Entire home

While Away A: Beach Bliss Reimagined

Photo gallery for While Away A: Beach Bliss Reimagined

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Living area
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Exterior detail
Beach nearby

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6212 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Pool
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Holmes Beach, FL
  • Place, Manatee Public Beach
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Bean Point Beach
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Anna Maria Beach
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Airport, Sarasota, FL (SRQ-Sarasota-Bradenton Intl.)
    ‪30 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Holmes Beach

When you stay at this vacation home in Holmes Beach, you'll be by the sea, within a 10-minute drive of Anna Maria Beach and Bean Point Beach. .This vacation home is 11.7 mi (18.9 km) from IMG Academy and 21.6 mi (34.8 km) from Tampa Bay.

What's nearby

  • Bradenton Beach - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Holmes Beach Beaches - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Manatee Public Beach - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Bean Point Beach - 6 min drive - 4.1 km
  • Anna Maria Beach - 7 min drive - 4.8 km

Getting around

  • Sarasota-Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Ugly Grouper - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Skinny's Place - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Hurricane Hanks - ‬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.

While Away A: Beach Bliss Reimagined

VRC16-000510

Modern Charm Meets Island Ease
Step into While Away A, where laid-back Florida vibes meet modern elegance just a one-to-two minute walk from the sugar-soft sands of Holmes Beach. Completely reimagined in 2025 with loving care and attention to detail, this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom ground-level duplex is more than a vacation rental—it’s your new favorite tradition on Anna Maria Island.

From the moment you walk in, guests say it feels like “home from the moment you walk in all the way until you go to sleep at night.” Every inch has been thoughtfully designed for comfort, from the stylish new kitchen and spa-like bathrooms to the tranquil, beachy color palette that mirrors the Gulf just steps away.

“Wish I Could Give It More Than 5 Stars”
This home is a guest favorite for good reason. Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee on the shaded patio or lounging by your private heated pool, you’ll find that “everything was absolutely wonderful.” The master bedroom features a cozy queen bed with direct access to the pool for peaceful late-night swims. In the guest room, a twin-over-queen bunk offers the perfect nest for kids or friends, while a queen sleeper in the living room adds flexibility for up to six guests.

Recent renovations didn’t miss a thing—from the sleek appliances to the ultra-productive ice-making fridge (which a guest called “a game changer for beach days!”). And yes, the AC is powerful, keeping everything perfectly cool, even during peak summer.

Steps to the Beach, Moments from Everything
While Away A is located in the heart of Holmes Beach, with a 1–2 minute walk putting your toes in the sand. Grab your beach cart and chairs—provided for your use—and stroll to one of the most beautiful stretches of Gulf shoreline. Coffee shops, restaurants, and the free island trolley are all within easy reach. One guest gushed, “Loved loved loved this place! Clean, quiet, and close to the beach and so many other fun things to do!”

Perfect for Couples, Families, and Groups
Planning a larger getaway? Rent the adjoining unit—Swept Away B—and enjoy a 4-bedroom, 4-bath oasis with double the space and dual private pools when booked together. It’s the ultimate setup for group trips, family reunions, or multi-generational vacations.

All the Extras You Need
With included EV charging, in-unit laundry, high-speed WiFi, beach gear, and keyless entry, everything is designed to make your stay seamless. Guests have even praised the property staff for being “super responsive and easy to work with.”

Want to elevate your experience? After booking, you’ll gain access to our digital guidebook, where you can add extras like bike rentals, paddleboards, or beach toys—waiting for you upon arrival to make your vacation even more memorable.

Don’t Miss Out—Book While Away A Now
With its unbeatable location near Holmes Beach, thoughtful upgrades, and glowing guest reviews, While Away A is one of the most desirable homes on Anna Maria Island. Availability fills fast—reserve your dates today and discover why guests keep coming back year after year.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, which features a private pool. There's a private patio. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected.
Enjoy the recreation opportunities such as a water park or make use of other amenities including charcoal grills.
Limited parking is available onsite.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Communal pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Limited on-site parking

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Charcoal grill
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • Near the marina
  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Water park
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Unit size: 2,284 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

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
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

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
While Away Private Pool Holmes
While Away Private Pool Home Holmes Beach
2531-174645
While Away Private Pool Home Private vacation home
While Away Private Pool Home Private vacation home Holmes Beach

Reviews

While Away A: Beach Bliss Reimagined Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.4/10

Cleanliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 29 out of 47 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 47 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 47 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 47 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Scott L.

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ana M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Home away from home

Our family really enjoyed staying in this house. The inside is beautifully decorated and clean. The kids really liked the pool and the walk to the beach is not too bad.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brittany W.

Liked: Cleanliness

As described

Was very pleased with the property and the description of the property.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

Mark F.

Spring Break 2024

This is an awesome location! However, the interior of the property appears to be in the process of being fixed up. The private pool was dirty, the toilet/shower had issues, and the blinds didn’t work properly. There is empty paint containers in the closets, random boxes, and a variety of other surprising items.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

theresa n.

Liked: Cleanliness

Friends

Location was great. Easy walk to the beach and a few fun eating places. Pool was ok. The mattresses weren't comfortable. In general it needs updating.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Penny S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great house and location

We absolutely loved staying in this house!! We will book it again in the future. We had a small issue and they went above and beyond to make it right!! The house was very clean and check in was easy!!
Stayed 11 nights in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Karen L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Pool inconvenience

First, the positive- we had some initial concerns upon arriving. The beach cart we were told about was broken and unusable. The patio table umbrella was also broken. The two fry pans were rusted. We notified the rental company, and they were very responsive. They did replace all three with new items. The house has a good amount of space with three TVs and plenty of kitchenware. Now some things that potential renters should know. The queen bed cannot really be used by two people as there is a huge dip in the middle but comfortable enough for one person. One of the twin beds was at about a 20% angle and needed to be taken apart down to the bed frame to be fixed. The living room couch is extremely hard and uncomfortable to sit on. Some of the shades in the living room did not work. You are right on the corner of the street so you have to use them for privacy. While we stayed there for 9 days a detour sent all traffic down our road. Starting at 6am there were no less than 10-12 cars and mostly large work trucks lined up in front of the house. The house itself has a very strange layout. Here is what we wish we knew….you have to go out the front door walk along the sidewalk to the driveway to get to the pool!! There was nothing in the description about this. If this weren’t bad enough…. You are walking past 10-12 cars and trucks wondering what you are doing in your towel! The pool itself needs to be painted….it looked dirty until we realized the bottom was brown.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tom F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Location & Excellent Property Manager

Nothing but good things to say about the house and the property manager. The house is in a great location. Easy walk to the beach! The property manager was very easy to work with, fair and very accommodating.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Timothy P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great stay

Was a great spot at a reasonable price, enjoyed our stay. Love Anna Maria
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

julie w.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing house and Location

Everything was perfect! We will definitely be renting this property again. The location was great and the house was everything you could ask for.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robben C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Quaint Cozy Place

Great location with walking to the beach and trolley stop. The house is well decorated. Comfortable beds. Loved the sitting area. The pool area is small but perfect for three sisters enjoying the weather. Kitchen is small but adequate. Dining table is perfect for card games, meals , and puzzles.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

allison m.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great house and location!

We found the house very comfortable and relaxing. Rented bikes and enjoyed an easy bike ride to the beach, shops, and restaurants.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Rosa

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

A few minor issues, but still a nice property.

Property was spacious & clean. Gas grill was not usable, but a charcoal grill was provided, although it was a little unstable, and had not been cleaned prior to our arrival. The dishwasher didnt run full cycle, and some dishes were put away dirty by the housekeepers. Master bed sags. Lamp in the dining room was tempermental. Pool was nice, but only had one lounge chair that is placed under a tree, and was covered in bird poop - which we cleaned prior to using. Had to put blue painters tape down to mark the step down from the dining room to living area, to avoid anyone falling. Nothing too major though. We would stay here again. Good location. Quiet neighborhood.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Linda V., midwest

Liked: Cleanliness

“While away” your days here

Nice, clean home with a private pool that’s close to everything one needs-beach, stores, restaurants and trolley stops!

10/10 Excellent

Sarah H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Spring Break Getaway

We loved While Away! It was the perfect set up for our family of 4. It was in a great location, and while the pool is small, the water temperature was perfect!! It would be nice to be able to access the pool from the house, but not a huge deal. Overall, cute and comfortable home for a week away. We would book again!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2021

6/10 Okay

Jane D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Improvements required

GREAT location. Nice layout and pool. Amenities such as stove, dishes, utensils , mattresses need upgraded as well as vacuum cleaner. Windows rattled and many you couldn’t open. They need replaced. Changes or lack of will determine renting beyond 2022.

10/10 Excellent

Heather K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful place to stay

The house was very well kept, in a great location. 7 min walk to beach and 5 min walk to shops. Perfect location.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Marti and Bill S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Really wonderful.

Enjoyed our stay very much. Windows and screen old and queen bed was uncomfortable. But everything else was perfect!!! Can’t wait to come back!!!
Stayed 29 nights in Nov 2020

8/10 Good

Loraine C., King of Prussia, PA

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful beach cottage with great pool!

The cottage was very nice and clean and had a wonderful beachy feel. Also in a great location! Check in and check out were a breeze. The pool was clean and inviting.. This property would receive a 5 star rating of it were not for the very uncomfortable beds.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Christina B., Cincinnati, OH, USA

Liked: Cleanliness

Island Time

Great location with close proximity to the beach and Small Town Creamery ice cream (that’s essential, right?!). The house had a comfortable living space and nice large dining table. Pool access is through the driveway gate. This was great for safety since my 4 yo couldn’t walk out the back door and be in the pool but annoying for quick trips in and out. Overall, great place and recommend it. The property management company - Island Time - was fantastic.

8/10 Good

Jill D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Good location. Nice and Clean.

Something needs done about the ledge between the dining room and living room. I almost broke my toe tripping up it. My 2 year old niece cut her toe pretty deep on it. I would prefer a door to the pool from inside the house. The net to scoop out the pool needs to be replaced. We had a dead lizard a couple spiders and worms get in the pool. When I called they did send someone to clean the pool but would be nice to have a net. The parking near the beach is an issue now that they have placed so many no parking signs.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2020

8/10 Good

Bette E.

Liked: Cleanliness

While Away

We enjoyed our time in While Away, it is clean, recently updated and a short 7 minute walk to the beach, and many great restaurants. Chairs and umbrellas are in need of replacing, it would be nice to have a wagon to transport the chairs and umbrella to the beach. Overall I would recommend While Away to stay while visiting AMI, my only complaint was receiving a call from the Property Manager the day before we left asking what time we would be departing. When I told him we would be gone by 9:15 or 9:30 he acted disappointed when check out is actually 10:00 a.m.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Barbara W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Got hurt at property.

As soon as we got there, I tripped on the small step going from the living room into the dining room, fell and had to go to the hospital. Had to have exray and ct scan. Ended up with a contusion in the hip plus a sprained ankle. Have to use a walker to get around. It is very painful. It has been 3 weeks, and still not healed. Then IVP had the nerve to charge another fee to my card for the 2ND rental. For what I do not know. My daughter told them I fell, but they never to this day have called to see how I am doing.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Douglas W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fishing trip anna maria

No problems. Good location. Clean furnished well. Did not use pool. Amenties excellent. Bathrooms not handicapped equipped. Bedrooms small but comfortable.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2020

8/10 Good

Guya G.

We loved it!

We stayed for a week, everything was ready for us, adults and kids. We took the slow cooker and expresso machine for our convenience. Be aware you'll have to share the pool with the other unit, though. They were remodeling it at the time we were there and we got lucky to have the pool for ourselves. Other than that, no complains. We enjoyed fully our vacation, smooth and easy.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017