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Video transcript
Monika Laimaite, TTG Media:
Hello from the Bradenton Area in Florida. I am here with five travel agents on the TTG Luxury Journey, exploring the very best of Anna Maria Island and the surrounding area. During our 5-day trip, agents have enjoyed laid-back Florida luxury – from private chef dinners and dining with our toes in the sand, to boutique shopping, fun local experiences and some unforgettable beach moments. So, let's hear what the agents have to say about the trip, as well as their top tips for selling the Bradenton Area as a luxury Florida destination.
Kate Williams, The Personal Travel Agents:
The thing I liked most about Anna Maria Island is just the laid-back vibe, the beach. The beach was absolutely incredible. It's very Floridian – coloured houses, all pastel colours. I've been to the Keys before – very similar kind of vibe. Very beachy, surfy, laid-back. Quite boho, really.
Sally Medd, Luxe Holidays:
We were staying at Beachly Beloved by Anna Maria Island Accommodations. It's a 5-minute walk to the beach. It's so big. There is so much room for big families, for groups of people. The pool is amazing to come back to after a long day. The kitchen is fantastic – it's got everything you could possibly need for a big family. TVs in every room. What more could you want?
My top selling tips for Anna Maria Island Accommodations: you've got families, groups of people that want to come and stay. This is perfect. You've got so much room for everybody. Everyone has their own space, close to the beach. You don't really need a car on Anna Maria – you can take bikes, golf carts – it's fantastic.
Anthony Dimery-Seek, Murray Travel:
If you're a foodie, you enjoy food, then Anna Maria Island is definitely the place for you. The greatest thing, I think, is the fact that all of the places that we were very fortunate to go and visit are all locally owned. There are no chain restaurants. There are people passionate about what they do, and with food to match.
The restaurant I enjoyed the most was the Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the pier, just because of the setting. The food in all of the places we've been to has been equally fantastic. We were there at lunchtime, with the sea all around and the dock, watching the boats coming and going. That was a magical, magical afternoon.
I think people would love the Sunset Cruise with Red Boat Tours AMI, just because it really emphasises that relaxed vibe about the whole place. It's a wonderful sightseeing opportunity to get out there and onto the water, with the potential to see all kinds of wildlife. The fact that it's catered on board, with the most wonderful charcuterie board and a well-stocked cooler with sparkling wine, beers and soft drinks, just makes it a magical, magical experience – and a real must when staying on Anna Maria Island.
Sally Medd, Luxe Holidays:
We had a fantastic experience at Gulf Coast Bartender Company. This was somewhere that gets you out of the sun for a couple of hours – something completely different. The lady talked you through everything. You get a menu of what you're making. We made Mai Tais, which were delicious. We set fire to it at the end, which was the pièce de résistance.
Kate Williams, The Personal Travel Agents:
What makes a great luxury vacation for people coming to Anna Maria Island is the quality. It really is! You walk into a boutique shop, and it's just beautiful. The restaurant quality, the meals, and the food have just been out of this world – just perfect. Really high-end.
There are about 80% vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island and probably 20% boutique hotels, so it really, really has got that luxury feel.
Anthony Dimery-Seek, Murray Travel:
Top selling tips for Anna Maria Island and the types of clients that we go to – most definitely multigenerational families. The house that we've been staying in, for example, would really suit itself towards either family groups or multi-gen families. Plenty to keep everybody occupied – you know, from boat trips for the whole family, food experiences for the older members of the family and plenty going on for the kids.
The good thing about the Gulf Coast, for families in particular who enjoy beach time, is that the water is really calm and shallow. They're much safer than maybe some of the east coast beaches in Florida.
Sally Medd, Luxe Holidays:
I absolutely feel more confident selling the Bradenton Area. I would probably actively sell it now. So, anybody wanting to go to Florida – I will definitely recommend it as a twin-centre, because, to be honest, I wouldn't want people to miss out. If you've had busy days at the parks, this is an ideal place to send them. I would say that people are probably missing out if they don't tag this onto an Orlando holiday.
