Vacation Rentals by Owner

St.Augustines Secret Retreat One ~ New Photos [#405002] | View Property

Vilano Beach
Villa, 3 Bedrooms + Attached Unit, 2 Baths (Sleeps 8)
$877 3 nights $1460 a week $2795 month
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Traveler Reviews (14)

• Great villa in Vilano Beach

  Great villa in Vilano Beach

  • Guest Sally
  • Date of stay 04/01/13
  • Review Submitted 05/04/13
  After renting a few homes this season and being terribly dissatisfied with all I found Secret Retreat to be a wonderful blessing.. Beautifully furnished and extremely clean I finally relaxed. The private patio was totally welcoming and a quiet spot for enjoying everything from breakfast to midnight snacks. Not to mention the lovely flowers surrounding the outside. A very peaceful neighborhood and the beach was almost private where the dog could play and run forever.. Overall a great choice to finish our season before heading back north.. Also Ann and Michael who oversee the property are perfectly wonderful to deal with.. I wouldn't hesitate to rent again.

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

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Randy & Joan

  Randy & Joan

  • Guest Randy & Joan
  • Date of stay 01/15/13
  • Review Submitted 01/31/13
  Easy Living with exceptional property managers. Ane and Michael thanks for all you've done for us!

  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.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 9/9

• Excellent Property Managers and Very Comfortable Rental Make for A Great Stay

  Excellent Property Managers and Very Comfortable Rental Make for A Great Stay

  • Guest Florida Explorers
  • Date of stay 11/01/12
  • Review Submitted 01/09/13
  We stayed at this property November and December 2012. The property managers, Anne and Michael were outstanding, engaging, interested, concerned with our comfort and facilities and we cannot thank them enough for the care they showed to us. Whatever we needed Anne and Michael were available to address any concern. They are the reason for the excellent rating. The property is very good but Anne and Michael make it excellent! The property is a very nice 3 bedroom duplex town home that was absolutely spotless. It is well stocked, extremely clean, good dish and internet service, and very comfortable. It's location is ideal in a quiet neighborhood with wonderful walking proximity to the beach and to the Serenata Beach Club. It is furnished nicely (although it needs new mattresses as beds are well worn and anyone prone to a back ache will have to adjust). The property was dog friendly which was a huge plus for us and has a very usable 2 car garage with bicycles, beach chairs and beach accessories. It is a clean, comfortable property managed by two terrific people. We would recommend this rental to anyone and we would particularly recommend Anne and Michael as the shepherds for the property. Any owner would be fortunate to have them as their property managers and any renter will benefit from their care and attentions.

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

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 12/12

• my stay in Vilano Beach

  my stay in Vilano Beach

  • Guest artis w.
  • Date of stay 10/17/12
  • Review Submitted 11/06/12
  I just wanted to say thank you for helping us make our daughters wedding one whe will remember. The house is absolutly beautiful and very well equiped. The location was absolutly wonderful. The beach is with in walking distance. I recomend this property no matter what brings you to Vilano Beach. Ann will make your stay the best that it can be. Thanks again Ann.

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

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 12/12

• Wonderful Villa

  Wonderful Villa

  • Guest DJN
  • Date of stay 08/24/12
  • Review Submitted 09/02/12
  My family and I attended a wedding in Vilano Beach and rented the Secret Retreat One for the weekend. We have rented from various owner's and property manager's over the past 15 years and have had varied experiences. Overall, our stay was excellent and the property was very accommodating to our family and friends...lots of space and comfort...not to mention the beautiful and clean interior. It also was great for our small dog and provided easy access with no stairs to manuever. Ann was awesome to do business with and was available for any concerns. We are looking for to returning again. Thanks for a great weekend!

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

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 18/18

• Close to Mayo Clinic

  Close to Mayo Clinic

  • Guest Grandma Carol
  • Date of stay 07/01/12
  • Review Submitted 02/10/13
  I feel remiss in not posting a review for this great get-away spot earlier. My family stayed there last summer because we needed to be near Mayo Clinic for several weeks. Withing walking distance from the beach; less than a half hour from Mayo to the north and St. Augustine to the south; and with great restaurants (casual to free-champagne casual) nearby, we couldn't have asked for much more. Our family of six included seniors, grandkids -- and their folks -- and a well-behaved dog. The retreat met all our expectations. Well-appointed, clean and homey, it truely did become a home away from home at a most important time. Michael and Anne Lydon were on the spot managers and "friends" by the time we left. We feel that staying here made all the difference in the Mayo experience. We are recommending it to friends and family -- and to you who may be reading this.

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

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 9/9

• Look no further this is the place for you!!!!

  Look no further this is the place for you!!!!

  • Guest Smitty
  • Date of stay 06/16/12
  • Review Submitted 06/27/12
  We had a great family vacation my wife & I live in Jacksonville FL. & my family flew in we had 6 adults and 2 children. This house is beautiful Michael & Anne keep the place spotless. The adult size bunk beds just got new mattresses the were so comfortable. The covered Lani/patio area outside is so nice to sit out on early in the morning with a cup of coffee or after a long day at the beach with a frosty beverage. I just can't say enough about this house it was a dream. If you stay at this house Anne will take you up to the serenata beach club for $25.00 a day believe me its worth it. This place has a very large kids area & kids pool with large waterfall. Also upstairs overlooking the ocean is the adult pool just beautiful. Anne will also set you up on the beach with chairs & umbrellas be sure to get a banana daiquiri from the bar they are good. Be sure & walk to Capps on the water a great seafood restaurant you can walk to in the neighborhood from the house wonderful food eat out side great views of water. Also very close to St Augustine FL very fun city to visit. Michael & Anne will take care of you if you need anything they will get it for you. I'm sure we will be back see you next time Anne & Michael!!!!

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

  Owner response: hello scott, what a beautiful review, thank you so much for all your kind words, it was so lovely meeting your family, and i am so glad you had a good time and loved my home, i can always work yall back in thanks so much see yall soon. anne and michale lydon

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 26/26

• Absolutely Phenomenal!

  Absolutely Phenomenal!

  • Guest Ben S
  • Date of stay 05/28/12
  • Review Submitted 06/03/12
  Absolutely amazing place. Had a group of 9 - every single one of them were stunned with how nice the place was and how great the beach was. In amazing proximity to Publix (I think only 3 miles away). We had so much fun going to the beach every day and hanging out in the little patio area every night. Loved it is an understatement. Will definitely look to return every year. A five day stay was too short!

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers.

  Owner response: hello ben, what a lovely group you brought from college and thank you for a great review, guess what your all welcome back next spring break see ya next year thank you again. michael and anne lydon

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 29/29

• ST AUGUSTINE SECRET RETREAT ONE- AWESOME

  ST AUGUSTINE SECRET RETREAT ONE- AWESOME

  • Guest JOY
  • Date of stay 05/24/12
  • Review Submitted 06/11/12
  We had a GREAT TIME . It was everything that Ann said it would be and more. Everything was perfect. They truly pay attention to details. Things that totally make your visit more pleasant and relaxing. Having not to worry about anything but relaxing. Stay here once and I promise you'll be back like us! See ya in a couple of weeks Ann, Michael & Barb. And Thanks Again for such an Awesome Place to Stay. Jody, Joy, & Joey Gibbs

  Owner response: hello joy, thanks for a wonderful review, so glad your family had a great time, was expecting you back sooner, what a lovely family you have and thanks again for the veggies from the farm yumm anne and michael lydon

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 27/27

• Excellent Accomodations

  Excellent Accomodations

  • Guest Matt
  • Date of stay 05/09/12
  • Review Submitted 05/21/12
  We stayed here during The Players Championship golf tournament in May 2012. The unit was great, we had everything that was needed for a good vacation. It was close to the beach and very convenient to St. Augustine. The house was clean and Anne made sure that we were well taken care of (including replacing the coffee pot when the old one stopped working). All in all I would definitely recommend this unit.

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

  Owner response: hello mat, what a nice review, thank you, i am so glad we made you feel at home, see ya next year, bring more people next time, it was so nice to meet yall anne and michael lydon

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 26/26

• Spring Break Family Getaway...........

  Spring Break Family Getaway...........

  • Guest JJ
  • Date of stay 04/11/12
  • Review Submitted 06/05/12
  My family and I spent Spring Break at this retreat. We had a fabulous time. Michael, Anne, and Barb pay attention to the details that make you feel like your at home away from home. All the details were taken care of down to the linen, towels, dishes and cooking utencils. Everything was there, all we had to do was bring our clothes. The split floor plan allowed separation between the kid’s room and the adult rooms. We spent days sightseeing at St.Augustine that was just a 10 minute drive away and spent other days at the Serenata Private Beach Club, enjoying the pool and the beach. In the evenings we spent time cooking out on the grill and sitting out on the patio relaxing with a glass of wine. We will definately be returning if we ever go to St. Augustine again.

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

  Owner response: hello jonilea, thought you would be back by now, you will always be spoiled when you come here so glad you enjoyed serenat beach club and the villa. it was so nice meeting your family. this is so much fun too michael and i thank you for a great review high 5 anne and michael lydon

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 27/27

• Great family get away

  Great family get away

  • Guest Mo
  • Date of stay 04/05/12
  • Review Submitted 04/08/12
  Spent the last three days of Spring Break at Secret Retreat. The place fulfilled all our expectations. Ann made sure we enjoyed our stay - the Seranata Club was the perfect start! We also visited all our favorite shops and restaurants in St. Augustine - O'Steens is always a treat! Plenty of room for everyone and the perfect outside patio to enjoy coffee or a glass of wine. We will be back soon!

  Recommended for: Families with teenagers, romantic getaway.

  Owner response: hello maureen, sorry for the late response, i am so glad you enjoyed seranata beach club and the villa, and you enjoyed your stay, hope to see yall soon or next spring break. anne and michael lydon

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 24/24

• PHENOMENAL!!!!

  PHENOMENAL!!!!

  • Guest Jim
  • Date of stay 03/30/12
  • Review Submitted 04/04/12
  PHENOMENAL…One of many words I could think of to describe the experience we had at your home during our spring break. We were scheduled to be here for four nights, but after the first night, we rearranged our travel plans so we could stay longer. We have rented VRBO properties in the past where the owners and/or managers provided a “hotel” experience, but this was different. Michael, Anne, and Barb pay attention to the little details that make all the difference between an average vacation and a memorable experience. Some of these details include a personal welcome gift upon arrival, a kitchen stocked with spices for cooking, aluminum foil and Ziploc bags, the entire movie channel package for nights in, and guest access at the Serenata Private Beach Club. The unlimited hot water in the walk-in shower and jetted tub eliminated the need to coordinate showers to make sure that everyone got a hot shower. The split floor plan allowed separation between the kid’s room and the adult’s rooms. This is one of the best vacations we have had in years and feel like we’ve made some new friends with Ann and Michael. Thank you so much for your attention, care, and personal touch…don’t change a thing. Jim, Dee, Jenn, Katie, and Sadie

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

  Owner response: hi jim, dee, jenn, katie and sadie we are very happy you had a wonderful vacation and it was so nice meeting you. you both have lovely family`s, we look forward to seeing you on your next vacation. its an absolute pleasure making family`s vacation`s memorable, and fun. thank you for writing a great review.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 22/22

• This place is amazing!

  This place is amazing!

  • Guest Jessie
  • Date of stay 01/18/12
  • Review Submitted 03/09/12
  My husband and I spent a week here in January and it was perfect. We wanted to stay forever! There was more than enough space in the house and it had everything we needed. The neighborhood was very quiet. We walked to the beach everyday, which was great, and we usually were the only people on it. The beach was also pet friendly, so our dog really enjoyed that. We ate out in downtown St. Augustine a few times. A1A and Spy sushi were our favorites. The nightlife downtown was fun, but it was really nice to come back to our quiet vacation villa. When we wanted to eat in, we just cruised down the the local Publix and got what we needed. This place was just what we needed for some family down time. I will definitely come many more times in the future and will gladly recommend this place to friends.

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

  Owner response: Hi Jessie, its good to hear from you again. It was a real pleasure meeting you and your husband, and we`re very happy you had such a good time. Your most welcome to come back, we sincerely look forward to you returning and thoroughly enjoyed your company. Thank you for your kind words, and for 'going out of your way' to write a review, your the first!! Tell Dan, don`t work to hard, we miss you.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 22/22