36 | FLORIDA HOMES MAGAZINE
V
Vibrant tropical foliage and alluring architecture can be
found on Davis Islands, the archipelago recognized for its
premier location, convenient access to downtown Tampa and
its remote, exclusive appeal. Surrounded by cr ystalline Gulf
waters, the prestigious enclave is home to some of Tampa's
most famous residents including Derek Jeter who built a nearly
40,000-square-foot compound solidif ying it as the largest home
in all of Tampa.
Davis Islands is a scenic, landscaped retreat, blending vintage
Florida ambiance with Mediterranean revival structures dating
back to the 1920s. Adding character to the area, Davis Island
Beach is Tampa Bay's only off-leash dog park and beach.
Luxur y waterfront homes are graciously poised along Davis
Islands' canals with sailboats adri and water way cabanas that
display distinctive charms. Maintaining the island 's Old World
splendor, early landmarks including the Palace of Florence, once
a seasonal hotel for the Davis Islands elite, now a nationally
protected historic apartment building. With its own airport
and seaplane basin, Davis Islands offers unrestricted, yet select
access and provides gorgeous views of the port. e Davis Island
Yacht Club, a private, members only establishment, adds to the
area's opulence with an active sailing race schedule and regional
boating events. While Davis Islands' developer, David P. Davis
is said to have had eclectic intentions for the inlet (he wanted to
create a Florida version of the Great Gatsby), its
current day offering is reflective of a once
dynamic moment in time.
WHERE TO EAT
Cafe Dufrain, a water-
front, New American
restaurant, uses
organic, locally grown
ingredients and offers
a preferred selection
of beer and wines for
the tasteful consumer.
cafedufrain.com
WHAT TO DO
Famous People of
Tampa Tour. Take a
water taxi tour for an
up close look at the
home's of Tampa's rich
and famous. Other
tours include the
Dolphin, Harbor and
Sunset Tour. Guests
may bring and con-
sume adult beverages
on the tour, as long as
they are legal age.
water taxitampa.com
PLACES TO STAY
An extension of the
Starwood Hotel
Group, Aloft is an
eclectic downtown
Tampa
hotel just steps
from Davis Islands,
Riverwalk, the Tampa
Convention Center,
nightlife and shopping.
starwoodhotels.com
The
newly
opened Aloft hotel
in downtown Tampa
has a hip, contemporary
vibe and colorful
modern design
palette.
DAVIS ISLANDS
D
est inat ion
