Florida Guide > Accommodation
Chillin’ at the villa
Your Florida holiday really is what you make of it. Theme parks, shopping and golfing are what Orlando is famous for and they are all great, but… I recommend that you spend AT LEAST one day just chillin’ at the villa.
Just as you wouldn’t buy park tickets then not use them, it would be crazy to use your villa purely as a base. Most of the villas have the essentials such as a pool and sun deck, games room, television and DVD player, CD player, games console and internet access. Make sure you take full advantages of all these luxuries.
A typical ‘home’ day could be the following…
Wake up, cook breakfast (make sure you have plenty of provisions so you don’t have to go to the shops), then go for a leisurely dip in the pool. Dry off, apply plenty of sun screen then lounge on the deck for a couple of hours. Read a book whilst enjoying the glorious morning rays. Or, if you are not a reader, go for a cat nap whilst working on your tan. Just remember to turn occasionally to make sure you get an all over tan! If you get too hot, simply back into the pool or go inside for a snack whilst enjoying the cooling air conditioning.
Come lunch time, whilst the sun is highest is the sky, have a lovely light lunch; maybe with some locally produced fruit – refreshing and yummy. Enjoy this indoor as gaze out to the beautiful sunshiny day, or eat al-fresco by the pool.
If you are a techno-head and need your internet fix, now is a good time to go online. Email your friends back home and let them know what a fantastic time you are having. They will be insane with jealousy, especially if your villa has wireless access and you are surfing by the pool! Your internet access is also great for planning other activities, checking opening hours and getting travel directions.
If you have children with you, there are so many things to keep them amused and entertained. Kids like nothing better that splashing about in the pool. Leave them to it while you soak up the sun on your lounger or join in for some frolicking and games in the pool.
Fill your afternoon by doing absolutely nothing. Put on the CD player and listen to the music of your choice whilst you recharge your batteries and enjoy the sunshine beating down on you. In the late afternoon, maybe go for a walk around the neighbourhood. Take in the beauty of the plant life in the streets and gardens. If your home is in a conservation area or has lakes or ponds, enjoy the view (just remember to watch out for the gators! ).
If your villa has a barbeque or outdoor grill, throw some chicken or steak onto it and prepare your evening meal with a lovely fresh salad and other barbeque staples. Alternatively, why not phone for a take out? My personal favourites are Papa John’s pizzas and Ace Chinese. Then enjoy your meal by the pool as you watch the sun go down.
There’s so much to keep you and the children amused as day turns to night. Break out the games console and have fun playing on that. Most villas will have a small supply of games for your use, or you can hire them from a local rental store, simply by producing a credit card and photo id (such as your passport or driving license). Or, make use of the games room by having a tournament. Most villas with games rooms will have a pool table and air hockey. You are guaranteed to have good times with these; just remember – no cheating!
As your day draws near to an end, why not curl upon the sofa and watch a DVD movie (again most homes have a supply or you can rent). If you prefer to just watch television, the cable packages available in most rental homes are very good. You should be able to catch some episodes of your favourite US shows that you usually watch back home. And if you really lucky, it might even be a new episode or series for you as the US are usually ahead of the UK on these.
Finally, a night cap out on the pool deck or even a late night swim with the pool lights on, will bring your perfect day to a close and leave you refreshed and ready to have a busy day shopping or at the parks tomorrow.
Your ideal ‘home’ day may be different from the picture I’ve painted here, but you get the idea. Do what you enjoy to make the most of your day chillin’ at the villa – you won’t regret it.
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