Known as the Sunshine State Florida has something for everyone.  Whether you’re looking to kick back and relax on the beautiful beaches, experience the diverse range of excellent cuisines, enjoy the buzzing night life, explore Florida’s Keys tropical paradise or have some family fun at the Walt Disney World Resort you will surely find something to make this destination one to remember.

With warm winter temperatures and summertime highs that average in the low 90s, Florida’s weather is inviting year round.   

Miami

With amazing sub tropical weather Miami is one of the most visited cities in the country.  Known as the “Cruise Capital of the World” the Port of Miami has been voted the number one cruise passenger port in the world for more than two decades. 

Miami Beach is a barrier island connected to the mainland city of Miami by a series of bridges.  It’s home to a large number of beach resorts and offers a great shopping experience with the famous Lincoln Road Mall and other shopping centres.  Due to its length Miami Beach is broken down into three districts; Mid Beach, South Beach and North Beach.  

South Beach is regarded as one of the most popular places to visit while in Miami.  Home to several prominent restaurants including "News Cafe," "Mango's," and the MTV-popularized "Clevelander" and with a very active club and bar scene it’s not surprising to see why.

With an exceptional range of internationally recognised restaurants dining in Miami really opens up a great variety for all tastes and culinary preferences. 

Everglades

While I’s often described as a swamp or forested wetland, the Everglades is actually a very slow-moving freshwater river which is nearly 50 miles wide.  The Everglades National Park protects the southern 25 percent of the original Everglades.  It’s the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, and is visited on average by one million people each year.  Home to more than 350 species of birds, 300 species of fresh and saltwater fish, 40 species of mammals, and 50 species of reptiles the National Park is a great place to see a wonderful range of wildlife.

Miami MetroZoo is quickly becoming one of the best zoos in the nation.  The climate in the city enables the zoo to house a variety of different animals from Africa, Asia and Australasia.  Being one of the first free-range zoos in the country, the exhibits are entirely cageless.  You can view all sorts of exotic and endangered species from white tigers, gibbons, Cuban crocodiles and even komodo dragons. 

Walt Disney World

Located in Lake Buena Vista, near Orlando, is Walt Disney World.  It is, by far, the most popular theme park resort in the world.  Some visitors describe it as a place of magic, wonder, and fantasy; others speak of fun, excitement, and relaxation.

The centrepieces of Walt Disney World are the four theme parks: The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Walt Disney World also has the world's two most popular water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, both heavily themed.  Two shopping and entertainment districts, Downtown Disney and Disney's Boardwalk, provide extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

The Mall at Millenia

While visiting Walt Disney World you should also pop over to The Mall at Millenia which is located in Orlando.  A dazzling selection of international stores makes The Mall at Millenia an essential shopping destination.  This exceptional collection of retailers is presented in a distinctive environment of dramatic architecture and amenities. 

The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys can be considered the American Caribbean and features all the same amenities as other island destinations such as world class fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, boating, kayaking, sailing and eco-tours.  The Florida Keys span some 110 miles and are connected by bridges and causeways.

The islands run south west from the city of Miami.  The first island you will encounter is Key Largo.

Key Largo offers some of the finest diving and snorkelling in the region.  Home to two state parks, a national park, a national marine sanctuary, Key Largo boasts some of the most fascinating botanical scenery in the state.

Islamorada is the next island destination just south of Key Largo.  Islamorada is known for its world class sport fishing.  A trip to Islamorada would not be complete without sampling some of the local island cuisine headlined by succulent fresh seafood.

Marathon is at the centre of the Florida Keys and offers a variety of relaxing resorts.  Marathon is a 10- mile-long family-oriented island community rooted in a heritage of fishing, and reflects the old-Keys lifestyle that residents, snowbirds and visitors enjoy so much.

Big Pine Key is famous for its boating.  You can also snorkel or dive over the Looe Key coral reef, ride a bicycle through Key Deer country, or take a fishing adventure in the back country or troll the deep blue waters beyond the reef.

Key West is known as the Last Resort and is the Southernmost Point in the continental U.S.  Here you will discover gingerbread mansions, tin-roofed conch houses, the John Audubon House and Ernest Hemingway's home.

Top Five Resorts in Florida

Little Palm Island

Little Palm Island is a hidden treasure on a tiny private island accessible only by private boat or airplane. From the minute guests step foot on the island, it is clear that this resort is in a class entirely its own.  Private accommodations can be found in 28 bungalows scattered across the island. The suites exude a rustic elegance with a rich Polynesian flair, and rooms feature special touches like a whirlpool tub and bamboo-fenced outdoor shower.  Some things you won't find in the rooms include telephones, televisions or an alarm clock which adds to the feeling of complete relaxation. There are plenty of activities to fill the day, but lounging on the white sand beach seems to be the most popular choice.

Delano (Miami)

The lobby of the Delano transports visitors to a magical, mystical world.  Conceived by entrepreneur Ian Schrager of Studio 54 fame, the indoor/outdoor lobby merges fantasy with reality and simplicity with style.  Billowing white curtains cascade from the ceiling and usher ultra-hip guests from one decadent room to another.  A large back porch overlooks a long expanse of grass and a glowing pool, which is surrounded by cabanas, palm trees and hibiscus.  Guestrooms are simple, private sanctuaries decorated in pure white and evoke a feeling of relaxation and serenity.  Special amenities include stereos, CDs and long white candles, all which make an overnight stay a wonderful treat.  All this - and the hotel is right on the beach.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (Orlando)

Paying homage to the opulence of the Victorian era, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa's rising turrets, gabled roofs and lavish verandas transport guests to the splendours of this pristine age.  The resort's 40 acres rest upon the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, and guests can expect to be pampered by an extraordinarily attentive staff.  The main building houses a breathtaking 5-story ceiling and shimmering stained-glass dome, as well as an aviary and open-cage elevator.  Visitors may choose to dine in elegance at the 5-diamond Victoria & Albert's restaurant or opt for the more casual Citricos -- featuring delicacies from the south of France.

The Breakers (Palm Beach)

There's no shortage of luxury hotels in Palm Beach, but the granddaddy of them all is The Breakers, a 5-star, 560-room, Italian Renaissance-style behemoth sprawled across 140 acres of prime oceanfront property.  The palatial property may have earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, but a recent $120 million renovation ensures guests will be treated to the latest in pampering and style. With two 18-hole golf courses, 10 tennis courts, a 20,000-square-foot spa, ocean-view fitness centre and a beach club overlooking half a mile of private beach, it's no surprise that the Breakers' high-rolling guests keep coming back year after year.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (Orlando)

Guests of the Animal Kingdom will feel like they've entered a bona fide African game lodge as they get up close and personal with the wildlife that grace the 3 savannahs of this 33-acre property.  A 4-story observation window is the centrepiece of the lodge's lobby and affords unspoiled views of the 100 species of animals roaming the grounds, including giraffes, gazelles and ostriches.  The 1,293 rooms have a traditional flair -- earth-tone walls, handcrafted wooden furniture, patterned tapestries and even mosquito netting create the ambience of an African retreat.  When it's time to dine, guests can experience the tastes of Africa at Jiko or Boma, where wood-burning ovens and thatched roofs guarantee a unique and memorable dining experience.

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