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Heated Pool Included thru May (5+ Nights) • Walk to Beach • Destiny East

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Private Pool Just for you and your Family to enjoy!
Spacious living area opens directly to the lanai — perfect for families or 2–3 couples traveling together.
King Master Opens Up to Pool Patio
6 Beach Chairs, Umbrella, and Cooler For Perfect Beach Day
Large Covered Lanai w/Private Heated* Pool

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% based on
3 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 82200 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer

Explore the area

View in a map
Destin, FL
  • Place, Miramar Beach
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, James Lee Park
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Emerald Bay Golf Club
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Airport, Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional)
    ‪35 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bunkroom

1 Twin Bunk Bed

King Guest Room

1 Crib and 1 King Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Crib and 1 King Bed

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom

Toilet

Outdoor Shower by Pool

Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Heated Pool Included thru May (5+ Nights) • Walk to Beach • Destiny East

Welcome to Papaya Paradise — a private 3BR/3.5BA home in gated Destiny East, just a 10-minute walk to Destin’s sugar-white beach and close to local dining.
Designed for families or 2–3 couples, this spacious home offers the comfort of a private residence with the convenience of a walkable beach location.

✔ Heated private pool included for 5+ night stays through May
✔ Three en-suite bedrooms (2 King suites + Full/Queen bunk suite)
✔ Ideal for families or 2–3 couples
✔ Beach chairs, umbrella & cooler included
✔ Access to Destiny East resort amenities
This home offers the privacy of a house with the convenience of walking to the beach — without the crowds of high-rise condos.

The Home

The screened lanai and private pool are the heart of the home — perfect for morning coffee, afternoon swims, and relaxed evenings after the beach.
Inside you’ll find:
• Spacious open living area connected to the lanai
• Fully equipped kitchen with stainless appliances
• Full-size washer and dryer
• High-speed Wi-Fi
• Comfortable, quality bedding throughout
Primary King Suite includes:
• Direct lanai access
• Jetted tub
• Walk-in shower
• Double vanities
Second King Suite + private bath
Bunk Suite (Full over Queen) + private bath
All bedrooms are en-suite for comfort and privacy.

Destiny East Community

Located in a quiet, gated residential community featuring:
• Resort-style community pool & hot tub
• Tennis & pickleball courts
• Fitness center & clubhouse
• Playground
• Short walk to the beach
• 2-minute drive to Crab Trap beach access

Pool Heating

Heated pool included for 5+ night stays through May.
For shorter stays or November–February:
• $75/day
• Must be added at least 48 hours prior to arrival
• Runs 7am–10pm
• May take up to 24 hours to reach 87° if air temperatures are below 50°
• Not available if temperatures are forecast below 45° for multiple consecutive days
In rare periods of unseasonably cold weather, the heater may not be able to maintain 87°. No refunds are provided due to weather-related temperature limitations.

Reservation Requirements

To finalize your reservation, we require a signed rental agreement and government-issued ID at booking.
• Primary renter must be 25+
• Maximum occupancy: 9 guests (all ages)
• All guests must be listed on the rental agreement
• No parties or events

Winter Monthly Stays

Extended winter stays (3–4 weeks) are welcome November–February.
Utilities included for monthly stays.
Pool heat may be added for $750/month.
Please message for availability and details.

Outdoor Living Note

As with all Florida homes, occasional outdoor insects may be present when lanai doors are open. The home is professionally treated and maintained.

Security & HOA Compliance

Exterior cameras monitor entry and driveway areas only.
A pool-area noise monitor measures decibel levels (not voices) to comply with HOA quiet hours.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Signed Rental agreement required to complete booking, No Smoking or Vaping, No Tobacco Use, No Pets, No Parties, Max guests 9
No RVs, Trailers, Commercial Vehicles, Stays greater than two weeks Require A credit card & $750 security deposit hold.
HOA Rules Strictly Enforced & Fines Will be your responsibility to pay. No unregistered guests allowed on property even if during the day.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Destin

Located in Destin, this vacation home is on a lake. Shoppers can check out HarborWalk Village, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Miramar Beach and Destin Beaches. Traveling with kids? Consider Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park and Fat Daddy's Arcade. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and hiking/biking trails.
Map
Destin, FL

What's nearby

  • Miramar Beach - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • James Lee Park - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Emerald Bay Golf Club - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Destin Commons - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Regatta Bay Golf and Country Club - 4 min drive - 2.5 km

Getting around

  • Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Pompano Joe's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Crab Trap Destin - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Kenny D's - ‬13 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Does Heated Pool Included thru May (5+ Nights) • Walk to Beach • Destiny East have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.

How much does it cost to stay at Heated Pool Included thru May (5+ Nights) • Walk to Beach • Destiny East?

As of Apr 1, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Heated Pool Included thru May (5+ Nights) • Walk to Beach • Destiny East on Apr 4, 2026 start from $746, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Heated Pool Included thru May (5+ Nights) • Walk to Beach • Destiny East pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Heated Pool Included thru May (5+ Nights) • Walk to Beach • Destiny East?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Heated Pool Included thru May (5+ Nights) • Walk to Beach • Destiny East?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Heated Pool Included thru May (5+ Nights) • Walk to Beach • Destiny East located?

This family-friendly Destin vacation home is located by the sea, within a 15-minute walk of Miramar Beach and James Lee Park. James Lee Beach and Destin Commons are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 17 out of 17 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charles K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a spacious, lovely home. We enjoyed spending our daughter's 11th birthday and Spring Break here. It was enjoyable whether we out to see the attractions or stayed in and just relaxed. The hosts were very accommodating, and they responded very quickly to any question(s) we had. The house was equipped with everything we needed. We have it on our list of "Saved" places to return and stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jon B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great

Nice time.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alicia W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome Vacation

Amanda was awesome! We really enjoyed our stay! The home was exactly what we wanted and more! We will definitely stay again!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Caren B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Heck in simple and the kitchen is well stocked do made cooking easy. Do wish had some wipes to clean counters but otherwise everything you need to make any meal readily available.Beds very comfortable and plenty of TVs for anyone to watch their favorite shows. Pool was nice at the end of the day. Appreciated all the chairs for beach. Great place to stay
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brandi C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome Stay

Amanda, was always quick to answer any questions I had to ensure my stay was pleasing. We will be back to stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicole E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Summer ‘24 vacation

This was an awesome location and the owners seriously thought of everything! The house was super clean and our family loved the pool and patio area!! We would definitely recommend this home!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melissa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing property, Great location

The property was spacious, clean, comfortable and located in a great area. Short walk to the beach. Clear instructions and excellent communication with the owner.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lance C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay!!

We had such a great stay at this home. From the ease of working with the property owners from the start of our booking and throughout our whole stay in Destin. The house has everything you need and more. Our kids really enjoyed the pool at the house. The cleanliness of home shines through in every part of the house. we would not hesitate to book this home again!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely Perfect

I can't say enough good things about the hosts, their communication, the home, the patio, the pool and the area. I have rented many places and this was far and away the best of everything. We are already planning our return trip next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Stay

This 3 bedroom, 4 bath was absolutely perfect for our group of six people. Great bunks for the grandkids, perfect bedroom for my son and daughter-in-law and a gorgeous master suite for the grandparents (me & my wife).This was our second trip to Destin (same development both times) and this year with the heated pool was 100% better than last year. It is a great location; short walk to the beach (or very short drive). The host was extremely responsive. We plan to return next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

thomas v.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dream place

This place was a dream. It was more wonderful than expected. The pictures don't do it justice. The owners were great to work with and quick to respond. Loved the community it was located in. Will definitely do this property again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Adam M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic House

My wife, kids, and I stayed with our friends at this house in April and everything about it was great.... The house had a great layout with plenty of room for all 8 of us... The back patio/pool area was awesome and perfect for hanging out while the kids swam... Would definitely stay here again and I highly recommend it
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joel G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome home

The home was inviting and very comfortble. It's in a great location, gated community. We loved that it was within walking distance to the beach. It had everything you need to enjoy the pool and the beach. There is no need to buy or pack a ton of stuff because the house has beach chairs, sand toys, umbrella and cooler for guests to use. We loved that each room had its own bathroom and shower.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicole M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

Our stay at this property was everything we wanted. Very clean and tidy and ready for my family to enjoy! The location was perfect. The only thing I would recommend at the house is a pool heater as the pool was too chilly for the kids to go in and enjoy. We will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elaine L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We loved this house!

Our family really enjoyed our stay here! The house is very clean and the kitchen is stocked with the essentials needed for everyday use. The hosts take great care of this home and it shows. They were very responsive and helpful with any inquiries we had. Our favorite part? How the kitchen/family room open up to the screened in patio/pool area so we can enjoy the heated pool everyday! We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joshua W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house!

The property was amazing. The pool worked out perfectly with the little guys. Beach was close enough, but we rented a golf cart to make the trip a little easier. Dishwasher was said to have been faulty upon our arrival, maintenance was scheduled right away and a simple reset was all that was needed in the end, but the communication with the owner was on point. They delivered paper plates and plasticware before within a couple hours and even added a couple boxes of cookies for the inconvenience. Much appreciated!! Thank you and we’ll definitely be headed back
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

JEan E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great escape from the Missouri winter!

This is a beautiful home in an excellent location. It has been recently updated and is tastefully decorated. The hosts have thought of everything. It was immaculate at check-in. The hosts left us a thorough manual of local amenties and restaurants. We did our best to see it all! Some of the highlights- we had access to the garage which came in handy for golf clubs and coolers. (So nice not to be tripping over that stuff.) The pantry area was huge so we could keep our supplies close and easily available. Each bedroom had a large TV. Internet access was free and easy to connect. This is a gated community so very safe with minimal traffic. We did not use the pool and lanai due to the time of year, but it would have been a great entertaining space. Lovely property!
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2024

About the host

Hosted by Amanda

Host profile image
Papaya Paradise isn’t just a beach rental—it’s our family’s happy place, and we’re so grateful to share it with guests who will love it as much as we do.

We’re Mark and Amanda, Tennessee natives with a deep-rooted love for the Smoky Mountains—and now, a genuine passion for the soft white sands and emerald waters of Destin. After years of visiting the area, we carefully chose this home because it had everything we were looking for: peaceful surroundings, room to spread out, and easy access to the beach, restaurants, and fun. The moment we walked in, we knew this was it.

We’ve put our hearts into every detail—whether it’s the cozy sleeping arrangements, the well-stocked kitchen, or the welcoming outdoor space. This isn’t a corporate rental managed by a call center. It’s our personal beach home, and when you stay here, you're not just booking a property—you’re being invited into a place we truly love.

Our guests often mention how spacious, clean, and thoughtfully furnished the home is—but what we hear most is how appreciated our communication, care, and attention are. That means everything to us, because we take hosting personally.

Papaya Paradise is where our family comes to relax and reconnect. We hope yours will too. We welcome guests who are looking not just for a place to stay—but a home they can treat with the same care and respect we do.

At GSM Family Vacations, we believe vacations are about more than travel—they’re about gathering, laughing, and creating memories that last long after the trip ends.

Welcome to our slice of paradise. We can’t wait to host you.

Why they chose this property

Papaya Paradise isn’t just a beach house—it’s part of our family story. We chose this home not just for its location or layout, but because the moment we walked in, we knew it had the soul of a true gathering place. It’s a space that invites families to slow down, spread out, and reconnect.

We’ve poured love and attention into every detail of this home—from the upgraded outdoor furniture and cozy bedrooms to the fully stocked kitchen and peaceful poolside patio. This isn’t a generic vacation rental—it’s our family’s beach retreat, and it brings us so much joy to share it with others.

Our favorite part of hosting is hearing from guests who felt immediately at home here. Many say the home exceeded their expectations—not just because it’s clean, spacious, and beautifully maintained, but because they could feel how much we care.

We aren’t a big company. We’re Mark and Amanda—a husband and wife team who genuinely want your family to have an incredible experience. When you stay here, you’ll have the benefit of working directly with us and knowing this home is looked after with personal care and pride.

If you’re searching for a place that feels more like a family home than a vacation rental, where you can make real memories and feel truly welcomed, then Papaya Paradise is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

We’d be honored to host you—and we hope you love this home as much as we do.

What makes this property unique

• Luxurious 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath vacation home in exclusive gated community of Destiny East
• Private heated* pool and covered lanai for year-round enjoyment (inquire about heating pool for additional fee)
• Amenities such as large community pool, tennis courts, playground, theater, and gym within the community
• 10-minute walk to the beach and 2-minute drive to beach access with golf cart parking
• Stainless steel appliances and full-size washer and dryer for guests' convenience
• Bunk room for children
• Master king suite with access to the private pool and lanai
• 3 en-suite bedrooms for privacy and comfort
• Additional 1/2 bath for guest use
• Beautiful landscaping provides privacy in the backyard
• Master suite with access to the lanai, expansive closet, large jetted garden tub, separate shower, and double vanities.

RE: Unwanted Outside Pests
We want you to have an amazing vacation, so we do everything possible to keep the house free from unwanted outside visitors such as beetles, ants, palmetto bugs (aka roaches), etc.
Our home is regularly treated for pest control and cleaned to ensure pesky creatures stay out. However, because our home has great outdoor spaces that lead into the indoor spaces, you may see the occasional pest inside the home from time to time.

Languages:

English

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