Explore unique Florida

Sunny Florida: the land of sun, sea and sand - but there are other dimensions to explore as well. In the Everglades, snakes and alligators slide through swamps. Drive along the Florida Keys and swim with friendly dolphins. Whether its relaxation at a day spa in Florida, a fun-filled family holiday or a romantic trip with your loved one, consider Florida for your next trip away.



Alternative Florida



Mansions built by entrepreneurs such as Henry Flagler are now museums or art galleries, while Miami Beach’s art deco district hosts an annual festival and weekly walking tours. When you want to chill out, there are ultra-trendy bars and restaurants, hotels where hospitality has been raised to a fine art and luxury spas where you can have your muscles massaged into submission.



Culture

Native Americans made Florida their home long before it was discovered by Europeans. The first settlers to arrive in 1564 were French, but were soon outnumbered. The Spanish, British and American all fought for supremacy, with the US winning in 1821. Tourism began in earnest in the late 1880s with the establishment of railroads, which brought the wealthy down to enjoy the winter sun. Today "snowbirds" continue tradition. Theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Sea World, the excitement of the Kennedy Space Centre and abundance of fantastic hotels and spa resorts have also fuelled the boom in visitor numbers.



Shopping

Florida has it all. Palm Beach’s Worth Avenue is one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets, where chauffeurs wait outside designer boutiques. There is elegant Mizner Park and huge out-of-town factory outlet malls with suitcases stacked next to sequinned eveningwear. Many shopping centres stay open late. Keen prices usually mean designer goods top most shopping lists, along with jewellery, housewares and electronics.



Entertainment and Nightlife

See a Broadway play, a Las Vegas-style show or just sit at an open-air café and people-watch. The Florida State Fair in Tampa in February has alligator wrestling and the Jacksonville Jazz Festival in October attracts international stars. There's world famous theme parks for kids, stunning spa retreats in Florida for adults and beaches for all. A trip to Florida is guaranteed to create sunny memories which promise to be simply unforgettable.



Climate

Warm all year round. The western Gulf Coast has an average of 361 says of sunshine a year. Orlando, further south, can be uncomfortably hot and humid in mid-summer. The hurricane season runs from 1st June to 30th November.



Not to be missed

An airboat-trip round the Everglades, sunset at Key West and the Kennedy Space Centre. Also worth a visit: the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach, Miami Beach with its art deco buildings and numerous excellent bars, restaurants, shopping areas and spa resorts.



How to get there

Many major airlines fly direct to Miami and Orlando. If you’re visiting Florida’s west coast, check flights to Tampa.



To browse our collection of hotels please visit www.ghotw.com.