Sunday, April 19, 2009

Anna Maria Island, Florida USA
Colorful hibiscus are starting to bloom in the gardens amisland.com- the pool heating will be switched off and the weather is really starting to warm up. Pelicans and white cranes are seen on the beaches and soon will be the start of the loggerhead turtle seasons. Nature really is amazing on the island - sea grapes, palms and sea grasses fringe the beach and boaters are out in the intercoastal and the Gulf of Mexico enjoying the sunshine. The island is quiet and peaceful after the busier winter season and it is the perfect time of year to enjoy the delights of island living in Florida.

Check out Villa Christina and Villa Rosa on the main amisland.com web site, make a reservation then come on down and experience the best Anna Maria Island has to offer - sun, sands, great restaurants and plenty to do for all the family - or just kick off your shoes and relax and do absolutely nothing!


Over in the UK Spring is defitely here. What a superb morning, the sun is streaming in through the window. Guests arrived at Wheatsheaf Cottage yesterday and I took them over some new laid eggs for their breakfast this morning. If the weather stays like this there is nowhere better in the world than The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate in Carmarthenshire.
www.walesholidaycottages.com


We came back from Devon last weekend and spent time working on the grounds, the orangery and the greenhouses. Everything is growing -shrubs are bursting into flower, the roses and the grapevines are in leaf and climbing and there were two beautiful black & white wagtails cavorting in the courtyard in the sunshine yesterday. What a terrific place, it never fails to amaze me.

Talking of Devon, down in Torquay torquay.uk.com the weather was sunny and warm and the sea sparkled in the bay. Sailboats and tiny fishing boats dot the water. Although I say Carmarthenshire is divine, the South Hams area of Devon also enjoys superb scenery and the views from the West Wing Cottage are panoramic - looking out over the crystal blue waters of the bay from the seafront gardens is an experience not be be missed.