Known as the ‘Sunshine State’, Florida is known for its long, hot summers and mild winters, making it a popular year-round destination.
From palm-fringed boulevards and a golden coastline to the incredible selection of thrilling theme parks, it's the perfect place to enjoy a fun-filled villa holiday with all the family.
Villas in the best locations
Here at Oliver’s Travels, we love the fact that Florida has something for everyone. That's why our destination experts have hand-picked the best resorts and villa rentals in Florida in the most enviable locations – close to the theme parks, shopping, restaurants and other attractions. So, whether you’re here to experience the magic of Walt Disney WorldResort or just want to head to the beach for a tropical getaway, we've got you covered!
Florida Resorts
Unlike the rest of our collection, our villas in Florida are all based within resorts.
Resorts in Florida add another level to your villa holiday experience, offering swimming pools, fitness centres, clubhouses, golf courses and kids’ activities – so you can really live the easy, breezy Florida lifestyle.
Style and character are everything at Oliver’s Travels, and our collection of handpicked villas in Florida have this in spades. We have destination experts who know the ins and outs of all our regions, picking villas that aren’t only unique, but also in the best locations. What's more, our villas are 100% family-friendly, and have the ‘wow’ factor.
Our helpful concierge team are on-hand to make your stay extra special. Whether you want a fully-stocked fridge, a local in-house chef to cook your meals, housekeeping or any other extra service – consider them your holiday genie, who will happily grant your wishes.
Please note: we are currently offering a reduced range of villas in Florida as we review our property selection. Check back later in 2022 for the full portfolio.
Why visit?
Known as the theme park capital of the world, you can't visit Florida without a trip to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Busch Gardens or Legoland.
The year-round warm weather means can avoid busy summer crowds, enjoying Florida's soft sandy beaches, clear waters and incredible sunsets in early spring or autumn.
If you prefer your parks to be less man-made and more natural, you're in luck: Florida boasts many national parks for roaming around, as well as the world-famous Everglades.
It’s no secret that Florida is a family holiday hotspot: think golden sandy beaches, friendly locals on every corner and, of course, the mind-blowing theme parks. So, whether you’re a thrill-seeker or looking to enjoy a little TLC, Florida has everything you need.
When booking your villa holiday in Florida, we want to make it easy for you. That's why we offer both villas with pools to keep the kids happy, as well as resorts close to theme parks to minimise travel time.
Food and Drink in Florida
If you’re a seafood lover, Florida is the place to be. From delightfully fresh fish and succulent oysters to the famous shrimp and grits and spiny lobsters, get ready to feast like a king. And if you really want to dine like a local, why not give the gator tails a try? We’ve heard they taste just like chicken…
The Orlando theme parks also offer an impressive range of cuisine to sample. You can sip on wizarding butterbeer served at Islands of Adventure's Hogsmeade, dine inside a castle at Disney's Magic Kingdom, and enjoy eating and drinking around the World Showcase in EPCOT.
What Oliver loves
Florida ticks all the boxes for every age, meaning you can plan multi-generational villa holidays and there'll be something for everyone.
Best time to go
The best time to visit Florida is between January – April as this is outside rainy season, the temperature is pleasant, and the crowd levels are lower (particularly at the theme parks). However, if you’re looking to visit South Florida, temperatures and crowds are higher at this time of year.
The rainy/hurricane season lasts from June – November, when Florida is at its hottest and most humid. However, if you plan a trip around the cooler end of October and start of November, you'll get the chance to celebrate both Halloween and Christmas at the theme parks - a perk worth planning around.
March is Spring Break season, where a lot of college students and tourists head to Florida to let their hair down and party! So, if that’s not for you, you might want to avoid visiting at that time of year.
Top tips
If you’re driving, buy a SunPass from one of Florida’s welcome centres, supermarkets or pharmacies. You need to top this up for using at the cashless toll roads - otherwise, you’ll get a bill when you arrive home.
Tipping across America is customary and always expected. 15-20% is the norm, but make sure to check your bill as sometimes gratuity is already added.
Florida Resorts
Our villas in Florida are all within resorts across Orlando, allowing you to enjoy the laid-back, chilled lifestyle that the state is well-known for. Coming with plenty of amenities and on-site activities, plus the privacy of your own place, the whole family is catered for. Plus, they’re all located just a short distance from Walt Disney World Resort.
Some of the activities and facilities in the resorts:
Clubhouses are the heart of any resort, and you’ll find one in every resort we offer. The exact facilities will vary, but restaurants, bars, cafes, pools, function rooms and fitness centres are all common.
Resorts often benefit from at least one communal pool, but depending on which resort you stay in, you’ll find lazy rivers, waterslides, jacuzzis and, sometimes, stylish cabanas by the poolside (complete with pool bars!)
Resorts are naturally family-friendly, so you don’t need to worry about keeping your kids if you go off to play golf! From playgrounds to games arcades, they’ll easily find something to occupy their time - whether they have the energy to do so after the excitement of the theme parks is another matter!
Orlando is quite often referred to as a golfer’s paradise, so you’ll easily be able to find a good place to tee off. Many resorts in Orlando have golf courses, with some specially designed by world-famous golfers - Greg Norman is the big name behind Champions Gate. Even if your resort doesn’t have a golf course, it won’t be far away from one!
Discover the Resorts
Check out our top resorts to discover more about the activities, restaurants and services each of them has to offer.
With private holiday homes complete with living and dining areas, you’ll have all the comfort of your own place with the convenience of the resort facilities: golfing, dining, spa, swimming pool, and kids’ playground, to name a few.
Completely relax in this luxury resort, either in your own private villa rental or in the cabanas by the pool. With a clubhouse, waterpark and international and national golf courses (designed by Greg Norman) this family holiday to Walt Disney World Resort can be for everyone.
Less than an hour from the airport, Providence Resort ticks a lot of boxes. 24-hour gated security, an 18-hole Championship golf course, 2 swimming pools (complete with waterslide) and a clubhouse means you have plenty to occupy the family outside of the parks.
A resort that’s sure to impress everyone – this gated community of exclusive villas looks more like a suburb than a resort. It was newly developed for 2018 and features a zero-gravity wave pool, pool bar, sports courts, restaurant, and even a surf simulator!
A resort that offers the best of both worlds – a therapeutic retreat whilst also still being close enough to the parks. It boasts luscious surrounding greenery, a clubhouse, lazy river, jacuzzi and cabana-fringed pool.
There are loads to keep you and the family occupied at Storey Lake Resort – mini golf, kayak rental, tiki bar, fitness centre, on-site dining, waterslides and loads more. Plus, it’s only 17 miles from the airport and 2.5 miles from Lake Buena Vista Outlets and Disney Springs.
With easy access to the Interstate, high-quality golf courses and shopping centres, Watersong Resort is in a great location. Its woodland and lake-filled surroundings, grand clubhouse, pool and spa mean that although you’re on a busy theme park holiday, you’ll still have time to chill.
Located in family-friendly Kissimmee - and an easy drive to the beach - Windsor at Westside is a short distance from most parks and boasts a clubhouse, lazy river, pool, gaming arcade and fitness centre.
This resort-style community is located just off US Highway 27 South, meaning it’s an easy drive to the theme parks. The Clubhouse is huge, and includes a beach area, sun-decking, pool, waterslide and plenty of fitness/sports.
This is the perfect resort if you’re looking for a theme-park-filled holiday, as they offer a complimentary shuttle service to the parks. All our villas for rent have their own pool, and you’ll have access to the water park, arcade, restaurants and so much more!
This family-friendly resort is within 6 miles of Walt Disney World Resort and offers luxury apartments and private pools to keep the whole family happy. There’s something for everyone including a 5-acre water park, spa and the championship golf courses on-site.
Things to do
You’ll never be stuck for things to do in Florida. While the theme parks are some of the best in the world, that's not all the Sunshine State has to offer. From sensational beaches and breathtaking state parks to a glimpse into mankind's journey into space, a villa holiday in Florida has something for all the family.
Top activities in Florida
Voted the number one beach in America by TripAdvisor, Clearwater boasts soft white sands and clear shallow waters that make it perfect for a relaxing afternoon of sunbathing and splashing around with little ones. However, if they start getting restless, head to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium: it's home to Winter the Dolphin, whose prosthetic tail made him the star of the Dolphin Tale movie.
One for the stargazers of the group, Kennedy Space Centre is sure to amaze aspiring astronauts of all ages. Get involved in the simulators for a realistic space experience, have a feel of genuine moonrocks, watch a shuttle launch or speak to one of the veteran NASA astronauts.
With over 100 exhibits, WonderWorks makes for a very special day out. This topsy-turvy building sits upside down, with the ceiling under your feet. Once you've explored all the exhibits, head down to the basement for a family Laser-Tag battle!
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of central Florida, head down south to Fury Water Adventures and explore nature’s own water park at the beautiful Key West. From snorkelling and Jet Ski tours to dolphin watching and parasailing, there's something for everyone. And if you're not into water-sports, how about a romantic sunset cruise to end the day on a high?
If you're looking for an adventure that doesn't involved theme parks, the caves at Florida Caverns State Park are sure to wow. Take a tour through the underground rooms, go for a hike, or even camp over night. If you plan your trip on a hot summer's day, you can even take a dip in magnificent Blue Hole Spring.
Oliver's Hidden Gem
Take a day trip to Miami to experience the wonders of the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. This natural gem will treat you to lush rainforests, outstanding views, a sunken garden and a rare plant conservatory.
Every 5 years, watch out for the rare phenomenon that is the blooming of the amorphophallus titanum: this enormous, smelly plant emits an aroma of rotting flesh to attract pollination. It may not sound luxurious, but this unique experience is sure to be a hit with kids.
From the blog...
If you're mainly interested in experiencing the thrills and spills that Florida has to offer, check out our blog on the best theme parks in Florida.
We'll even sort the tickets for you, so you can sit back and really relax ahead of your villa holiday in Florida.
Theme Parks
No matter your age, a trip to Orlando will always be one you'll remember forever. The city is known around the world for its field-defining theme parks, exciting attractions and immersive lands, making it the perfect place to visit as a family.
The area boasts over a dozen theme parks, keeping kids entertained throughout the entire day and even into the night. If rollercoasters are your priority, don't miss Universal Orlando's Rip Ride Rockit or Incredible Hulk Coaster. Fancy yourself a future Jedi? Disney's Hollywood Studios will be your favourite with its Star Wars-themed Galaxy's Edge expansion.
We’ve got a whole page dedicated to all things Walt Disney World - take a look for opening times and other useful info.
We take care of everything - even the tickets!
If you wait to purchase tickets to the theme parks while you're out there, you may be in for a financial nightmare - prices start from £120 a day, per person (non-combos).
But don't worry: as avid Florida fans, we have all the insider knowledge, so we're here to take care of your theme park tickets and everything else in between! If you have any questions about our Florida villa holidays, our concierge team are on-hand to help you out.
The easiest way to get to Orlando is to fly into Orlando International Airport, which has direct flights from most UK airports and airlines, and is only 6 miles from the centre. You can also fly with some airlines to Orlando Sanford International Airport, which is 27 miles from the city centre.
Buses
Public LYNX buses run from Orlando International to various areas of Orlando, Florida – Downtown, Florida Mall, and International Drive. However, you won’t find public buses from Orlando Sanford.
Car rental or taxi
You’ll find plenty of car rental companies at both airports if you’re looking to do a self-drive holiday, or alternatively, you can hop in a taxi.
Because there’s so much to do in Orlando, particularly if you’re visiting the theme parks, we recommend hiring a car. Our concierge team can help you organise this.
This means that you’re not restricted to the areas immediately surrounding your resort, and you can easily travel to the parks or nearby beaches. This will also help you get from the airport to your resort easily.
If you’re visiting the theme parks, you’re able to park in one of the designated car parks. Note that once you’ve paid to park in one of the car parks, you don’t need to pay in any of the other car parks – although it’s recommended to use the in-park transportation instead of hopping in and out of your cars (this will also save a lot of time.) The parks have a variety of options to get from park to park, including buses, water taxis, ferries and a monorail service.
Top tips
Want to travel around Downtown Orlando without a car? LYNX buses run LYMMO, which is a free circular route with 21 stops.
If you’re not going to hire a car, but need an easy way to grab some groceries before heading to your resort, Quiksilver do 30-minute shop runs from the airport before dropping you off at your resort. Just be sure to reserve in advance.
The I-Ride Trolley is an easy way to visit all the attractions on International Drive, and you can buy unlimited passes. If you’re paying for single rides, bring exact change with you as drivers don’t carry cash. It's $2 for a single ride, $1 for children aged 3-9, and 25c for senior citizens.
Our team of wedding consultants are here to help! Whether you are looking for a traditional Chateau in France, a rustic and romantic Farmhouse in Italy or a good old-fashioned Grand Manor Estate in the English countryside, our team will help you find the right one for you. Although personalised and bespoke, this service is also complimentary. Give our specialists a call today or fill in the form below and they will get back to you!
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Oliver's Charter
Hand-Picked by Our Destination Experts
They have all lived in the country that they look after. And with an average of over 15 years' experience in their area, our Destination Experts have the ultimate insider secrets.
Oliver's Seal of Approval
We ensure every house meets the 10 demands on the 'Oliver's Essential Checklist'. From WiFi and hot tubs to the less tangible 'unique characteristics', only 2% make the cut.
Outstanding Quality & Value
Quality and character nab the top spot when it comes to adding to our portfolio, but great value for money is a close second, with all our villas going through a thorough competitive analysis.
