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Water Lovers Retreat

Photo gallery for Water Lovers Retreat

Outdoor dining
Bar (on property)
Marina
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire house boat

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Parking available
  • Pool
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

View map
Sanford, FL
  • Place, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Historic Downtown Sanford
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, St. Johns Rivership
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Airport, Orlando, FL (SFB-Orlando Sanford Intl.)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Room options

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About the area

Sanford

With a stay at this houseboat in Sanford, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens and Lake Monroe. .This houseboat is 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Black Bear Wilderness Area and 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Lake Monroe Park.
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What's nearby

  • Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens - 2 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Lake Monroe - 2 min drive - 2.4 km
  • HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital - 7 min drive - 6.3 km
  • Historic Downtown Sanford - 9 min drive - 8.6 km
  • St. Johns Rivership - 9 min drive - 8.6 km

Getting around

  • DeBary Station - 6 min drive
  • Sanford Station - 8 min drive
  • Orlando Sanford Intl. Airport (SFB) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wawa - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪RaceTrac - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire house boat to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Water Lovers Retreat

Completely renovated custom 50’x14’ stationary houseboat available for short/long term rentals. Enjoy the beautiful world famous St. John’s river. One of the only two rivers in the world that flows north. Be surrounded by its natural beauty and wildlife. Experience the luxury of waking up in your own private setting surrounded by nature.
This custom spacious 50’ house boat allows you to feel as if you are waking in your own private oasis. The beautiful and spacious 14’x16’ master suite offers you a private sitting area with a full size sofa, as well as a comfortable queen size bed, and 42” flat screen television, a nice closet with custom shelving, full bathroom with a fully tiled shower, vanity and tiled floors. As well as your own private 8’x14’ outdoor deck for your private coffee in the morning, or beverage in the evening.
The galley offers a beautiful leather sofa, which opens into a comfortable queen size bed for additional sleeping space. The full size fully stocked kitchen allows you to entertain and bring all the comforts of home with its full refrigerator, microwave,oven/stove, sink and plenty of cabinet and counter space.
The galley is also equipped with an electric fireplace, center-island, as well as a32” flat screen television, not leaving out the gorgeous views of the St. John’s river. The second outdoor living area is equipped with a barbecue, a beautiful and comfortable outdoor patio set that includes a custom table with a fire-pit.
You will never run short of activities while on vacation. Our resort offers a large pool for your swimming pleasure, several outdoor sitting areas, deli on premise, ship store, beautiful sceni, laundry facilities, and private parking at your slip. Boat rentals are available at the resort as well as marinas nearby for your further enjoyment of the St. John’s river.
Close to all local beaches, Orlando theme parks, the world famous Daytona International Speedway, as well as Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center.
Book your next memorable vacation today to experience luxury and nature at its finest!
There's a private balcony or patio. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. A flat-screen television is provided for your entertainment. Conveniences include a microwave and a coffee/tea maker.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as an outdoor pool or take in the view from a garden.
Guests will find features like onsite parking.

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Communal pool
  • Outdoor pool

Internet

  • Available in the accommodation: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Smoking allowed in outside areas only......

Location highlights

  • Near the marina

Safety features

  • 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

General

  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 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
Note from host: Children are welcomed......

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 and a first aid kit
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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Water Lover's Retreat Houseboat Sanford
Water Lover's Retreat Houseboat
Water Lover's Retreat Sanford
Houseboat Water Lover's Retreat Sanford
Sanford Water Lover's Retreat Houseboat
Houseboat Water Lover's Retreat
Water Lover's Retreat Houseboat Sanford
Water Lover's Retreat Houseboat
Water Lover's Retreat Sanford
Houseboat Water Lover's Retreat Sanford
Sanford Water Lover's Retreat Houseboat
Houseboat Water Lover's Retreat
Water Lover's Retreat Sanford
Water Lover's Retreat Sanford
Water Lover's Retreat Houseboat
Water Lover's Retreat Houseboat Sanford

Reviews

Water Lovers Retreat Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 103 out of 107 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 107 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 107 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 107 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 107 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Regan R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Matk is a great host and willing to share knowledge of the area. I quire about hid boat rentals to add to yiur adventure. Views are great and close to everythign in Sandford..
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Matt R.

Liked: Cleanliness
We had a nice stay. Mark was very easy to work with.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Catherine C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Water’s Retreat Sanford

Mark is very responsive to
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

David M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing stay

We had such a remarkable time staying on Mark's houseboat; what a phenomenal space. Very comfortable bed and the couches were also super comfy. We either sat out front or out back depending upon the time of day. Cabana Live was a great place to people watch and listen to music while having a drink or snack.Mark offers many other boats to take out for the day should you have interest in going out on the river.We would highly recommend on staying on Water Lovers Resort; Mark is amazing with his communication. He gave us a tour of the grounds which was very nice to know where the store is there plus we got to meet his wife one night.We will be back for sure
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Geraldine G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful getaway

Stayed 4 nights, great communication with Mark, and he stressed he was only a call away if we needed anything- never needed a thing. Great place for escaping the daily grind. Walk up to the pool, sports bar at the marina. Had access to laundry .looking forward to returning
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Krysten B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect spot for a nature immersive getaway!

My partner and I chose this houseboat for a kayaking getaway and it could not have been more perfect. Both Blue and Alexander Springs were short drives away (be sure to check out Firefly Nights at Blue Springs if you're visiting in March or April) and though we didn't, we could have easily launched our yaks from the marina to explore the St. Johns River. Sadly, the fire pit and grill have been removed due to new marina regulations, but nearby Historic Downtown Sanford offered plenty of quaint (yet bustling on St. Paddy's Day) dining and drinking options in the evenings, and the multiple manatee, otter, turtle, blue heron, and other water bird sitings from the decks made up for any disappointment. The public pool and restaurant (great food!)/bar at the marina was a fabulous amenity as well. The boat is situated at the very end of the dock so privacy was never a concern and we both slept like babies every night. Sunrise coffee on the east deck and sunset cocktails on the west deck added to our perfectly peaceful stay. It was so hard to leave, but we'll definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Quick Vacation Get Away

Just wanted some time with family in a quiet space, It was beautiful, the wild life was amazing. A bit of a walk to the marina, but definetly worth it.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Peaceful and Spacious!

We really enjoyed our stay from the beginning of researching the property all the way through checking out. I spoke with Mark several times before we even checked in because I am a stickler for details and planning. We wanted to rent a pontoon boat from Marc and I had a lot of questons Mark was more than patient, answered all of my questions and invited me to contact him at any time. The houseboat look exactly like the pictures and you couldn't even tell you were on a houseboat. Only reason for 4 stars on locaton instead of 5 was the houseboat was located at the far end of the dock and the lights along the dock weren't all on. This has nothing to do with Mark, but you might want a small flashlight because some areas were really dark.We loved being at to see the sunrise and sunsets and just hopping on the pontoon and being on the river. We definitely plan on coming back.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tina H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Sanford

We had a wonderful experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deb H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Unique river stay!

This stay was one of our highlights of our trip. The river is beautiful. We rented a pontoon from the owner and spent the day on the river. We would highly recommend this if you have a spare day!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

JOHN N.

Disliked: Cleanliness

Not happy

The boat itself was fine.Advertised dish tv. Not availableThe fire pit had been taken outThere was grill as advertized. leearly
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristine E., Loxahatchee USA

Liked: Cleanliness

Weekend Get Away

Relaxing
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathy L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fun

Mark was very nice. Houseboat really neat and clean. Unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M., Summerfield

Liked: Cleanliness

Weekend getaway

We were looking for a peaceful and quiet location to get away for the weekend. Host keeps this houseboat very clean! It was exactly what we looking for. Peaceful river and we also enjoyed a little fishing right off the boat.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Roger B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect Getaway & Awesome Host!!

My wife & I really enjoyed our weekend celebrating our first wedding anniversary at the boathouse! Everything was exactly as described in the listing and more. Mark met us at the parking lot when we arrived & gave us a tour around the marina before taking us to the boathouse. He was sure to let us know that he is always available if we had any questions or needed anything. Everyone around was very friendly as well. We seen turtles, gators, and even caught some fish! It was a great trip to say the least!!! Mark is an outstanding host!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lonnie O.

Liked: Cleanliness

Absolutely amazing

Everything was great! The host was amazing and meets you at the property to give you a tour so you can enjoy everything available to you. It is the perfect location. The boat is the the end lot so you can see and enjoy the river from all sides of the boat. Extremely peaceful and beautiful. We did purchase our own pillows and a sheet to be more comfortable. There were two smaller pillows and a decorative quilt like cover on the bed but no sheet. Absolutely recommend going to the deli- amazing real people. Will 100% be back. This will be our new spot!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great houseboat vacation!

Owner is on site and such a great host. Houseboat is at the end of the dock along the river and is so peaceful. We absolutely loved our stay, thank you!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judy Z.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely location on the St John river

We enjoyed our stay very much. Beautiful location at the end of the dock looking out over the river and very comfortable accommodations. Just as we expected.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ann C., Cassleberry, FL, United States

Liked: Cleanliness

Excellent celebration

My husband and I came to celebrate his birthday. Mark was very hospitable and set the entire weekend up for success. We brought our own jetski and per Mark's reference, Boat Tree Marina launched and retrieved it for us. We were able to see sunrise and sunset and enjoy the beauty of the area. The bed was comfortable. The accommodations were excellent. I would return!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paul G., Palm Bay

Liked: Cleanliness

Honeymoon Haven

Exceptional! Houseboat was the perfect place at the very end of the dock with an unrestricted view of sunrise and sunset. Mark was a great host, answered every question patiently and if we had a need, he filled it! We will be back! Thank you for making this special 💗
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great experience

Lovely
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas F.

Liked: Cleanliness

nothing but awesome

Experience was amazing Marcos an amazing, helpful host very informative and made us feel comfortable with Thursday. I would recommend this place to anybody we will definitely be back. I might even think about taking the kids. experience was amazing Marcos an amazing, helpful host very informative and made us feel comfortable with Thursday. I would recommend this place to anybody we will definitely be back. I might even think about taking the kids. If they’re being good.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stacy T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Water Lovers Retreat

Our host Mark was beyond accommodating. He was extremely helpful and made sure we didn’t need anything. We loved our stay, the view boat access it was great!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deborah G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful in every way!

Mark is always the perfect host. This has become our annual getaway for my husband's birthday. Can't wait until next year!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jenny S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Water paradise

This was a great find! Very clean. All at the end of the dock. Lots of wildlife and fish! Mark was a fantastic host, very accommodating.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023