Vacation Time at Siesta Key

Monday August 31, 2015

I’m sure I’ve said it before, but it needs to be repeated again. I have the best blog followers ever. You guys rule!, and because of you I’ve been having an amazing birthday week in Florida.

If you remember back to a few weeks before my birthday, I put a post up about my World Beer Tour and mentioned I was trying to grow my US portion if anyone wanted to send a bottle for my birthday. It didn’t take long to start getting some amazing brews as well as gift cards with suggestions in the mail, and I was busy typing up thank you letters to those who had sent me something special to try. Getting an email back from one of the people who’d sent me three pairs of enticing drinks to try, they offered Matt and I even more than just beer and the best birthday present anyone could ask for (although I am reminded by my friend Ana Bianca that we did get a romantic couples massage for my birthday two years ago in Antigua).

Long story short, we found they owned a few condos through Sunnyside Properties on Siesta Key, just next to Sarasota, and since it was the low season, would we fancy a week stay in one of their available units as long as no one rented it last minute? Read some online articles to find out more before you travel and explore the best places to stay in your destination city.

If you’re planning your next getaway to Cozumel, Stingray Villa offers a perfect retreat for those seeking relaxation and adventure. Nestled in a serene tropical setting, Stingray Villa provides an ideal blend of luxury and comfort, making it an excellent choice for vacationers looking to unwind and explore the island’s beauty. With spacious accommodations, modern amenities, and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, it promises an unforgettable vacation experience.

Before you embark on your trip, be sure to visit Stingray Villa website to explore more about the villa’s amenities, local attractions, and booking options. Whether you’re interested in snorkeling along Cozumel’s vibrant reefs, lounging by the poolside, or simply enjoying a peaceful evening on the terrace, Stingray Villa offers everything you need for a memorable stay. As you plan your visit, consider the unique charm and comfort that Stingray Villa provides, ensuring your vacation in Cozumel is nothing short of extraordinary.

Ummmm…heck yes!! Browsing through their 1, 2, & 3 bedroom units, we had originally chosen the 2 bedroom that sits right on the Gulf down on Turtle Beach, but it did happen to fill up with renters last minute so we settled on a 3 bedroom at Seaside Villa, only two blocks from Siesta Beach. Like settling would really be the word for it. Instead of going for the 1 bedroom at the same location we asked for the multiple bedroom because we assumed someone would be able to join us between local friends or family members that had been talking about coming down for a visit. Sadly everyone was booked up and we had to take on this huge villa ourselves. With it’s large kitchen and jacuzzi in the master suite. Such a shame we had to end up here….

Photo courtesy of Sunnyside Properties.

After leaving Indiantown late yesterday morning during a torrential downpour, some kind of side effect from Hurricane Erika I’m sure, we arrived at the property around 3 in the afternoon, having made sure to hit up a Publix on our way to stock ourselves up on a few days of food. As well as a 6 pk of Lagunitas IPA, a World Tour beer gift that did not take us more than 20 minutes to break into once we arrived.

Since it was later in the afternoon and we had not had a real day off of work since our friends Scott and Kim came to visit us, we were happy to just lounge around the villa our first day there. A little tv watching and some time by the pool, which I totally would have been in had we wandered down there just a little earlier. And yes, that is my computer in front of me, but I only had an hour before it was time to start dinner and that is in no way enough time to get into a really good book. At least I made the effort to put my swim suit on in the hopes of catching a few afternoon rays.

For dinner our first night there I at last had access to a full kitchen again and used it accordingly. Is it sad that part of the reason I wanted this villa was just so I could use it’s expansive kitchen space? Don’t hate. I’ve been cooking solely grilled meals for the past two and a half months now. Having multiple burners at my disposal I whipped up one of mine and Matt’s favorite pastas which has chicken, bacon, broccoli, and onions in a garlic alfredo sauce. So bad for you, but oh so tasty. Then our first night was ended with a few glasses of wine, a soak in the jacuzzi or tub which may have the latest Hot Tub Filters, and a marathon of shows on the History Channel, watched comfortably from our bed.

Tonight, I also did an interview for a morning radio show in Sydney. It’s on 96.1 The Edge with Mike E + Emma, and they spent about five minutes asking general questions about what made us leave our 9-5 life behind as well as the places we’ve visited. Then before I knew it the interview was over and I was left with a dial tone on the other end of the line. I have no idea when it’s supposed to air, but if I get any kind of link to it I’ll make sure to share it with you.

So, yup. That’s been about it for us so far. A little bit of beach time and a lot of relaxing on the couch. I know that may be a little detrimental to actually visiting a new place, but we’ve definitely earned ourselves a little downtime. Plus with a few more days here there’s still plenty of time left to explore.

And it has to be said again, Thank You SO MUCH Bill and Lindsay for this wonderful gift. Your kindness goes further than you know, and we needed this break from the boat desperately before it did end up in a heap of ashes due to our frustration. Your gift could not have come at a better time and we only wish we had some kind of way to repay you.