Vacation Rentals by Owner

Heaven on earth

Guest: Lara (The Netherlands)
Date of Stay: 04/28/11 Review Submitted: 08/26/11

Heaven on earth. What a magical place! We were with a group of five, three kids and we had the times of our lives! Swim in the sea, whatch dolphins play, look for seaturtles and play all day long on the beach! Heart's desire was clean, pretty furniture, nice kitchen and a very comfortable place to be.! We defenatly would love to come back soon!

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

Vacation with the turtles

Guest: Grandma (Ashland, OH)
Date of Stay: 08/10/10 Review Submitted: 08/24/10

I have stayed in the "Heart's Desire" (first floor) of the house twice and really enjoyed being right on the beach with the view of the beach, sunsets, waves, etc. The last trip was in August, which we knew would be hot weather, but we hoped to see turtle nests and hatching and we were so lucky! There were more than 50 nests within walking distance in various stages after being laid and the first one we saw being dug up by turtle patrol after hatching in the night was right in front of the house It had 96 already hatched eggs , 4 dead tiny turtles and 4 live saved. The location is great, 1/2 way between Stump Pass and the bridge to the key where the Beach Store, Circle K, and public beach are located and the house is well decorated and very comfortable with a great kitchen well stocked and granite counters.

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

Vacation Retreat

Guest: sugarbeet54 (North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 04/18/10 Review Submitted: 05/04/10

We rented this retreat a second time because of the location, all the amenities, and the fabulous view. This time we even had a special delight in the addition of a outside patio that provided a wonderful view and shade to get out of the sun. We even had an opportunity to meet the owners. They made sure that we had everything we needed though the place provides you with everything you will need but your food. It is clean, well maintained and has direct access to the beach. You can open your windows and have the waves put you to sleep. I would definetly recommend this place to anyone. Fabuloso!!!!!!

Owner response:It is such a pleasure for us to know that our guests appreciate all the energy we put in our home to keep it to high standards. We have many repeat guests and that says a lot. Rawy and Nijole.

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.

Paradise

Guest: Jim P. (Johnson Creek, Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 03/27/10 Review Submitted: 04/05/10

Soul's Rest was just what the name implies! We've experienced other places in the area and this by far is our favorite. You can sit in the livingroom and watch the beautiful sunsets or go out on the wrap around deck and feel the sea breezes. The deck was especially great for shade or wind protection depending on the time of day. The private beach level patios for each unit was a very nice addition because other places you have to share chairs, tables etc. The bed was very comfortable and even large enough for my 6'7 husband. Wish we could have stayed longer. We can't wait to go back! Cindy and Jim

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

The Name Says It All --- Souls Rest!!!

Guest: Nebraska Pat (Nebraska)
Date of Stay: 04/04/09 Review Submitted: 05/04/10

We stayed here in 2008 and just booked to come back again! Beachfront. Quiet. Clean. Comfortable. What else could you ask for? Stay here....you will not regret your choice!

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Relax at Soul's Rest

Guest: -CJ (Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 03/13/09 Review Submitted: 09/07/10

NIce property right on the beach with a full wall of windows facing the Gulf. Walk the beach from the unit to Stump Pass State Park. Pride of ownership is apparent; the owner is personable and attentive. We've stayed twice; we'll return - definitely a Soul's Rest as described!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

Guestbook Comment

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

We had a great two weeks on the beach we hired both apartments and it was so peaceful. A lovely area and wonderful beach. Saw dolphins riding the waves and osprey in the tree above the house. Shirlee the neighbour was very helpful and found us two italian restaurants to try. our dream vacation home.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/10/08

We stayed at Souls Rest 6/14 to 6/21/08 and we really enjoyed it!!!It was just what we were looking for. It was very enjoyable and relaxing. What we liked most is that it was so close to the water, only steps away. The condo was exactly as the photos pictured. It was very clean and smelled very nice as soon as we walked in. Very well equiped with everything. Nice deck with lots of chairs and umbrella table and chairs and about 3 grills. If you like quiet and relaxing, this is the place to be. We will definately be back soon!!!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/06/08

We had the perfect "chill out" vacation here. This off the beaten path home is great for families with children (2)(downstairs) and grandparents (upstairs.) The home has everything you need hairdryer, beach toys, tons of towels, kids surf boards. Really, just pack your swimsuit. The weather was great 8 days of 86 and full sun. When you've had too much sun the home has great shade from large trees. The beach is private (deeded) in a week we saw less than 20 people (most year-round locals). The waves were small, water clear and warm. Finding shells and sharks teeth was a fun time passer. We found over 200 sharks teeth, and really became knowledgable on sharks. Get a post card of teeth so you know what to look for. The grocery is only 3 miles away. It is a great base for many day trips 1 hour 25 mins to Tampa (great zoo), about the same to Orlando. We loved this home and will be back for many season to come!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/26/08

We had the perfect Christmas week in this lovely home. The gulf is right outside your door, and we enjoyed the clean beach and abundant wildlife. It was our most relaxing vacation ever.

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Guestbook Comment

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

We had a great week in Heart's Desire on Shoreview Drive. The dolphins appeared on cue the first time we went on the beach and we loved the bird life there and at Stump Pass beach. The weather was excellent and we found plenty to see when we weren't sitting on the beach. The property was all we hoped for and the walk up to the circle was easy where we ate at Lock & Key, White Elephant Pub and Gulf View Grill so we contributed to the local economy. It was nice to have a supply of books, DVDs, videos and games on hand in the apartment and the hairdryer was appreciated as well. We don't generally reckon to visit the same place twice but your place is making us seriously consider a return visit especially if the upstairs accommodation is available.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Stacey Oliver (Georgia)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/01/07

We rented both units last year on July 4th week. It was so awesome that we are coming back again this year. Unfortunately July 4th was booked but we rearranged our vacation just because we didnt want to go anywhere else. I am sure we will be back again next year as well.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Donna Weber (Cuba, Missouri)
Date of Stay: 12/01/06 Review Submitted: 12/20/06

We spent 33 days in the upstairs rental from Nov. - Dec.2006. We had a wonderful time. The house was clean and well decorated, right on the beach, with fantastic views of the Gulf. We felt right at home instantly. We spent so many leisurely hours on the deck watching dolphin or lying in beach chairs soaking in sunshine. We collected many seashells, sharksteeth and a few other sea artifacts. And last but not least....ohhhhh the sunsets! Beautiful, gorgeous sunsets. We met the owners, Rawy and Nijole, our last week there. Very nice people. Manasota Key is a beautiful island in which we met many wonderful and friendly full time residents. We hope to return.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Linda and family (SW Floirda)
Date of Stay: 12/01/06 Review Submitted: 12/17/06

We were privileged to have been given the opportunity to spend time on Englewood Beach in Rawy's Beach House.We spent 8 days in the downstairs unit,very large... and superb views of the Gulf from every room except the bathroom!! The amenities are far superior to most rental properties,-ie condo's,cottages, efficiency units,etc. Everything is as if the owners themselves are living there .The beach is so private,the feel of an estate-pine trees, palms,sand on your toes the minute you go out the door.Some excellent restaurants close by, also,fun side trips(ie Boca Grande,other state parks,etc)Before we left we already booked a week + for this coming May 2007,this time we will be in the upstairs unit. If you want peace, tranquillity,low key,quiet time,personal explorations opportunities(shark teeth finding, shells hunting,watching the birds/fish) this is the place.Not a touristy,noisy,crowded beaches,screaming kids type of place. A five plus star rating!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Liz Downey (West Palm Beach, FL)
Date of Stay: 07/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/30/06

We rented both the upstairs and downstairs of this lovely house. We took our mother who is 84 and terminally ill for what may be her last beach vacation. Due to her condition, being on the beach was important. The accomodations were wonderful! The view is fantastic and we were lucky enough to see a manatee, dolphins, great tarpon fishing, and the sea turtles seem to love our location also. We had 3 nests laid while we were there. Definitely a bargain in a beautiful location. We definitely want to come back!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Jonas & Rita (Reno, NV)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/29/06

What a wonderful beach house to spend some stress free time! The accommodations were clean and very pleasant. The kitchen was updated with nice quality supplies. Then there's the wonderful beach, the blue herons, the dolphins! We loved every minute! Would highly recommend!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Nancy Christine (Miami, FL)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/12/06

This beach house was a joy to stay in. We ate breakfast on the deck and in the evenings we enjoyed the sunsets from there also. But the most fun was swimming in the warm ocean and strolling on the beach. Your place is comfortable and clean! We will be back. Thanks, Nancy Christine

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Robyn_HAC52908 (Massachussetts)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/05/06

Hi Rawy, I just wanted to let you know how much we LOVED staying at your beach home. We collected beautiful shells, had a great time fishing and the sunsets were amazing! We spent hours swimming in the warm gulf waters (the ocean up our way is always so cold.) We even had a dolphin swim next to us! This was, by far, the best part of our vacation. I could have stayed forever but my kids insisted I go home with them :) I can't thank you enough for making it possible for us to stay at your home. Hopefully, we will be able to visit again. The kids have talked about returning during their Christmas vacation (if you have that week open.) Sort of everyones Christmas present :) Maybe, when you have a chance, you could let me know if that is a possibility? I took several beautiful pictures while we were there, and plan to incorporate them into the quilt I promised. It will probably take me a little bit of time to pull it together, but a quilt is still coming :) It will be my pleasure to make it as a way of showing our appreciation. Thanks again! Robyn

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: patricia urbano-combs (Not Specified)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/05/06

What a wonderful home on the beach, the unit is beautiful and updated in newer appliances, beach chairs, rafts, grills, washer dryer and wonderful neighbors. My husband and I spent 7 wonderful nights and will stay at this home again in the near future - I recommend this over any other homes on the coast in Manasota Key.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: laird & Barbara (kw fl)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 06/05/06

Wonderful quiet sunsets and fabulous shelling on the clean beaches. We look at our shell collection everyday and long for our next visit!

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