Sand & Sea Vacation Rental: Anna Maria Island, Florida
We had an upcoming vacation planned to Anna Maria Island and we were hoping to find a vacation rental that had everything we needed. With a family of five, some of the requirements had to be:
- a single family home
- full kitchen
- on-site washer and dryer
- a private pool
- and close to the water
Since there are members of our family with food allergies, we always look for a place with a full kitchen so we can make our own food while on vacation. Making our meals, for one, helps calm this food allergy Momma’s mind, and for two, helps us save money on food so we can use it on other attractions during our stay.
Thankfully, we found exactly what we were looking for at the Sand & Sea vacation rental. Previously, we had rented with them and had such a great experience that it was a no-brainer to rent from them again.
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Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental
Sand & Sea… and fun!
This rental is located in the heart of Holmes Beach, on Anna Maria Island. This is a multi-level, single family home with 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, and plenty of space for a family. It is just a short bike ride to the beach, restaurants, and shopping. There is a beautiful outdoor entertainment area, complete with your own heated pool.
Anna Maria Island… Home Sweet Home
As you enter the home, you are welcomed by a spacious entryway and mudroom, or as I like to call it, a sand room. Instead of lugging everything upstairs each day, this was a great space to leave your beach bags, shoes, and any sand that may have followed you home.
Main Level
After you make your way up the stairs to the main level, you are greeted by soaring ceilings, beautiful hardwood floors, and a large open concept space that includes the living room, kitchen, and dining area. The living room had plenty of seating, a queen sofa sleeper, dual ceiling fans, a large flat screen tv with cable and Wii, and very simple ocean decor.
Off of the living room, there was a set of French doors that opened up to a spacious balcony, complete with a patio set and no shortage of comfy pillows.
Our family used every inch of this outdoor space, whether it was eating meals, reading, or playing a game together. We loved it even more when we got a first row seat to a beautiful Florida sunset.
The kitchen has a great layout that was perfect for prepping meals, or getting the kids their millionth snack. There was ample cabinet space, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, including a French door refrigerator for storing all of our groceries. It also included a lot of the cooking items we needed during our stay, including pots and pans, dishes, cups, and serving utensils.
Our children enjoyed being able to see what was cooking, or to shout their requests, from the top of the stairs that overlooked the main living areas.
There is a convenient Publix grocery store, at E Bay and Manatee Road, which is easy to get to for groceries or anything else you need during your stay.
Also on the main floor is a generous master bedroom. There is a large walk-in closet, complete with hangers and shelving, ceiling fan, and your own large wall mounted flat screen tv.
Similar to the living area, the master bedroom also has French doors that lead out to your own private balcony.
This was the perfect spot for me to relax each morning before the kids got up. It was nice to be able to just sit and listen to the wind blow through the palm trees.
What makes this master bedroom even better?!? The attached master en-suite.
The master bathroom has double vanities, granite countertops, a jetted tub, and large tiled walk-in shower.
If you asked our children what they enjoyed most about the house, they would probably say the jetted tub. The pool, of course, being number one.
To wrap up the main level, there is also a half bath and a laundry room, complete with a full size washer and dryer. The laundry room is another “must have” for our family when traveling. We pack just enough clothes so we can do a load of laundry half way through our stay, and again, the night before we go home. That way I’m not coming home to suitcases full of dirty laundry.
The rental is part of Anna Maria Vacations Professional Linen Service Program. That means no worrying about packing sheets or beach towels. They provide high quality and commercially cleaned luxury bedding, bath towels, wash cloths and beach towels that are ready for your stay.
Next Stop… Second Floor
The open stairway leading up to the second floor overlooks the main living area. The sunlight just pours in through the windows, making sure you never need to turn on a light.
The second floor has two more sizable bedrooms: a king size bed in one and a twin over full bunk bed, complete with trundle. Each bedroom has large closets and their own flat screen tv.
Both bedrooms share a full bath with a granite counter top vanity, and stand up shower.
Going Back Down… Ground Level
The garage had a ping pong table, two bikes, a wagon for trips to the beach, and tons of water toys for the kids to play with. Even with all of this in the garage, there was still enough room for our rental van too.
Step outside through the slider, and you are in your own beach oasis! This beautiful poolside covered lanai is complete with a gas grill, large dining table, lounge chairs, a t.v., and an outdoor shower!
What more could you ask for?!
Oh yeah, some sand AND a pool! That’s right! Right in the backyard is your own sandy beach.
This was surely a favorite amongst our whole family. It kept us all sane on the days when we couldn’t decide if we wanted to go to the beach to play in the sand, or stay home and swim in the pool. It was a win-win for us parents also. Staying at home meant not lugging half the house with us to the beach! We could relax in one of the teal adirondack chairs and still feel the sand between our toes.
Last but not least, the beautiful heated pool. Our children loved swimming from one end to the other, all while taking underwater GoPro videos so they could show their grandparents when we got home.
During our stay in Florida, it was cool a couple of days. All I can say is thank goodness for pool heaters! There’s nothing worse than having to look at a pool that’s too cold to swim in.
The Tans Will Fade… But the Memories Will Last Forever
As our departure day was approaching, we knew it had to come to an end. Goodbyes are hard! We had such a great time at our Anna Maria Island vacation rental and it was everything that we were looking for, and more! Plus, due to the open concept, and ample outdoor entertainment areas, we never once felt like there wasn’t enough space for our family.
PERHAPS, an Anna Maria Island getaway is just what you and your family need.
Don’t forget to read about our other Florida vacation adventures:
- Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium (Sarasota)
- Happy Paddler Kayak Tours and Ecoventures (Anna Maria Island)
- Bradenton Beach Marina; Eco Dolphin Tour (Anna Maria Island)
- EVOS Restaurant (South Tampa)
- How Our Family Of 5 Flew Roundtrip To Florida For Less Than $325
- The Ultimate Guide to ZooTampa at Lowry Park (Tampa)
- Top 10 Toddler Friendly Rides at LEGOLAND Florida (Winter Haven)
- Step Back In Time At The South Florida Museum (Bradenton)
36 Comments
Tanya
We absolutely love Anna Maria Island!! And this house sounds like a great find!
Trisha
I have yet to meet anyone who has been to AMI, that didn’t love it!
Shirley
That beach house looks quite lovely! I love beach living when I’m on vacation too and this house looks like a perfect one to rent for families.
Trisha
It was the perfect layout for our family.
Tammie
It looks beautiful! I love that they provided you with everything you might need including water toys and a wagon!
Trisha
We were looking at renting a wagon while we were down there, but it was a great surprise!
Jennifer | Me and My Traveling Hat
I have friends that go to Santa Maria Island and love it! I have to put this on my list. The home you stayed in looks fabulous thank you for sharing with us.
Trisha
No problem! Thank you!
Tracey
What a beautiful rental! Sometimes you’re just not sure what you’re getting …so this is a beautiful way to showcase a lovely family spot to stay. Haven’t been to Anna Maria Island yet but I know many people who love it!
Trisha
It is hard when you don’t know what you’re getting. It’s nice to have some feedback from someone who has actually stayed there before.
My husband’s family LOVES AMI!
Pam
Looks perfect! We haven’t tried renting a house before although we do typically stay in condos so we can eat in part of the time – such a money (and time) saver!
Trisha
We have found houses and condos to usually be about the same price. Plus with kids, I’m not saying “Shhh!” the whole trip! 😉
Missy
I loved the jet tub and the ping pong table. We can spend hours playing ping pong.
Trisha
Our kids had a great time learning how to play ping-pong. Takes a lot of coordination!
jen
Gret photos! Looks like a great layout! I love a good size place for families!!
Trisha
Thank you! It was nice to have space so everyone could spread out and do their own thing if they wanted too.
Gail
I’ve been wanting to go here!! Gorgeous house!
Trisha
Thank you! You will not be disappointed!
Tricia Snow
I have been dying to make it over there for a while now! Thank you for the tip!
Trisha
No problem! You will enjoy it! It still has that “small town” feel and everyone is so friendly.
Lara
What a great find. I love having the option of staying home and using the pool instead of going to the beach everyday.
Trisha
Having the sand AND the pool in the backyard was a huge bonus!
Janine
I love doing a home rental for a longer vacation. It’s so much more comfortable than a hotel and I love having a space (and a kitchen) all to ourselves.
Trisha
We couldn’t agree more!
Arianny Rodriguez
OH wow never been to Anna Maria but this house looks great. We are a big fan of renting homes!
Trisha
We are too! Especially when it cost the same as a hotel. 😉
SHANNON DELANEY
We absolutely LOVE Anna Maria Island. This is very helpful info for next time we visit. Thank you. And well done!
Trisha
There is so much to love about AMI!
Thank you!
T.M. Brown
We really need to start checking places like this out! This looks fantastic!
Trisha
We have had such good luck finding rentals that we love, and function well for our families.
Jordin
What a lovely, inviting vacation home! This looks like a great home to come home to and relax. There are great things to keep the kids happy and entertained. I also love the large bathroom!
Trisha
We couldn’t agree more with you! It was nice to have so much space and things for the kids to do at the house.
Amanda
That looks like a great place to stay! I bet having your own private pool was awesome
Trisha
Having your own pool is great! You don’t have to worry about it being too crowded and you can swim whenever you want!
GINA HARAGUCHI
That looks amazing! Thanks! I didn’t know this island existed, this house looks perfect for families!
Trisha
The home was the perfect fit for our family. The island of Anna Maria is perfect for everyone. We love the “small town” feel of it.