Anna Maria Beach Resort Review: Florida Gulf Coast Island Paradise (2024)

I love the beach! It always feels like a great way to recharge. I mean, rest and relaxation are good, but the beach provides more than that! It provides inspiration for the soul. And I’m not just talking about the adventure of exploring new things. I’m talking about the awe inspiring beauty of it- when you feel compelled to cleanse all else from your mind and just soak in the gentle breeze on your sun warmed skin while you listen to the waves crash. Knowing that my mom hadn’t been to the beach in years, I planned a special mother-daughter beach getaway to help her get her vitamin sea! Anna Maria Beach Resort was a luxurious home base while we explored Florida’s Gulf Coast, Anna Maria Island. I share my Anna Maria Island resort review in detail below.

I partnered with the Bradenton Area CVB on a press trip to the Bradenton Gulf Islands. In addition to these Anna Maria Beach Resort Reviews, you may also like to read my Anna Maria Island reviews on what to do on Anna Maria Island and where to eat.

An Anna Maria Island Resort – Beachfront Luxury Anna Maria Island Accommodations

Anna Maria Beach Resort Review: Florida Gulf Coast Island Paradise (1)

Where is Anna Maria Island, FL?

Here is a Google Map Of Anna Maria Island, FL:

What Makes Anna Maria Island The Perfect Beach Vacation?

First, a quick bit about Anna Maria Island, Florida, in case you haven’t already heard of this fabulous Florida destination. Anna Maria Island is located on the Gulf of Mexico side of Florida, south of Tampa. This means you can enjoy the warmer and calmer waters of the Gulf. Anna Maria Island is a barrier island in Manatee County and it is part of the Bradenton area. They have a 3 story limit on all buildings so you don’t get overwhelmed by a concrete jungle of condos. That is why it is known as quaint Anna Maria Island. You will love the relaxed local feel. There is so much beautiful wildlife to see as well as unique shops, galleries and eateries. I love the cozy island feel. It reminds me of Key West but it is a lot easier to get to!

How To Get To Anna Maria Island

Allegiant Air runs nonstop flights from Nashville into the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport for as cheap as under $100 round trip! The airport is small so it is quick and easy to navigate and it is only about 25 minutes away from the Anna Maria Beach Resort. I got a rental car at the airport. Alternately you could arrange airport shuttle service with the Anna Maria Beach Resort or get an Uber or Lyft and then a bike rental while you are on the island.

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Anna Maria Beach Resort: The Best Place To Stay On Anna Maria Island

If you are on the hunt for Anna Maria Island hotels, you need look no further because I can tell you that you will love Anna Maria Beach Resort! Seriously, I have to admit that Anna Maria Beach Resort is the only place I’ve stayed on Anna Maria Island but I for sure want to go back because I can’t imagine a nicer spot to relax in luxury and convenience.

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Location

Anna Maria Beach Resort is located on Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach with beachfront direct access. They provide lounging chairs so you can pull those out onto the beach and kick back. You don’t have to rent the chairs or make reservations in advance, they are just at your disposal. I dig it!

Holmes Beach doesn’t have a lot of public access points so it is fairly private and so nice. Soft, white sandy beaches and lots of beautiful shells to collect! You have direct access to whatever water activities your heart desires.

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Anna Maria Island is about 7 miles of beach from top to bottom. From your Anna Maria Beach Resort beach access you can walk all the way north to the tip of the island (Bean Point Beach) about 2 miles, or south to Manatee Public Beach about 1 mile or even further. There are various places you could stop for a bite or drink right on the beach too! You will love the camera-ready sunsets at this white sands beach resort.

As far as island hot spots, you are about half way between the happening Pine Street Area and the Bridge Street area. It is a great central location with easy access to the wide range food, island beach shops, and galleries. There is much great local art too!

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Luxury

Anna Maria Island is a great beach destination- very laid back and very nice without being pretentious or exclusive. But when it comes to beach accommodations, there is nothing wrong with a bit of luxury! Anna Maria Beach Resort was just given a massive renovation in 2018 and that means guests get to enjoy totally new and fresh everything! The design is very modern, clean, and convenient with all the features that you could want (even USB-enabled nightstands for charging). The guest rooms decor is luxurious and high end. The lush tropical beauty and landscaping adds to the colorful, inviting visual appeal of the property. It is a great place to relax with everything you need nearby.

All of the comfortable rooms open out on the private pool area. The lower level rooms feature private patios while the upper level rooms feature private balconies. I loved the upscale comfortable beach furniture for relaxing on the patio and taking in the views. There is so much natural beauty to observe at this hidden gem of an island resort.

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You will love the bedding and the bathroom fixtures (like the deep tub and tall rainfall shower head). They have a safe and iron in the closet for your convenience. The rooms come with a mini fridge, Keurig, microwave and they even put a wine opener in there because they have you covered!

Anna Maria Beach Resort Amenities

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This Anna Maria Island resort is the perfect place to enjoy Gulf views and old Florida Charm. It features lots of great modern amenities.

Resort Pool

The over-sized resort heated pool is pretty fabulous. It features a zero entry side and is pretty to look at with its curvy shape. I appreciated the warm heated waters in the evenings during my November Stay.

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Hot Tub Jacuzzi

The hot tub jacuzzi is nice and large so several couples can get in and enjoy some conversation together without feeling crowed. I met a nice, young couple from Calgary in the hot tub as well as a couple who was there to celebrate their daughter’s wedding.

Cabana Seating

Anna Maria Beach Resort had lots of loungers around the outdoor pool but they also have an upscale cabana seating area for guests. Again no reservations needed and no extra feels- just at your disposal.

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Fire Pit Area

They have gas fire pit tables so you can gather with groups of friends or new acquaintances and enjoy a cozy evening outdoors listening to the waves crash.

Corn Hole Games and Over Sized Chess Board

Competitive by nature? Go ahead and get some fun games provided in the pool area.

Free Wi-Fi

So easy to hop on the free WiFi. No password needed!

Book Your Stay At This Anna Maria Island Resort

You can find out more or book your stay at theannamariabeachresort.com

I loved my stay at Anna Maria Beach Resort with my mom and I can’t wait to bring my family back for the perfect family vacation. I hope you found my Anna Maria Beach Resort review helpful. Let me know if you have any questions or tag me in your pics @familyfocusblog! #bradentonarea

Have you been to Anna Maria Island, Florida? Were you wondering where stay to stay on your AMI beach getaway?

As far as island hot spots, you are about half way between the happening Pine Street Area and the Bridge Street area. Great central location to all the food, shops, and galleries (lots of great local art).

Anna Maria Beach Resort Review: Florida Gulf Coast Island Paradise (11)

Luxury

Anna Maria Island is a great beach destination- very laid back and very nice without being pretentious or exclusive. But when it comes to beach accommodations, there is nothing wrong with a bit of luxury! Anna Maria Beach Resort was just given a massive renovation in 2018 and that means guests get to enjoy totally new and fresh everything! The design is very modern, clean, and convenient with all the features that you could want (even USB-enabled nightstands for charging). The decor is luxurious and high end. The lush tropical beauty and landscaping adds to the colorful, inviting visual appeal of the property. It is a great place to relax with everything you need nearby.

All of the rooms open out on the private pool area. The lower level rooms feature private patios while the upper level rooms feature a deck. I loved the upscale comfortable beach furniture for relaxing on the patio and taking in the views. There is so much natural beauty to observe at this hidden gem of an island resort.

Anna Maria Beach Resort Review: Florida Gulf Coast Island Paradise (12)

You will love the bedding and the bathroom fixtures (like the deep tub and tall rainfall shower head). They have a safe and iron in the closet for your convenience. The rooms come with a mini fridge, Keurig, microwave and they even put a wine opener in there because they have you covered!

Anna Maria Beach Resort Amenities

Anna Maria Beach Resort Review: Florida Gulf Coast Island Paradise (13)

This Anna Maria Island resort is the perfect place to enjoy Gulf views and old Florida Charm. It features lots of great modern amenities.

Resort Pool

The over-sized resort heated pool is pretty fabulous. It features a zero entry side and is pretty to look at with its curvy shape. I appreciated the warm heated waters in the evenings during my November Stay.

Anna Maria Beach Resort Review: Florida Gulf Coast Island Paradise (14)

Hot Tub Jacuzzi

The hot tub jacuzzi is nice and large so several couples can get in and enjoy some conversation together without feeling crowed. I met a nice, young couple from Calgary in the hot tub as well as a couple who was there to celebrate their daughter’s wedding.

Cabana Seating

Anna Maria Beach Resort had lots of loungers around the pool but they also have an upscale cabana seating area for guests. Again no reservations needed and no extra feels- just at your disposal.

Anna Maria Beach Resort Review: Florida Gulf Coast Island Paradise (15)

Fire Pit Area

They have gas fire pit tables so you can gather with groups of friends or new acquaintances and enjoy a cozy evening outdoors listening to the waves crash.

Corn Hole Games and Over Sized Chess Board

Competitive by nature? Go ahead and get some fun games provided in the pool area.

Free Wi-Fi

So easy to hop on the free WiFi. No password needed!

Book Your Stay At This Anna Maria Island Resort

Want to know more about this Anna Maria Island Beach Resort? You can find out more and book your stay at theannamariabeachresort.com

I loved my stay at Anna Maria Beach Resort with my mom and I can’t wait to bring my family back for the perfect family vacation. I hope you found my Anna Maria Beach Resort review helpful. Let me know if you have any questions or tag me in your pics @familyfocusblog! #bradentonarea

You are sure to have a great time at this luxury vacation resort. Have you been to Anna Maria Island, Florida? Were you wondering where stay to stay on your AMI beach getaway?

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Anna Maria Beach Resort Review: Florida Gulf Coast Island Paradise (2024)

FAQs

Is Anna Maria Island worth going to? ›

Anna Maria Island is one of the most well-kept secrets of Florida. There's truly something for everyone on this little slice of paradise, and all the best attractions are just minutes away from our Anna Maria Island rental homes.

What is the least crowded beach on Anna Maria Island? ›

Bean Point is at the northernmost tip of Anna Maria. So, you'd expect it to be easy to locate. In reality, it's one of the most private and secluded areas of the island. Because it's a little off the beaten path, it's been a hidden gem for many years.

Does Anna Maria Island get crowded? ›

It's no secret that Anna Maria Island is a tourist destination year-round, but there are times of the year when you can visit without the massive crowds. Winter tends to be the off-season for tourists on the barrier island. Fewer crowds can be the best thing that ever happened to your getaway.

What month is best to go to Anna Maria Island? ›

The best time to visit Anna Maria Island is all year round depending on why you are visiting. Our tourism score for weather is very high January, February, March, April, October, November and December. May and September are shoulder tourism scores with June, July and August half of May and September.

Is Anna Maria Island for old people? ›

Anna Maria Island is ideal for seniors looking for a relaxing and enjoyable trip.

Is Anna Maria Island expensive? ›

With lodging costing an average $294 per night for its most affordable double room, Anna Maria Island was Florida's most expensive spring destination and fifth overall in the United States, according to a survey by cheaphotels.org. Other Florida areas ranking in the top 20 were Key West at No.

Can you swim in the ocean at Anna Maria Island? ›

The only downfall to this amazing little spot is that swimming is not recommended because of the risk for strong currents and riptides. But you will find that most people go for the views and the tranquility.

Can you walk everywhere on Anna Maria Island? ›

In Anna Maria Island, you can walk almost anywhere. You can also take a bike or even better – hop on the free trolley that travels from Bradenton Beach through Holmes Beach to Anna Maria. It's the easiest way to see the entire island and you won't even work up a sweat.

Is Anna Maria Island a party town? ›

Anna Maria Island Specializes in the Laid-Back Party

Anna Maria Island's beaches are calm and serene, with plenty of spots for visitors to relax and soak up some Florida sun. There are a handful of live music venues but there's not the wild nightlife scene you'd find in bigger cities like Tampa and St. Pete.

Is the water clear on Anna Maria Island? ›

Whether you're ready for an energetic swim in the clear turquoise water or simply want to relax in warm, white sand, you're in luck when you stay in our beachfront accommodations on Anna Maria Island!

What is the closest big city to Anna Maria Island? ›

Sarasota. Sarasota is the 'big city. ' And it's only about 30-40 minutes from Anna Maria Island. It has all of the stuff that Anna Maria Island and Bradenton don't have when it comes to entertainment, shopping, and attractions.

Why am I coughing at Anna Maria Island? ›

What types of symptoms can people experience from red tide? -Indicators of exposure to red tide include eye, nose, and throat irritation. -Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath while on the beach or from the winds blowing onshore are also signs of symptoms of red tide.

Why do people like Anna Maria Island? ›

For generations, families have returned to Anna Maria Island for its powdery white sand, abundant nature, and old Florida small-town feel. It's no secret, but compared to more flashy Sunshine State locales, this little barrier island south of Tampa Bay feels like one.

What celebrities go to Anna Maria Island? ›

In the two decades since, AMI has slowly but steadily lost its “best-kept secret” status, drawing increasing numbers of tourists from around the country and globe, including occasional celebrity visitors (Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Cameron Diaz and Jared Leto are among the stars seen on the island).

What is so special about Anna Maria Island? ›

Boasting arguably the whitest and most pristine seven miles of beach in the US, Anna Maria Island on the west coast of Florida just south of Tampa is a coveted destination for Floridians and global travelers alike.

Is Maria Island worth a visit? ›

It feels like it has something to excite everyone – adventurers can go bushwalking or climb mountains or ride mountain bikes, history buffs have all that World Heritage convict history to experience at Darlington, as well as all the other historic buildings and ruins, nature enthusiasts have all Maria's wildlife and ...

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