Guests love swimming in the warm water of the swimming pool in Villa Rosa. amisland.com

February is a great month for fishing off the rocks or harvesting mussels in the next cove. Perfect with a garlic and white wine sauce. www.torquay.uk.com

Roasted a home grown pheasant for lunch with some sage grown here on the estate - delicious. www.walesholidaycottages.com

Weather on Anna Maria Island is warming up nicely. I love this time of year - walking the beach and enjoying an al fresco lunch at one of the island's restaurants. amisland.com

At the bottom of the garden in West Wing Cottage last week we saw either a seal bobbing about in the water just a few yards from the edge of the sea. www.torquay.uk.com

A large goss hawk was just sitting in the ancient oak tree behind the cottage. What an amazing sight - he has a white ruff of feathers around his neck. www.walesholidaycottages.com