Suntan Terrace

You come here for the beach first, and the property does not make you work for it. Suntan Terrace is a three-star resort in Nokomis with direct beachfront access, a private beach area, sea views and an outdoor pool that stays open throughout the year. There is also a sun terrace, so your choice after a day outside is straightforward: swim, sit down or do absolutely nothing for a while.

The layout suits couples, families and divers who prefer a place with room to spread out rather than a standard hotel box. A shared lounge, outdoor seating, garden areas and picnic spaces give you somewhere to sit beyond your accommodation, while free private parking keeps the arrival uncomplicated if you are driving. Pets are welcome too, which may matter more to some travellers than another decorative lobby.

You are in Nokomis, on Florida's Gulf Coast, with Nokomis Beach just a few steps from the property. North Jetty Beach is about 700 metres away, while Venice Beach and South Jetty Beach are roughly 1.5 miles and 1 mile away respectively. Caspersen Beach is about 4.5 miles from the resort.

For food and a change of scene, Shark Tooth Beach Concessions and Pop's Sunset Grill are both around 450 to 650 metres away. Irene's Pub is about 1.5 miles away, and Starbucks is roughly 1.8 miles away. The surrounding area also gives you practical alternatives to the beach: Pocono Trail Preserve is about 2 miles away, and Venice Theatre is 3 miles from the resort.

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is about 18 miles away, with a drive of around half an hour. Punta Gorda Airport is the more distant option, at about 32 miles.

The accommodation works particularly well when you want the option of staying in rather than going out again. Some units include kitchenettes with a refrigerator, microwave, stovetop, toaster, coffee machine, dining table and kitchenware. That gives you somewhere to keep cold drinks, prepare something easy and avoid turning every hungry return from the water into a restaurant expedition.

For two, the King Studio keeps things focused around a super-king-size bed. Couples who prefer more living space can look towards the Apartment, while families have larger choices, including ground-floor accommodation and a Superior King Room sleeping up to six. Family rooms are available, and balconies appear among the accommodation features, giving you a little more breathing room when the room itself is not quite enough.

Air conditioning and a fan are available for the night, with heating for cooler periods. Rooms also have private entrances, wardrobes, linen, a laptop safe, an iron and a flat-screen television with cable channels and streaming services. Private bathrooms include a shower or bath, towels, toiletries and a hairdryer. Free WiFi is available in public areas, which is useful for checking tomorrow's plans without making the room the centre of the evening.

You have a self-catering set-up here. Accommodation with a kitchenette includes a fridge, hob, microwave, toaster, coffee maker and the crockery you need to put together breakfast or a simple meal. A dining table gives you somewhere proper to sit — better than eating dinner standing at the sink.

Outside, a dining area, picnic tables and a barbecue extend this restaurant-free arrangement. You can also walk to nearby places to eat, including Shark Tooth Beach Concessions and Pop's Sunset Grill, a few tenths of a mile away. For a quick coffee, Starbucks and Dunkin' are approximately 1.2 miles and 1.2 miles away.

The outdoor pool is the obvious alternative when you want water without sand. Sun loungers, beach chairs and umbrellas let you settle in properly, while the private beach area is only a few steps away. The sun terrace, patio, garden and outdoor furniture add several places for the important work of drying off and watching the light change.

If sitting still becomes too ambitious, fishing is available on site, and bicycles can be hired. Canoeing is available away from the property, and a golf course lies within about 3 miles. That is enough variety for a non-diving day without turning the resort into an activity timetable you have to obey.

The outdoor areas are also arranged for easy, informal meals: picnic spots, an outdoor dining area and barbecue facilities are available. A shared lounge with television gives you another place to retreat when the heat has done its job and the evening calls for a chair rather than another excursion.

Check-in runs from 3 pm and check-out is by 11 am. The minimum age for check-in is 21, so this is worth checking carefully when several generations are travelling together. Children of any age are welcome, and a cot can be requested for children aged between 0 and 2; extra beds are not available.

Free private parking is available on site without a reservation, including accessible parking. Private check-in and check-out are available, and laundry facilities are offered. WiFi is free in the public areas. Pets are allowed, with charges potentially applying, so your four-legged travelling companion can join the beach routine.

Keys Huka Dive is about 300 metres away. That is close enough to keep the resort practical for a diving holiday while leaving you with your own beachfront base for the rest of the day. If you are flying in, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is the nearer airport at about 18 miles; Punta Gorda Airport is around 32 miles away.