By Nanette Wiser
GROOVY GUESTHOUSES
Mello on the Beach is a mod new beachfront Gulf retreat on Anna Maria Island on Manatee Beach with elevent one-, two- and three-bedroom vacation rental units, each vibrantly decorated to reflect the colors of the sun, sea, and sunset. With a fun and funky retro vibe, the pet-friendly units offer a fully equipped kitchenette, a terrazzo dining table that doubles as storage, movable ottomans, and a sleeper sofa in the living area. Units also feature full dressers with an in-drawer safe, hidden washer and dryer, exposed shelves and hanging rods, and a cooler for beach and pool days. There’s a pool area with cool places to lounge and an outdoor shower; communal BBQ grills and fire pit; a lawn with private beach access and room for games and hanging out; and Mello bike rentals. This reimagined resort was originally the Aquarius Beach Resort, opened in 1975 as a Key West style Caribbean paradise; it’s luscious new vibe and décor is hip, friendly, and still paradise with sugar white sands and laid-back Anna Maria to explore. Book StayMello.com and visit annamariaislandchamber.org for events and restos/shops.
TOUJOURS TAMPA
Our sister city celebrated its 136th anniversary July 15, so why not explore what’s new in museums and attractions such as MOSI, the Henry B. Plant Museum, Florida Aquarium, Riverwalk, Sparkman’s Wharf, Straz Center, Armature Works and Ybor City? We love Oxford Exchange for books and brunch and The Dan at the Floridian Palace Hotel, a modern fusion of Gulf Coast cuisine and old school speakeasy. Toast over oysters with their signature cocktail (champagne, cognac, bitters and topped with cotton candy) and check out Wednesday’s Ladies’ Night, Thursday’s Havana Nights, and Bossa Nova Saturday. Stay at The Hotel Tampa Riverwalk or Epicurean and be sure to visit Yuengling’s new Tampa taproom and restaurant space or the new Lona, SoFla Chef Richard Sandoval’s new Mexican resto with 200 tequilas in the Tampa Marriott Water Street. Take the family to an animal encounter (Indian Rhino Feeding) at ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Glazer Children’s Museum, or the waterparks at Adventure Islandor Legoland Florida. Check out Skipper’s Smokehouse for eclectic music and an Old Florida feel.
SUMMER SAVINGS
Take a quick vacay at Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek with rates starting at just $169 and bonus discounts. For a limited time and for select dates, enjoy 15% off through the end of September and get 20% off for a five-night stay, 25% off on a seven or more-night stay. Florida residents, active or retired military personnel can enjoy 20% off the room rate. From 8/18-10/2 Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining promotion includes the resort’s deep blu Seafood Grille and if you dine, you can stay overnight and save 20% on your room. Just five miles from Walt Disney World® Resort (there is a complimentary shuttle), the resort is a massive playground, with five pools, two lazy rivers, eight hot tubs, 18-hole putt-putt, jogging trails, fitness center, nearby championship golf, a picturesque 10-acre lake and pampering spa. Whether staying in a deluxe guest room, family bunk bed option, or an expansive suite, all accommodations feature a 55-inch flat-screen LG LED 4K Ultra TV, high-speed internet, mini refrigerator, coffee maker, and more. Guests can fuel their fun at five different dining outlets, with something to please any taste – from seafood, sushi and sophisticated cuisine to casual poolside fare and in-room delivery.