The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort
Longboat Key, Florida 
800/4-COLONY; 941/383-6464

On an upscale island surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, your tennis-loving family will find a casual, comfortable colony where luxury and superb service flourish in a low-key, unpretentious atmosphere.

A combination of original beach cottages and purpose built, low-rise condos tucked behind palm trees house 208 one-and two-bedroom "villas" and 26 specialty suites and beach houses, where everyone in the family can have a space of their own. We've heard that some of these units are showing their age, but all boast amenities such as fully-equipped kitchens, separate living and dining areas, whirlpool baths and a sun balcony. The Colony's heated pool, 800 feet of private white sand beach, and warm, gentle Gulf waters provide for a full program of watersports from rafts to boogie boards and ocean kayaks, to snorkeling and Hobie Cat sailing. The state-of-the-art Fitness Center and Health Spa's relaxing steam room, sauna and whirlpool are complimentary to guests, with fitness classes, personal training, and additional spa treatments available for a fee. If you're not dining barefoot at the indoor/outdoor Monkey Room, buy your meal at the great on-site gourmet deli, where you'll often find kids on their own, charging fresh fruit, Popsicles and snacks to their parents' room. Be sure to treat your family to Sunday brunch in the award-winning Colony Dining Room, and adults to an unforgettable sunset meal surrounded by windowed-walls and views of the Gulf.

What about the tennis, you say? Yes, there are many reasons to vacation here, but The Colony has consistently ranked #1 for its tennis programs and instruction by experts, and certainly, for good reason. Everyone from beginners, to amateurs, to tournament players is equally welcomed, and tennis court time on 21 immaculate courts is always complimentary (reservations required). Tennis game matching is also complimentary for adults and juniors. Excellent clinics, private and semi-private instruction is available for all levels and ages above 3 years.

The Colony is incredibly geared to children. Parents can take comfort in knowing that local traffic observes a 5 mph speed limit and motorized boats are not allowed, so the beach, as well as the entire property is safe and quiet. The resort's childcare programs, granted the Seal of Approval by the National Parenting Center, are offered free every day from 9am to 4pm (with a one-hour break for lunch) and Saturdays from 6 to 9pm when pizza and a movie are offered for a fee. Kinder Kamp (ages 3-6) and Kidding Around (ages 7-12) provide fun-filled activities, free tennis instruction and outings by the intelligent, energetic 1st Aid, CPR and water-safety-certified staff. Additionally, during peak holidays, specialty programs for ages 9-12, 13-17 and for families together are offered. Babysitting is available with 24-hour advance booking, for a fee, with a three-hour minimum.

Afternoons or rainy days can be spent at nearby Sarasota's surprisingly wonderful John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and adjacent Museum of the Circus, the Mote Marine Aquarium, Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary and many of Longboat Key's waterfront eateries, like the favorite Pattigeorge's (PG's to the locals).