Guests at the Tortuga Inn Beach Resort walk across the road to meet the Gulf beach. Families love the free beach chairs and heated pool, while honeymooners enjoy the Jacuzzi tubs and sunset views. Tortuga Resort offers a number of highlights. If the Gulf waters aren't enough, guests can choose between three pools and one in-ground spa. The resort also provides free barbecue grills, access to its fishing pier and a community laundry. Boat slips are also available for a small fee. Back inside, Tortuga offers a number of luxury units. Guests can choose from hotel rooms fitted with a mini-kitchen, studios with a full kitchen, or one- or two-bedroom suites. All accommodations are furnished with a tropical flavor.
Anna Maria Island is a low-key spot with no hi-rises or chain hotels. Thus, the understated charm of the Tradewinds allows this resort to fit right in. Quaint, pastel-colored cottages dot the grounds. The resort's narrow drive skirts past native palm trees and heated pool before meeting its final destination at the Sarasota Bay fishing pier. Guests can use the many charcoal grills and picnic tables, shadowed beside the garden arbor and flowering vines. The 33 one-bedroom apartments are fitted with a full kitchen, bedroom, bath and a queen sleeper sofa in the living room. Studios and two-bedroom units are also available at this old-time resort.
The Bungalow Beach Resort may sound primitive, but it is actually an island treasure. With private, gated grounds and an array of exotic flowers and palm trees, the Beach Resort is a perfect place to spend a quiet weekend. Guest can relax in a one-room studio or bedroom-suite, complete with hardwood floors and beamed ceilings. When not in their rooms or on the resort's private beach, guests can frolic in the pool waterfall, before trying their hands at grilling steaks in the main courtyard.
Most rooms at the Seaside Inn have irresistible views of the Gulf Of Mexico. If that's not enough, guests can walk out of their rooms and right on to the beach. With its undeniable charm and great location, the Seaside may not be as grand as some of the other resorts, but it does feel homey. Some of the accommodations sleep up to four people. All units have a full kitchen and sliding doors that lead out to a deck. With your own private deck chair and basket of beach towels, all you need next is a good book and plenty of sunscreen.
