location. The condos are positioned by Anna Maria Island’s sugary shoreline. So you’re just a hop, skip and a jump from sandy toes, and you can watch the famous Gulf Coast sunsets from your balcony. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for dolphins – they raise their young in the surrounding waters.
Anna Maria Island’s a chilled-out place – only low-rise buildings and a select amount of businesses are allowed on the island, helping to maintain its unspoilt charm. And, because Anna Maria’s so small, the beachfront condos are still within strolling distance of the restaurants and shops along Pine Avenue.
You can choose from two, three or four-bedroom condos, which all come with fully equipped kitchens. Plus, you’ll get a pool – but who needs a pool when you’re so close to the ocean?
VILLAS
Marco Island Area Villas, Marco Island
For families who like to holiday in the lap of luxury, look no further than Marco Island. These villas are finished to a high standard, just like the upmarket island they reside on. Marco Island’s the biggest of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands, known for its lavish golf courses, marinas and beautiful beaches.
The island’s laced with inland waterways. And, with so much water around, lots of the villas have waterfront postcodes. Thanks to its small size, you’ll never be far from the beach, restaurants and shops, either. You can get from Marco Island’s top to tail in just over 10 minutes’ drive.
The villas themselves come with either three or four bedrooms. This is on top of a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious dining area and a private pool and terrace. Plus, there’s the added perk of laundry facilities, which come in handy for longer stays.
Fort Myers & Cape Coral Area Villas, Fort Myers, Sanibel & Captiva Island
These villas offer easy access to the water. You’ll find them based in the Fort Myers and Cape Coral area, where you won’t have to stroll for long before hitting the water.
First off, the three and four-bedroom homes all come with private pools, as well as fully equipped kitchens. Location-wise, Cape Coral is known for its canals and marine life. You can kayak around the mangroves and manatees in Sirenia Vista Park, or take the brood to Sun Splash Family Waterpark.
And, just across the Caloosahatchee River, you’ve got Fort Myers. Inventor Thomas Edison and businessman Henry Ford used to retreat to their estates here in winter. On the outskirts, you’ll find Fort Myers Beach – its own separate town. And there are several low-key islands floating off-shore, where sunbathing and shelling top the agenda.
Ready to go west? Check out our Gulf Coast deals today. 
close 
