On Bradenton Beach at Anna Maria Island, this is a segment of the “Gulf Beaches Story”. Watch the entire video of Bradenton Beach at videoofannamariaisland.com with host Lisa Codianne Fowler; produced by Charles Robert Neuf.

History and Travel on Anna Maria Island, Florida, narrated by Lisa Codianne Fowler. “Video of Anna Maria Island.com” is a Rich Media site exploring the old and the new on Anna Maria Island. The video is produced by Charles Robert Neuf and is part of the Gulf Beaches Story. Check it out at videoofannamariaisland.com

Join us on a not-so-ordinary sailing trip throughout the British Virgin Islands. Of course, the islands are gorgeous. But so are the owner-operated boats that comprise the membership of the Charter Yacht Society of the BVI. This non-profit organization represents the cream of the crop – both in vessels and crew.

We spent two nights each aboard Nutmeg Charters, Blue Bayou, and finally on land at the Sugar Mill Hotel – a luxury boutique resort at once in the hills and on the shores of Tortola. The best part?  The people. We made lifelong friends from all over the world.

Travel video produced by Lisa Codianne Fowler

While local Mariachi bands are a year-round treat in Riviera Maya, the area becomes a sizzling spotlight for jazz luminaries at the annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival each November. We were among the priviledged journalists permitted to get up close and personal with the likes of Al Jarreau, Sergio Mendes, Pat Martino, Spyro Gyra and other national and international acts. We were also enthralled with our headquarters… Secrets Maroma Beach Resort; our new favorite upscale, all-inclusive respite from reality. Admittedly, the other guests were younger – mostly honeymooners. But the incredibly romantic ambiance made us feel like newlyweds.

Travel video produced by Lisa Codianne Fowler

From denizens of the deep to divas of the media, the IFWTWA Conference at Sea on Holland America’s ms Eurodam was a multi-sensory delight. Enlightening workshops and wine tastings at sea punctuated ports of call that included Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay. Beautiful, historic and sizzling hot meccas all.

Of course, the cruise ship is a destination in itself, complete with culinary school, computer workshops, fitness center, luxury spa, theatre, nightclub, casino and more.

If your idea of Paradise is an uninhabited island with fishing, crabbing, boating and bonfires, you’ll be in hog heaven at private Eagle Island. Just 15 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and 10 minutes from the Intercoastal Waterway, the island is accessible only by boat, ensuring privacy as well as anonymity.

It’s a naturalist’s wonderland; 10 acres of wildlife habitat punctuated by the rustic yet luxurious lodge, the quintessential headquarters for becoming acquainted with friends feathered and finned.

Perched amid the glitzy high-rises on Longboat Key lies Forgotten Florida. The Sandpiper Inn is reminiscent of “the good old days” – when the only sounds heard were laughing gulls and lapping waves. You can do as much or as little as you please. We opted to embrace the sun, sand, sea and quiet. And to enjoy the companionship of our canine kids at this pet-friendly paradise. Grill on the barbeque, and/or savor the fresh seafood at The Beach House and at Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub (named the best place to meet a millionaire!). I don’t lay claim millions nor to a millionaire. But I can tell you that our time here was absolutely priceless.