Holidaygoers in search of a peaceful getaway would not necessarily put Florida on their shortlist. But as DAN KEEL discovered, an unspoiled hidden gem exists away from the Mickey Mouse t-shirts of Orlando and the Hawaiian shirts of Miami.

AS YOU watch the orange sun glows disappear behind the Gulf of Mexico after a relaxing day on Sanibel's beach, there is every chance a pod of dolphins will join the party with a few acrobatic tricks.

In fact after a few days on this beautiful island it’s easy to take the dolphins for granted - such is the incredible wealth of wildlife in this region.

And it is this very marine life which ensures Sanibel remains so stunning.

Local authorities are fiercely protective of turtle nesting habitats while enforcing hugely complicated planning restrictions and a strict three-storey limit on buildings.

News Shopper: Castaways' beach cottage are spacious and fully kitted out

Residents are asked to keep their porch lights off at night between May and October to prevent turtles from mistaking people's homes for the moon and taking a stroll in the wrong direction.

Dropping litter attracts extremely high fines while speed limits (as a low as 25mph on some main roads) ensure alligators can safely cross the island’s handful of roads.

But for those of you who shudder at the thought of sharing your temporary home with the snappy reptiles, fear not - any alligator over five-feet long is swiftly despatched to the safety of the nearby Everglades National Park.

All of this combines to ensure Sanibel remains a stunning yet peaceful setting for a relaxing break away from the throngs of noisy tourists. In fact if you are particularly keen to escape the 'Brit abroad' then this is the place for you, as most of the island's visitors are Americans or Canadians.

It is no wonder that many a Hollywood star has set up camp here. Johnny Depp has a home in neighbouring Captiva Island with other celebraties returning year after year.

But for most of the non-actors on Sanibel the main attraction appears to be sea shells which are arguably the best on the planet.

News Shopper: A great blue heron

Thanks to a wide underwater shelf, the Gulf gently washes up the likes of conch, whelk, cockles and scallops from the Caribbean onto the island's shores.

Don't be surprised if you see scores of hunters shuffling slowly along the white beaches - head down and back hunched - in what is cheekily known as the 'Sanibel stoop'.

Meanwhile, pelicans, ospreys, egrets, herons and vultures circle overhead with the incredible manatee a mere 15-minute canoe trip out into the island’s stunning bay.

WHERE TO STAY

Castaways Beach and Bay Cottages, located towards the northern tip of the 12-mile long barrier island, offers cottages and motel units overlooking the beach or the marina for between $109 and $449 a night.

Canoes can be rented while there is a small shop and range of restaurants within walking distance.

Staff are extremely helpful and friendly while the accommodation is spotlessly clean and contains everything you could possibly need.

News Shopper: The lobster brisque at The Sunset Grill was superb

Once back home you can relive your holiday by checking out the resort's 24-hour webcam!

The neighbouring Lazy Flamingo bar-grill offers a mixture of meat and seafood dishes at reasonable prices along with a lively bar area and lots of TVs.

For a more relaxing but pricey setting, head to the The Sunset Grill. The lobster brisque starter is stunning, as is the steak confit.

Visit castawayssanibel.com for more information.

SANIBEL FACTFILE

A nine-hour direct return flight to Miami from London Heathrow costs in the region of £680 with Iberia airlines or Finnair.

Cars can be hired from the airport. The drive to Sanibel takes around 2hrs and 45mins.

News Shopper: White pelicans and dolphins can be seen in the island's marina

Average temperatures range from 23C to 26C in winter (November to March) and 28C to 32C in summer (April to October) One big perk is Sanibel's perfect location tucked away on Florida’s west coast.

Note: For those of you in search of that perfect American sunset out to the west, you don’t need to fly all the way to California as there is a beautiful one just across the pond on the country’s eastern shores in Sanibel.