Guests who previously stayed at Villa Serena have emailed to say that they would like to return in February. I agree with them that this house with private heated swimming pool is one of the most beautiful 4 bedroom and 4 bathroom homes on Anna Maria Island.

Heard from Jenny over in the UK. The UK pound is so low against the dollar that Americans should be flocking to the UK this year because everything is so inexpensive there now. Experience vacationing in a 16th Century property with the luxury of 21st century bathrooms, extremely comfortable brand new beds, plenty of fluffy white towels and incredible views over the Welsh countryside. The private estate of 104 acres is set in the most beautiful countryside in the whole of Carmarthenshire. To check it out go do http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/

The accommodation, prices and views are all amazing. This is an invitation to come on over and experience some real Welsh hospitality.

Anna Maria Island is such a great place to spend January. You just don't seem to suffer with colds and flu, the weather is divine and everyone is so darn cheerful! Spring-like sunny days to be enjoyed walking the beach, exploring the island by bike (it is entirely flat so not arduous), stopping off for lunch at the Sandbar Restaurant's deck right on the edge of the sands. Whether spending a few days, a week or for a longer sojourn, you will always want stay longer. Anna Maria Vacations are introducing a new property for larger groups. Palm Villa sleeps up to 12 and is perfect for family get-togethers. Check it out at http://annamaria.com/ (just type Palm in the Search Box on the Home Page)

Spoke to Colin over in the UK about the wonders of modern travel. It is amazing how fast we can travel between continents these days!

Hearing about the awful weather elsewhere in the USA and over in Europe I can well understand why people want to escape for some winter sunshine here in Florida. Where better than the entrancing Gulf Coast. We have the sea, superb white sand beaches, state parks teaming with wildlife, some great shopping, loads of superb golf courses, a world famous tennis academy, theaters with dance, drama, opera, musicals, concerts and recitals and the perfect setting in which to relax and retune your body clock to nature and your surroundings. Warmth, friendly Anna Maria Island locals, good food and long lazy days - what more can a body want?

Off to the Sandbar for lunch on the beach today, then a stroll around bean point on the soft white sands. I think we will ride on the trolley as we may well sample a glass of cool, crisp Californian chardonnay. The views from Bean Point are out over the Gulf of Mexico.

Taking a boat trip from the Cortez fishing village just beside the bridge leading onto Anna Maria Island up through the intercoastal waterway and across to an uninhabited islan just north of here. The island lies to the south of Clearwater and north from Anna Maria island and used to be used as a fort. The remains of the fort are still visible and it is the perfect spot for exploring and picnics on the beach. Sometimes we take along a small grill and cook out - cold beer or spritzers and freshly grilled burgers - sitting in the sand in the sunshine. My idea of heaven!

The new http://annamaria.com/ web site is now up and running. Compliments from returning customers tell us that it it is working well and coming up with the right information quickly, together with the photographs that show the customer exactly what they will get for their dollar. Cold weather encourages the rest of the USA to come on down to the deep South for a little R & R and some warmth. The island's shops, stores and restaurants do a roaring trade and the island buzzes with anticipation. Visitors enjoy terrific sunsets, good food and a warm welcome.

Heard today from friends at http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ Can't wait to se The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate in Carmarthenshire, Wales, again soon

Just time today to update you on the latest news. The fishing here on Anna Maria Island has never been better, the weather is sure a great deal nicer than up around New York and other northern cities, so com on down and experience some southern hospitality in our equitable climate. Instead of wearing heavy coats, gloves, hats and scarves, pull on some light cotton clothing and stroll the beach. Sit outside on the beach at one of our waterfront restaurants and take a boat trip on the crystal blue water of the Gulf. Get away from that cold weather and make for Anna Maria Island.

Found a great web site http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ If visiting Europe, must stop in the UK and travel over from England into Wales to stay at the Bwlch Tre Banau Estate. It is known to be one of the most beautiful spots in the world.

Heard from Mike yesterday. He has written a great article on Florida fishing, island living and Anna Maria Island in particular. It is witty, amusing and caused me to laugh out loud on several occasions. Cheerful, fun to read and full of useful tips including finding a beautiful vacation rental property on www.annamaria.com.

America is waking up after the festive holiday season with thoughts of travel and warmer climes. Anna Maria Vacations has some of the best vacation rental properties on the west coast of Florida and guests who want to experience the best that the Gulf Coast has to offer are heading down to Anna Maria Island. Exploring the web site at www.annamaria.com is a great way to while away a dark evening searching for your perfect choice. Long sunny days, temperate climate with plenty of sunshine and no high rise buildings, come on down to Anna Maria Island and live a little. Strolls on the beach at sunset, the sound of the crystal waters of the Gulf lapping the white sugar sands and a beautiful house or condo to relax in. If you bring the family there are plenty of trips to take and the opportunity to spend quality times together at cook outs around your own private pool, swimming and exploring the island's many delights.

Yesterday we rode the free trolley service down to the southern tip of Anna Maria Island and then picked up a connecting trolley down through the next island south, ending up in the world famous St Armands Circle. An exotic circular fusion of luxury boutiques, restaurants and galleries that rivals Rodeo Drive on a smaller more elegant level. It was not a shopping trip, we intended to have lunch at one of the elegant Columbia Restaurantand a glass or two of Californian wine. Dessert is just a short walk around to the ice cream parlour and there is plenty of hand made fudge, chocolates and candy for the dedicated chocoholic. Definitely not a diet day.

Anna Maria Vacations has some utterly gorgeous vacation properties on the Gulf Coast's Anna Maria Island and a trip to St Armands Circle is just one of the many great trips you can take if you have time in between visits to the white sand beaches and relaxing by your own private swimming pool.

Guests who had stayed at La Casa Costiera phoned to say that it is the most beautiful holiday accommodation they had ever experienced. The view of the Gulf of Mexico was stunning, the condo was exquisite and they loved the island. They say they are aiming to return again next year.

It is always good to hear positive comments.

Glad to be on Anna Maria Island away from the cold and the snow. Winter in Florida is heavenly.

Anna Maria Island is divine over Christmas and the New Year. The quaint little streets are lined with houses displaying festive lights and strolling around in the quiet of the evenings admiring them is definitely addictive. Traverse the length of the island by car and you can see that the islanders really love the holidays. The restaurants have Christmas fare on the menus and the carol service down at the clock tower on Bradenton Beach is definitely not to be missed. It is evocative of gentler times gone by and a nostalgic reminder of the simpler life we lived in our youth. If you want to party then the mainland is just a short drive away with its fancy restaurants, nightclubs, theatres and other glitzy pleasures. Florida at Christmas is not to be missed!