Vacation Rentals by Owner

Bella Bellini - Perfect!!!!!

Guest: Priscilla
Date of Stay: 02/25/12 Review Submitted: 03/08/12

Hi Kevin, PERFECT!!!!!!!!! Two years ago we loved our week at Bella in spite of very cold weather. This year, the weather was warm, sunny and lovely. Everything about Bella and our stay on Captiva was just, well.....perfect. We love all the bedrooms and baths. We love the pool, the pool toys and hot tub. We love the spacious kitchen that has everything we could possibly want. We love the new outdoor grill. We love the ping pong table, the beach chairs and umbrella, the closeness of great restaurants, the fabulous beach that is steps away, the ability to rent bikes at Yolo, the communal gathering on the beach at sunset, the Island Store that sells the New York Times and has diet Orange Polar and Orangina, the Ding Darling Preserve with Roseate Spoonbills arriving at 5:30 each evening. We love the fact that Bella is always clean and ready for our stay. We love the fact that we can call Sheri to report a problem. (The pool filter wasn't working. It was never a problem for us but we felt we should report it anyway.) We are an extended family of eight adults, two children and three generations. We couldn't ask for a better place to spend a week. I suspect that the third week in February (which is school vacation for many in the Northeast) is always booked. As the grand children get older we may need to try and accommodate their school schedule. Any hope of ever being able to book that week? Our tentative plan is to rent Bella again next year (not vacation week). We will be in touch when we have a better idea of our schedule. Many, many thanks for your thoughtful care and consideration in making Bella the best Florida rental ever! Priscilla and Family

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Bella Bellini

Guest: Lynne
Date of Stay: 02/18/12 Review Submitted: 03/08/12

Kevin: I just want to tell you that Bella Belini was absolutely perfect. The layout and the amenities were outstanding. We parked and never moved the vehicle from Sat to Sat... access to the beach was perfect. The kitchen was outstanding and so well equipped that we did five dinners at home which was fun with everyone taking a turn... and many lunches and cocktail hours at the local eateries. A few of the adults did do dinner at the Sunshine Seafood and Wine Bar and the kids enjoyed the Bubble Room, Mucky Duck, and the Mexican restaurant. All in all it couldn’t have been better. Can't thank you enough for all of the info you sent before our trip. It made it so much easier to decide what to do... Many thanks again and I will certainly recommend your lovely home to anyone who is looking for a perfect location for a family holiday. Many thanks and best regards, Lynne

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Bella Bellini Simply the Best

Guest: Rhett P. (Castle Rock, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 12/17/11 Review Submitted: 01/05/12

We just returned from 15 days on Captiva and found the accommodations at Bella Bellini simply the best and perhaps more importantly if something isn't as you like it, just text or call the property manager and it likely will be resolved within a day. There are more pool and beach towels than you would find at a Four Seasons, the beach chairs were high end and sufficient in numbers. All of the things you can think you will need are there and once again if not.....just call property manager. The location is outstanding for beach access and restaurant access...Keylime Bistro, Mucky Duck, RC Otters, and Bubble Room are just steps away. You may want to venture back to Sanibel for groceries and major shopping but it is possible that you need not leave Captiva or drive for your entire stay. The accommodations were very clean and the cleaning team was outstanding (we had mid visit cleaning). If it is within your budget, I don't believe you can find a better Captiva destination.

Owner response:Hi Rhett! I'm so happy we were able to meet your expectations during your family's stay at Bella Bellini. I know Sheri tries very hard to make sure the house is at it's best when new families arrive. And she is very attentive to any requests, suggestions or questions thrown her way. I was so happy to get a chance to meet your family when I was passing by. You have a great group! We hope to have you stay at our home again! Thanks, Kevin

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

PERFECT CHOICE

Guest: NGB (CINCINNATI)
Date of Stay: 08/27/11 Review Submitted: 09/15/11

My family (7 adults and 4 kids under 6) had a fabulous week at this house. The close proximity to the beach, a variety of restaurants, and the house amenities made the trip perfect. Kevin and Sheri provided so much information and answer our questions we were able to adequately plan our trip much ahead of time. I agree with other reviews that the pictures don't do the house justice, it is beautiful, clean and stocked with all you need. If we go back to Captiva, we will be back at Bella Bellini!

Owner response:Sheri and I are so happy your family had a great time at the house! She does a lot of hard work to prep the house and make sure it meets my description of what to expect at Bella Bellini. You were wonderful and so easy to work with when planning the stay at our home. We'd love to have you come back! Sincerely, Kevin

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car.

Bellisimo Bella Bellini Grande

Guest: S.J. & Family (Minneapolis Minn)
Date of Stay: 03/04/11 Review Submitted: 04/07/11

From the very first search for a location for our 40th Anniversary we couldn't have found a more wonderful vacation place. When you try to find a home for a family of 13 with 4 children under the age of six your search becomes very narrow. We were very fortunate to have found Bella and especially Kevin. His personal attention and kindness made this a very memorable celebration. If you are looking for a place that is the perfect location there is Bella Bellini. It is just a short walk from the beach and the famed Mucky Duck for sunsets and THE GREEN FLASH. If you are looking for quiet rest and reflections there is Bella. The house is wonderful to start with but it will envelop your family and spirit as a home. The pool, patio, hot tub, dinners on the patio, music, and spacious living make this the perfect location for your family or friends. Need to carry bags and groceries, don't worry you have the elevator. Everyone wants there own room, we had more than we needed. Our nephew and wife spent the night and had their own room, we sorry that they gad to head back home next day. Your in the heart of Captiva and within walking distance of sunrise and sunsets, early morning walks for coffee, late evening walks for wine and music. The children loved the beach, seeing dolphins, sea shells and going into the surf. There are shops for everyone and every age. We rented bikes and rode around the area. We visited the Fire Dept which is just down the road from the Fabulous Bubble Room. The best part of the trip was that you could enjoy yourself without being crowded or too close. It was such a wonderful way to relax and enjoy yourself. When the kids were tired and needed a nap we walked the short distance back to the house from the beach, showered off the sand and put them in their own room. When we got back to the house the adults would be relaxing in the pool or in one of the 4 different patio areas. Dinners were great to spend time with the children, and hear about the best part of the day. Everyone had their own room and bed, no sleeping on an air matress. The seperate pool house was especially appreciated by the 29yrd old single uncle. Loves his niece and nephews but enjoyed not having to sleep on couch as in past trips. If you had any questions, Sheri was available to answer them or suggest something for the next best family outing. Hope you will enjoy your stay as much as we did. Thanks Kevin and Sheri for making this a wonderful celebrati

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

Guest: Scott
Date of Stay: 03/01/11 Review Submitted: 04/09/11

From the very first search for a location for our 40th annivesary we couldn't have found a more wonderful place. When you try to find a home for 13 with 4 children under the age of six your search becomes narrow. We were very fortunate to have found Kevin and Bella Bellini. His personal attention and kindness made this a very memorable celebration. If you are looking for a place that is the perfect location there is Bella Bellini. It is just a short walk from the beach and the famed Mucky Duck for sunsets and the green flash. If you are looking for quiet rest and reflections there is Bella. The house is wonderful to start with but it will envelop your family and spirit as a home. The pool, patios, hot tub, dinners on the pation, music and spacious lining make this the perfect location for you family or friends. Need to carry in bags or groceries, don't worry there is an elevator. Everyone wants ther own room, we had more that we needed. Our nephew and his wife spent the night in their own room, and were sorry they had to head back home the next day. You are in the heart of Captiva and within walking distance of sunrise and sunsets, early morning walks for coffee, late night walks for wine and music. The children loved the beach, seeing dolphins, sea shells and going into the surf. There are shops for everyone and every age. We rented bikes and rode around the area. We visited the Fire Dept which is just down the road from the Fabulous Bubble Room. The best part of the trip was that you could enjoy yourself without being crowed or too close. When the kids were tired and needed a nap, we walked back the short distance to the house, showered off the sand and put them in their own room. Dinners were great on the patio which had a pool house with seperate bedrooms for single uncles or guests. If you had any questions, Sheri was there to answer them or suggest something for the next outing. Thanks Kevin and Sheri for a wonderful celebration. · By S/J and Family from Minneaoplis MN on 4/7/2011

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Guest: Carrie (Monee, IL)
Date of Stay: 11/03/10 Review Submitted: 11/18/10

If ever you need an escape from reality this is where you can find one. The house is amazing and located perfectly in the heart of a little town with shops, restaurants, ice cream and coffee shops, even the post office is close. The beach is steps away and if you don't want to leave the house, the pool and hot tub offer the relaxtion you need. There is a game room for the kids and the home is very spacious and has a great set-up. This home was perfect for our family and we had an awesome vacation. We will definately try to get back here soon!

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Guest: Amy - Richard
Date of Stay: 08/07/10 Review Submitted: 08/09/10

Kevin, Many thanks to you and your family for a most memorable and enjoyable stay at Bella Bellini. Everything was great! The house is beauiful, well-appointed, and nicely done. We liked the spaciousness, quality, and functionality of all the rooms and facilities. We especially liked the swimming pool/courtyard, the outdoor kitchen, the gameroom, and the overall luxuriousness of your home. The kids loved the proximity to the beach, the swimming pool, and the foosball table. Shelling was great, surf was refreshing, and the nearby activities kept everyone busy and having fun. The banana boat ride was a highlight for the kids! Gorgeous sunsets and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Everyone in our family had a fantastic time! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Sincerely, Richard (brother of Amy) -- we stayed at Bella Bellini from 07/31/2010 to 08/07/2010

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Guest: Joyce
Date of Stay: 05/22/10 Review Submitted: 06/07/10

Trip to Paradise, May 22, 2010 By Joyce (Tampa, Fl) Words cannot describe the tropical paradise we experienced during out stay at Bella Bellini!!! The house accommodated six couples & a few grandchildren for a wonderful family reunion. Everything was as advertised & more! So much to do...right there! We only got in our car to go to church & grocery store. Restaurants right on the same street, sunsets just a few houses down the road. Don't miss the Mucky Duck at the end of the blos, Our Trip was AMAZING- I would definitely consider renting again.

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Guest: The Pilot Family (Minneapolis)
Date of Stay: 02/14/10 Review Submitted: 02/14/10

Photos do not do this property justice. It is breathtaking and the location is the BEST on Captiva Island. Just a few steps to the restaurants, stores and beach. We did not use our car the entire week! The interior and exterior of the house itself are immaculate. Each room is designed in beautiful colors and has its own style. The elevator is a great feature because the house is so big. You have complete privacy as the house wraps around itself and has a spa and pool in the middle courtyard. The owner is a very nice man who answered all of my questions and made some really great family- friendly suggestions. Bella Bellini = FIRST CLASS VACATION RENTAL

Owner response:I'm so happy we could work out a stay for your family and your little guy! Please tell him he's welcome back any time and I hope he continues to feel at his best. We'd love to have you all stay with us again. Thanks, Kevin

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Guest: Erin Harmelink (Goshen, In)
Date of Stay: 01/11/10 Review Submitted: 01/11/10

This was my family's first experience on Captiva. Bella Balini is every bit as nice as a luxury hotel. From the pool and hot tub to the grill, we enjoyed it all. Everything was in place and ready for our use when we arrived. The spacious rooms were just what our family of 14 needed. I would reccommend Bella to any group interested in all the fun Captiva has to offer. Thank you for helping to make our stay on the island special. Great jobe Kevin!

Owner response:Thanks Erin! You guys were great. It was so nice to actually meet your family at the house - a first for me! Please come and stay at our home again, Kevin

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Guest: Nick Tucci (-)
Date of Stay: 12/04/09 Review Submitted: 12/04/09

Our entire family had another wonderful stay at Bella Bellini this past Thanksgiving week. Our second year celebrating the holiday in this home was even better than last year. Kevin has made wonderful investments in this home of such distinction. New living space and the the kid friendly rec room entertained all of us during our stay. The home is immaculately kept and was in perfect condition upon our arrival. After spending last year at Bella Bellini, we knew we would have a wonderful time again this year, but the home itself and working with Kevin exceeded our expectations in every way. Don't look at another property for your stay on Captiva - this is the one for you and your family to enjoy! Thank you, Kevin, for making more wonderful memories spent with our entire family on Captiva Island.

Owner response:Hi Nick! My property manager, Sheri, and I are so happy your family had a great time! Your kind words provide the motivation to keep trying as hard as we do to make the house really special for our guests. Please consider a third year at Bella Bellini as even more improvements will have been made by Thanksgiving! Thank you very much, Kevin

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/15/09 Review Submitted: 11/15/09

If Captiva is your destination Bella Bellini is your personal 5 STAR Accomodations. The house is perfectly located with a short walk to the beach and everything in the village. It is extremely well maitained,managed and fully equipped so you just show up. Bella Bellini was enjoyed by our entire family. It's definitely the place to stay in Captiva.

Owner response:Thank you very much Bob! I'm glad we could work it all out for you and your family. Please come back and stay at Bella Bellini again!

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Guest: Melody Meyer (Richmond, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 08/10/09 Review Submitted: 08/10/09

Bella Bellini is a wonderful home. You actually get the feel of staying at your very own private resort. Our family of 14, with ages ranging from 6 years old to 74 years old, couldn't have found a better place to spend our time together. The pool and spa are pristine. The in-law suite was perfect for my parents to have their own private area. The decor and furnishings all upscale. The accomodation of such a large family is something Bella Bellini can deliver. I hope you and your family get to share in the experience! Melody, Richmond Virginia

Owner response:I loved getting to talk to you and your mother while you were at the house! Your family was one of the nicest to stay at Bella Bellini yet! Please come and stay again! Kevin

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Guest: Holly Patti (Dillsburg, PA)
Date of Stay: 08/05/09 Review Submitted: 08/05/09

What a wonderful time we had vacationing at the Bella Bellini! The owner has truly made this a home away from home. The interior and exterior are beautiful, and the floor plan was perfect to accomodate many adults and children. We loved all the special touches...pool toys, well-stocked kitchen, an abundance of towels, etc. Thank you for sharing your lovely home with us, Kevin. It's obvious that you and your family take pride in it, and your communication with us was superb!

Owner response:You guys made it just as fun for me! It was so nice having your family stay at Bella Bellini! Please come back again! Thanks so much, Kevin

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Guest: Jennifer Peppers (-)
Date of Stay: 07/11/09 Review Submitted: 07/11/09

Our stay was absolutely wonderful. We have stayed in several houses on Captiva and this one was at the top. The pictures on the website do not do it justice. Many of the bedrooms could also be considered master suites themselves. The gameroom, pool, and outdoor spaces are great. The location could not be more perfect. The owner gave us many great and helpful suggestions that really made our vacation stressfree. For example, he informed us about 2 grocers that deliver on the day of your arrival. It was so nice to arrive with a stocked kitchen. Everthing about this rental was top notch.

Owner response:I'm glad your family had fun. I try to take out as much stress as I can. It's no vacation if you aren't happy with either me or the house! I hope to have your family stay at Bella Bellini next year! Thanks so much for the kind words Jennifer!

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Guest: Todd, Minneapolis, MN
Date of Stay: 05/08/09 Review Submitted: 05/07/09

We really loved the place. It could not have been better and there was something new and different to do every day. The beach, the pool, the accommodations, the location, everything is perfect. The minute we walked into the house, we knew it was clean. We concluded that it wasn't just a febreeze cover up but a very clean house. We didn't clean a thing the first day and were able to relax, walk over to the restaurant and eat dinner. After spending a week at Bella Bellini, my wife now wants to upgrade our kitchen to include the 6 burner range. With a 1, 2, and 3 year old with us, we ended up eating in more than out. The grill was great, too. It would heat up to 550 degrees in about 3 minutes after we lit it. Molly (my wife) was talking about the place with our neighbors. They asked us to email them the link to the house because they are also planning a trip this spring. We are very impressed. Todd

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Guest: Susan Holzmacher (Mason, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 05/01/09 Review Submitted: 05/01/09

We absolutely loved staying at the Bella Bellini! It is gorgeous and the pool/hot tub is great. The location is awesome. We were in the middle of all the activity, yet the house and courtyard pool area felt very private. The beach is only a minute walk down a brick sidewalk. The restaurants are great and there are tons of fun activities, such as parasailing, boating and shelling. The sunsets are an event in themselves. We highly recommend this vacation home. Thanks Kevin! Susan Holzmacher

Owner response:I'm so glad everyone enjoyed staying at our home! It was so nice talking to you and I hope to have everyone back at Bella Bellini again!

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Guest: Colval (Sparta, NJ)
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/01/09

Hi Kevin, My family just returned from Captiva last night. Your home is amazing! It was like staying at the Ritz or Four Seasons but with so much more room! Everything was total luxury. The furnishings, bedding, kitchen, pool and spa are even more beautiful than shown. The location was perfect, especially for families with young children. No car necessary and the brick path from the house to the beach was icing on the cake! We loved it all and cant wait to return. Thanks again, The Valenza Family

Owner response:Thanks Colleen! I hope you and your family enjoyed themselves! We hope to have you stay at the house next year too!

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