Anyone been to Anna Marie Island

[Portugal1000]

Just back but already planning next years holiday. Thinking 2 weeks Orlando and one week beach. Like the look of Anna Marie Island and surrounding areas so would love to hear if anyone has been and what they thought. Would wants a two bedroom villa, apartment at a proper resort (big or small) with a pool, rather than a stand alone rental.
Thanks

 

[Elise79]

We like Longboat Key which is the next island along from Anna Maria and stayed in a one bedroom villa at Longboat Key Club and it was amazing. It's not cheap though but I don't know what your budget is.

We can't wait to go back next year!

 

[Mummycat]

We're going to stay for a night at longboat key club on our upcoming trip after hearing about it in a report by Elise worship. It looks a amazing.
Our friends have just returned from 2 weeks at Anna Maria Island. They rented a villa and used it as their base for going to the parks but mainly for relaxing. Their pool backed onto one of the many waterways and from their pier they saw manatees drifting past. On another occasion whilst out on a kayak they had dolphins swimming alongside them.
It seems there aren't many/any big hotels on Anna Maria, mainly guest houses or private villas. That's why we're opting for longboat key as just a short drive away.

 

[Tony Toon]

We've stayed at Runaway Bay in a 2 bed condo for a week on a couple of occasions. The condos are all privately owned so are individual in their decoration and amenities and you can either rent them from the owner or from the management company. I preferred dealing with the owner direct as we knew exactly which condo we would get. Runaway Bay is across the road from the beach and has it's own pool (advertised as the largest on the Island), tennis courts etc. We really liked Anna Maria Island and enjoyed the local restaurants and the gentler pace. A lovely area to visit for a week. Longboat Key Club looks amazing but was a out of our price range at the time.

Mrs TT

 

[Mummycat]

Mrs TT Runaway bay looks lovely- you are a wealth of great knowledge
We're only going to the area for 1 night but if we ever return on another trip I'll keep this in mind
Ps thanks for the help re suncream I've now brought some ultrasun