Reviews for Other Bradenton Properties Vacation Rental - VRBO 206147 - 3 BR Bradenton Estate in FL, Elite Waterfront Home / Heated Tropical Lagoon Pool & Tiki Bar

What a vacation!

Guest Jennifer G.
Date of stay 09/29/12
Review Submitted 11/04/12

We arrived and like all of the other reviews, the pictures do not do Casa Encantada justice. It was even better in person than in the photos - it's true! The dog run was perfect for our 45 lb shepherd mix, she passed out everyday around 7:30pm from all of the activity, from kayaking, swimming, fishing, sunbathing, to ping pong...wash, rinse, repeat! That was pretty much all we did all day long, and then to the local supermarket Publix, every other day so we could decide what we were going to grill for dinner, then on which grill were we going to grill (there are two grills)! We did take a day trip on a rainy day to Tampa and visited Cigar City Brewery, took a brewery tour $5 per person and sat and each had a free pint in the tap room. Nice to celebrate a local brewery - if you go, get a Growler! We saw dolphins and manatees galore, every morning on our paddle. We even saw spinner dolphins flying out of the water and spinning, it was absolutely awesome, of course, my camera didn't get out fast enough. The house was well stocked with everything you would need. Our second to last day, my husband pulled out a 9lb Snook, we pretty much died, right off the bank, tide was out...it was EPIC!!! They weren't in season so we by law had to let him go, but man was that exciting because those buggers put up a heck of a fight!!! We had zero complaints and cannot wait to pick our week for next year! Thank you Captain Julie and Pam for our best vacation yet!

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

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Perfect home with something for everyone

Guest Lori
Date of stay 07/07/12
Review Submitted 07/16/12

Everything was just perfect! We have rented other houses in the past, but this was by far the best. I was thinking of all the wonderful things you could say about this house but I wouldn't have room. You can believe every other review here. Perfect location, fantastic house, wonderful pool and grounds. We rented the pontoon, fished, kayaked with manetee, went to beaches on Anna Maria. Very private feel, but less than a mile to the grocery store. Captain Julie was so helpful and accommodating!! A little glitch with the electrical gate after a lightening storm. Called the owner, and she had someone over to repair it within minutes.(at a previously rented home, front door lock broke - it was not repaired during the week of our stay) Would love to return to this beautiful, beautiful home.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Owner response: Thank you, Lori! What a wonderful review as are the previous ones from our other guests. We strive to create a wonderful vacation for our guests, not only with the amazing environment that surrounds you, but also through providing superior customer service from the moment you enter the door. Yes, occasionally something breaks or requires our attention, and if does, our goal is to respond as quickly as possible and to communicate with the guest throughout resolution. We have a 70%, and growing, return rate year after year, and I believe this is due to not only Casa Encantada and the great amenities, but also to our superior customer service!

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valleri & family

Guest valleri
Date of stay 04/21/12
Review Submitted 04/29/12

This is an ideal home for the perfect vacation. The home is decorated with lovely art work, furniture, and the beds are to die for. Looks so much like a home vs a vacation rental. We have two special needs kids and there were so many activities for them. The pool, kayaks, paddle boat, pontoon and the water side is very shallow so it does not pose the threat of a deep water canal or shore. We truly never left the property except for groceries. We hope to go again next year. Captain Julie is a wonderful person and provides so much information to assist you with an enjoyable stay. We have rented many vacation homes and I would have to say this is our all time favorite. Many, many heartfelt thanks to Julie and Pam.

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

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Our Own Private Tropical Resort!

Guest Carl & April
Date of stay 12/17/11
Review Submitted 01/07/12

This place is something else! Where do you start? (And anyone else who's stayted here knows what I mean). Our family gathered here for a week just prior to Christmas - all adults and well traveled. We agree that this was one of our best vacations ever. . Casa Encantada is the definition of "attention to detail". There is nothing in the house or grounds that did not have thought, care, and artistic flair put into it. At the end of the week, we were still seeing things we hadn't seen before. The pool and tiki bar area is superb - day or night. One sunny days, there is varied seating in sun or shade. The pool is warm (we paid to have it heated since it was winter) and we loved swimming at night as well. We had drinks and snacks in the tiki area and lots of floaty loungers for the pool - we had so much fun! And the kayaks - we saw dolphins and a huge stingray - and the area was perfect for kayaking with lots of interesting coves. Just walk out of the house and pop your kayak in the water - or swing on the heavenly tree swing - or nap in the double comfy hammock - or ride one of the new Schwinn bikes (nice neighborhood for riding) - or play some of the lawn games - or take a swim. The beds were very comfortable with very nice linens. The kitchen had everything you could ever need and more - even spices.. We really loved the antique juicer which works like a dream! We made home made Sangria with fresh squeezed juice nearly every day. We cooked on the grill and enjoyed the library with all the pirate and mermaid books. We hardly every left the place because we had everything we needed. Casa is a destination in itself and was so very relaxing to us. We really wanted a quiet, warm oasis away from the crowds and this is it. We're trying to figure out when we can come back. Soon, I hope. Thanks Capt. Julie for going above and beyond - and for being so friendly and helpful.

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

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Couldn't have asked for a more perfect vacation!

Guest Casey
Date of stay 06/13/11
Review Submitted 06/21/11

This home is absolutely beautiful! Inside, we found all the comforts of home and then some. The entire home is packed with comforts and conveniences you won't find at any hotel, resort, or condo! There are incredible views from every angle. When you step outside, the attention to detail in the landscaping is SO nice. The tropical foliage, beautiful trees, the hammock under the banyan...all were just perfect. The views of the bay, and the little sandy beach area were great for our children! They played with sand buckets, found tons of beautiful shells, and caught more fiddler crabs than I could count. And...as though all of this wasn't enough, the pool is ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC. There is not one ounce of detail that has been overlooked. The design of the pool is just beautiful and the lagoon style makes you feel like you are on your own private island. From the tiki hut, to your own personal cocktail table in the pool...we found ourselves there for hours at a time, every single day of our stay. This is the perfect pick for anyone who loves comfort, beauty, privacy, relaxation, fun, and awesome views while on vacation! Captain Julie and Pamela are awesome to work with; you can't go wrong here!

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

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Serenity Now!!

Guest Jann
Date of stay 06/02/11
Review Submitted 06/23/11

Casa Encantada truly lives up to its name. It is positively enchanting. Driving through the canopy of huge oak trees, dripping with Spanish moss, as we approached the entrance, took our breath away. The home itself is absolutely amazing and there was nothing we needed that wasn’t there. It’s beautiful as well as comfortable, which lent itself to making us feel right at home and very relaxed. As you go out back, you feel like you are entering a Utopia. The pool and the Tiki bar, along with the palms and flowers, including frangipani, which is the flower used to make leis, made me feel like I was on a tropical island. We saw many herons, including one that walked right across the back yard, only a few feet away from us. When have you walked out in your backyard and seen manatees and dolphins? It’s a sight to behold and we did this every day we were there. I will return as often as possible. It is beautiful, peaceful and serene. As I stood looking out over the water, whether I was watching manatees and dolphins or watching beautiful sunsets, I couldn’t help but think that I had “reached out my hand and touched the face of God.”

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Perfect Vacation Spot!

Guest Kristin
Date of stay 05/21/11
Review Submitted 06/05/11

My husband and I along with another couple just stayed at Casa Encantada for a week at the end of May. The house was great. We spent the majority of our time out by the pool (the best one I've seen in a vacation rental by far) and tiki hut. We really enjoyed the spectacular sunsets sitting under the Banyan tree. We saw manatees pretty much every day we were there. It was great that Julie leaves the kayaks for visitors to use. We took them out a few times in the early morning and saw all kinds of wildlife. When we did manage to drag ourselves away from the pool and outdoor activities we enjoyed the beautiful kitchen and squeezed in a few games of Ping Pong in the garage. Thursday of our trip Captain Julie took us out on her boat Beach Music and we had a spectacular time. She showed us the sites including Tampa Bay, The Gulf of Mexico and a great little beach bar. While we were out on the boat dolphins would swim right up to us! It was a great vacation and we will definitely be returning in the future!

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

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Beach loving family!

Guest Jhump
Date of stay 03/12/11
Review Submitted 04/15/11

We stayed here during mid-March of 2011 and I will tell you it was the best vacation we have had in a long time! This setting is perfect if you want to relax, have a great time with your family and enjoy some awesome scenery. The house and pool are perfect. The only thing nicer is the beutiful sunsets! We kayaked every morning before breakfast and every evening to watch the sunset. We saw dolphin every day and manatee on a couple of occasions. The entire week was spectacular! Captain Julie made sure everything was taken care of for us. We will definitely return for many years to come!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

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Sharon & Stan Great place for fammily and pets!!!!

Guest Harley
Date of stay 02/05/11
Review Submitted 04/08/11

We have been fortunate enough to have stayed here twice and have already booked another 2 weeks in this wonderfull home. We were here in Sept. of 2010 and Feb.of 2011 and are going back in Sept. 2011. It's a great place for kids and pets.

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

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Tanja

Guest Tanja
Date of stay 07/10/10
Review Submitted 07/19/10

We loved the rental property and hope to return in the future. Julie was great and worked with us on a payment plan!! That ment alot to us. Thank you Julie

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

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Wonderful Place for a Peaceful Vacation for Everyone, Pets, also.

Guest Sherri & John Henry
Date of stay 06/26/10
Review Submitted 08/08/10

Our vacation was wonderful at Casa Encantada! We stayed at this beautiful paradise (both me and my husband), for our birthdays. My husband had just lost his mother, and mine was very ill following a stroke. It was a perfect getaway for us to rest. Even our dogs had a pretty play yard to enjoy. The owners were fabuluous, and everything was clean and well-maintained. The amenities were even better than we could have imagined. Both, the tropical lagoon, heated pool, and Tiki bar were a much added feature to enjoy. The wild life, and beautiful "Hooker Bay" were enchanting. It has a very private setting, but close to everything, including restaurants, and grocery stores. The photos and descriptions were very accurate, but you would have to visit there yourself to enjoy the wonderful amenities that are offered. I would highly recommend this lovely place for anyone to enjoy a peaceable and fun filled vacation.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Terrific Vacation Home with Excellent Outdoor Space

Guest Encantada Fan
Date of stay 04/03/10
Review Submitted 07/15/10

If you are looking for a terrific vacation home, you must consider Casa Encantada. We thoroughly enjoyed our week there. My wife and our 5 & 7 year old children had essentially no reason to ever leave the property. Right on the water with a huge backyard on the Manatee river. The activities are endless: Kayaking, Fishing, Hanging out on the deck, shell collecting, climbing and swinging from the big tree in back and of course the terrific pool make this the perfect spot to rest and relax. The property was very clean and very well maintained. If you like to cook, Publix is right around the corner with plenty of fresh seafood choices and then when you return the kitchen is gigantic with everything you need to whip up a great meal. I would recommend this property to anyone who asked.

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

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Exceeded our expectations!!!

Guest Judge WWD
Date of stay 03/28/10
Review Submitted 04/10/10

As a first time renter I was blown away with this home. It provided an old Florida feel with modern amenities. We have 3 kids ages 4-12 and they loved the pool, and each had plenty of room for it to be relaxing for us as well. The Manatee River is huge so you really feel like you're on the water without the wind from the gulf. The home is clean and well represented by the website's photographs. Captain Julie is great to work with and full of ideas on what to do in the area. I highly recommend this rental.

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

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Absolutely PERFECT!

Guest kris
Date of stay 03/21/10
Review Submitted 01/20/11

3 couples and one pup. We all had a great time. The property is flatout stunning. When we arrived, my brother kept yelling, "Can you beLIEVE this place!!??" and spent half the week trying to figure out how to stay forever. I am a cook and the kitchen was an absolute pleasure to work in. And the really giant dining table with the wall of glass looking out over the bay was a spectacular setting for special meals - and we had some thanks to the great local butcher & farmer's market. (Thanks for the tips Captain Julie). The living room and beds were comfy, the deck and banyon tree were awesome, and the pool and tiki bar were a blast. We had kayaks, Red Sox spring training tix, Anna Maria beaches, a truly special pool hall (Counsel's downtown), the arts district, and a fun street festival ---- yet it was soooooo hard to leave the house. It's that good.

Recommended for: Age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Paradise

Guest nancy & chuck
Date of stay 02/01/10
Review Submitted 07/16/10

Casa Encantada is a perfect place to forget about the outside world. The entire property was a feast for our senses because there was so much to see and do while we were there. Every statement in the listing description was completely accurate--but, nothing beats experiencing paradise first hand. The owners were extremely helpful in answering any questions we had about Palmetto and the surrounding area whether it was about restaurants, shopping, museums, or other destinations. My husband and I appreciated the opportunity to have rented this beautiful home that is obviously loved and well cared for both inside and outdoors. I would recommend this property to anyone who appreciates the beauty of nature, cooking in a gourmet kitchen, kayakking, a private pool area with a fantastic tikki bar, warching sunsets, barbecuing outdoors, fishing, or sitting quietly by the river's edge readig a book or contemplating the day. Everything you need for a funfilled vacation is on site and if you need to explore, you don't have to travel far. We truly enjoyed our first Florida vacation in paradise and look forward to returning.

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

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Guest Renee Scarberry
Date of stay 12/13/09
Review Submitted 12/13/09

I rented this home for my husbands 50th birthday party, It is a beautiful home, The pool and Tiki hut were added after I rented the home and it was a magnificent success, everyone that came to the party was awestruck by the beauty of this property, I would reccomend it to anyone, It is set up perfectly for space and beauty.

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Guest Caroline & Dixie
Date of stay 06/29/09
Review Submitted 06/29/09

We hadn't heard of Palmetto, FL before we found this vacation spot! The Manatee River is rich with wildlife- we saw Osprey, Heron, fish jumping and even the tip of a Manatee's head. At first we thought we were on a Hollywood set: "Cue the birds, cue the fish, cue the manatee!! If you are looking for serenity, you just found it! The views are fabulous, especially at sunset. The house is perfect- great space for a large or small group. The kitchen was perfect for those of us who enjoy cooking and those of us who enjoy eating while others are cooking. We couldn't have asked for a better set up. Everything went smoothly from reservations through arrival and the owners actually checked in by phone to be sure everything was "ship-shape". We loved it and we'll be back!!

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Guest Scott64
Date of stay 06/29/09
Review Submitted 06/29/09

A beautiful home that provides comfort and enjoyment both inside and out. Comfortable and open floorplan that is perfect for relaxation and entertaining. The landscaped grounds and view make the outdoors just as inviting as the inside. I was so impressed with the home and area that I hope to purchase my own piece of heaven in that neighborhood one day.

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Guest DeeV
Date of stay 01/12/09
Review Submitted 01/12/09

WOW!!! I can't say enough about this rental. The pictures on the website really doesn't do this place justice. I have only positive things to save about this beautiful home in Palmetto, FL. We felt very fortunate to be the first ones to rent this home. It you want to feel like our in paradise... this is where you want to be. There is so much to see and do but it's so hard to leave the home when you have lake Manatee as your back yard. We were so impressed of the home and it's location that we are planning our next trip this year and we are telling all our family and friends. This place is incredible. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a little piece of paradise.

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Vacation Rentals by Owner

Elite Waterfront Home / Heated Tropical Lagoon Pool & Tiki Bar [#206147] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (19)

What a vacation!

What a vacation!

Perfect home with something for everyone

Perfect home with something for everyone

valleri & family

valleri & family

Our Own Private Tropical Resort!

Our Own Private Tropical Resort!

Couldn't have asked for a more perfect vacation!

Couldn't have asked for a more perfect vacation!

Serenity Now!!

Serenity Now!!

Perfect Vacation Spot!

Perfect Vacation Spot!

Beach loving family!

Beach loving family!

Sharon & Stan Great place for fammily and pets!!!!

Sharon & Stan Great place for fammily and pets!!!!

Tanja

Tanja

Wonderful Place for a Peaceful Vacation for Everyone, Pets, also.

Wonderful Place for a Peaceful Vacation for Everyone, Pets, also.

Terrific Vacation Home with Excellent Outdoor Space

Terrific Vacation Home with Excellent Outdoor Space

Exceeded our expectations!!!

Exceeded our expectations!!!

Absolutely PERFECT!

Absolutely PERFECT!

Paradise

Paradise