My husband and I are looking for our perfect vacation in Florida for sometime in April. We're looking for a secluded, quiet, relaxing area right on the beach. Also - great food and service would be a plus! Does that exist? Any resort or hotel suggestions that could live up to that? Thanks in advance for your help!!!

From what I've heard and read, this might be the place.
http://www.littlepalmisland.com/

Thanks, JoAnn - Little Palm Island looks like a paradise ... but REALLY pricey. ($700 + per night!) Is there anything a little cheaper? Here's to hoping ...

Tara, sorry, you didn't mention price-and I know it is pricey, that's why we've never been. I suggested to someone else to try www.rci.com It's a timeshare exchange company, but these resorts do rent their condos out. Go into their directory section and scout around. I know there are a lot of really nice sounding B & B's and Inns in the Keys--but beaches aren't the greatest there. Maybe something on Marco Island? Or around Naples, Ft. Myers area? Good luck.

If you want real secluded and not much else try Cabbage Key, off sw coast by Fort Myers. I don't have the exact url, but do a search with "Cabbage Key" that should take you to their site.

Have you considered the Ritz Carlton at Amelia Island? The location and the facility are gorgeous; it's about a 40-minute drive from Jacksonville airport. While the hotel is set by itself, it's convenient to the shopping, restaurants, and primitive state parks and undeveloped beaches of Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach. And while this is a resort area, it's not nearly so crowded as someplace like Miami or Daytona or Orlando. You might also check out The Inn at Little St. Simons Island, on one of the Georgia barrier islands, also a little more than an hour from either Jacksonville or Savannah airports, reachable only by boat. I haven't stayed there but it gets rave reviews for food, quiet, etc. and probably not so pricey as Little Palm.

My husband and I stayed at a place in Marathon, Florida called "Seascape" several years ago. Very nice and low key and definitely not too pricey. You can fly into Marathon and rent a car. Their web site is: http://floridakeys.net/seascape

Dear Tara

We went to Little Palm Island in September - it was excellent. But we also stayed at the Marquesa in Key West and the Moorings at Islamorada which cost less than half as much. I can particularly recommend the Moorings - especially if you want peace and quiet without being stranded. You feel as if you're miles from everywhere but you have local conveniences on the main road if you need them.

Happy planning,

Anna