Islander Resort Marathon, Florida

If you have not been to the Florida Keys we highly reccommend you put it on your Bucket list. On our way to the keys on a recent trip we decided to stop and explore one of the keys on the way to Key West. After a late lunch and staying longer at the restaurant ,taking in the fabulous views we decided to stop in Marathon Key. We had researched the Keys and decided to try the Islander Resort on Marathon Key just about half way to Key West from the Miami area.

Thanks to the suggestion of one very friendly person at the front desk we think we had one of the best views of the ocean ( very calm during our stay) and a pool view.They even let us check out two different rooms to decide which one we wanted before we checked in. It was quiet while we were there, I think because the weather was a little unsettled. I imagine it might be a little noisy during the day but the pool area has recently been updated and their is a separate spa area. If you want an even more secluded  room they have a new building which is separate and seems very nice. We will be back to check on one of those rooms.This room is just a little outdated but typifies a room in the Keys. We were told they will be updating these rooms shortly.It was very clean and has a small but efficient kitchen area. They include a continental breakfast in the morning which includes bagels ,cereal, danish and starts your day of relaxation off quite nice. The outside tiki bar is next to the pool and also seems updated but the bartender that day seemed a little indifferent. We must say we went back later,different bartender and had a great time sipping our cool drinks while enjoying the views.  All in all it was quite a pleasnt surprise for the money. As I said we will be back to check the new building and see what its like during the busier season. (8 US Gold stars )

Ft.Lauderdale,Marriott Harbor Beach Resort

The Marriot Harbor Beach Hotel in Ft Lauderdale Florida has a beautiful ocenfront location on a private beach at the south end of the strip for a private location, yet a short walk if in the mood to the public beaches and the ever popular strip with updated stores,cafes and an abundance of things to occupy your time both day and long into the nite.The two pools are excellent with spas and private cabanas for daily rental equipped with Tv"s. Part of our reason to come back again on Super Bowl weekend was to enjoy the game in our private cabana. Although this year one of the pool attendants tried to get us to leave early so they could close the area. Very disappointing  but after stating we had rented it for this purpose and asked questions she backed off.
 As for the rest of the recreation staff they were extremely helpful. A nice happy hour with a very attentive and pleasant bartender while we were there. The staff at the front desk was accomodating but seemed a little bothered and distant  All in all a nice experience. We have a short video from our waterfront room and of the expansive pool area. See for yourself on either our Facebook page facebook/usgoldcoasts.com or our You Tube page UsGold Coasts.

The view from our room 

For more photos go to our Facebook page facebook/usgoldcoasts.com 

Tranquility Bay, Marathon Key

This resort is exactly the place as the name says "Tranquil". Situated on Marathon Key about half way to Key West you feel as if you have escaped to somewhere very special. As you enter the resort you are   met by beautifully landscaped grounds with swaying palms all around and several of the resorts permanent residents, cats who stroll the grounds and occasionally take a break in the sun.
As you check in you get the sense that time is going to slow down during your visit as well as you will certainly want it to. One look at the sunset on your first night will definitely want you to stay forever.
The hotel consists of one,two or three bedroom villas all recently updated and very well equipped with all of the essentials and all fantastic views of either the pool area or water view ,with several beachfront villas steps away from the beach. The beach as with most in the keys are not huge and once you get past the rocks at watersedge the water is some of the bluest anywhere.
With the well equipped kitchen its nice sometimes to eat in while taking in the view. If going out to dinneris more your style there are many places close by to choose from offering the usual Keys food seafood, lobsters and key lime pie.

Pictured above is the beachfront villa we stayed in on our recent visit.

The beautiful beach for resort guests

Fantastic sunsets while sipping a drink from the beach bar.

If you are looking for a place to truly feel away from it all and enjoy with the entire family or friends we would certainly hope you check Tranquility Bay https://www.facebook.com/pages/Usgoldcoasts/310636352392440?ref=hl      Follow us on twitter @usgoldcoasts 

South SeasResort, Captiva

On a recent visit to the South Seas Island Resort in Captiva it didnt take long to realize we had arrived at a  place that felt like the Carribean without leaving the US. If you want the feel of luxury and the whole family can enjoy we just might have found the perfect place. A three hour drive from the Tampa area and less than an hour from Ft.Meyers you truly feel as if you have stepped into paradise.
Surrounded by beautiful landscape all around and with a two and a half mile private beach right on the Gulf there is more than enough room to go exploring for sea shells and enjoying all nature has to offer.
Feel like taking a break from the beach one day, try a round of golf while enjoying some of the best views anywhere we have seen.
The resort is a complex of beautiful and ours was recently updated multi bedroom villas ,cottages and private houses with fully equipped kitchens. Some of the villa and cottage areas have their own pool .
 For those that dont need the extra space there is a hotel near the main pool complex with plenty of dining options. The Harbourside Grill is a perfect spot for breakfast with a terrific buffet or dinner overlooking the pool area with live music from 6-9pm. The Pointe restaurant is perfect for a relaxing lunch while overlooking the Bay and for a late snack or ice cream after dinner stop by Scoops and Slices. After lunch head to the nearby pools ,yes POOLS, there are several. Some are more for the kids with slides and games and their is an adult pool with a fantastic view of the Bay and at anytime you are almost guaranteed to see some Dolphins casually going by.
You can top off your day by enjoying the fabulous sunsets from almost anywhere on the resort but our favorite spot is Sunset Beach while sipping your favorite drink and listening to live music evey night as the sun sets.
If you are looking for a destination for this Summers vacation or anytime, get captivated in Captiva at the South Seas Island Resort. We can not wait to return to see those beautiful sunsets and spend some more time exploring all this magnificent resort has to offer.                                                                          
Next time we plan to have more photos of the villas and cottages that make this place unique.

Part of the two and a half mile beach


  South Seas Resort

Just one of the many pools within the resort

The resorts Golf Course overlooking the Gulf

For more photos you can visit our Facebook page usgoldcoasts

To get more info on South Seas Resort  visit their website South Seas Resort

Twitter: @ssislandresort