cd

We originally thought Hawaii but have ruled that out. Then we thought Florida Keys but after researching found there are very few oceanview's from your balcony there, lots of canal rentals, so have now ruled that out. This is what our priority is:
Balconey or patio overlooking the ocean.
Cute, unique, historic town.
Fresh seafood to prepare in our condo.
Beach and nature trails to walk.

WannabeinaMontserrat

You're going to be looking at the Caribbean or Mexico. You may want to post this on the Caribbean board.

Marginal

I would have thought Hawaii would have met your priorities. Why did you eliminate Hawaii?

cd

Marginal
We just returned from Greece and Turkey and a 10hr flight from JFK to and from. We determined we've had it with 10hr flights. I hate, hate, hate them. For 10 hrs the women in front of us laid their seats back, played with their long, full hair and were just annoying. We could not watch tv because people did not lower their shades and you couldn't see the screen. Babies, being babies, cried and the only excercise was going to the bathroom. Even with the earplugs and pillow, could not sleep. We both decided unless we could fly first class,(which we can't) no more then a few hours in a plane from now on...thus, eliminating Hawaii.

Have I told you how much I hate flying?

cd

Wannabe
I'm not against going to the Carribean if someone has a great place they have stayed, but am hoping to find something in Florida that would fit the bill, thus permitting us to drive and visit some site's the week before and the week after the monthly rental.

WannabeinaMontserrat

We go to Amelia Island every January, but the weather can be dicey. I have been in the water there that time of year, & I've also had fires going. It certainly meets your criteria. www.ameliaisland.org or www.ameliaisland.com.

Ackislander

Naples or Marco Island, Florida

Gulf views from your balcony are available in each.

The weather is reliably warm. Naples has more golf, more upscale restaurants and shops and is nearer to the airport; Marco is great if you have visiting grandchildren and is closer to the Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands if you would like to charter fish.

Naples has the more active cultural life, but both have good libraries, classical FM radio, and beautiful beaches.

mrsd2fan

You're wrong about the Keys....look again. We stated at Cocoplum Beach and Tennis Club in Marathon and the view of the ocean was unbelievable!
cocoplum.com

Gekko

South Florida ... from Tampa south.

TC

We go to Cozumel, Mexico each February. Its only about a 3.5 hour flight. From our balcony I could literally toss something into the amazing aqua blue ocean. We eat seafood at nearly every meal, snorkel and dive every day. Love it. Check the Latin American board.

Orlando_Vic

I think St. Augustine would meet all your requirements, particularly oceanfront condos. The beach would be Crescent Beach, about 15 minutes south of the historic district.

For possible condos to rent, peruse some of these:

www.cyberrentals.com
www.greatrentals.com
www.a1vacations.com
www.vrbo.com
www.ivacation.com
www.findvacationrentals.com
www.valuevacationrentals.com
www.vacationrentalsonline.com
www.vacationrentals.com
http://www.springvacationrentals.com
http://www.saintaugustinerentals.com/condos-homes.html
http://www.rentalconnections.com/

However, you may want to start here first:
http://www.anastasiacondos.com/
http://www.coastalrealtyfl.com/index.asp
http://www.beacherslodge.com/

I wouldn't wait too long to inquire. I rent my 3BR/2BA oceanfront condo for 3 months each winter and it is already taken for 2009.

Good luck!

cd

Wanabe,
I will look more into Amelia Island because I want to visit St Augustine again. I just wanted something warmer. Old bones ya know...

Ackislnder,
I will look closly at Marco Island. It might be too expensive for me.

MrsD
Cocoplum is definitely too expensive for me, over 2000. a week. But thanks!

Gekko
I figured to get warmth, I would have to go south of Tampa, and I do like that area, can you think of anything that has not only oceanfront, but parks and nature?

Tc
I would fly 3.5 hrs of fly time, where do you stay?

Orlando Vic
I do want to visit St Augustine again, I think I would like to stay a day or so on the way to someplace warmer.

Thanks so much everyone!!!!

TC

We have a condo at Coral Princess resort. It is about 1.5 miles north of the little town of San Miguel. Condos here can be rented either directly from resort or through various tour operators, such as Apple Tours.

www.coralprincess.com

Good general information sight about the island:

www.cozumelmycozumel.com

TC

http://pictures.aol.com/galleries/corbinco2/

I hope this works. Above should be a link to some photos of Cozumel that I have posted. They are Carnival, our condo, and some taken underwater while snorkeling or diving. BTW: Carnival is the last week of February in 2009.

We have found that one must go this far south to be "guaranteed" nice hot sunshine in February. Even southern Florida can be cooler.

Gekko

Fort Desoto is a beautiful beach with tons of hiking/nature.

nytraveler

In Fl in February there's no guarantee f weather warm enough for what youwant. The keys are the best choice. Much further north and you risk the weather being too chilly.

cd

Just an update. We went back to Hawaii. I know, I know, that dang 10hr flight! But, I will have a layover in SF which will help! Just rented a house in Mahaka right on the ocean for a month. Can't wait!

cd

Opps, Makaha