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How Sweet It Is...Private Island Beach Life

Photo gallery for How Sweet It Is...Private Island Beach Life

Exterior
Exterior
Exterior
Beach
Outdoor dining

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Little Gasparilla Island Beach
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Deck or patio
  • Internet access

Explore the area

View in a map
Placida, FL
  • Place, Little Gasparilla Island Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Boca Grande Beach
    ‪40 min drive‬
  • Place, Englewood Beach
    ‪50 min drive‬
  • Airport, Punta Gorda Airport (PGD)
    ‪82 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Twin Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai

About this property

How Sweet It Is...Private Island Beach Life

Island Cottage Escape
Your tropical getaway awaits just steps from the beach via a private boardwalk through the dunes. Enjoy sunsets from the open sun deck or unwind on the screened lanai. This cozy cottage offers all the comforts of home and the peaceful charm of island life.
Details:
Sleeps 4 guests
Bedrooms: 2 | Bathrooms: 1.5
Bedding: 1 Queen Bed, 2 Twin Beds, 1 Sleeper Sofa (for optional use)



Amenities:
WiFi, Air Conditioning, Washer and Dryer, Linens, Dishwasher, Coffee Maker, Blender, Propane Grill, Outdoor Shower, Hammock, Community Dock, and Boardwalk Access to Beach
Pets are welcome with owner approval; a non-refundable pet fee per pet applies (breed and size restrictions may apply). A $500 refundable security deposit is required. Applicable charges include 12% tax, cleaning, and reservation fees, along with a 3% credit card processing fee (waived for check payments). Skip the extra fees and enjoy more beach days-book direct with Tarpon Real Estate. No smoking permitted. Stay a week or a lifetime. How Sweet it is makes every day feel like island time.
Little Gasparilla Island is bridgeless and accessible only by private boat or water taxi. There are no stores or restaurants on the island, only miles of sandy trails, turquoise waters, and total tranquility. Golf carts are available for rent on the island.
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

Pets allowed
Pets considered by some owners
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 765039
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the neighborhood

Placida

Located in Placida, this vacation home is near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Englewood Beach and Manasota Beach. Motor boating, fishing, and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby.
View more Vacation Homes in PlacidaOpens in a new window
Map
Placida, FL

What's nearby

  • Little Gasparilla Island Beach - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Don Pedro Island State Park - 4 min drive - 2.8 km
  • Boca Grande Beach - 40 min drive - 14.6 km
  • Gasparilla Island State Park - 41 min drive - 15.6 km
  • Englewood Beach - 50 min drive - 25.2 km

Getting around

  • Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Lighthouse Grill - ‬35 min drive
  • ‪Cool Pickle In Paradise - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Miller's Dockside - ‬38 min drive
  • ‪Rotonda Elks - ‬35 min drive
  • ‪The Outlet At The Inlett Restaurant - ‬35 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is How Sweet It Is...Private Island Beach Life pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at How Sweet It Is...Private Island Beach Life?

As of Jun 20, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at How Sweet It Is...Private Island Beach Life on Jun 22, 2026 start from $654, 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.

What time is check-in at How Sweet It Is...Private Island Beach Life?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at How Sweet It Is...Private Island Beach Life?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is How Sweet It Is...Private Island Beach Life located?

Situated by the sea, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Little Gasparilla Island Beach and Tails and Scales Charters. Gasparilla Marina and Uncle Henrys Marina are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

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. 9 out of 19 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 19 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 19 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 19 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 19 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Check-in

9.0/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.0/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert S.

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

Great time

Audra and Judy were great.. house was nice and local was excellent.
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 11, 2021
So glad you enjoyed your stay! Come back and see us again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robin D.

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

Awesomeness

Excellent
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Feb 29, 2024
Robin we are delighted that you enjoyed your stay. We look forward to having you return and stay with us again Stephinie Tarpon Real Estate
Verified

8/10 Good

Angela S.

Perfect for quiet getaway

Make sure you understand that Little Gasparilla is only accessible by boat and there are no stores of any kind. It was exactly what we were looking for. House is very close to the beach. Golf cart was fun. Nice house, comfortable beds and furniture. A bit dated and very clean but not immaculate. I would rent this house again.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 23, 2020
Angela, We are glad you enjoyed and had a good time. Hope to see you again!
Verified

8/10 Good

Nicole K.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in

Fall ‘23

Property is nice & cute. Easy short walk to the beach. Loved the sunset views from the back decks. Unfortunately the mosquitos and no-see-ums are atrocious & can’t enjoy the porch or deck. This is about 1/2 way on the island and the sand is lower, so it stays damp. Needs a new shower head. Vacuum doesn’t pick up the sand. Could use some mats at the doors and curtains in the LR.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John R.

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

What a wonderful time!

My wife and I love going here to get away and relax. We took Pirates Water Taxi to the island, where we were picked up at the dock and taken to the house. I think it took longer to load the cart than it did to drive there. This is the first time we rented this place. It is very comfortable and it feels lived in, like a beach house should. Everything worked fine & we had zero issues. Love the large outdoor shower! Everything we needed was there & the beach chairs were great! Its about a one minute walk and your on the beach. We were there during a holiday when it was busy and it felt as if we had the beach to ourselves. When you see the most people is during sunset, & its always breathtaking! Late at night you can go out on the beach and with a red light, or a full moon you can watch the sea turtles come in and lay eggs. This is a special place because there are no cars, no roads leading to it. The people are friendly and respectful. It is all private property and private beach. Thank you to the owner for sharing their wonderful piece of heaven! We loved it!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 22, 2024
Thank you for delighting us with such a heartwarming review of your recent stay at our beach property. It's genuinely fulfilling to learn that you and your wife had an exquisite time embracing the serene charm of private island life. Your kind mention of the effortless journey provided by Pirates Water Taxi, the homely comfort of the beach house, and the conveniences we've provided, warms our hearts. Knowing that the outdoor shower and beach chairs added to your relaxation brings us immense joy. The fact that our little slice of paradise offered you the privacy and tranquility you sought, even during the bustling holiday season, is music to our ears. And how thrilling to hear about your nocturnal adventures witnessing the beauty of sea turtles—a truly magical experience! We're honored that you've taken the time to express your appreciation for the unique attributes that make this place a heavenly retreat, from the car-free environment to the private sandy shores and friendly community spirit. Please rest assured that your gracious thanks will be conveyed to the owner. It is gestures like yours that remind us why we share this special place with lovely guests like you. We're counting the days until we have the pleasure of welcoming you back for another idyllic getaway! Warm regards, Stephinie
Verified

6/10 Okay

kevin l.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in

Great Cottage BUT...

Better get a GOLF CART or someone to drag your stuff to the house from the DOCK ! Office ladies are fine, but the load/unload was BRUTAL ! Cottage is easy 1/4 mile walk from dock with fishcart that holds 2 bags + - Promised a ride from office + delivery of stuff to cottage, got none - Slider wheels on GLASS DOOR terrible ( main entrance ) A/C vents filthy, def. a beach shack in need of some owner's $$ - Dryer on last legs, appliances original from the 1970's - Note: This cute cottage is USED too much - Great place & location / but a family of 4 easily shows it's weakness ~ I DO recommend this place, but if you're looking for perfect and easy, try another - Needs a strong Dad / Mom willing to work to make it work for a family - Golf cart is a MUST ! Sadly, owner has GC locked up downstairs, too bad its not for the paying customer ~ In summary: Enjoyable but exhausted from our vacation -
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 24, 2022
Thank you very much for your review. The island is a special place and it can be exhausting hauling your things to and from the cottage in the hot Florida sun. I apologize that no one was available to help you. We do have an on island service and they are usually spot on. There is also a place on island to rent carts. Unfortunately, not all guests use the carts appropriately and the owner has decided not to rent his out. Again, thank you for taking the time to help us improve our properties.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Miasarah R.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Check-in, communication

Awesome location but needs work!

I want to start this review by saying our stay was a good time, the rental home is actually good and has the potential to be great. However, the people who rent (Tarpon Rental) this place need to do a better job. If you are bringing pets they will hit you with a hidden fee the day of that is $168 and was not disclosed until you go get the keys. I did not mind the fee as much as I did the whole not telling us and keeping it a surprise until we got there. The check in process was not very friendly. Again, the house has SO much potential and is in a great location and the people on the island are super friendly and willing to help. The house could use some care and a good thorough cleaning as it was not in the best conditions and last thing I want to do during a vacation is clean up, which should not be the case if they charge such a high cleaning fee. We are glad that we brought our own linens, towels, blankets because the ones either have sand on them or are not clean so make sure you pack those up but travel light because it is a bit of a walk to bring everything into the house. Overall, we still made the best out of our trip, it was super relaxing and the sunsets are absolutely breathtaking here.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 5, 2022
Please accept Tarpon's apology that your check in wasn't friendly and that the pet fee seemed hidden. Because not everyone brings a pet the software won't allow us to make the fee optional. Typically once you notify us of a pet we tell you right away. The fee is $150 per pet and the additional $18 is taxes. The house is a wonderful little cottage. We are glad that you were able to relax. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. New towels and linens have been ordered.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

heather n.

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

A little gem of a house!

We decided to book a place at LGI on a whim, and were really pleased with our stay! The island is magical, and really fun and relaxing. The beach and ocean are AMAZING. Truly just a minute walk to the beach. In spring you can see the sunset from the deck. The deck furniture is really nice! The outdoor spaces are plentiful and comfortable. The house is super cute. A little dated and low budget with the amenities, but really not an issue. The couch is comfortable. The main bed is comfortable. The twin beds are not comfortable, but would be fine for young kids. The TV is cable only with no on-demand access or ability to log into Netflix or other online services. I would change that if I were the owner. We were a bit nervous about being "stranded" on the island for a week. We made an extra reservation for the water taxi just in case we needed to get off the island. It's NOT needed. We went off the island for sightseeing, but there's not a lot to do that's nearby, and you can get groceries delivered. I wish we had just done that. A golf cart is not necessary, but it is really nice to go on evening rides, so if you can swing the extra $$ I would do it. Definitely order pizza from the pizza delivery on the island. The number should be on the fridge. Also be sure to visit the gift shop at the north end. Super cute and lots of great souvenirs. Bring an umbrella or tent canopy for the sunny days. Definitely worth it! We purchased seafood from Twin Lobster before we ferried over and it was delicious. If your kids have a Onewheel, they would be perfect for the island. Tarpon Realty was very helpful and cheerful! Very easy to work with. Definitely worth it to vacation here!! Take the plunge - you won't regret it
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 19, 2021
Heather, So so glad you enjoyed your time on the island. Please come back again!!
Verified

8/10 Good

Jasmany N.

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

Nice Beach House

I love the place. Very nice. If you love everyday beach this is the place. House just needs alittle updating. But loved it...
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

6/10 Okay

Marlene C.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Location on LGI

The location of this How Sweet It Is is just a short boardwalk to the amazing beach of Little Gasparilla. We did have two non-related events that caused power outages of 16+ hours. This property could use an upgrade on basics like flashlights and candles, along with a deep cleaning. The floors never felt entirely clean and the dishwasher is iffy. Also, don’t plan on using the second fridge…or opening it, for that matter. The sheets and upholstery all need a good shakeout/cleaning as well. One final note, the second bedroom window leaks during driving rain and water pools on the floor. Not trying to discourage because the location is great and the people you meet are so friendly and helpful. This is a good property waiting to be great with a little TLC. The garbage service is as promised, and with the cost of water taxis, it might be good to have that second refrigerator clean and working to store extra groceries. LGI is magical and memories are there to be made. Our check-in was slightly delayed through no fault of Audra, so we were grateful to have her wait for us with keys.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on May 27, 2022
Thank you very much for the helpful feedback. We will get some emergency lighting out there right away. You are right, it is time for a deep cleaning. We usually start scheduling them in early summer. Our apologies regarding the window. The driving rain can be brutal. I am happy to share your feedback with the property owner. We want our guests to have a great experience. LGI is a magical place. We hope you will return.
Verified

8/10 Good

William D.

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

Would stay again

Cute beach house, great location on quiet section of beach. Kitchen supplies could use updating but otherwise well stocked. Comfortable beds too!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on May 23, 2022
Thank you for the review. The island is a very special place to unwind and enjoy the peaceful location. We appreciate the tips regarding the kitchen supplies and hope you will stay with us again.
Verified

8/10 Good

Gennifer C.

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Island

We loved our stay and will probably be back. The house had everything we needed, and the island is beautiful. If you’re coming around Christmas, we noticed that the crowds came immediately after the 25th. Just FYI if you want a less crowded experience. The only small inconveniences we came across were being given the wrong set of keys at check-in. No big deal. We just had to wait a little bit for the correct set to be brought. Also we were asked on a couple occasions to contact the people on the island who could take us and our luggage to and from the dock, but were never provided their numbers. When we asked to have their numbers, we were told to call the office. Customer service there was a little lacking. On our last day, we asked about a ride back to the dock with all our luggage and were told “we only get you to the house, not back”, so we opted to take several trips walking our luggage to the dock. Again, that was a customer service issue, but not a huge deal. Just something to take note of. One note on the house: During our stay the inside shower was not operating properly. Luckily the outdoor shower is amazing and much more comfortable.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristina S.

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

Private Island Getaway

Little Gasparilla Island is a wonderful vacation getaway! There are no roads on the island, no cars, no stores or restaurants. It's wonderfully quiet and private. The beach is soft white sand, and the ocean is safe and perfect for swimming in the warm, clear green waves. The beach is a quick two minute walk, there are houses directly in front of this property, which was kind of misleading based on how it is presented. The ocean view that you do have is from the back porch that gets full sun all day long and is too hot to enjoy. This is easily remedied by simply going down to the beach to enjoy the stellar views. Previous reviews have stated that the property is dated, and although the decor is charming, as a homeowner, dated means the bathroom is dingy and badly requires updating, and the beds are horribly uncomfortable. The kitchen is stocked with most of what you need to fix your meals, and there is also onsite laundry. The rental check in was very easy and right next to a grocery store. We bought our supplies and went straight to the dock for the water taxi, all very easy and convenient. We very much loved our time on LGI and appreciated our stay at this property, any negative review is more of a heads up than it is meant to deter renters. We loved our vacation on LGI and only wish we spent more time there. (Family of four, with an 18 and 14 yo.)
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

COnnie E.

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

Very peaceful

We enjoyed this vacation spot so much! Everything was perfect.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Doris M.

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

Only One Complaint

This property was perfect for me and my small dog. It's not immaculate but comfortable and felt almost like home. The furniture they have on the deck is VERY nice! The outside underneath the house was a great area to kick back and relax. The ONLY complaint I have was that the description says that it has the internet but it was down the entire time I was there. I understand that this is something that does happen on the island but I wish this was put in the description of the property instead of saying they had it. I called the realty company several times and the issue was never resolved. I needed it for work so this was very frustrating.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelsey L.

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

Wonderful stay!

We had a wonderful stay! The house has everything you need for a great beach trip. I have been coming to LGI for years and was so grateful for the ease of the check-in and checkout process, communication from the host, support getting from the dock to the house, and the many amenities provided! We did have a little trouble with the Internet, but that is typical of a stay on the island. We hope to be back soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

brenda E.

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

Wonderful!

The property is fantastic! Loved everything about it!
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 23, 2020
So glad you had a fantastic time. How Sweet it Is really is a great place to unwind and enjoy the tropical breezes off the Gulf. We hope you will book with us again.
Verified

8/10 Good

Scott L.

Fantastic Location

This property is situated within very close proximity to beach access via a boardwalk over the nearby sand dune. The golf cart was a tremendous amenity provided by this rental. Being a pet friendly property was an added bonus for our Vizsla. The only real negatives noted were a front sliding door that was not fully functional and was extremely difficult to open and close and sand remaining in the shower upon arrival. Overall a nice place to stay on a great island!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelley M.

Great property

The property was perfectly located and equipped. We enjoyed relaxing there very much. Red Tide was in at the time we were visiting which was not much fun, but we had fun in spite of it. The home was wonderful!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

About the host

Hosted by David

Host profile image

What makes this property unique

Boat only access island

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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