Villas in Marco Island

Marco Island, the largest of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands, is a small 6x4 mile island linked to the mainland by two bridges. Voted as the number one island in the U.S. by TripAdvisor in 2014, it is described as ‘the perfect destination for those who crave a peaceful retreat.’ Rent a villa on the island a stone’s throw from the sandy beach on the Gulf coast on the east side, or close to the Barfield Bay mangroves on the west of the island.

Florida style villas boast tropical gardens and sparkling, turquoise swimming pools. Picture yourself sipping a refreshing cocktail whilst watching the sun setting over a tropical beach, as you relax in the comfort of the terrace or garden of your own gorgeous holiday villa. It can all be yours on Marco Island!

Marco and the surrounding Ten Thousand Islands consist primarily of lush mangrove forests and estuaries, and as a result, kayaking is hugely popular in the area. Take an eco-tour into the backcountry and witness the unusual creatures that inhabit the surface waters of this habitat which is unlike anywhere else in the world. Your guide will teach all about the flora and fauna of the region. Diving also draws tourists from far and wide. At Scuba Marco you can go on a day diving trip and see a ton of fish including the huge Goliath Grouper.

South Marco Beach, the islands public beach, boasts one of the prettiest stretches of coastline in the US – its soft white sand and clear warm water make it perfect for long beach days, whether you want to kick back on a deck chair, go wildlife spotting on the sand dunes or take part in a water sports activity. Tiger Till beach has the best shrimp on the island in its wildly popular beachfront restaurant, a cute little playground for the kids, and a watchtower to go bird spotting. The beach is located on an inlet, but to get to the open sea you have to wade through the shallow water to the other side from where you can reach the Gulf. A fun adventure for all!

Families come back to Marco Island again and again for their annual vacation, with myriad activities at their disposal. A firm favourite is seashell collecting, with the sandbars surrounding Marco Island and beyond being famous for some of the best shelling in the world. Shells are everywhere, and there are so many pretty shapes and colour combinations for you and children to find!

You need to take a boat to get to Snook Inn Restaurant, but once there you are rewarded with panoramic views, great live music, and the fanciest cocktails in south Florida! Come for happy hour between 4 and 6, and join the rest of the tourists and locals for a memorable evening’s entertainment!

Just a short boat ride from Marco’s northern tip, Keewaydin Island Nature Preserve is a totally unspoilt coastline with soft sandy beaches where you can enjoy swimming, shelling, fishing, or just relaxing. The wildlife here is exceptional, with hordes of iguana, turtles, dolphins and manatee. Drinks and snacks are available from local vendors on the island.

Marco Island is home to several ancient burial mounds going way back to the Calusa Indians as well as artefacts over 3,000 years old. To learn all about these discoveries, spend an afternoon submerged in history fiend enchantment as you view the priceless items documenting the Calusa Indian settlements on the island at Marco Island Historical Museum. Admission is free!

Marco boasts numerous spas where you can relax and unwind from all the relaxing and unwinding you have already done. The Salon and Spa Botanica in the centre of town offers a full range of luxurious spa and salon treatments including massages, nail services and hairstyling, a place where you can lie back and be pampered from head to toe.

This quirky little eat-in movie theatre has a very unusual layout, with seating placed around round tables. The halls are small and hark back to the cinemas of yesteryear The cinema offers great food, and in particular the jalapeno pepper dish, if you can handle it!

A great place for a picnic and sporty day out. The park has a volleyball and basketball court, a splash pad, an amazing playground, wide open spaces, a beautiful lake walk. All equipment can be borrowed from the front desk, and is free!

What better way to wrap up another successful day of water sports, sunbathing and leisurely frolicking on Marco Island than dinner on the beach. Quinn’s on the Beach is the only restaurant on the island where this is possible. Feel the sand under your feet as you enjoy the hearty all-American food and contemplate your next year’s vacation back again in this glorious part of the world!