Anna Maria Island has been named one of the world’s top islands, by Conde Nast Traveler Readers. The popular travel magazine recently released the winners of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, which ranks top cities, hotels, resorts, spas and cruiselines in the world, based on readers’ votes. One of only 11 U.S. islands on the list, and the only representative from Florida, Anna Maria Island clinched the No. 26 spot, with a readers’ rating of 81.373. The list includes from the bottom to top- Aquidneck Island (Newport), Rhode Island, Vancouver Island in Canada, Isle of Palms in South Carolina, Hilton Head in South Carolina, Anna Maria Island in Florida, Bora Bora in French Polynesia, British Virgin Islands, Frisian Islands in Germany, Prince Edward Island in Canada, Skiathos &...
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Greater Miami and the Beaches is renowned for luxury spas that are ranked among the best in America, and are the favorites of spa connoisseurs throughout the world. Celebrate with them during July and August, when you can enjoy incredible savings on special treatments at Miami’s premier spas. Various spas throughout Greater Miami and the Beaches. Discover the healing powers of salt, seaweed and hydrotherapy with organic and nature-inspired treatments. Benefit from ancient healing remedies and anti-aging solutions. Sip fresh pressed local fruit and vegetables juice. Don’t skip the natural healing elements of the beach. Take advantage of Miami’s miles of shoreline. Imagine a light, healthy breakfast followed by a dip in the ocean, a scheduled hydrating chamomile cooling mask or ex...
Read MoreVISIT FLORIDA unveils online tools allowing travelers to virtually walk hundreds of miles of Sunshine State beaches – from legendary locations such as Miami Beach to lesser-known sanctuaries such as Cayo Costa. Say hello to Florida Beach Finder, found on VISITFLORIDA.com/beachfinder. Here’s how it works. “Tune” your preferences in four ranges of beach personalities. Looking for “Action-packed”? “Secluded”? Or maybe somewhere in between? Florida Beach Finder immediately delivers visual choices that best match your desires. With every tweak of the tuner, the options change before your eyes. Then “walk” the Florida beaches you love with immersive Street View imagery in Google Maps. In one of the first partnerships of the Street View Trekker Loan Program, VISIT FLORIDA and Google collabo
Read MoreHold on for the most twisty, turny, rollicking summer ever for Walt Disney World Resort. From the crowning jewel that completes the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history, a breathtaking new parade that winds its way down Main Street U.S.A., to elevating the guest experience with MyMagic+, guests are rocking their Disney Side in 2014. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: The lovable world of Sleepy, Doc, Grumpy, Bashful, Sneezy, Happy and Dopey comes to life in a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” Inspired by the Disney animated film classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the family-style coaster will feature first-of-its-kind ride vehicles mounted in cradle-like pivots that allow the vehicles to swing back and forth during the twists and turns of t...
Read MoreDuring one of the largest expansion periods in Orlando’s history, summer vacationers will be among the first to experience the nation’s most anticipated attraction openings. From climbing aboard the Hogwarts Express or exploring the mine where “a million diamonds shine,” to plummeting down one of the steepest waterslides in America, Orlando’s newest offerings are sure to make 2014 a blockbuster summer. Theme Park Expansions The new DUPLO Valley, opening May 23 at LEGOLAND Florida, features new farm-themed attractions geared towards preschoolers, including a train, mini tractor ride and water play area. A new night time Shamu show debuts at SeaWorld Orlando on June 21 in celebration of SeaWorld’s 50th anniversary. Universal Orlando Resort expands The Wizarding World of Harry ...
Read MoreGet close to Cheetah! Touch a Stingray! Key to life is adventure. So whether you seek your thrills by land, air or sea, Tampa Bay in Florida has got you covered with a lot. Just have a look at the options below. Discover your daring while you Unlock Tampa Bay. Make toys and treats, watch a training session, learn the history and interact with a variety of wild cats at Big Cat Rescue during an exclusive, two-hour behind-the-scenes tour. At Busch Gardens Tampa go behind-the-scenes at the Animal Care Center with the Wildlife Docs or into the Heart of Africa on a 90-minute walking tour to get up-close with hippos, cheetahs, lions and more. You can also become a Keeper for a Day and work side-by-side with the zookeepers or learn the ins-and-outs of Bengal tigers and Bornean ora...
Read MoreNortheast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty. Consistently ranked in the top 10 North American Islands by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, Amelia Island offers long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters. Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts. The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions and eateries. Located on the northeastern coast of Florida, Amelia Island features an incredible calendar of special events throughout the year. Each event c
Read MoreOne can play golf like a pro anywhere and anytime in Florida. The Sunshine State has 1,000-plus courses – more than any other state. Add world-renowned restaurants and top-rated hotels and spas that are often adjoining or nearby and, yes, Florida is a golfer’s paradise. South Florida The birthplace of Florida golf is the Breakers Ocean Course. Henry Flagler, railroad tycoon and the “Father of Florida Tourism,” opened the Breakers hotel in 1896. More than 100 years later, Palm Beach stills calls itself Florida’s Golf Capital. From that first 9-hole course, Palm Beach County’s golf menu has expanded to 160 public and private courses. The Tom Fazio-designed Emerald Dunes is one of Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 Courses You Can Play.” After a round, relax at The Spa at The Breakers, a sea
Read MoreTreasure awaits you in Tampa Bay! Once the world’s Cigar Capital, Tampa Bay, Florida, is a vibrant region that takes pride in its rich, cultural heritage. Tourists can experience delicious culinary cuisine, serene river excursions, thrilling attractions and exceptional shopping. Explore by land, air or sea – share your treasures, discover new ones and unlock something new & mystic!!! This year happens to be extra special since for the first time in history an India Film Awards (IIFA Awards) ceremony will be hosted in Tampa Bay, Florida, USA. The International Indian Film Academy Awards, also known as the IIFA Awards will be presented here and a whole lot of Bollywood superstars are expected to arrive here for the awards ceremony which is going to be an extra grand gala celebration. W...
Read MoreKermit the Frog will find it is easy being green when his artfully-crafted character topiary debuts during the 21st Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV March 5 to May 18, 2014 at Walt Disney World Resort, Florida. With flamboyance to spare, a floral Miss Piggy will join Kermit and his blooming banjo in the World Showcase topiary display. Urban Farm Eats will be the new Outdoor Kitchen on the promenade with a sustainable garden featuring tilapia, eggplant and other farm-raised treats. Guests can try new menu items including the Land-Grown Eggplant “Scallop” with Romesco Sauce, Ghost Pepper Dusted Tilapia with Winter Melon Salad and Mango Chutney, plus red and white vegan wines and gluten-free beer. The festival’s nearly 100 whimsical topiaries and i...
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