DESTINATIONS THE US | FLORIDA


stay WHERE TO


POLK COUNTY Solterra Resort


The villas in Davenport, just south of Orlando, feel like a relaxed home-away-from-home with each property individually decorated by its


owner. With the largest villa sleeping up to 28, Solterra Resort is perfect for big groups or


those who want the flexibility of self-catering. The resort’s amenities include a heated pool, lazy river, fitness centre and sports courts. solterraresort.com


The Terrace Hotel Lakeland


First opened in 1924, this 88-room art deco hotel in Lakeland has hosted famous guests including Frank Sinatra and Henry Ford. Due to its age and history, all rooms are unique in shape and size and some have lake views. The shops and restaurants of Lakeland are a walk away. From £121 per night for a King Room. hilton.com


CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Peppa Pig World; downtown Lakeland; Frank Lloyd Wright architecture at Florida Southern College Campus PICTURES: 2021 Snap Out Loud Photography, LLC/Chris Stephenson; Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing


vibrant places to eat and drink on their doorsteps. There’s plenty in Polk County to attract adults


travelling without children, from Bok Tower Gardens to the largest single collection of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s buildings at Florida Southern College Campus. Advise clients to book a tour here to understand the genius behind the architect’s methods, such as how the layout of the buildings were designed to direct which rooms you spend your time in.


Couples will also enjoy its sophisticated dining scene. Latin American restaurant Nineteen61 in Lakeland is buzzing even on a Monday evening, serving up dishes such as traditional Peruvian paella with scallops, shrimp, clams and lobster.


MUDDY PUDDLES But in recent years, Polk County has worked to appeal more to families. Joni Allen, tourism industry sales manager at Visit Central Florida, says: “We’ve completely flipped the market. We used to be an older market but we’re more of a family destination now and we’re really pleased. Peppa nailed that.” The Peppa Pig Theme Park opened in 2022 next to Legoland Florida Resort, on the site of the former Cypress Gardens, and a new Sea


30 23 APRIL 2026 Peppa Pig Theme Park is


a Certified Autism Center, with sensory guides for all rides and quieter spots


Life Florida Aquarium that opened in June 2025. Smaller and less crowded than some other Florida playgrounds, the Peppa Pig Theme Park is perfect for children under the age of six. After queuing for mere minutes, I test out Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster before posing with Peppa herself at a meet-and-greet. As a Certified Autism Center, there are sensory guides for all rides and plenty of quiet spots to take a breather, including an air-conditioned cinema room. Legoland itself has more than 50 attractions and a water park. Pre-teens will love its rides and Miniland USA, with recreations of everything from Bok Tower to the Daytona race track made out of colourful blocks. Away from the theme parks, Bok Tower Gardens also has a dedicated children’s garden, while Bonnet Springs Park – Polk County’s largest


PARADISE COAST Naples Bay Resort & Marina The Naples Bay Resort & Marina maximises


its surroundings – all 87 rooms and suites have balconies and a waterfront view. Guests have access to the Naples Bay Club next door


where there are five pools, a spa, sauna, steam rooms, a gym and tennis courts, while Naples’ 5th Avenue is close by. From £140 per night for a King Superior Waterway Room. naplesbayresort.com


Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa Set on a beautiful stretch of powdery sand on the Gulf of Mexico, this laid-back resort has 310 rooms and suites, a pool, gym and spa.


Sit looking out over the ocean at its restaurant The Deck at 560 or snack on lighter bites from its 560 MKT grab-and-go market. From £190 per night for a King Room. hilton.com


Hilton Marco Island


² travelweekly.co.uk


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