Luxury Travel Interviews Owners of Anna Maria Island, Florida Villas

A conversation with Mike and Lizzie Thrasher, owners of Pineapplefish villas on Anna Maria Island, Florida. They are a couple of Brits that discovered Anna Maria in 2003 and fell in love with the Island...They love the great people, the simple way of living, the beautiful beaches and wildlife and wonderful houses. As 'green' entrepreneurs - they launched Baby Organix, organic food for children, in the UK - they came to Anna Maria to re-charge their batteries and create new ideas and enterprises. Over the last 18 months they have developed some of the most spectacular properties on Anna Maria Island, to offer some of the best luxury vacation rentals on Florida's Gulf Coast.

What is unique about your properties' location?

Pineapplefish are a collection of 6 luxury rental homes on Anna Maria Island. Each home was chosen for its amazing, mostly waterfront locations. Limefish and Cherryfish are spectacular beach-front villas. The beaches are so secluded and the sunsets across the Gulf are absolutely breathtaking. Honeyfish is a water lover's dream, with panoramic views across Bimini Bay from the deck, which also has 2 spaces available for mooring a boat, including a lifting dock. Plumfish has fantastic views across the Hammock Bayou. We wanted to ensure that our guests had the most fantastic settings for a truly wonderful holiday.

What authentic local experiences will guests have access to?

Most people visit Anna Maria Island for the exquisite beaches. But the island also plays host to wonderful wildlife, including an array of birds and the rare sea turtles that come to nest each year. River and Sea Fishing are also a popular pastime. There is nothing quite like casting a line from either the Anna Maria Pier or the Rod and Reel Pier, historic landmarks on the island, where the scene is set to watch the manatees and dolphins meander past, or to fish at dusk, when the island proudly displays some of the most magnificent sunsets to rival anywhere in the world.

Shopping is a great way to explore the island, where you will discover everything from fine linens, clothing, antiques, and area artists' treasures such as paintings jewellery and sculptures. The City of Anna Maria has one of the finest full service marinas in the county and the Pine Avenue Restoration Project is due to bring exciting new shops and stores to this historic street in 2010. Holmes Beach shops stretch across a seven block section of the town and Bradenton Beach reflects is Bohemian roots, with it unusual blend of arts and crafts unique to the island.
 

What are some amazing things that your Concierge can arrange?

Being holiday rentals we don't have a concierge, but our Management Agents Sato Real Estate are wonderful and can help you organize many aspects of your trip. For example, recommending the best places to visit and where to eat. And, Beach Bums, which is a little Island rental shop on the corner of Pine Avenue is a great place to hire bikes and kayaks, and organize an eco-kayak tour with Captain Scott. Lauren, Diane or Charlie will help you by recommending and organising lots of different things for you and your family or party to enjoy on Anna Maria Island.

What is your hospitality philosophy?

"Laid back luxury." We offer the highest standard accommodation for our guests with our stylish and luxurious homes. But as is the culture of Anna Maria Island, our villas offer very laid-back living. Each home is set in the most wonderful location with beautiful surroundings, And inside, high tech equipment such as flat screen TVs and wireless internet, combine with an eclectic mix of styles and designs, with luxurious furniture, high quality soft furnishings and original artifacts and often, original paintings hand-picked by us from crafts people and the islands network of talented artists.

What makes your homes memorable and unforgettable?

The locations and the views that they offer our guests are truly unforgettable, in particular the dramatic sunsets across the Gulf that you will be enthralled by every night at Cherryfish and Limefish. But also the interior design and those special little touches that we bring to each home to make it unique. Such as quality, luxurious furniture, high quality soft furnishings and original artifacts and often, original paintings hand-picked by us from crafts people and the islands network of talented artists.

What will guests rave about to their friends and family?

As well as our homes, the Island of Anna Maria is a truly unspoiled, hidden gem on the West Coast. It's almost guaranteed sunshine, its exquisite beaches and the taste of Old-Florida make it a very special location.
 

What is the atmosphere of your properties? What types of guests do they attract?

Each of our 6 homes is unique and offers something completely different. Guests can choose from a dreamy beachfront home at Limefish, a romantic setting to capture the dramatic sunsets over the Gulf, or by contrast families, looking for direct beach-front access, and swimming pool facilities for a great family vacation. Elegant and contemporary Cherryfish, is a stunning, architecturally splendid beachfront home on exclusive North Shore. And Honeyfish our nautically themed home features a beautiful citrus orchard and a wide deck with panoramic views of Bimini Bay.

Lemonfish is a gorgeous Southern style 3 storey home for larger parties, with an expanse of open plan living space, including 2 reception areas, an elegant dining room for 8, and a games room downstairs with access to the swimming pool. Chillifish, is a delightful Bali-inspired cottage, decorated with the utmost attention to detail and surrounded by a garden full of palm trees, bromeliads and roses, with a luxurious decked swimming pool.

Plumfish is our newest addition, is a fun and fabulous 3-bedroom villa with views across the Hammock Bayou. A delightful, sky blue stilted villa, it is just 5 minutes walk to the beach.

What makes your properies a destination within themselves?

For those guests looking for complete relaxation to unwind, there is very little need to wonder very far from our homes. Every detail has been considered.
 

Can you recommend other destinations nearby that your guests should consider combining into a trip?

Anna Maria Island is part of Florida's Gulf Islands, tucked away on Florida's gulf coast in Manatee County, nestled between Tampa and Sarasota. The Gulf Islands consist of Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, which is a secluded barrier island with a high fashion shopping centre anchoring its south end. And the mainland areas of Bradenton and Lakewood Range, offering a melting pot of art, culture, world-class entertainment, attractions and shopping.

Anna Maria Island is easily accessible from all Florida International Airports. Approximately 55 miles from Tampa International Airport, 20 miles from Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport and approximately 2-3 hour drive from Orlando International Airport.

Therefore, all the amenities and attractions that Florida has to offer are easy to get too yet feel like a million miles away! Bush Gardens is an approximate 35 minute drive. Disney and Universal Theme Parks are approximately 2-3 hours drive. Daytona, approx 3.5 hours, Miami 4 hours and Fort Lauderdale 4 hours.