AV306
08/17 … The view takes your breath away!Left on Aug 28, 2017 for a stay in Aug 2017My husband and I (and our two fur babies) had an absolutely wonderful vacation. The unit was very comfortable and completely supplied with everything we might need. The view was stunning not only from the balcony but from the living room! It was truly a fantastic week! – P Lynn
5/13/16 … Visit: May 7-11, 2016.This was an amazing paradise! My wife and I booked this at the last minute. This is the first time we have rented a beach front condo, and we were a little gun shy doing things completely online. However, Rick was very responsive and alleviated all of our concerns. We brought two teenagers, two energetic younger boys and a kennel-trained dog. My wife said this was the BEST Mother’s Day she ever had. We loved being able to see the white sands and hear the waves off of the balcony. An ever-present breeze kept things balmy.
The Aqua Villa condo unit is literally right on the beach. You walked to the back of the property and out of the gate, and you were on the white sands that the Emerald Coast is famous for! It was quiet and peaceful. The outoor pool ranged from 2.5 feet to 8.5 feet deep, and was crystal clear and well-maintained. Two standard park-style charcoal grills were installed by the pool, and there was an ash bucket as well as cleaning brushes. Although there were many things to do and see in the Destin area, we mostly enjoyed being on the beach and enjoying the white sands and turquoise waters.
PROS: We stayed in Unit #306, which had the front window adjacent to the balcony window, offering a clear view of the sand, water and sky. Two bathrooms allowed for minimal to no waiting. Showers worked well.
The beds and couches were comfortable, and outlets in each room allowed for charging of multiple electronic devices. A/C worked VERY well. Large refrigerator/freezer allowed us to plan a menu for the days we were there, including LOTS of grilling. Dishwasher worked well.
Beach toys, umbrella and two beach chairs were available in the bathroom closet and in good condition.
Tom Thumb convenience store was within walking distance from the condos, and had everything from hats to charcoal and swim gear/goggles as well as beach toys and drinks/ice.
Publix (grocery store equivalent to Albertons’/Krogers’) was within 5 minutes drive.
CONS:
Stores shut down around 10pm, so plan accordingly.
Prices for groceries/gas are expensive in this area.
The mini-vacuum in the unit was missing a few pieces and didn’t hold a charge very well.
OVERALL RATING:
FIVE STARS!
Jeff and Lolli (and family)
From Houma, Louisiana
10/14 … Stunning
Left on Oct 12, 2014 for a stay in Oct 2014
3 people found this review helpful
Beautiful condo right on the beach. Plenty of room for the whole family. Kitchen had everything we needed to feed all seven of us, all we had to do was hit the grocery store and we were ready for a great vacation.
2/22/12 … Our first family visit to the gulf. We stayed Aqua Villa #306. We loved it! We had a great vacation. Look forward to returning. - K Lord
2/17/12 … We had a wonderful stay in AV306! The
views of the beach were amazing and
waking up to the sound of waves was so
soothing. We were so happy to have
found a place where our dog could stay
also. She loved it just as much as us -
she couldn't get enough of laying on the
balcony! We would absolutely
recommend staying here. - Lacey
4/24/10 … We had a fantastic stay in Fort Walton Beach! We arrived the week after spring break, the weather was absolutly the best all week long. Really hated to leave. I don't know who enjoyed the balcony more, my husband and I, or our two Shelties. The view was amazing! Hope to get back sometime soon. - Angie & Lloyd
11/19/09 … We had a very relaxing week in your condo the week of October 10-17, 2009. The sunsets were spectacular. The beaches were like flour. We had some nice waves early in the week, and hot temperatures too. We will definitely be back! - Della Ciampone
5/28/09 … My family stayed in this condo the last week of April. We had wonderful weather, especially when it was raining the whole week at home. The condo was so bright and comfortable. The views were amazing. We really enjoyed sitting on the private balcony and listening to the waves at night. We really enjoyed the week and would love to come back again next year. - Virginia Gammons
2/22/09 … This was a wonderful experience, did not want to leave this beautiful place, like heaven on earth, even on a rainy weekend, would stay again, hopefully longer next time! - Melissa Pitt
1/5/09 … Aqua Villa #306...wow, what amazing views! Nicely decorated condo right on the beach that allows dogs...how can you beat that? We had a wonderful time. Our 2 pugs loved to lay on the balcony and watch the waves and people on the beach. Thank you for allowing us to bring them. - Jessica
10/1/08 … We enjoyed our stay very much! We really enjoyed how close to the beach the condo was located. It was nice to get up in the a.m. and walk right onto the beach w/ a towel and a smile. - Brooke Beck
9/30/08 … AV306 was a great condo with a fantastic view. You are close enough to the water to hear the waves. We saw the Dolphins every day. Anything I would want changed would be for the complex to open up the side yard for pets. - C Flowers
9/22/08 … Hello again,Just wanted to say what a wonderful time we had. Even after the winds of Hurricane Ike it was still beautiful and the weather was great. We had the best time. If you want someplace to relax this is it...Also if you want to be very active you can do that. We chose to relax and watch the sun rise and set and enjoy the waves washing up on shore and walking the beautiful white sand beaches. What more can you ask for. Thank you again for allowing us to stay in your home. We want to return again next year (Good Lord Willing). There are some friends of ours that are interested also, sure will pass it along..Thanks again and see you next year. - Fred and Victoria
9/13/08 … We just returned from what was a great week and we want to thank you for letting us stay in your marvelous condo - AV306!! The unit has absolutely beautiful views! There is everything in the condo that any vacationer could want or need. The weather was fabulous until Hurricane Ike started churning the Gulf on Wednesday. We had many great meals: Old Bay Steamer was fun and the food was good; Fisherman's Wharf; and our favorite, Staff's. We also had a great meal and good service at Captain Dave's in Destin despite the bad reviews we had read on line.
Thank you also for allowing the dogs and they also enjoyed the balcony!!
We certainly hope to make a return visit new year.
September 13, 2008. - Pat & Jerry Carter
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9/1/08 … AV306: This was our second stay at this condo and as we expected it was WONDERFUL! We saw dolphins on more than one occasion in the morning. The kids enjoy catching the little white crabs after dark using flashlights.
We were disappointed that the Destin Diner wasn't open anymore but we had a wonderful lunch at The Crab Trap and an awesome breakfast at Another Broken Egg.
We were a little concerned that TS Faye was going to dampen our vacation but we had a wonderful week weather-wise. It was PERFECT!
We will definitely be back to visit again....Thanks for sharing your home! :)
Thanks for letting us stay there! :)
Sincerely, - A Dzioba
7/23/08 … My husband and I sat in the living room every afternoon during the young kids nap time and kept looking out and saying "It's so beautiful". No one in their right mind will want to leave this condo (#306). You dont have to bring anything for the kitchen. We had 2 teenagers with a bad attitude and left them in the spare room with peaceful results. There are games and some toys but who needed them with all the sand? The closet in the master is huge. The only downfall is that I dont own that condo =) - Pam, Broken Arrow, OK
5/19/08 … My husband and I stayed in AV#306. It was home away from home. The island and beach was not crowded like Destin. We never travel without our pet so the pet friendly policy a definite PLUS!!!! Hassel free correspondance with the owner. Will stay here again! - Vanessa, Atlanta,ga
10/20/07 … We stayed in unit 306 at Agua Villa,
The beach is clean and breath takingand the view from our unit was the best. We watched to the sunset in the afternoon and had coffee on the balancy in the mornings. Great Stay! Thanks for sharing your home. - Caroline Hopkins
10/17/07 … We really enjoyed our stay, and so did our cats. Weather was great except for the last two days, but we need the rain so badly we didn't care! Thanks for making room for us on such short notice. - Pat & Jim
10/12/07 … The weather was great, beaches were beautiful, condo was very comfortable with a great view. Our grandchildren enjoyed the pool and plauing in the ocean. We would like to come back. Thank you for opening your home to us. - Caroline & Ben H
10/5/07 … Thank you for allowing us to stay here. What a great view! We enjoyed walking on the beach and watching the dolphins play. The waves were huge! It rained one day, but only very briefly. We were fortunate that we had good weather! Our Westie liked it too. He liked standing on the balcony to watch the seagulls! After watching the sunset, we would grab flashlights and patrol the beach looking for crabs. Great food in FL! Great view! We had lots of fun! - Sue & Steve
10/1/07 … We stayed in Aqua Villa unit # 306 the last week of September 2007. Our main reason for selecting this property was its pet friendly policy. We found the unit to be very nice, with a great location and beautiful view. The private balcony is a great plus. The guest bedroom can easily sleep 5-6 kids; the bedding in that room is very accommodating for a large family. We plan to stay in this unit again and again for years to come.- Keith Holt, Manchester
9/29/07 … Wonderful place. Everything worked great. Beautiful views. Saw the dolphins. Our 3 yr old daughter and our dog loved it all. We'll be back soon. - Keith & Karen H
9/26/07 … I want to thank you so much for sharing your condo with us. It was the most awesome vacation we have had. The view was so GORGEOUS from AV306. I could have stayed there forever. We were so relaxed and peaceful. We felt right at home as soon as we entered. It has everything you need and so clean. We want to return as soon as we can and will definitely go back. The dolphins put on a show for us every morning. The sunset was spectacular. The water and the colors of the water was so serene. The view from the 2 balconies was such a sight from the living room sofas along with the sound of the waves reaching the shore. What more can I say. We had a wonderful time. Thank you again. - Fred & Victoria
9/22/07 … Thank you for allowing us to stay in your home. We had a wonderful time. The view is fantastic. The weather was perfect. We felt at home and relaxed. We took a trip on the glass bottom boat at sunset. The dolphins put on a show for us. The condo is very clean - no problems. We do want to come back - we really love it here. Thank you again.- Fred & Victoria
9/16/07 … We had a wonderful vacation! The view was gorgeous and the location was perfect for us. Will more than likely stay with you again! Thanks! - Christy
9/6/07 … Very nice Condo. Right on the beach with beautiful clear water. Has beachside service for rentals of small boats for reasonable price. Has beachside umbrellas and chairs. Just can't say enough....family enjoyed it very much. A+++++++++++++++++++ - Steven, Valley, AL.
8/22/07 … We had a great few days. The kids loved the beach and the pool. If you have kids, take a flashlight to the beach at night and look for tiny white crabs, lots of fun for the kids. Lots to do in the area, very family friendly atmosphere. Destin Diner was very good ... We did the glass bottom boat and some parasailing. I wish we owned a condo here. We definitely want to return. Thanks for the comfortable stay. - Ed & Andrea D.
8/18/07 … We had a great time. There were a lot of very nice people here. We made great friends. My girls really enjoyed the pool. ... Watch for the dolphins at day break - that's when they come out to play. - April & Tom
8/11/07 … We had a lot of fun, and we don't want to leave. There's lots of things to do. It was very comfortable here, and we had a great view of the ocean. The pool was very nice. It was warm every day. Thanks! - Kathryn & Frank
8/8/07 … Aqua 306 was a great place to stay for the entire family. It was located in the middle of things but yet not among the crowded beaches. The condo was equipped with all the kitchen appliances that was needed and the decor was very pleasant. The pool was geat for the kids and adults. I would highly recommend this condo and plan on returning in a few more summers! - Karen, Moody, TX
8/4/07 … We enjoyed the use of your condo during our stay here -your decor is beautiful. We loved the small crowds at the beach and the convenience of the location to bigger towns. The fishing was great. We highly suggest the Suzy Q with Capt Jim and his 1st mate Larry. They were great with our kids of all ages. - Anonymous
7/27/07 … Our whole family found our unit to be very roomy & tastefully decorated, but that wasn't the highlight. Our veiw from our balconies was exceptional, we could see dolphins from there everyday, along with plenty of sea gulls & even pelicans (I've never noticed that many in Destin before, which was always a disappointment). I LOVED the fact that I didn't have to cross a street to get on the beach & it was very clean (no seaweed). We were also much closer to all the places we like to visit than I thought we would be (shops & dining). Last but not least, we were thrilled to be able to take our 3 beloved Yorkies. The whole experience was great & I will recommend it to everyone I know. We're hoping to go back next year as well. Thank you so much. Chris & Dave Matthews & children - Chris & Dave Matthews
7/21/07 … I don't want to leave. Having a condo "on the beach" was the greatest. The view was spectacular ... we could easily see the dolphins from our balcony most every day. Even plenty of sea gulls & some pelicans too ... moreso here than in Destin. Eventhough it was cloudy the day we arrived, the entire week couldn't have been more perfect ... nothing but sunny skies & clear water. ... Thank you so much for letting us stay here & for letting us bring our beloved yorkies. We all hope to come back next year. - Chris & Dave M
7/16/07 … The place was great! It was very convenient to the pool and the beach. We definitely will stay there again. Watching the dolphins play in the morning was an added bonus.Thanks! - Jackie, Louisville, KY
7/7/07 … his place is very family friendly and comfortable. Thank you so very much for letting us stay here. We had a few days of rain but sunny most of the time. The view is perfect! We want to come back. - F & M
6/2/07 … Thank you for the cozy condo!! Very homey & comfortable!! Loved the view - right on the beach!! Our pug, "Rocky", loved the beach at a public area for animals and had to make him get out of the water. The condo was well equipped - thank you!! ... We really enjoyed our stay!
(Note: The pet friendly "public area" referred to here is likely Rocky Bayou State Park. Our beaches do not allow pets. –Owner) - Jimmy & Sally M
5/18/07 … Relaxing week. Wonderful close beach, clear water (no jelly fish!!!) Condo fine ... wonderful view. We enjoyed being able to bring our Westie. We enjoyed the area, beaches, etc. We enjoyed seeing Seaside, FL - watch the Truman Show before you go. Parasailed and dolphin boat too. - Hilary & Marlene V
4/28/07 … We had a very relaxing week. The view was spectacular, the weather pleasant, and the beach was wonderful. We had the pleasure of watching the dolphins on several mornings. Wow!!! Thanks. - Barbara B