Vacation Rentals by Owner

Wonderful unit

Guest: Tom E. (Milwaukee, WI)
Date of Stay: 04/07/12 Review Submitted: 04/27/12

This was our third consecutive year of staying in this area during the Spring. This Bella Riva condo was by far the nicest unit that we have encountered. Without exception, we enjoyed every feature including the beautiful balcony, the tasteful furniture, the three beautiful bedrooms, the extra media room, as well as the in-unit washer and dryer. By far, our two favorite features included the kitchen and the master bath. Regarding the kitchen, the appliances are very high end including a refrigerator the size of a small car. The dishwasher is so quiet that it took me a minute to realize that it was even running. As far as the master bath, the walk-in shower includes shower heads on each wall as well as an extremely wide sprayer extending from the ceiling. This bathroom is massive with separate counters and sinks on opposite walls and a Jacuzzi hot tub in-between. Finally, do note that the size of the condo as a whole is very large. We had a group of seven and this unit provided us with more than enough space to spread out. Lastly, we found that the location is close to the elevator but not so close that you hear any noise. This location helped considerably as we carried our luggage from our car. In short, we cannot think of a single negative thing to say about this unit. It provided us with an extremely wonderful experience.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Perfect Condo

Guest: Tom E. (Milwaukee, WI)
Date of Stay: 04/07/12 Review Submitted: 04/27/12

This was our third consecutive year of staying in this area during the spring. This Bella Riva condo was by far the nicest unit that we have encountered. Without exception, we enjoyed every feature including the beautiful balcony, the tasteful furniture, the three beautiful bedrooms, the extra media room, as well as the in-unit washer and dryer. By far, our two favorite features included the kitchen and the master bath. Regarding the kitchen, the appliances are very high end including a refrigerator the size of a small car. The dishwasher is so quiet that it took me a minute to realize that it was even running. As far as the master bath, the walk-in shower includes shower heads on each wall as well as an extremely wide sprayer extending from the ceiling. This bathroom is massive with separate counters and sinks on opposite walls and a Jacuzzi hot tub in-between. Finally, do note that the size of the condo as a whole is very large. We had a group of seven and this unit provided us with more than enough space to spread out. Lastly, we found that the location is close to the elevator but not so close that you hear any noise. This location helped considerably as we carried our luggage from our car. In short, we cannot think of a single negative thing to say about this unit. It provided us with an extremely wonderful experience.

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I'll be back!!!!!

Guest: william f. (Kentucky)
Date of Stay: 04/01/12 Review Submitted: 04/09/12

We stayed in Bella Riva Unit 407 last week. The unit is spectacular. The assigned parking space in the garage is on the first level and only 10 feet from the entrance. The unit was decorated exceptionally well. The bed was king and very plush. The unit was fully furnished and very comfortable. We loved it. Will definitely be back.

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Excellent

Guest: william f. (Kentucky)
Date of Stay: 04/01/12 Review Submitted: 04/09/12

The owner was exceptionally easy to work with. The unit was spectacular as advertised. We had no issues at all. Will be back!!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect Vacation

Guest: Mike (Georgia, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/01/11 Review Submitted: 10/19/11

My wife and I spent a week at Bella Riva. The condo was wonderful and the beach was great. We really liked the fact that the condo complex was not as crowded as larger ones you normally experience, and the access to the beach was very easy. Tiffany was great to work with, and made everthing simple for us. We really appreciated you sharing your beach home!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Great Place!

Guest: kevin o. (Fort Worth, Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/31/11 Review Submitted: 08/17/11

This property is exceptional. We really enjoyed our stay. Great view of the beach and water from the balcony.

Recommended for:Families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Wonderful place!

Guest: kevin o. (Fort Worth, Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/31/11 Review Submitted: 08/17/11

This place is outstanding. The beach view is exceptional. Cannot wait to return.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

A beautiful island escape

Guest: may (garland,tx)
Date of Stay: 07/09/11 Review Submitted: 07/20/11

What a wonderful place to stay away from home.A beautiful retreat and a very relaxing one because of the wonderful ocean view,the cleanliness of the condo and the professionalism that the owners extended to my family.We would definitely come back and I will highly recommend it to anybody who wants to relax and enjoy a fantastic vacation.Wheather your old or young the place is definitely for anybody.Thanks for sharing your condo.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Dream Location!!

Guest: MaryBeth (Columbus, OH)
Date of Stay: 03/21/11 Review Submitted: 04/09/11

Our family found this beautiful condo through the vrbo site and contacted the owners to see if it was available (sort of last minute) for our spring break week. TIffany returned my emails right away and was available to answer any questions we had. This continued throughout the whole experience, too. We were never without someone to call or email if a questions arose. The Bella Riva building and this condo in particular are heavenly! The photos are amazing and yet I think the real thing is even better than the photos portray. It is HUGE with soaring high ceilings and spacious rooms. The decor is so new and fresh and luxurious. I felt pampered everywhere I went! The quiet location of Bella Riva really appealed to us. We like a quiet location that isn't too populated. Then again, it is a hop, skip, jump away from Destin and lots of great restaurants, stores, and night life if that's your type of thing. We are a family of 5 with 3 boys ages 16, 13, and 11. We like relaxing on the beach during most of our vacation and just taking it easy. What we found was that with this condo, we were so spoiled that we could experience the "relaxing-on-the-beach" feeling without leaving the balcony! The comforts of being "home" but also on the beach...how can you beat that? Everything we read and viewed online was just as we experienced. This unit was so clean and crisp and new-feeling! I love that in a condo and/or hotel room. That is very important to us. We vacationed the 3rd week in March and the temperatures were in the mid to high 70s...beautiful weather...and the kids were able to swim and play in the ocean. The pool at Bella Riva was the perfect temperature...warmed a little because of the time of year we visited...but not too warm. Just right! Thank you so much for everything, Tiffany! You made our first trip to the panhandle a very special one with your beautiful island retreat. We will definitely return and recommend your place to family and friends.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Upscale vacation condo

Guest: Sandi (Diamondhead, MS)
Date of Stay: 03/12/11 Review Submitted: 03/22/11

We just spent a beautiful week at Bella Riva , a family reunion. Everything was perfect, glistening clean, and so comfortable. Eight of us stayed at the condo, 4 adults, an 82 year old Grandmother and 3 college graduate students. Our son-in-law and daughter, who live in Ft Walton Beach, joined us every night for some fabulous meals of fresh Gulf seafood. There was dinner seating for all 10 of us, which is rare in most beach condos. Cooking in the fabulous kitchen was so easy given the layout of the kitchen and the Viking appliances plus the grill on the deck. The owner is on spot on with communication, timely and accurate information, and making sure that we had a wonderful time. We all highly recommend this Bella Riva condo! My husband wants to rent it this Thanksgiving for a week. Okaloosa Island is close enough to Destin for shopping and nightlife but not overcrowded. Can't wait to go back, thanks Tiffany!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Beautiful Condo

Guest: lovethebeach (Arkansas)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 08/10/10

The condo is high-end, spacious and beautiful. The beach is footsteps away and uncrowded. The ?location is convenient to all Destin area attractions. We enjoyed our stay very much.?

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.

Beautiful Condo and beaches!

Guest: judy (carthage, tx.)
Date of Stay: 07/03/10 Review Submitted: 08/05/10

We spent the week of the fourth at Bella Riva. The condo was lovely and the beach was great. Liked the fact that it was not as crowded as larger complexes and easy beach access. The owners made everthing simple for us and were very gracious. Thanks for sharing your beach home!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

Guest: James P. Bohney (Indianapolis, IN)
Date of Stay: 04/13/10 Review Submitted: 04/13/10

This is a wonderful upscale vacation condo. The master bedroom with plush linens and wide walkout to the deck were particular favorites. The sound of the surf directly off the balcony lulls one to sleep. Cooked all our meals in the gourmet kitchen...BAM! Stand alone ice maker kept the glasses full, and plenty of media opportunities kept tv hounds satisfied. Napped on the balcony on quality furniture until time for steaks on the grill. Can't get back to Bella Riva 407 soon enough!

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Guest: The Carel Family (Sussex, WI)
Date of Stay: 04/12/10 Review Submitted: 04/12/10

What a wonderful vacation home. The atmosphere at Bella Riva is all about luxury and privacy. Extra amenities such as the grill, ice maker, amazing kitchen, master retreat and view made unit 407 unbelievably special. Tiffany is a treat to work with making our experience every bit the vacation we were hoping for.

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Guest: Jan Toles (LaGrange, GA)
Date of Stay: 10/13/09 Review Submitted: 10/13/09

Our stay was most enjoyable and this condo is suitable for all ages. We had from a 3 year old up to a 71 year old granddaddy! The housekeeper is to be commended. Everything was spotless when we arrived. This was our first family vacation in the Ft. Walton area and we really liked the area. Thanks for sharing your "home away from home" with us.

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Guest: Aaron & Tracie Reed (Colleyville, TX)
Date of Stay: 07/18/09 Review Submitted: 07/18/09

We just got back from our vacation and really enjoyed this condo. The view of the ocean and beach is fantastic and we spent a lot of time out on the huge balcony. If you're into cooking you'll find everything you need in this very nice kitchen with high end appliances. I would most definitely go back and would recommend this to anyone looking to vacation in the area.

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Guest: Steve & Sharon1 (West Chester, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 07/06/09 Review Submitted: 07/06/09

We loved the unit. It has a fabulous view of the ocean with a big gorgeous deck. The kitchen is top notch and has a gorgeous master bedroom and bath. The media room worked well for us as a 4th bedroom. I would definitely recommend this unit.

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Guest: Jenni & Bill Craddick (Knoxville, TN)
Date of Stay: 06/23/09 Review Submitted: 06/23/09

We were there June 13 - 20, 2009. The condo is even more luxurious and comfortable than the pictures give it credit for. We really did watch the dolphins playing in the ocean from the comfort of the huge balcony nearly every morning. There were 4 adults and two 12 year old boys on this trip, and the home was so spacious it felt like everyone had plenty of space. You will not be disappointed with either the accommodations or the location - the future places you might stay will have trouble measuring up to this wonderful island paradise!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/28/08

I highly recommend this unit for anyone considering a trip to the gulf. I do not think it gets any better than this! Unit 407 is top notch all the way. The unit is very spacious and can accomodate the needs of everone. The view is amazing. It is just water and no parking lot or people to see. The shower felt like a spa! I could go on forever but you need some surprises when you walk in the door! It is the "penthouse suite" of Fort Walton Beach! We'll definitely be back!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/10/08

We had a very relaxing stay. The kitchen was fabulous and loved having the ice maker to fill our beach cooler. The bedrooms were comfortable; we loved the master suite and bath (as do our boys and their friends). The view was phenomenal

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/21/08

We just returned from our stay at Bella Riva unit #407. This is our 2nd year at Bella Riva and we love it. This condo is like home away from home. The kitchen is fabulous, bedrooms are very comfortable and extra towels are in each bathroom. We really enjoyed the atmosphere of Bella Riva; small, cozy atmosphere. Only a few steps from the beach. The view is amazing!! Tiffany was very helpful and always available to answer questions. We will definetly recomend this condo to anyone who would like to stay in this area.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/12/08

This was our first stay at Bella Riva and we certainly plan on staying again. The entire condo is top notch. You can't beat the view of the beach and Gulf. We could not have asked for more.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/21/08

This was our first time to ever rent a condo much less visit the Destin area. We were unsure what to expect. Let me say we were more than pleasantly surprised. Even before we arrived, Tiffany was always on hand to answer any questions we had. This unit is simply beautiful. It is nicely decorated and VERY clean. The bed linens in the master are so comfortable. The provided beach towels are big and plush. The owners have paid attention to even the smallest details. The view is amazing and the location perfect. Close to the elevators, but not so close you can hear foot traffic. Parking is top notch as well (covered and right in front of the entrance). During the planning phase I had considered Azure. I am so glad that I went with Bella Riva instead. It's the Ritz Carlton of condos in the Destin/Ft. Walton area. Trust me. We plan on visitng next year and I will be reserving #407 again (you're stuck with us now)!! Warmest Regards~

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R&R retreat !

Guest: girls weekend (illinois)
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 04/03/08

This end of the beach is wonderful for walking and much less crowded.. The condo was perfect,, the kitchen and den were our favorite touches,,, We were here march 21-27th and the weather was sunny every day but a bit cool some days on the beach, but lay by heated pool and you r completely fine... only complaint, is not enough chairs by poolside... we have been to destin area 10 times and we used to stay at oceania, but this is even better.. great job on space and interior decorating... great Condo for adults and older children..

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/29/08

Our stay was march 21-27th.. very luxuious... We usually stay at the Azure down the road, but this was even better... Love the quietness of this condo.. the den, grill and kitchen were our favorites.. Our daughter will be renting this unit in september if available...only change would be bathrooms need to be by pool area..not 2nd floor..

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Craig and Robin Peer (Woodstock, Ga)
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 09/30/07

We really enjoyed the Bella Riva, we stayed in unit 407. It was very luxurious, and we loved the creature comforts...down comforter on the master bed, and the kitchen and bath were by far the nicest. We typically eat out when we are at the beach, but the kitchen was so nice we caught ourselves cooking a couple of nights. We will revisit. Craig, Robin, Lauren and Dawson Peer

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Chris Horton (Yazoo City;Ms.)
Date of Stay: 09/01/07 Review Submitted: 09/06/07

A great holiday escape! Labor Day was so enjoyable,we truly relaxed and recovered from the daily grind at this place.This condo had it all,the gulf coast views have a way of making you slow down and relax.When you have all the beauty that god and nature provides in this area and mix it with mans best accomadations life's just not bad.We turned off the phones and focused on our family.The kids loved the beach and its so easy to relax here.We cooked in a lot because it was fun to use the kitchen.We didn't plan on that,this unit has a Viking showroom so I had to give Paula Dean some competion.My husband loved the grill on the private balcony,he could watch football on the flat screen and the scenery of beach at the same while he fipped steaks and stayed close to the ice maker.[I'm sure he was watching the kids while they played below on the beach]We enjoyed the layout and beauty of this unit,it had something for everyone.I'm thankful that a customer told me about this place,that's one thing about cutting hair you get great tips on what to see,where to go and what to eat.This condo and beach was a great example of a good tip well used so I'm passing it on Bella Riva unit 407 for the best of the beach life.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Mimi Long (Dalton, GA)
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/12/07

Wow! I was blown away by the view when I first stepped into the condo! After I recovered from that I was once again blown away by the very upscale, professional decorating, and the high ceilings. It was hard to leave to go anywhere because the condo and view were so wonderful. An A+ for sure in my book. We have traveled to the beach quite a lot and this is the nicest condo we've ever stayed in!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: ashlee bennett (memphis, tn)
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/12/07

we just finished our stay at the bella riva unit 407. it is the nicest place i've stayed in florida. the condo was gorgeous and had a breath taking view of the ocean. i hope to stay there again soon.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Holly Lewellyn (Bristol, TN)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/05/07

My husband and I have visited the Okaloosa/Destin area many times over the past 10 years and Belle Riva is by far a class above the other resorts. It is first class all the way. It has a small condo feel with the conveniences of larger resorts. We loved the pool area and the fitness area. We stayed in unit 407. It is very elegant and luxurious, but yet comfortable. It is very spacious. The view is incomparable and the oversized balcony makes you feel like you are sitting right on the beach. There are beautiful granite counter tops on every counter in the condo. We loved the flat screen tv's in nearly every room. The kitchen...I've never seen anything like it! It is beautiful, and has everything, including a separate under the counter ice maker. I believe I could have stayed in the master shower all day! It is so relaxing with the deluge shower head and two other massaging shower heads. We loved being inside the condo almost as much as being on the beach! No matter what the weather, if you rent Bella Riva 407, you will have a great vacation!

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