This vacation home places you within a 10-minute stroll of Bradenton Beach and Manatee Public Beach. The vacation home includes a private pool, a kitchen, and a fireplace.
Sarasota-Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) - 36 min drive
Restaurants
Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe - 5 min walk
The Ugly Grouper - 15 min walk
Smoqehouse - 4 min drive
The Kokonut Hut - 5 min drive
Slim's Place - 7 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Waterfront, Heated pool & spa, Elevator, Dock, Fire Pit, 4-min walk to beach
Escape to paradise! Featuring a dock, elevator, relaxing heated pool and spa, and a short walk to The Gulf of Mexico, this 3-bedroom, 8 bed, 4.5 bath home is your perfect vacation sanctuary.
Located on John Bayou, the only natural Bayou in Holmes Beach, this home provides a tranquil retreat with frequent wildlife sightings, including manatees and even the occasional dolphin! Spend your days fishing for various species and enjoy the picturesque views from the dock or third floor with a cup of coffee.
With your own private dock, you'll enjoy the freedom to bring or rent kayaks and paddle boards for the week. On select evenings, go to the top deck, turn on the fire pit, and enjoy the stunning spectacle of an LED nighttime kayak tour.
From kids to grandparents, The Blue Ark is a place the whole family will love.
KEY FEATURES:
- Waterfront - Private heated pool and spa - Fishing poles for fishing right off the dock! - Frosty cold plunge tub (perfect for the warm days - please let us know prior to check-in day if you want this amenity available for your stay). - Outdoor firepit (one propane firepit on the top deck and one wood firepit on the ground floor - wood provided). - Elevator for easy access to all 3 floors - Pool table (space for shots is limited/ some shots require “shorty sticks”) - Private dock (boats can be brought with a trailer to be kept at the house. There is a boat ramp less than a mile from the house - Kingfish Boat Ramp). - Beach essentials including beach tent, beach umbrella, beach chairs, towels, beach wagon and cooler - Beach toys (including shovels, buckets and paddle ball set) - Pool floats (not a life-saving device) - Coffee maker (drip), Espresso machine, Keurig machine, French Press, Coffee bean grinder. Keurig pods, ground coffee and whole beans provided. - Outdoor shower - Outdoor Grill - Outdoor mini fridge - Outdoor freezer - Pickle ball set for use at public pickle ball courts -1 Pack n’ play for infants - 2 video gaming systems for children - Wifi with high internet speeds (Download Mbps 408.06/ Upload Mbps 23.07) - 4-5 minute walk to the beach - 1 minute walk to one of the stops for the island’s free trolley - 3-minute drive to Island’s only super-market and two pharmacies
Sleeping Areas
BEDROOM 1: King Bed w/ Smart TV
BEDROOM 2: Queen Bed w/ Smart TV
BEDROOM 3: California King composed of 2 Twin XL Beds w/ Smart TV
BONUS ROOM - Smaller bedroom perfect for children and teenagers. Trundle bed composed of 2 twin mattresses. Has a TV that comes with Sega Genesis and Play Station gaming systems and free games.
BUNK BEDS: Full Bottom/ Twin Top located on 3rd floor outside BEDROOM 1. Has doors to close off the space.
*Please message me with any questions about the bedrooms/ sleeping areas. There is a video you can watch to get a better idea of the layout of the house.
HOUSE RULES We do not allow pets. No smoking allowed inside the property. No parties or events. Only registered guests can use the amenities and stay overnight. Must be 25 years of age to reserve the house.
* Garage is currently not available for guest use. * Minimum 7 nights stay * Maximum 6 guests * Maximum 6 cars can be parked here. Anna Maria Island requires parallel parking by the road. For this house, this means that if you park your car (or boat trailer if you bring one) on the shells next to the driveway, you need to parallel park in the direction of traffic. You can see pictures in the photos for this listing. If you drive to the beach and park there, please note that you will also need to parallel park with the direction of traffic or you will be ticketed.
LINEN SERVICE: Our cleaning fee includes a professional linen service. When you stay with us you can rest assured that you will have high quality linens such as those at a fine hotel. We also provide plenty of luxury bath and beach towels.
TRASH VALET: We use a trash valet service for your convenience. Trash pick-up is Monday and Friday mornings. Please make sure your trash is in the bins by 7pm the night before pick-up day if you have any bags you would like to be picked up. We also have a recycling bin, and the recycling is picked up every Tuesday morning.
POOL AND SPA: Our pool is cleaned every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to assure the pool/ spa is kept in great condition. If you notice any issues with the pool throughout the week, please let me know so I can address those issues quickly.
DOCK: Use of the dock for boats, paddle boards, kayaks, jet skis, and any other water sports vehicle is at your own risk. We highly recommend you purchase boat/ watercraft rental insurance when renting any watercraft.
SECURITY CAMERAS: There are no security cameras on the property. Storms in the area can be quite windy, so be sure to bring any personal items indoors to avoid losing or damaging them.
You are vacationing in a residential area. Please be a good neighbor by keeping the noise to a respectful level during the day and night. Excessive and unreasonable noise can deprive neighbors of the peaceful enjoyment of their private property.
Book your trip to paradise today!
This home is managed by Georgia Konopczynski, a Bradenton local who is just a call away should you need anything during your stay. I will respond as quickly as possible and within twelve hours.
Vacation Rental Certificate VRC23-000124
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 4.5 bathrooms, and a patio. There's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms and a dining area. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and a Smart TV with a DVD player. Other standard amenities include a private pool, a washing machine, and a fireplace.
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Unit size: 2,700 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Please make sure you have departed by 10am so our team can start preparing for the next guests. If you remember, please me a message through VRBO or text letting me know that you’ve departed. Thanks!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 25
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do around this vacation home?
This vacation home in Holmes Beach is within a 10-minute walk of Bradenton Beach, Manatee Public Beach, and Holmes Beach Beaches. You'll also find Bean Point Beach and Anna Maria Beach within a short drive.
Is this vacation home next to a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home; however, the accommodation features a private pool.
Does this vacation home provide breakfast?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Will this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?
No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.
Where is the closest airport to this vacation home?
The closest major airport to this vacation home is Sarasota-Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ), which is 16.7 mi away (36 minutes by car). Another top airport is St. Petersburg, FL (SPG-Albert Whitted), which is around 18.9 mi away.
Waterfront, Heated pool & spa, Elevator, Dock, Fire Pit, 4-min walk to beach Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 8 out of 8 reviews
10 - Excellent
8
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 8 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 8 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 8 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 8 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Britta H.
Apr 14, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
We had an absolutely wonderful stay at The Blue Ark. The property was exactly as described and perfect for a family vacation. Georgia was kind and responsive and the house was extremely well-equipped with amenities for our stay which were all in great condition as well.We look forward to a return trip!
Britta H.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2026
10/10 Excellent
Albert C.
Jun 21, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
A great place for families!
We had a great experience! It was mom and dad and twin 4 year olds for 1 week. The house was very clean. The amenities were really helpful; to name a few: lots of towels, beach equipment (toys, chairs, umbrella, wagon), lots of space to sprawl, a well stocked kitchen, and an elevator (which we did not think we would use but totally did). Highlights included the comfortable pool for times we needed a break from the beach, and the manatees swimming beside it. We would highly recommend this house and would stay here again!
Albert C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Charles M.
Sep 27, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect!!
We had a great one week stay at The Blue Ark! From the minute we walked in the door and found a fresh pineapple and a Key Lime pie waiting for us, we enjoyed every minute of our stay at this property. There were numerous little extras that were included and shared with the guests as opposed to being locked away for the owners use only. Georgia was fantastic to work with and was very prompt in answering any of our questions. Although it was just me and my wife on this trip, we are already planning a return trip with the entire family, including the grandkids! We saw approximately 50 manatees during our one week stay and was able to get some great photos of them! Biking on the Coquina Beach bike path was just one of the many highlights of our time on this beautiful island! We will be back!
Charles M.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Clara G.
May 30, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Birthday Celebrations
The host was so kind to leave us a cake and various items for our celebrations. This property worked out perfectly for our group. Well equipped kitchen for cooking meals. The various levels gave everyone space when needed and the ability to all be together at times. Really enjoyed the top view deck where we spent most evenings. Over all, the house was described perfectly. We loved our week and would go back again if we visit AMI again. Thank you for a great week!
Clara G.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
teresa r.
Apr 11, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful!
We had a great time making family memories. When do we receive our security deposit back? It has been two weeks since we returned home. It should be credited back to our account within days of leaving the property. Let me know.
teresa r.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Matthew B.
Mar 28, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great property, location, and host
We (four adults and two teenagers) vacationed at the Blue Ark over spring break. The property is great with a lot of unique touches and attention to detail. The host was very responsive and provided everything that was needed with a lot of back-up items, like toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc. Ana Maria island has a fun, casual vibe, beautiful beaches, and a plentiful mix of restaurants. Overall, we had a fabulous time and highly recommended this property and vacation location.
Matthew B.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Katherine D.
Feb 25, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay at the Blue Arc
We had an absolutely wonderful stay at the Blue Arc. The listing is exactly as advertised. Check in was easy and communication with Georgia, the host, was fantastic. The house is incredibly well stocked. There are plenty of towels and linens. There are toys for the pool and there is ample beach gear that we put to good use. The kitchen had everything you could possibly need. Having so many bathrooms made the space very comfortable for our group. We used the pool and hot tub a lot. Our children were thrilled. The location was really wonderful. The beach was a quick 5 minute walk. The view from the decks of the beautiful lagoon made for great enjoyment. We were visited on the dock by a heron most days. We will definitely be back and I can not recommend this house enough!
Katherine D.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024
10/10 Excellent
Joanne Y.
Nov 13, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful vacation memories!
The house is fantastic and accurate in its listing. We saw manatees and enjoyed coffee/meals out on the deck. The house is a very short walk from the trolley and beach (even my 15 month old could walk/be carried) and it was lovely to be able to make a quick decision to walk over to the beach to see the sunset and do that within ten minutes! The free trolley was also super accessible and fun for the kiddos, and it's a great way to avoid having to park on the crowded island! Can't wait for our next visit to the Blue Ark.