Holidays are all about nailing the perfect combo, like the sand and sea, sunsets and selfies - or dreamy villas surrounded by nature. After a day of city exploring, what could top some well-deserved R&R in Florida’s subtropical paradise? And we’ve got just the villas for you. Situated along the pristine Gulf Coast, dazzling East Coast, and in Orlando’s flourishing backyard, these villas are your gateway to white sand beaches, leafy forests, and untouched nature reserves.
Here are the very best Florida villas for an unforgettable nature retreat...
Gulf Coast
Anna Maria Island
If your idea of a nature retreat involves unwinding on the beach, then we have the perfect destination for you.
Anna Maria Island, one of Florida's best-kept secrets, offers a serene and uncrowded environment, stunning powder-white sand and picturesque aquamarine waters along the Gulf Coast.
At your Anna Maria Island villa, the beach is a leisurely stroll away. Alongside its pristine 7-mile stretch of idyllic beach, Anna Maria Island is also home to the Leffis Key Preserve. Situated in the island’s south, this hidden gem is a sanctuary of mangrove forests. You can explore the boardwalk path that winds through the preserve, and if you climb the 26-ft high hill, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay.
If you’re still craving more outdoor adventures, cross the Anna Maria Island Bridge to Neal Preserve. This expansive 120-acre wetland is a haven for birdwatchers and offers various trails that meander through oak hammocks and mangrove forests. You can even climb an observation tower that provides a panoramic view of Anna Maria Island.
For lazy days, you can always treat yourself to a refreshing dip in your private pool overlooking the lush landscapes.
Charlotte Harbor Area
Adjacent to Florida’s third-largest state park is Charlotte Harbor Area Villas, set alongside the scenic waterways of Punta Gorda. Besides exploring the gleaming canals by kayak or boat and soaking up the soothing sunshine in your private lanai area, why not discover the emerald environment of Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park?
At Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park, you can roam verdant nature trails on foot or bike through pine flatwoods leading to thriving mangrove forests. Or rent a canoe and journey through the estuary to discover the primitive wilderness of this environment. And when you want a change of scenery, you can head to Port Charlotte Beach Park to feel the sand beneath your feet.
Located near Fort Myers, Charlotte Harbor also offers a delightful conservation area that can be easily reached within a 40-minute drive. This close proximity ensures all roads lead to a serene nature retreat.
Sanibel Island
Another dreamy beach destination, and considered one of Florida’s top shelling shorelines, you’ll find quiet stretches of immaculate coastline on
Sanibel Island. What's more, when staying at a Sanibel condo on the Punta Rassa Peninsula, you can be only 10 minutes away from this slice of paradise.
Enjoy glorious seascapes from your bayfront balcony, perfect for admiring the golden sunset dip below the horizon. And with a private beach in front of your villa, you can bask in the sumptuous solitude of this sugar-sand bay.
To extend your nature retreat, we recommend visiting the J.N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a conversation for 270 bird species and protected mangrove ecosystems on Sanibel Island. Here, you can traverse the wildlife trails through the hardwood hammock forests, or rent a kayak to navigate the refuge’s waters.
And if whale watching and dolphin spotting are on your bucket list, it's time to rewrite it. Board a boat tour at Captiva Island in the north to discover these fascinating marine mammals in their natural environment.
East Coast
West Palm Beach
Looking for a sunny escape with a splash of nature? West Palm Beach is your go-to destination for beach lovers, sun seekers, and anyone looking to unwind in Florida’s natural beauty. With our
East Coast villas located on Lake Osbourne's banks offering canalside access to homes within easy reach of West Palm Beach’s golden shores, you’re never too far from the best of Florida’s outdoors.
Of course, the prime attraction of this eco-friendly destination is the beaches. With 30 beach parks spread over 47 miles of pristine coastline, Palm Beach County is a beach lover’s dream. At the northern tip of West Palm Beach, you’ll find John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. However you prefer to unwind in nature, you can do it here, from surfing, snorkelling, fishing in the lagoon, or kayaking through mangroves. And keep your eyes peeled - depending on the season, you might catch glimpses of dolphins, rays, and other marine life.
To spot Florida’s sea cows in their natural habitat, head over to Manatee Lagoon. This educational hotspot is located by the warm waters of the Riviera Beach power plant, where manatees gather in winter. And if you're eager to lose yourself in nature, both Okeeheelee Park and Frenchman's Forest Natural Area offers diverse ecosystems of pine flatlands, old-growth cypresses, and wetlands for you to explore.
Delray Beach Area
Dubbed the Village by the Sea, our East Coast villas in Delray Beach promise all the Florida perks of sun, sand, and sea with a laid-back vibe. Known mostly for its thriving art scene, Delray Beach offers some top nature-related attractions that are perfect for those looking to connect with the outdoors.
If you're seeking a quieter alternative to Delray’s main beach, look no further than Atlantic Dunes Park. This serene spot, tucked away in a wooded area, features sand dunes and coastal scrub, making it the perfect hideaway. Stroll along fertile paths and wooden boardwalks that lead you straight to a pristine, uncrowded beach.
When the Florida heat kicks in, cool off in the lush foliage of Delray Oaks Natural Area, where towering oak trees provide shade and cool, fresh air. Wander the lush trails as birdsong fills the air, or head to Wakodahatchee Wetlands, a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers, where you can spot turtles and over 150 bird species.
Pompano Beach Area
Positioned midway between Miami and West Palm Beach, Pompano Beach is the ultimate sweet spot for an easy-going coastal escape with a splash of urban energy. The city boasts an irresistible blend of sun, sand, and nature, making it a paradise for anyone seeking a relaxing retreat in our East Coast villas.
The star of the show is Pompano Beach itself, with its sweeping golden sands, turquoise waters, and an underwater wonderland perfect for snorkelling, diving, and fishing. The Pompano Drop-Off, a nearby coral reef, is a treasure trove of tropical fish and marine life, while breathtaking sunsets light up the shore.
For a dreamy encounter, the nearby Butterfly World features a botanical garden and butterfly sanctuary - one of the largest of its kind in the world. Wander through lush gardens alive with over 20,000 butterflies and marvel at hummingbirds and exotic finches flitting about. And if you're up for a nature hike, the Fern Forest Nature Center offers winding trails through 247 acres of subtropical wilderness, with dense ferns, towering cypress trees, and serene swamps waiting to be explored.
Central Florida
Emerald Island Resort
If you’re holidaying in Central Florida, you can immerse yourself in the luscious greenery at
Emerald Island Resort. Located on Disney’s doorstep, you’ll be (and feel) less than 6 miles from The Happiest Place on Earth. Moreover, the Emerald Island Resort offers the perfect balance between being close enough to action yet far enough to still enjoy a tranquil nature retreat.
Right in the middle of the community, you will find 30 acres of conversation that are home to 11 densely wooded areas waiting to be explored. Here, you can revel in nature walks in the shaded forests and, when you need a refreshment, just head to the palm-tree-populated resort clubhouse overlooking the gleaming lakes.
No matter where you venture in this luscious community, from the sports courts to the resort swimming pool and your immaculate home, you’ll feel enveloped by beautiful nature.
Watersong Resort
Nestled in the exquisite countryside of Davenport, just a short 30-minute drive from Walt Disney World, lies the captivating
Watersong Resort. Surrounded by stunning lakes, opulent woodlands, and thriving wildlife, this destination offers a carefree escape.
Stroll along the resort's nature trails that wind through subtropical groves and you can marvel at the sight of turtles along the lakeside. Better yet, you’ll feel like you’re in a wildlife sanctuary as you observe deer grazing in the fields and raccoons scurrying about in the forest.
You can even find a villa overlooking the lakeside or backed by the conservation area, allowing you to enjoy your private swimming pool amidst the natural views.
Ready to find your home-from-home? Check out our award-winning Florida Villa Holidays. 
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