Summary:
Alden's Retreat is a classic beachfront cottage near the south end of Little Gasparilla Island that also offers a private dock. The island is only accessible by boat or our island water taxi. The private dock is right out the back door, and out front you have the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. This home is perfectly situated for maximum convenience and easy beach access! There are no stores or restaurants. Come enjoy the beautiful beach without the typical Florida crowds!

The Space:
Please note that Little Gasparilla Island is a barrier island accessible only by boat; we provide water taxi information when you book. You cannot drive your vehicle to the island; you park at the marina on the mainland where you catch the water taxi. There are no stores, bars or restaurants on Little Gasparilla which means it has retained much of its "old Florida" ambiance and pristine beauty. For years Little Gasparilla was visited only by locals who would come on weekends to fish, go to the beach and enjoy the privacy, peace and quiet. Now, even though it has been discovered, the lack of commercial establishments means that the island appeals to those who want to get away from crowds, tourists, traffic and technology. And, if you would like to rent a golf cart to explore the island, we may be able to offer one, subject to availability.

The home has been in the same family for many years, and has been a much-loved family vacation spot for over 50 years. It is a budget-friendly no-frills beachfront cottage with expansive views of both the bay and canal and the beautiful Little Gasparilla Beach.

A word about our "budget-friendly" homes: These are our most economical rentals and the rental prices reflect the age of the home. We try to take care of maintenance issues immediately, but our remote location and salt water environment make repairs not only frequent, but more difficult. We ask you to understand the nature of island living and bear with us if repairs are needed. To offset potential inconvenience, we offer a “go with the flow” discount, recognizing that our older homes often have more frequent maintenance issues that might require attention during your stay. Your quote reflects this discounted rate.

The home offers three bedrooms, each with a view of the canal. One bedroom has two twins, one has a queen and the third has a queen. The open kitchen and living area has new leather sofas, satellite TV, wi-fi and dramatic views of the beach. The kitchen is newly renovated, with stone countertops and new appliances. Dishes, pots and pans and cookware are included. A large island with seating offers even more space for friends and family to gather in this large, open living/dinig area with its dramatic beach views.. This home has a brand new full size washer and dryer for added convenience. The upstairs bath has a tub and shower combination. Downstairs, a convenient open-air outdoor shower is located at the base of the stairs so you can rinse off after a day of fishing or swimming at the beach.

The beach is a short walk down a sandy pathway that meanders through the dunes and sea oats. At the end of the path, the view is breathtaking….Boca Grande to the south, and miles of beautiful blue turquoise water as far as you can see.

You need only bring your bathing suit and flip flops for a comfortable and casual beach vacation!

WiFi - Free satellite wi-fi. (Please be aware that all wi-fi on the island may not be as fast as the wi-fi you are used to on the mainland).
Pet Policy - pet-friendly with $100 non-refundable fee per pet. The following breeds mat NOT be permitted due to insurance : Akita, American Bull Dog, Beaucerons, Caucasian Mountain Dog, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinchers, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Keeshounds, Pit Bull, Staffordshire Terriers, Presa Canarios or Rottweilers.
Vacation Rental Damage Protection - $59 fee for “all risk” damage protection through Waivo (listed as management fee in your quote).
Minimum Renter Age - 25
Private dock- #118 (this is also where the water taxi will drop you off) Dock has power and water.
Satellite TV
Grill Type - Gas and charcoal
Coffee maker - Regular drip coffee maker

Holiday surcharges: applied for reservations for Independence Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Labor Day, and Christmas/New Years timeframes. PLEASE NOTE THAT MINIMUM NIGHTLY STAYS MAY BE INCREASED FOR THESE DATES AS WELL.

The Neighborhood:
LGI is only accessible by boat. The beach is only for use by residents and their guests. It is the perfect place to enjoy the gulf without a crowd!

Getting Around:
You will need to use the water taxi if you do not bring/rent a boat. You park at the marina. The water taxi will run at any time, but rates are increased for trips after 5 PM.

Interaction with Guests:
We have an on island guest services manager available in case you need anything during your stay.