Where memories bring you back | Private Sauna

Photo gallery for Where memories bring you back | Private Sauna

A bedroom with a large window, a wooden bench, and a bed with white linens.
Property video
A house with a covered patio area featuring wicker furniture and a table.
A building with a sign that reads 'RICK STEIN.'
A dining area with a wooden table set for six, a mirror, and a radiator.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • Cook, dine, and unwind
    Top-rated for its fully equipped kitchen, perfect for every meal.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Sandbanks Beach

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Toys
  • Barbecue grill
  • Electric vehicle charging point
  • Onsite parking available
  • Internet

Explore the area

View in a map
Sandbanks, England
  • Place, Sandbanks Beach
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Studland Beach and Nature Reserve
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Dorset National Landscape
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Airport, Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.)
    ‪29 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1 - Super-king Zip-n-Lock

1 King Bed and 2 Single Beds

Bedroom 2 - Double Bed

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3 - Four-poster king bed

1 King Bed

1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden

Add dates for prices

Similar properties

Room
High Tides Elegant 5-Bed Villa & Hot Tub Sandbanks
Sandbanks
  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (4 reviews)
High Tides Elegant 5-Bed Villa & Hot Tub Sandbanks

About the area

Poole

Located near the beach, this holiday home is in Sandbanks, a neighbourhood in Poole. Tower Park and Castle Point Shopping Centre are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Bournemouth Beach and New Forest National Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Sandbanks Beach and Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts. Kayaking and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and horse riding nearby.
View more Holiday homes in PooleOpens in a new window
Map
Sandbanks, England

What's nearby

  • Sandbanks Beach - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Studland Beach and Nature Reserve - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Dorset National Landscape - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Shell Bay Beach - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Canford Cliffs Beach - 19 min walk - 1.7 km

Getting around

  • Branksome Station - 13 min drive
  • Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Rockwater - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Rick Stein Sandbanks - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪The Ark - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Baffi Pizza - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Canford - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Where memories bring you back | Private Sauna pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Where memories bring you back | Private Sauna?

As of 13 Nov 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Where memories bring you back | Private Sauna on 12 Feb 2027 start from £1,250, 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.

How much is parking at Where memories bring you back | Private Sauna?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Where memories bring you back | Private Sauna?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Where memories bring you back | Private Sauna?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Where memories bring you back | Private Sauna located?

This family-friendly Poole holiday home is located near the beach, within a 10-minute walk of Sandbanks Beach and Sandbanks Ferry Terminal. Shell Bay Beach and Canford Cliffs Beach are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 29 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 29 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Well equipped villa. Everything was catered for. Good location. Handy for buses if you wanted a rest from driving.Spotlessly clean.Good communication from Donna. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend to friends and family. All round a good find.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2026
Thank you so much, Carol, for your lovely review. It was a pleasure to welcome you to Villa Sofia, and I'm delighted to hear you enjoyed your stay. Feedback like yours makes our efforts worth it! All the best, Donna x
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Great location Sandbanks Holiday

Good location Found ample cooking utensils every thing needed for a complete self catering holiday Found 1 bedroom downstairs rather small
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Aug 2022
Overall, we are happy to know you’ve enjoyed your experience with us. Our guest feedback is important to us as we strive to improve on our guest experience. Thank you again for your time and honesty. All the best, the de Palma(s)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is in excellent condition, with everything you could possibly need has been provided. The communication from the host was very helpful. The house is in a great location.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lovely getaway

Had a lovely week at this property, it was exactly as described. It is in a great location and although the weather wasn't brilliant, we found tons to do. Donna was super helpful and we would love to visit the property again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Aug 2023
Hi Kim, Many thanks again for choosing us and for the lovely review! We enjoyed hosting you and hope to host you again at Villa Sofia Sandbanks or Villa Sofia Puerto Banus, coming soon!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay at this beautiful property. There’s lots of living space, beds are comfortable, very well stocked with anything you need and a beautiful outdoor area. It’s also great for children. Donna is very responsive to any questions/needs.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Aug 2025
Julie and her family were wonderful guests. They were kind, considerate, and a true pleasure to host. We especially appreciated their understanding and thoughtful communication throughout their stay. We would be more than happy to welcome them back anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Superb stay

Beautifully presented and well equipped property that caters for all needs. Superb location, very close to fantastic beach and harbour with great eateries close by. The host was extremely helpful with good communications. Would definitely rent this property again.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Sept 2022
We had the pleasure of hosting Sandra and her family. Excellent communication, and they looked after the property nicely. We would absolutely host Sandra again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Villa Sofia

This is a fabulous house, super well equipped kitchen, and very spacious. The outside space with a big table and comfortable chairs on the deck, and the pretty garden are a real bonus We absolutely loved our stay !!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Jul 2023
Thank you so much for your kind review. We do hope you've enjoyed your stay! Thank you so much for looking after the house like your own. We hope you will consider us again for your seaside staycation! All the best, Donna, Vincenzo & Sofia
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
An amazing property- great location, in immaculate condition, beautifully furnished and really well stocked for a family to self cater. I’d give 6 stars if I could! Attention to detail- from kitchen essentials to board games made it a perfect location
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Aug 2025
Andy and his group were a pleasure to host at Villa Sofia Sandbanks. Communication was clear and respectful throughout, and they left the house in great condition. We truly appreciate guests who treat our home with care and consideration — and Andy did just that. We’d be happy to welcome them back anytime!
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Villa Sophia

Fabulous
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

super stay @ villa Sofia

This was our second time at villa Sofia and we had another fantastic stay. The weather was great so we enjoyed plenty of time on the beach. The location is excellent. The property and garden is beautifully presented and well equipped for all ages. We can’t wait to return, I’m sure we will be back again soon.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Sept 2023
Sandra, thank you so much for your lovely review and your loyalty. It's reviews like yours that keep the memories coming. We look forward to hosting you and your family again soon. All the best, Donna, Vincenzo & Sofia x
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Fabulous stay!

We have just returned from a truly fantastic break at this beautiful property. Donna couldn't have been a more welcoming and helpful host. The bungalow is modern, bright, very well equipped, with a great garden and super facilities. A real "home from home". It is situated in a perfect location, close to beaches, bars and restaurants. We'll definitely return and couldn't recommend highly enough!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Oct 2024
Thank you for the wonderful review. I genuinely hope we exceeded your expectations as a returning guest of the previous owners. Your positive feedback and guest experience inspire us to continue sharing our home on this platform. We hope to host you again soon. All the best
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lovely Sandbanks Holiday

We cannot say enough positive things about this home and our stay there. It was so clean and beautifully decorated and the hosts went out of their way to add so many special touches to make our stay there comfortable and welcoming. It is by far one of the nicest VRBO properties we have stayed at in the US and Europe. Communication was wonderful with the host and the process was very simple and straightforward. We will definitely stay here again the next time we are in England.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect!

Absolutely amazing accommodation in Sandbanks. We have rented property here many times and this is beyond a doubt the best place we've stayed. Location is perfect, the interiors delightful, everything was spotless, the kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms are so thoughtfully appointed and stocked, the huge garden is great for kids. Donna was incredibly kind and helpful and has really gone above and beyond to create a beautiful home. I felt like I was staying at a friend's house. We would love to return. Many thanks Donna!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Oct 2022
We are so happy you've enjoyed your stay with us, Alex! It's been an absolute pleasure to host you and your family. We do hope you consider us again in the future. All the best, Donna x
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A beautiful home from home

My husband & I enjoyed a week at Villa Sofia with our Mums. It was the perfect location about 5 mins walk from an amazing, beautiful beach & about a 10 minute drive from lovely Poole. The house was perfect & was lacking absolutely nothing, it was lovely & clean & was warm when we needed the central heating after the sun went down. We sat outside in the garden on the decking most afternoons in the sun BLISS! We loved exploring the beautiful surrounding area & trying out all the local ice creams. We would love to come & stay at Villa Sofia again. Thank you so much
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A beautiful bungalow in a lovely location.

A wonderful break in a superb bungalow in Sandbanks. It is an easy walk to the glorious sandy beaches or up to the chain ferry. We were blessed with glorious weather too. We could not fault the cleanliness and high standard throughout, from the tastefully decorated rooms, to the kind and friendly touches, to the swinger in the garden and to the extremely well stocked kitchen. It has a lovely calm, relaxed feel about it and it made our stay special. From a teenager to a 79 year old grandad, it catered to us all! Thank you to Donna and family for a wonderful break and for all the hard work that has gone in to creating such a glorious place to stay. Can not recommend staying here enough.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 29 May 2022
Thank you for the confidence in booking Villa Sofia so far in advance for your staycation accommodation. We have enjoyed hosting your family and appreciate the care you have shown the property during your stay. Your kind and gracious review made me smile and makes this very personal venture worth it! It has been an absolute pleasure to host your family. We wish you all the best and hope you choose us again! Donna, x
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful house, fantastic location

We stayed as a family of five in August for just under week and our overall stay was fabulous. Donna was a joy to deal with from start to finish. The house is clean and incredibly well equipped, especially the kitchen. Donna even provides robes, slippers, mini toiletries and beach bags (complete with a set of towels), which gives the property a touch of luxury. The location is ideal for Sandbanks beach (luckily the weather was kind), the Studland chain ferry and many local eateries. The kids loved the swing set and since it kept them busy, so did we! The automatic gate at the front is a welcome addition. We're very keen to return!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Sept 2023
Dear Helen, It was an absolute pleasure having you and your family as our guests. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful review with us. Your feedback means a lot to us, and it helps us to continue providing a great experience for our guests. We hope that you will consider staying with us again in the future. Best regards, Donna, Vincenzo, and Sofia
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful and Charming

Donna was amazing and the house was just perfect, even having a decorated Christmas tree prepped for our arrival. Everything in the house is classy yet comfortable, ideal for us and likely perfect for a family with children too. Sizable kitchen and good sized bedrooms and garden ensured that we were comfortable and the dining,/living room had a wonderful fireplace and smart TV - so Christmas was about as perfect as it could be. In the summer this place will be impossible to book no doubt as it happens to also be set in one of the UKs most fashionable areas, Sandbanks. But for us, drawing an awful year to an end, we couldn’t have done it in a better place. Thanks Donna!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Dec 2020
What a lovely experience! We were so grateful to spread a bit of Christmas cheer this year, more than any other. Our goal was to make it as warm, and festively inviting as possible, so cherished memories could be created during such an unprecedented time. It warms our hearts to know you've enjoyed your stay. We trust those memories will bring you back. All the best, Villa Sofia (formally known as The Retreat) Donna, Vincenzo & Sofia
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Villa Sofia is a wonderful place to stay. Donna is a fantastic host. The beds were super comfy, the kitchen is so well stocked, the house is immaculate and the robes were such a luxurious and unexpected addition.Being able to sit on the terrace and watch my daughter laugh and play on the swings, whilst the sun going down, was really special. We had such a memorable time at Villa Sofia and I would thoroughly recommend it.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jun 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words. It was an absolute pleasure hosting you and your family at Villa Sofia. We’re delighted you enjoyed the house, the terrace, and those special moments watching your daughter play in the garden. Those are exactly the memories we hope families take away with them. Thank you also for being such wonderful guests. We would be delighted to welcome you back to Villa Sofia anytime. Warmest wishes, Donna, Vincenzo & Sofia x
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A beautiful home with everything you could need!

We booked this property for a long weekend for a family trip. It exceeded our expectations with a lot of thought given to guests. I was especially pleased with the large wardrobe filled with games for children, the book case (for all ages), cosy robes and the great hair dryer and straighteners ! Host was always available when we had a little question too! The garden was great for extra fun for kids (play area) with decking by the kitchen for us to relax whilst keeping an eye on them. If your after a bit of luxury living in a cosy home, just by the beach then Villa Sofia is for you. I’d definitely stay again, Thanks Donna.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Fabulous property in great location!

We had a fantastic family stay for a long weekend. The property is really lovely and so well appointed, Donna has thought of it all. We were very comfortable and had a nice, relaxed visit. The property is well located on Sandbanks with access to the beach, the ferry and shops only a short walk away.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lovely holiday home

Lovely house in a great location for exploring Sandbanks and the surrounding area. Everything you could wish for in the house with really helpful communications from the Hosts. Would love to stay again.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Sept 2021
Thank you for creating memories with us this summer. We look forward to welcoming you and your family in the future. All the best, Donna, Vincenzo & Sofia, xx
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Fantastic time at Villa Sofia

Location is perfect for the beaches and amenities. The property was fantastic - even better than the listing - kitchen was so well equipped , every room was bright and spotlessly clean. Donna made us feel very welcome and was super efficient in her communication with us. Thank you.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Fabulous Property - very chic and all you need!

As part of our staycation this year we decided to spend a few days on Sandbanks and we’re lucky enough to find the amazing gem that is Villa Sofia. Really cannot speak highly enough of the property & owners. The property is beautifully styled but is comfortable and has literally everything you need for a no worries vacation by the sea. Donna the owner could not have been more helpful & communication is excellent and nothing too much trouble. Book - you won’t regret it and we can’t wait to return!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept 2021
We cannot thank you enough for choosing Villa Sofia as your celebration backdrop! We sincerely hope you had an amazing staycation, and this birthday ranks top 5—at least! ;) It’s experiences like yours that have made our journey so worth it! We look forward to welcoming you again. The very best, Donna, Vincenzo & Sofia xx
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A great place to make memories of an excellent holiday

We take away with us happy memories of a lovely holiday at Villa Sofia- a great place to relax and unwind. The new owners have gone out of their way toprovid everything you could possibly need for a stress free break. The grand children thought that the outdoor play area was wonderful, and loved the variety of books, toys and games that was provided for them. The host has put a lot of thought into the furnishings and tasteful design of the rooms and into what makes a good holiday base for their guests, The location is perfect, within walking distance of lovely sandy beaches which stretch for niles as well as plenty of other places to visit. There was good communication with the host who went out of her way to make sure all was well with us, Villa Sofia is a place we would recommend for families of all ages and we hope to return to in the future.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Sept 2021
Thank you again for choosing Villa Sofia! And most importantly, thank you for treating the property as your home away from home. We look forward to welcoming you again soon. All the best, Donna, Vincenzo & Sofia xx
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Celebration staycation

The owners were brilliant - communicated well with us and kept us informed. The house is beautiful so clean and well equipped- we loved it and would definitely stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 31 May 2022
Thank you for choosing Villa Sofia as your staycation accommodation. We enjoyed hosting you and your family. Wishing you all the best, Donna
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback