We went on our vacation to Vilano Beach on a whim. We knew nothing about the area, but were delighted to find a quiet community nestled on the ocean and just a short drive across a bridge to the quaint and inspiring town of St. Augustine. The Driftwood cottage was a beautiful, functional and relaxing place to call home. Nicely decorated, well-equipped and clean, we were comfortable and at ease during our stay. The photos certainly do not do the house justice. The floor plan of two bedrooms upstairs and two downstairs suited our two families well. The large kitchen was stocked for meal preparations and its exterior door was very convenient when restocking poolside snacks or preparing the meals we ate outside. The pool area is an oasis: absolutely gorgeous landscaping which adds an exotic feel. The kids spent every day in the pool. We appreciated everything from the pool toys, regular pool maintenance and the safety gate from the house to the pool which minimized parent-worry. A beautiful oak tree provided shade for some of the pool area.
After the kids went to bed, the parents enjoyed the magically lit oak tree. The beds were incredibly comfortable; the airiness and and quality AC allowed for perfect nights of sleep.
The ocean is very close and easily accessed. The road (A1A) between the house and beach access had plenty of breaks in traffic to allow for safe and easy crossing. There is some stair climbing/ sloping that would be difficult for those with mobility issues. Otherwise, it’s a quick jaunt to a beautiful beach that is calm, lightly populated, and full of shells and great waves.
Finally, our host was attentive and went absolutely above and beyond to accommodate our group in ways that were unexpected. We will be forever grateful for our stay and experiences in Vilano Beach!