Choose Florida's glittering Gulf Coast if you yearn for unspoilt and un-crowded white sand beaches (offering superb sunsets) - but want to be within easy reach of sophisticated resorts whose shops, restaurants and elegant mood offer a delightfully relaxed and welcoming holiday setting.

Appealing Naples is a city and beach resort with an informal yet stylish charm, a wealth of chic boutiques and galleries, and exceptional recreational (golf especially) and entertainment facilities. It's just a two-hour drive from Fort Lauderdale and Miami, and four from Orlando. Along the northern stretch of the coastline, near Sarasota, lies Longboat Key - one of a chain of beautiful barrier islands, stretching for 10 miles and boasting many exclusive tennis and golf resorts.

Further south, 75 miles from Miami on the scenic 140-mile-long Overseas Highway that extends from the Florida mainland to the deep blue waters of the Gulf is peaceful Islamorada, set among some of the finest fishing waters in the world. And at the haunt of conquistadors, pirates and shipwreckers - and Ernest Hemingway! Today it's a picturesque resort with quaint old streets, a relaxed atmosphere, tempting shops, restaurants and galleries - and superb diving and snorkelling.