A Much-Needed Getaway

Sometimes a vacation is nice. It’s great to look forward to and to enjoy a little mix-up in the daily routine. Other times a vacation is needed. When your insides are screaming for escape from your nine to five, when you can’t imagine cleaning one more mess or making one more meal, and when everything your husband says drives you crazy, yep, you’ve got a bad case of vacation deficiency. I was stuck deep in those toxic waters when I realized that it was time to escape, and escape we did to the turquoise waters and white, sandy beaches of beautiful Anna Maria Island in the Bradenton area of Florida.

It was a long-weekend getaway and the moment I stepped off the plane in the Sarasota Bradenton Airport I stepped out of stressed mom, wife, worker-bee mode and into vacation mode. Upon check- in at Tortuga Beach Resort, an Anna Maria Island Resort Property, we immediately felt the worries of the world wash away with the warm gulf breeze and the lush tropical surroundings. Our studio had a gorgeous beach view, was stylishly decorated, and had the most luxurious bathroom with double-showerheads and a jacuzzi. The pool was surrounded with comfortable lounge chairs and a multitude of palms, and the easy walk to the private beach offered beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas along a quiet stretch of ocean.

After soaking up the rays on day one, we asked the concierge for a dinner recommendation and happily took his advice to try the Anna Maria Oyster Bar. It was full of old-school charm, served up delicious margaritas, and my Salmon Oscar was perfect. Just a word to the wise—go hungry, it’s quite the bang for your buck! We treated ourselves to breakfast the next morning at the new Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier and had just as wonderful an experience!

Day two of vacation bliss included a couples beach massage from Searenity Beach Spa in a tiki hut right on the beach! Think cool ocean breezes, the sounds of waves crashing on sand, the smell of lavender and lemongrass oils, and all that built up stress slowly being kneaded away. The rest of the weekend was eat, drink, beach, pool, and sleep on repeat. Our Anna Maria Island getaway was just what the doctor ordered and we’re still reaping the benefits months later. The next time I feel that vacation-deficiency building up again I know just what to do.