Holmes Beach, Florida
Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club
An Autograph Collection Hotel
What it is
An Old Florida-inspired getaway of homey condos and villas, with a 50-slip marina, a heated outdoor pool and activities like parasailing and sunset cruises.
What it isn't
Outfitted with a spa. But with insider access at Acqua Aveda just a few minutes walk away, you won’t miss it.
What we think
There’s something about Florida that welcomes all visitors with open arms, and that counts doubly true here. Guest rooms are all set up so you can stay a while, with the comfy touches of home—including a separate living room, dining area and fully equipped kitchen that would keep even a vacationing Ina Garten happy. Amenities are geared for cozy nights in, with pillow-top mattresses and robes and slippers ready for lounging while perusing the room service menu. Need to spread out more? The resort offers plenty of private home rentals, all of them maintained by Marriott to their impeccable standards.
You're here because
You’ve had deep sea fishing on your bucket list for ages, and Waterline can hook you up with topnotch pros—so you can bring home the bacon of the sea (tarpon, trout, redfish, snapper, kingfish and more).
The Moment
After a few cocktails, dusk has settled fully over the water, turning the sky near the horizon line a tawny pink. You stroll down to the Anna Maria City Pier—built in 1911 and still looking practically brand new—and dip your toes in the lapping water. Island time, indeed.
Restaurants & Bars
Eliza Ann’s Coastal Kitchen - Seafood
Beach Bistro - French cuisine
The Sandbar Restaurant - Seafood
The Beach House Restaurant - Seafood
Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub - Seafood
Ginny's & Jane E's - Eclectic cuisine
Eat Here - Spanish cuisine
Poppo's Taqueria - Mexican cuisine
Hurricane Hank's - Pub food
Sign of the Mermaid - Eclectic cuisine
The Waterfront Restaurant - Seafood
The Feast Restaurant - American cuisine
Two Scoops Ice Cream Parlor & Coffee - Ice cream shop
The Donut Experiment - Pastries
Location
Just a 20 minute drive from Tampa on comparatively sedate Anna Maria Island (yes, that’s a free trolley scooting down the entire span of the island).