Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional)
Airport, Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional)
29 min drive
Room options
About the neighborhood
Mary Esther
This vacation home places you next to Santa Rosa Sound and within a 3 miles (5 km) of Fort Walton Beaches. The vacation home includes a private pool, a kitchen, and a balcony.
Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park - 38 min drive - 24.1 miles
Destin Beaches - 38 min drive - 23.9 miles
Getting around
Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) - 25 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 5 min drive
McDonald's - 3 min drive
Culver's - 6 min drive
Taco Bell - 7 min drive
Aegean Express III - 2 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.
Stunning Waterfront Villa w/Htd Pool/Spa/Beach/Dock/kayaks/Game Rm!
If you're looking for a special place to make memories with your family or friends, you will find it at The Seahorse Retreat. This past year we added new exclusive amenities to the home, including a heated pool, spa, paddle boards, kayaks/paddleboards, game room!
This lovely villa sleeps up to 16 total guests and is in a beautiful tropical setting with stunning views of the Santa Rosa Sound, 5 miles from Navarre Beach, that is perfect for family reunions or get-togethers with friends.
Please see map on this listing for detailed location. We are right off Hwy 98 on The Santa Rosa Sound.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- New private heated 15x30 ft gunite pool with incredible views of the bay (pool heat to 86 degrees available Sept-mid-May, $50/day) - Spill-over spa/hot tub attached to pool - Tanning ledge, loungers, and bubbler in pool (pool is 3 ft at shallow end and 6 ft at deep end) - Saltwater pool - no harsh chlorine to smell or irritate skin; saltwater is gentler on skin - Sandy beach to build sand-castles or just relax in the clear waters of The Sound - Private dock with seating. Bring your boat or jet skis. Fish off the dock. - ½ acre level yard for games such as Corn Hole (included) - Two stand-up paddle boards and two kayaks (one tandem and one single) with life jackets - New game room on ground floor with easy access to pool area - features Golden Tee, Multicade Arcade, ping pong table, foosball table, Connect 4, train table, bar area - Gorgeous landscaping with palm trees, flowers, and outdoor lighting - Plenty of outdoor seating, eating areas, and lounging areas - Three king rooms, one queen, two additional bedrooms with bunks or twin beds
The home is on 1/2 acre and enclosed by a fence for privacy.
You'll have multiple porches outfitted with comfortable furniture to relax and marvel at the brilliant sunrises and sunsets. Most every room has incredible views of the water with access to a porch.
OTHER AMENITIES WE OFFER:
- 6 spacious bedrooms, sleeps up to 16 total guests, incl babies/children - 5 1/2 gorgeous baths with upscale vanities and tile treatments - Well-stocked kitchen with everything you need to cook, including (slow cooker, heavy-duty KitchenAid mixer, food processor, blender) - Coffee bar with 12-cup drip maker, Keurig, French Press, kettle, coffee grinder, teas - to get your day started! - Additional refrigerator on ground level if needed - Flat screen TVs in each king (3) and queen (1) bedrooms, and 55-inch Smart HD TV in living area - High-speed wireless Internet - USB ports in each bedroom and living area for charging multiple devices - Pack and play; booster seat; kid's plates/bowls - Gas grill - Ceiling fans in main area and most bedrooms - Tree swing that seats up to three people - Many, many pool toys and floaties - Many, many sand toys (nets, pails, shovels, etc) - 6-8 beach chairs to take to the Gulf beaches or use on our beach - 1000 sq. feet of porches and balconies with prime water views - Ample parking for 4-5 cars in front of and next to home (no garage parking - both garages are game areas with ping pong, foosball, and other beach supplies.)
We are located on the Santa Rosa Sound 5 miles east of Navarre Beach - an easy, quick drive to the Gulf Beaches. We have the best of both worlds, and here's why:
-- Small private beach that is perfect for kids and adults because the Sound is shallow and clear. - You'll love the marine life you'll encounter. On any given day, you may be treated to a pod of dolphins swimming by; small fish and big fish that swim under the dock; pelicans that swoop for fish; cranes that walk the beach.... -- The water on the Sound is lovely - clear and warm (in season). You will get waves on windy days, but most of the time it is calm, so... -- NO SARGASSUM! - we are 15-20 miles from the entrance to the Gulf and our beaches do not get the seaweed that plagues the Gulf beaches during the summer. -- No red flag days! The emerald water of the Gulf that you see in brochures is for real - on calm days, but if you come during a week of rough surf, you'll be stuck sitting on the sand. At our beach: No rip-tides, drop-offs, rough surf, or schools of jellyfish. Kids can build sandcastles, look for little fish, or crab and fish from our dock. Explore the Sound on a one-person or two-person kayak. You can also bring a boat or jet-skis. And ... the Sound is a perfect place to try stand-up paddle boarding (two paddleboards included). -- Yet ... easy access to the Gulf for an afternoon of wave action, deep-sea fishing, biking on the Gulf Islands National Seashore, or other Gulf-based activities. Groceries and restaurants are nearby. So are Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Pensacola. Easy day trips to the unique towns of 30-A (Seaside, Seagrove, Rosemary Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Watercolor, etc).
Our 3,300-sq.ft. home sleeps 16:
- Ground-floor-level bedroom with queen bed, full bath, game room, and access to ground-level patio - Two spacious primary bedrooms with king beds and private baths, one on first floor, one on second floor. - Seahorse bedroom with king bed and shared hall bath (second floor) - Kids room (sleeps 5 - one twin over twin and one twin over double bunk) and shared hall bath (second floor) - Third floor 12'x17' room (via spiral staircase) sleeps 3 (two hanging twin beds, one twin mattress) and has full bath at bottom of staircase
But while we know this is a special place, don't take our word for it. Read our reviews to see what vacationers have to say. To find out if this home is available for the dates you desire, see calendar: It is updated in real time.
When you rent our homes, we provide lots of insider info through our online guestbook, provided as a link prior to check-in. Here you'll find suggestions of places to visit/tour, restaurants we recommend, and local tips.
Please note that we rent to 25 and older only; no student groups; no third-party bookings; no events. 16 max guests.
We have four outside security cameras. One is at the front door; second is in the garage facing the driveway; third is in a tree facing beach; fourth is on right side of house. None are facing pool/spa/patio areas.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 5.5 bathrooms, and a balcony. There's space to spread out with 6 bedrooms and a dining area. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a private pool, a washing machine, and a fenced private yard.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Area rugs in public areas
Handrails in stairways
Hardwood flooring in public areas
Smooth flooring in public areas
Tile flooring in public areas
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Well-lit path to entrance
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near a zoo
Near an outlet shopping mall
Near the bay
Near the sea
On the waterfront
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Foosball table
Heated pool
Kayak
Table tennis
Water sports equipment
Birdwatching nearby
Cycling nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Parasailing nearby
Rafting nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkeling nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Safety features
No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Double-glazed windows
Garden
Recycling
Unit size: 3,300 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
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
Rules
Signed rental agreements, which will be emailed upon booking, and copy of booker’s driver's license, are due within 48 hours of booking.
No 3rd party bookings allowed. Only guests listed on rental agreement have access to home/amenities. Guest who booked and paid must be in attendance.
We do not rent to student groups. Home is for 16, including babies. We will not accept guests with ratings of lower than 4 stars from previous stays.
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 are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances 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 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
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.
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.
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 fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
There are no elevators.
Property is also known as
Exquisite Home on Sound w/pool spa beach dock lovely yard!
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do close to this vacation home?
This vacation home is located in Mary Esther, just steps from Santa Rosa Sound. You'll also find Fort Walton Beaches and Hurlburt Field Visitor Center within a short drive.
Is parking available on site at this vacation home?
No, there isn't parking available at the vacation home.
Is this vacation home adjacent to a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, this vacation home doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are an outdoor pool and a hot tub.
What do couples enjoy most about Stunning Waterfront Villa w/Htd Pool/Spa/Beach/Dock/kayaks/Game Rm!?
This beachfront vacation home offers many amenities for couples such as a private pool, private pools in some accommodations, as well as an outdoor pool.
Does Stunning Waterfront Villa w/Htd Pool/Spa/Beach/Dock/kayaks/Game Rm! have a hot tub?
Yes, guests can enjoy a spa tub at this vacation home.
Does this vacation home include breakfast service?
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, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
Where is the closest airport to this vacation home?
The closest major airport to this vacation home is Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS), which is 19 mi away (25 minutes by car). Another top airport is Pensacola Intl. Airport (PNS), which is around 25 mi away.
Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Stunning Waterfront Villa w/Htd Pool/Spa/Beach/Dock/kayaks/Game Rm!?
Yes, every accommodation at Stunning Waterfront Villa w/Htd Pool/Spa/Beach/Dock/kayaks/Game Rm! comes with a balcony with some featuring beach views.
Stunning Waterfront Villa w/Htd Pool/Spa/Beach/Dock/kayaks/Game Rm! Reviews
Reviews
9.8
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. 123 out of 137 reviews
10 - Excellent
123
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 137 reviews
8 - Good
10
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 137 reviews
6 - Okay
4
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 137 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 137 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.8/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Josh L.
Feb 18, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent host! Amazing property!!
Josh L.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
10/10 Excellent
The Smalling Group
Jan 4, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely loved this home. Had a little girls trip and enjoyed every second of it. Home was clean and the location is very private.
The Smalling Group
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jamie J.
Jan 2, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
I would give this stay 10 stars. Highlights: the game room suitable for multiple ages, hot tub instant heating, saltwater in pool a plus, plenty of pool toys, dock for fishing, kayaks & lifejackets, well stocked kitchen!, cute kid rooms, fans in bedrooms, nice bathrooms, plenty of room for a family of 15, ages 9-72. Excellent place to stay
Jamie J.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
DeAnne M.
Dec 30, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
This property definitely exceeded our expectations. Our family of 10 stayed and we had a great time! The kids (ages 10-19) stayed in the pool and using the paddle boards and kayaks the entire stay. The communication with the owners was top notch and we didn’t encounter any issues. House is updated, clean, and beautiful!
DeAnne M.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Shelly S.
Nov 22, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Everything about our stay was perfect! Whether we were fishing off the dock, walking on the beach, splashing in the pool, or enjoying the sunsets…we had the best time! We even got to see a family of dolphins jumping around…it was a treat for our kids. Tim and Elizabeth were the absolute best hosts and were quick to respond to any questions we had while there. We will definitely be booking with them again in the future.
Shelly S.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Ryan R.
Nov 4, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful house, very kid friendly and private. Excellent communication from our host. Thank you Elizabeth!
Ryan R.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Perryman
Oct 3, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
The property was just as listed, no surprises. We had an amazing vacation, and the rental was so goid we barely left. Highly recommend!!!
Perryman
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Glennda W.
Sep 21, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect family celebration. Everyone just wanted to be together and enjoy the weekend. My grandson was on the peer from sunset just catching fish. We all thought it was one of our best family vacations.
Glennda W.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
teresa g.
Sep 17, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Our stay was wonderful. Beautiful home and location. Owners provided great information regarding the property and things to do in the area; restaurants, etc. All the beds were very comfortable! Elizabeth was prompt with any questions I had. We enjoyed all the amenities offered. Paddleboarding and kayaking on the Sound was fun and a new experience. Not being directly on the ocean was perfect for our young grandbabies. Pool and hot tub were great. Great family vacation! Zero complaints.
teresa g.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kim M.
Sep 7, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous house! So many amenities and comfortably stocked (extra blankets, dish towels, towels, kitchen supplies-even found batteries for TV remote!). Pictures are accurate and the hosts were very responsive and helpful. Loved the pool and calm waters of the bay for kayaking and paddle boarding. We saw fish, stingrays, and even a pod of dolphins that gave us a show. Everyone played the arcade games. Beautiful home and area-I hope to return one day. Perfect place to celebrate a 60th birthday with kids from 2-62! Thank you to wonderful hosts for sharing their home.
Kim M.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Mike S.
Aug 26, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
This was an awesome property. Extremely clean and well maintained both inside and out. Communication with the owners was quick and they were anxious to ensure we were comfortable and pleased. The location is perfect for going to Pensacola, Navarre, Fort Walton and Destin. We will definitely be staying here again.
Mike S.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jenn H.
Aug 4, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to make family memories
Overall the home was delightful and a perfect spot for our large family. The homeowners were very responsive and attentive to us, and the home was amazing. We had a wonderful time!
Jenn H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
8/10 Good
Michelle J.
Aug 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great house for big groups
The house was great and well stocked with play toys and supplies for the beach and the kids. The pool was great. I gave 4 stars instead of 5 because I felt the photos of the beach were a little deceiving. The shoreline was a very small beach area that really wasn’t big enough to sit our entire group down by the water. There was no white sands and the water was very brown and warm. Didn’t really feel comfortable letting letting the kids swim in the beach. Other than that the house and pool was great. If you plan on doing a lot of cooking, which we did, be sure and bring your own storage containers for leftovers.
Michelle J.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
8/10 Good
nancy b.
Jul 21, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Our Annual Family Gathering
We enjoyed many things about this property. The kayak and paddleboard availability was awesome but it did take young people to bring them to the water. We did see a snake along the edge of the water in the grass which was unnerving but it was not a nuisance. The trees provided welcome shade. The children of all ages enjoyed the game room and there were many, many activities at the house to keep all entertained. The traffic in the area that week kept us at the house and we never did venture to the Gulf, to my disappointment. There is no elevator for those with mobility issues.
nancy b.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
6/10 Okay
Janice B., Colorado
Jun 19, 2025
Annual family vacation
If you want a quiet place to relax this is not it. It sits on a 55mph road. The house itself was very clean however the outdoor furniture was not clean. Some of the metal pieces are rusty. Outdoor upholstery was stained. Main floor bath needs new fixtures, soap dishes on sinks, etc. Wooden decking in poor condition. Rusted metal railings. At one time I’m sure this was a beautiful place but it needs some TLC to make it worth the steep price. My husband and I have used VRBO many times thru the years and this place is definitely over priced for the current condition. However we did have a wonderful time. The pool and the beach front, dock was great fun. Lots of space for everyone.
Janice B.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Don T.
Jun 19, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Hime for Summertime Vacation.
Very nice home with plenty of amenities. A lot of supplies (kayaks, paddle boards, pool, games) to entertain everyone. Very good communication with the hosts.
Don T.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Joelle S., Illinois
May 9, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing family escape
We loved the Seahorse Retreat home! It was huge but still cozy and there were many special touches of decor throughout. We played in the game room every night, the arcade games were so fun! Our favorite thing was getting in the hot tub every night as the sun went down. The house was very secure with locks at the top of every door so no toddlers could escape. It felt like home away from home but still a luxurious escape.
Joelle S.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
James S.
May 5, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful house and great location
House was just as advertised, with an amazing view, working hot tub and heated pool, gas grill, plus plenty of beach chairs. Great location if you like being close to Navarre but also a little closer to Mary Esther and Fort Walton.
James S.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
8/10 Good
Ethel C.
Apr 17, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Seahorse Retreat
The internet service was horrible. Otherwise, everything else was great. The home was as advertised and Management was very responsive.
Ethel C.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Bapento
Mar 18, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for kids!
The hot tub and pool and game room are a dream! The dock and provided paddleboards are awesome for teens/older kids, and the shallow sound along with small beach area is perfect for smaller kids. Perfect property for families.
Bapento
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Bobby S.
Feb 24, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Son’s Bachelor Party / Golf Trip
My youngest son’s idea for his bachelor party was a golf getaway with family and groomsmen. The Seahorse was everything plus more as advertised. The hosts were as amazing as the property itself and I highly recommend this place for family getaways!
Bobby S.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Mary Ann M., Cherokee, IA
Oct 20, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Family get-away
This property was EVERYTHING we could have wanted. With such an age range among us, there was something for everyone. We saw porpoise most mornings, which made our everyday. The pool and spa were perfect, as well as the many water “toys” for the beach. Shops and restaurants are close by. Our group couldn’t have asked for more.
Mary Ann M.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Liz M.
Sep 2, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic vacay house.
Beautiful property, very well stocked kitchen. Owners are awesome to work with. Very highly recommend.
Liz M.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Sharon C.
Aug 26, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful place.
Wonderful place, beautiful views. Very clean with plenty of rooms. The owners stayed in constant contact and were very helpful.
Sharon C.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ricky D.
Aug 17, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect vacation home
The home and pool were off the chain…the game room was awesome for kids and adults!!! Excellent vacation home for our large family! I have 5 adult kids with spouses and 3 grandkids. This home was the perfect size for us and very well stocked with everything you could need. I would highly recommend this home for any larger families or friends group!
We will stay here in the future if it available. The price is reasonable for what you get!
Ricky D. - Tennessee