Located within a 5-minute walk of Manatee Public Beach, this vacation home is within a 15-minute stroll of Bradenton Beach. The vacation home includes a private pool, a kitchen, and a fireplace.
Sarasota-Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) - 34 min drive
Restaurants
Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe - 5 min walk
Sandbar Seafood & Spirits - 7 min drive
Wicked Cantina - 5 min drive
Beach House Waterfront Restaurant - 6 min drive
Skinny's Place - 9 min walk
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Heated pool & spa, Bay views from 3 stories, 5-min walk to beach, Elevator
Find your peace at The Blue Ark: A Place of Refuge.
Featuring stunning panoramic views of Manatee Bay, a relaxing heated pool and spa, and a short walk to The Gulf of Mexico, this 3-story 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 dolphins! 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 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:
- Bay views from 3 stories - Private heated pool and spa - Outdoor firepit (top deck with bay views) - Elevator for easy access to all 3 floors - Pool table (space for shots is limited/ some shots require “shorty sticks”) - Private dock - Beach essentials including beach tent, beach umbrella, beach chairs, towels, beach wagon and cooler - Outdoor shower - Outdoor Grill - 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
3 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths, w/ additional bunk beds and bonus room for children.
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
BUNK BEDS: Full Bottom/ Twin Top located on 3rd floor outside BEDROOM 1. Has doors to close off the space.
BONUS ROOM: Trundle Bed with 2 Twin Mattresses. TV for video games.
Anna Maria Island was voted “#1 Beach Vacation Destination in the United States (Trip Advisor) and “One of the Best Islands in the World” (Readers of Condé Nast Traveler). The Blue Ark has everything you need to enjoy this beautiful Island!
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.
HOUSE RULES No Pets Max of 8 guests (including children) No smoking allowed on the property No parties or events. Only guests can use the amenities. Must be 25 years of age to reserve the house.
The City of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach all have noise ordinance policies in place, and they are enforced by local law enforcement and code enforcement officers. The goal of this program is not to limit your fun or vacationing experience, instead it is designed to ensure a quality stay for every guest and resident on our island. Please be mindful of our neighbors during your stay. The noise ordinance in Holmes Beach limits daytime noise to 65 decibels and nighttime noise, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., to 50 decibels. Exceeding the noise ordinance could result in disciplinary actions including fines and/or termination of your rental agreement without refund.
* Garage is currently not available for guest use. * Depending on size, 6 cars should be able to comfortably park at this location. Anna Maria Island requires parallel parking by the road. For this house, this means that if you park 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.
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.
NOTE: Use of the dock for boats, 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.
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.
Property manager
Georgia Konopczynski
Languages
English
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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
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!
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
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 Manatee Public Beach, Bradenton Beach, and Holmes Beach Beaches. You'll also find Bean Point Beach and Anna Maria Beach within a short drive.
Will I be able to park at this vacation home?
No, there isn't parking available at the vacation home.
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.
What do couples enjoy most about Heated pool & spa, Bay views from 3 stories, 5-min walk to beach, Elevator?
This waterfront vacation home offers many amenities for couples, including a private pool and a fireplace in each accommodation with some featuring private pools.
Are there hot tubs at Heated pool & spa, Bay views from 3 stories, 5-min walk to beach, Elevator?
No, there isn't a spa tub at this vacation home.
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.
Are there connecting rooms at this vacation home?
No, there aren't connecting rooms 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 (34 minutes by car). Another top airport is St. Petersburg, FL (SPG-Albert Whitted), which is around 18.9 mi away.
Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Heated pool & spa, Bay views from 3 stories, 5-min walk to beach, Elevator?
Yes, every accommodation at Heated pool & spa, Bay views from 3 stories, 5-min walk to beach, Elevator comes with a deck with some featuring water views.
Heated pool & spa, Bay views from 3 stories, 5-min walk to beach, Elevator 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. 7 out of 7 reviews
10 - Excellent
7
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 7 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 7 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 7 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 7 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
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.