Florida
Luxury villas in America
A country of myriad wonders, from skyscrapers to swamps, snowy peaks to tropical beaches and high culture to Disney magic, a holiday in the United States truly offers something for everyone.
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America VILLA HOLIDAY GUIDE
You may think you know the United States, but no matter how many times you visit, there is always something new to explore on a holiday to America. From stretches of white sand to swamps hiding alligators and manatees, few places have such a range of natural beauty. And then there’s the culture, from icons of modern art to jazz and rock n’ roll, and the unique theme park magic of Orlando. Its cities need no introduction, while its unspoiled Gulf Coast beaches are the perfect place to unwind. Our villas in the USA are ideally located for experiencing a slice of American life.
Sightseeing in America
The United States has some of the most recognisable sights in the world, not least Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Florida. The theme parks of Orlando are not to be missed, and with four theme parks and two water parks in Walt Disney World, and two theme parks and a new water park in Universal Resort you might not have time to see anything else! Experience true small town America, perhaps stopping for a plate of shrimp and grits with the locals, and visit sights from the Art Deco architecture of Miami to the Dali Museum in St Petersburg. The United States has so many sides you’re sure to find something exciting to explore.
Eating and drinking in America
American food might conjure up images of pancakes and bacon for breakfast, and burger and fries in a 50’s style diner but there’s much more to the country’s cuisine than that. From barbecue ribs to raw, vegan restaurants, you won’t fail to find something to appeal to your palate. Experience the unique culinary tastes of the Deep South, with fried chicken, biscuits and gravy or shrimp and grits, and the international influences countrywide – from Tex Mex to Japanese. Excellent seafood can be found in Florida, and don’t forget to wash dinner down with a glass of top quality Californian wine.
History in America
Originally populated by Native Americans, the USA was colonised by Europeans in the late 16th century, and British colonies in Massachusetts and Virginia laid the cultural and political foundations of the America we know today. The 4th of July 1776 saw the Thirteen Colonies declare independence from the United Kingdom, starting the War of Independence which lasted until 1781. In 1891 the Constitution came into effect, uniting the existing states, and settlers expanded west, with a disastrous effect on the Native American population. The American Civil War started in 1861 and ended in 1865, bringing about the abolition of slavery. Following WWII, the USA emerged as the dominant economic power in the world.
Nature in America
Away from the big cities, the United States has a wealth of natural splendour to discover, from famous national parks to mesmerising underwater worlds. Our villas in America are perfectly placed to hunt for alligators on the unique waterways of the Everglades, or relax on Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast beaches. Biscayne National Park is a delight for divers and snorkelers, where if you get lucky you might see a turtle. If you prefer to be on the sea than under it, take a boat trip to spot dolphins and manatees, or stay on dry land and explore the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in hope of spotting the state animal, the Florida panther.
Family Holidays in America
Of course, there is no better destination for a family holiday in America than Orlando, with its theme parks that delight big and little kids alike. Younger children will be in their element meeting their favourite characters at Walt Disney World, while teenagers will love the thrills and movie experiences of Universal Resort Orlando. Parents too will be impressed by the high quality shows, excellent restaurants and fantastic weather. If your family prefers a beach holiday, then the Gulf Coast of Florida has miles of unspoilt white sand beaches, where children can spend hours searching for the sharks’ teeth the area is famous for, and plenty of relaxed, family-friendly towns
Not to be missed in America
The Everglades is a unique ecosystem found almost nowhere else in the world, and a trip on an airboat to look for alligators, manatees and rare birds is a must. Fried conch, a type of giant sea snail, is a Florida delicacy, so try this if you dare – it’s delicious! For the less adventurous, Miami has the best Cuban sandwiches outside of Cuba. The Amelia Island Museum of History delves into the fascinating history of an island where the flags of eight nations have flown, while the historic district of St. Augustine gives a glimpse into the past of the oldest continuously occupied settlement in Florida.
