FORGET the commercialised Florida you’ll have seen on TV – all Disneyland and golf resorts. There’s so much more to this part of the USA, particularly if you head for the beautiful Florida Keys.

Amelia Island is a little piece of old-fashioned America, with traditional-looking properties and 13 miles of beach to explore.

The hotel: Elizabeth Pointe Lodge

Built in the 1890s and decorated with a tasteful maritime theme, the lodge is a beachfront paradise – a colonial style home with a wraparound porch, perched on a white sandy beach.

If you are looking for a break from typical  honeymoon resorts and have a sense of adventure and love of nature, this is the perfect place for you.

The lodge has 20 rooms and suites, a library and a sunroom for breakfast.

Accommodation:

Each of the rooms is individually decorated and includes an oversized tub, colour TV with DVD, radio, free Wifi, 24 hour room service, a queen or king-sized bed, bikes, beach chairs, towels, an umbrella, iron, ironing board and hairdryer.

Adjacent to the main house is Ocean House which has four larger suites with sitting rooms, jacuzzi tubs, a flat screen TV and private decks.

For complete privacy choose Katie – a quaint reproduction lighthouse built near the main house. The accommodation gives honeymooners a 360 degree sundeck and 180 degree ocean views. A seven night honeymoon package here includes welcome Champagne, a goodie basket, a dozen roses and breakfast each day at the Pointe.

Food:

Breakfast is included in your accommodation price, although other meals are available at the guest house too, with menus changing daily.

Complimentary refreshments are also served throughout the day, from homemade lemonade in the afternoon to wine and hors d’oevres at 6pm.

Nearby there are lots of places to eat, from sushi and tapas bars to classic French restaurants and grills.

Places to visit:

Shop at Amelia Island Plantation, Palmetto Walk Shopping Village, River City Market Place and Centre Street in Fernandina beach.

Go sky high with an aerial tour of the island.

Visit Fort Clinch State Park, an old outpost of beaches, nature trails and salt marshes.

If you’re a golfer try out one of the many courses on the island.

Take a romantic horseride along the beach

Explore the waterways of Amelia Island, Cumberland Island  and Georgia on a river cruise.

Head over to Fort George or Little Talbot for an eco-friendly Segway tour.