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La Buena Vida - Ready for Guests, November 2024!

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Photo gallery for La Buena Vida - Ready for Guests, November 2024!

A heated pool
A heated pool
Exterior
TV
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 81897 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Hot Tub
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Pool
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Anna Maria, FL
  • Bean Point Beach
    7 min walk
  • Anna Maria Beach
    7 min walk
  • Bradenton Beach
    7 min walk
  • Sarasota, FL (SRQ-Sarasota-Bradenton Intl.)
    37 min drive

Room options

About the neighborhood

Anna Maria

With a stay at this vacation home in Anna Maria, you'll be on the waterfront, just a 4-minute walk from Bayfront Park and 7 minutes by foot from Bean Point Beach. .This vacation home is 14.2 mi (22.9 km) from IMG Academy and 0.3 mi (0.6 km) from Anna Maria Beach.

What's nearby

  • Bean Point Beach - 7 min walk
  • Anna Maria Beach - 7 min walk
  • Bradenton Beach - 7 min walk
  • Anna Maria City Pier - 12 min walk
  • Anna Maria Island Museum and Historical Park - 16 min walk

Getting around

  • Sarasota-Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Rod & Reel Pier - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Two Scoops - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Sandbar Seafood & Spirits - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪The Waterfront Restaurant - ‬13 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

La Buena Vida - Ready for Guests, November 2024!

Welcome to La Buena Vida!
On Anna Maria Island (Anna Maria, FL)

La Buena Vida is a luxurious 3-bedroom waterfront home on Anna Maria Island, featuring a heated pool, spa, private dock, and easy access to bayside and Gulf beaches, plus shops and restaurants on Pine Avenue.

HIGHLIGHTS:
- Private Heated Pool & Spa: Relax in the heated pool or unwind in the spa, perfect for year-round enjoyment.
- Private Boat Dock with Canal Access: Direct canal access with an 80-foot dock—bring your boat or watch the wildlife.
- Bedrooms:
2 King Master Suites with En-Suite Baths & TVs
- Both master suites feature king-sized beds, private baths, and flat-screen TVs for ultimate comfort.
Custom Bunk Room (Twin/Twin/Queen)
- A fun and spacious bunk room with two twin beds and a queen, perfect for families or friends.
- Spacious Deck with Outdoor Seating: Enjoy the island breeze and stunning views from the large deck with comfortable seating.
- Porch for Relaxing: A peaceful, bug-free space to relax, eat, or enjoy the island atmosphere.

Kitchen
Stove, Oven, Microwave, Refrigerator/Freezer, Coffeemaker (12 cup), Keurig, Blender, Crock Pot, Toaster, Kitchenware

Outdoor Area:
Heated Private Pool & Spa, Grill (Gas), Covered Patio Area w/ Outdoor Seating

Laundry:
Washer/Dryer

Parking:
2 Cars in Driveway, 1-2 Cars in Garage

AMENITIES:
A/C, Heat, Cable Television, Wireless Internet, Linens, Towels, TV's, Hair Dryers, Iron/Ironing Board, Beach Towels

Beach Access:
From the corner of Poinsettia and Fern, walking west on Fern will bring you directly to the beach access. 5-minute walk.

Beach Gear Equipment (Provided by VayKLife Gear):
Assorted beach gear items may be onsite but not guaranteed. Every reservation now includes a credit towards personalized beach gear rental included with your stay (chairs, cart, umbrella, bikes, coolers, games, and so much more). Simply make selections prior to your stay and we will have at your home for you!

DESCRIPTION:
Open Concept Living & Dining
Upon entering La Buena Vida, you'll immediately notice the bright and airy open-concept living space. The living area is designed for comfort and relaxation, featuring a large L-shaped couch, additional seating, and a flat-screen TV. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow for abundant natural light, creating a welcoming atmosphere. French doors lead out to the spacious deck, where you can enjoy the island breeze and beautiful views of the canal.

The dining area, located next to the living space, includes a table with seating for six, making it perfect for family meals or enjoying takeout from a local restaurant. A kitchen island with three bar stools is perfect for a casual bite or enjoying drinks with friends.

Fully Equipped Kitchen
La Buena Vida features a chef-friendly kitchen with everything you need to cook up your favorite meals. The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, ample counter space, and beautiful stone countertops. Whether you're preparing a quick breakfast or a delicious seafood dinner, you'll have everything at your fingertips, including an electric stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, and more. For coffee lovers, both a 12-cup drip coffee maker and a Keurig are available. Enjoy the convenience of cooking while still enjoying the company of your guests from the bar seating or dining area.

Spacious Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Master Suite 1 & 2
- La Buena Vida boasts two spacious master suites, each featuring a comfortable king bed, en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV, and ample closet space. Both rooms are thoughtfully designed with beautiful decor, providing a relaxing and restful environment.
Custom Bunk Room
- The third bedroom is a custom-designed bunk room with a unique Twin/Twin/Queen layout, perfect for kids, teens, or a group of friends. The room is designed with fun and comfort in mind, offering a cozy spot to unwind after a day of island adventures.
Additional Bathroom
- A convenient hall bathroom with a shower and tub is available for additional guests, ensuring plenty of space and comfort for everyone.

Outdoor Living & Recreation
The backyard at La Buena Vida is where you can truly experience the best of island living. The heated pool and spa allow for year-round enjoyment, and the private boat dock offers direct canal access for boating enthusiasts. Whether you prefer lounging poolside, taking a dip in the spa, or launching your boat from the dock, the outdoor space provides ample opportunities to relax and unwind.

Take in the sights and sounds of island life from the spacious upper deck, equipped with seating for relaxation and a propane grill for outdoor cooking. There is also a screened-in porch, where you can escape the sun and still enjoy the tropical atmosphere.

Prime Location
La Buena Vida is ideally located to make the most of your Anna Maria Island vacation. Just a short walk from the home, you'll find the beautiful bayside beaches and the renowned Bean Point Gulf-side beaches, perfect for a day of sunbathing or beachcombing. The iconic Pine Avenue, known for its charming shops, local restaurants, and the Anna Maria City Pier, is also within walking distance. You're never far from exploring the best of the island!

Book your stay at La Buena Vida and experience the ultimate Anna Maria Island vacation, where comfort, luxury, and relaxation meet coastal charm. Whether you're seeking a tranquil retreat or an action-packed adventure, La Buena Vida is your perfect home away from home.

*Please note: while there is a boat lift on property, it is not a part of the rental at La Buena Vida. Guests are welcome to tie their boats off to the dock.*

POLICIES:
NO SMOKING.

Pets are welcome with prior approval, provided they meet our pet policy guidelines. We allow a maximum of two pets, each weighing under 65 lbs. A pet fee applies based on the length of your stay: $100 for stays under 4 days, $200 for stays of 4-14 days, and $400 for stays of 15+ days, per pet.

Guest Requirements:
Registered guests must be at least 25 years of age, provide a copy of a valid ID, and be present throughout the entire stay.

Occupancy Limits:
The standard occupancy is two persons per standard bedroom. For additional occupants beyond this limit, a fee of $25 per person, per night, will be charged, up to the maximum allowable occupancy, if applicable.

Quiet Hours:
Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. As this property is located in a residential area, we ask that you respect our neighbors by maintaining a reasonable noise level both during the day and at night. Excessive or unreasonable noise may disrupt the peaceful enjoyment of the neighborhood and is not permitted.

Reservation Policies:
Reservations are typically for 7-night stays, Saturday to Saturday. However, we offer flexible stays with varying minimum night requirements and non-Saturday check-ins and check-outs during most of the year, except for holidays and peak weeks. Please inquire before booking to confirm availability, as changes cannot always be accommodated after booking.

Cleaning and Safety:
All homes, including linens and towels, are cleaned, sanitized, and inspected between guest stays according to industry standards. A starter set of basic amenities, linens, towels, and bedding is provided upon check-in, based on home occupancy. Daily housekeeping and linen services are not included but are available upon request for an additional fee. For stays of 28 days or longer, a mid-stay clean is required and must be scheduled and paid for by the guest.

This home participates in our Professional Linen Program, ensuring high-quality linens and towels are professionally laundered at a commercial facility between each guest's stay. Please note that extra sets are not stored in the home.

Golf Cart Rentals:
Explore the island with ease! After booking, reserve a golf cart through our sister company, Once Upon A Beach Carts, and enjoy an exclusive discount available only to our vacation rental guests.

Baby Equipment Rentals:
Baby equipment is not provided at the home for safety and sanitation purposes. However, we partner with local companies that offer rental services for baby items, including convenient pick-up and drop-off options. Details will be provided at the time of booking, or you may inquire directly for more information.

Pool and Spa (if any):
The pool is heated year-round at no extra charge for guest convenience, with temperatures maintained between 82-85°F to ensure proper chemical balance and cleanliness. Pool heaters and filters do not operate during quiet hours (10:00 PM to 8:00 AM) per local noise ordinances. Please note that cooler ambient temperatures, especially with a 20°F or greater difference between air and water temperatures, may impact the pool heater's effectiveness.

The spa, when available, is a section of the pool that can provide relaxation, bubbles, and water temperatures in the high 90s to low 100s. However, it is not designed to function as a commercial hot tub and is not permitted to operate 24/7. Spas may be unavailable during summer months (June–September) to prevent overheating of the pool water, which could compromise chemical balances. Guests are prohibited from adjusting pool equipment; failure to comply may result in fines or liability for damages.

Guests are required to read and follow all posted rules, safety information, and operating instructions.

Property Security and Safety:
This home may be equipped with exterior cameras, such as Ring or Nest, positioned to monitor the front door, driveways, pool equipment, and entry/exit areas of the backyard. These cameras are installed solely to enhance property security, monitor deliveries, and ensure occupancy limits are met. Cameras are not angled toward areas where privacy is expected or assumed.

PAYMENTS:
- 50% of total amount due must be made at time of reservation request to confirm reservation.
- 50% of total amount due must be paid on or before 60 days prior to check-in date.
- Full amount due must be made at time of booking if check in date is within next 60 days.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
Please review the details of our Cancellation Policy page or Terms & Conditions at booking. We encourage you to review as OUR POLICIES HAVE CHANGED as of NOVEMBER 18, 2024.

For Reservations of 20 Days or Less:
Cancellations More Than 60 Days Before Arrival:
- If you cancel all or part of your reservation more than 60 days before your scheduled arrival date, you will receive a refund of your full deposit, minus the non-refundable booking administration (processing) fee that was originally assessed.

Cancellations 60 Days or Less Before Arrival:
- If you cancel all or part of your reservation 60 days or less before your scheduled arrival date, refunds will only be issued for the base rental rate and applicable taxes for nights we are able to rebook, minus the non-refundable booking administration (processing) fee.
- Please note: While we make every effort to rebook the property and issue refunds, we cannot guarantee that the property will be re-rented at the same rate or for the same number of nights originally reserved. For any nights that the property cannot be re-rented, as well as for non-arrivals, late arrivals, early departures, or alterations resulting in a loss of revenue, no refunds or price adjustments will be provided.

For Reservations of 21 Days or More:
Cancellations More Than 180 Days Before Arrival:
- If you cancel all or part of your reservation more than 180 days before your scheduled arrival date, you will receive a full refund of your deposit, minus the non-refundable booking administration (processing) fee that was originally assessed.

Cancellations 180 to 90 Days Before Arrival:
- If you cancel all or part of your reservation between 180 and 90 days prior to arrival, you will receive a refund equal to 25% of the base rental rate and applicable taxes, minus the non-refundable booking administration (processing) fee.

Cancellations 90 Days or Less Before Arrival:
- If you cancel all or part of your reservation 90 days or less before your scheduled arrival date, refunds will only be issued for the base rental rate and applicable taxes for nights we are able to rebook, minus the non-refundable booking administration (processing) fee.
- Please note: While we make every effort to rebook the property and issue refunds, we cannot guarantee that the property will be re-rented at the same rate or for the same number of nights originally reserved. For any nights that the property cannot be re-rented, as well as for non-arrivals, late arrivals, early departures, or alterations resulting in a loss of revenue, no refunds or price adjustments will be provided.

Important Cancellation Policy Information:
The Manager is not responsible for providing refunds due to circumstances beyond their control, including but not limited to travel disruptions, guest travel restrictions, changes in work or school schedules, or similar issues. Additionally, conditions such as weather, tropical storms, hurricane threats, environmental factors (e.g., red tide), construction, water quality, or beach conditions cannot be guaranteed.

Submitting a Cancellation Request:
- All cancellation requests must be initiated by the Registered Guest who booked the reservation.
- Requests must be submitted either through the website where the booking was made or in writing via email.
- Cancellation requests will not be accepted via phone, text, or from any party member other than the Registered Guest.

These policies are in place to ensure clear communication and a smooth process for all guests.

Travel Insurance:
- We continue to offer our U.S. Citizen guests (with the exception of residents of NY and HI) the option of purchasing CSA Travel Insurance directly through us. We strongly encourage all guests to purchase Travel Insurance to protect their vacation investment in the event of any unforeseen circumstances.
- Please note that refunds or credits are not provided for COVID-19-related cancellations, weather, or beach conditions that fall outside of our stated cancellation policy. Additionally, please be aware that hurricane season spans June 1st through November 30th, and Travel Insurance can help safeguard your plans during this period.

In the event the reservation dates fall within a mandatory island evacuation, unforeseen unavailability of the reserved home, the unavailability of a comparable alternative home, or an inability for vacation rentals to operate due to an executive order, the guest will receive a full refund of the base rental rate, applicable fees (excluding the booking administration fee), and all applicable taxes without penalty.

If you have any questions about the cancellation policy or Travel Insurance, please don't hesitate to reach out for clarification.

Max Occupancy: 8 (Sleeps 6)
Max Cars: 3
City of Anna Maria: VR21-000043

The information provided online, though deemed accurate is not guaranteed. It is subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, which features a private pool. There's a private balcony. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected.
Pamper yourself with onsite massages or enjoy recreation amenities such as a spa tub. This vacation home also features concierge services and barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property manager

Once Upon a Beach Vacation Rentals - Nikki & Mike Kaleta, Owners

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Heated pool
  • Massage
  • Private pool
  • Spa tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Limo/town car service
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill

Laundry

  • Coin laundry
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • Near the sea
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Heated pool
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Unit size: 1,897 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

492601

La Buena Vida - Ready for Guests, November 2024! Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 25 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 25 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 25 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 25 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 25 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tracy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great all around
This property is lovely, great location, a dock for our boat, and a nice pool area. The home itself it very well appointed with everything you need for the kitchen and plenty of extras including items for the beach. Perfect for a family vacation
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay
Quiet neighborhood hood and short walk to beach and peers. Enjoyed our stay. Plenty of room for 7 people.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah B., Kanas City, MO

Liked: Cleanliness
Great family getaway!
Overall really impressed with the house and property. It would have been nice to have a little more in the kitchen like Pam, coffee creamer, sugar, spices, etc. It's hard to have to buy all that stuff for only a few days.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Glenn B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great house
Perfect stay
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Spotless, Beautiful, and Great Location
Better than the pictures! White bedspreads and white downy couch—couldn’t believe our luck that such a place is pet friendly. Very much enjoyed the dock on the canal and the private oasis of the backyard. Easy launch for kayaks. Easy walk to beach, restaurants and pubs and the location at the tip of the island keeps traffic to a minimum. So many things to love about Anna Maria Island and this house with its 2 car garage was a wonderful “base.” Gave us a safe spot for our bikes. One of the best equipped kitchens and cleanest lodgings of any rental house. Rental agency was absolutely delightful.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cindy R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Vacation
Wonderful house! We absolutely loved our time there. Pool / Hot Tub are absolutely perfect! House is great for 8. Plenty of room!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved it 🎉
This was our first time on AMI and we fell in love with the area and La Buena Vida! The house is tastefully decorated with a light, bright beachy vibe. Everything we needed to feel comfortable was right there at our fingertips. Great location on north end of AMI and within walking distance to the water and several local hotspots. 5 star accommodations!! We will be back ♥️
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

BRANDON C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Good Times
Had a great experiance
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anthony J.

Liked: Cleanliness
A wonderful stay arranged by fantastic hosts !
This was our 3rd visit to Anna Maria so we have got to know our way around and this was a wonderful stay in a beautiful house arranged by our fantastic hosts. We had very little contact with the management company and they were prompt and professional in their approach to answering our queries. A wonderful stay in the sun in a beautiful location in a stunning property allowing us to relax and enjoy our holiday. We would recommend it to anyone.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great property
We had a great week. The house has everything you need including a full range of kitchen items and lots of towels. The beach wagon came in very handy for lugging all the beach chairs back and forth. At the recommendation of the hosts we rented a golf cart and had a blast riding around. The house was very clean, the pool was very warm and perfect for my three kids. I would definitely go back.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

liz M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Family Vacation!
The house was perfect for our family: 3 teens, parents, and a grandparent. It was in a nice quiet location but within walking/biking distance of everything we needed. The dock was fun to sit on and watch manatees in the evenings. We had all we needed with beach equipment etc. We'd definitely stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Charlotte D.

Liked: Cleanliness
would recommend
Nice place to stay but for the kids we would look for a bigger pool maybe.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer P., Tampa

Liked: Cleanliness
Highly Recommend
This property was amazing. It was so clean, great location, and everything was just perfect.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2022

8/10 Good

Elizabeth M., Destin, Florida

Loved this convenient, comfortable house.
We had a great time, it was perfect for a family. We slept 6 people very comfortably, had plenty of beds and bathrooms. We loved the shady swimming pool, proximity to everything on the island. Really bright and beachy and fun. A few small maintenance issues but overall a great experience and would absolutely stay there again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

jacqueline c.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely stay
Clean and well appointed. Kitchen had high end Appliances and utensils and we used them all. Beds were super comfy. My only recommendation (and not a complaint) is provide some hangers and chest of drawers For the small king sized room. We loved our stay and will definitely come back!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Paula H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great house! Great location!
Perfect location! It’s a short walk to multiple beaches, restaurants, and shops. Lots of space in and around the house for relaxing including: a screened porch, deck, pool and dock outback. It was lovely to sit out there, watching the family paddle board.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carrie R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Can't wait to return!
We enjoyed this property for 4 nights and 5 days. The house was a perfect fit for us. Very spacious and well thought out for renters. It truly had everything we needed. We did rent kayaks from Beach Bums to enjoy the water out back. Kids loved the pool & enjoyed the visits from the manatees near the dock. We are already planning our next trip back!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

David O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Oasis of tranquility
We rent a lot and have a lot of experience with Florida. This house is extremely well done with landscaping, it is on a canal but surrounded by bamboo and palms so you are not staring at neighbor. You are 3 min walk to beach and 8 min door to waves walk to gorgeous big beach for sunset. They provide everything you need like beach towels, chairs, cart etc. It is on the north end which is a lot quieter but you can walk to numerous shops, bars and restaurants. Or walk to the free shuttle that gives you access to the whole island. We rented for over a month, there were two small issues that popped up, the pool and the internet. The owners response was blazing fast and somehow got workers to respond and be there quickly to immediately resolve. That is the true mark of a great rental. Thanks for sharing your home, it was wonderful being your guests.
Stayed 33 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Janet E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful property!
La Buena Vida was the perfect spot to escape the cold and enjoy all that Anna Maria has to offer. We cannot wait to return! The location is ideal - a few blocks away from both the bay and gulf beaches and also only a short walk to Pine Avenue and Rod & Reel Pier. Surrounded by palms and mangroves, the house and yard are private and quiet and offer a perfect combination of sun and shade. We especially appreciated that the lovely small pool and adjoining spa were well heated, enabling us to use them almost every day, despite some cool January temperatures. The small dock provided canal access for our kayaks and a peaceful spot for wildlife viewing. The house is light-filled, well laid out and attractively decorated. The kitchen had everything we needed (even a waffle maker! ) and there was an ample supply of linens and beach towels. And the very comfortable sectional in the living room had plenty of pillows for lounging on those rare indoor days. The house was immaculate; you would never know it is a pet-friendly property. When we had an issue or question, Nikki and Mike were quick to respond. We really cannot say anything negative to say about our stay at this property except that it was very hard to leave!
Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2022

8/10 Good

Kathy W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice property and location
Nice location to beach on north end. About a 8 minute walk to full beach access. There’s a closer access but you only have access to a small small strip of beach. Rod and Reel pier is just about 5-6 minute walk. The home was well appointed. The kitchen had everything needed in terms of utensils etc but no condiments provided etc except salt and pepper. The bedrooms were good. Good mattresses. The only draw back was master bathroom was located in the hall not connected to king bedroom and was a tub/shower enclosure just a regular small bathroom. The pool was nice just very small and was 90% in the shade The spa area of the pool was nice. They provided beach towels and chairs as well as a wagon to transport to beach if desired. The owner was excellent in communication. We had no issues that needed any attention during our stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great house and location
House was perfectly located, walking distance to everything. Love the backyard, the pool setting was beautiful. The house was beautifully decorated and had all the kitchen utensils you need.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kristen Y.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Vacation
This property is gorgeous, practical and comfortable. The location was great and the waterfront is peaceful. The pool is refreshing and relaxing. We slept great, the beds are so comfortable. We rented a golf cart and were able to get around the island easily with the location. the property has ample parking. the owners were very responsive and accommodating. We would totally stay here again, loved it.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Anna S.

Liked: Cleanliness
2021 Summer Vacation
We had a GREAT time at our stay at Once Upon a Beach: La Buena Vida. The house was perfect for our family of 5. This was our 3rd visit and the first time we stayed on a canal. With teen/ pre-teen this was great for kayaking and paddle boarding. The walk to the "bean point" was about 5min (apprx 3 blocks). The walk to the bay was about half the distance. Biking to piers and Pine Ave was a daily occurrence for us. We just love biking the neighborhood north of Pine. The house itself was perfect for the 5 of us. We loved the layout and all the windows looking out back. I love a house where you come in on a lower level and can leave all pool and beach stuff downstairs and then go up. It keeps all sand outside and out of the living area. Kitchen was perfect size and well equipped. Overall everything about the house was great for us! We love visiting AMI!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kelly S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful property close to beach
This was one of the best rentals we have stayed in. Everything was as described, and immaculately clean. The kitchen was extremely well stocked with cooking utensils and serve ware. Beds were very comfortable and the pool and hot tub were heavenly. The landscaping is amazing, providing shade for the pool area. Easy walk to several beaches. Highly recommended!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2021