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Description: #309 Island Sands

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DateRatingComment                [Guest Comments: 24 positive, 0 negative]
10/08/09 Positive
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay, 8 days at end of Sept. The view from the balcony, enhanced by your taller chairs, was super! Your attention to detail, such as providing soap for the washer, and dryer sheets for the dryer, along with coffee and filters was greatly appreciated. We definitely will stay with you again!
  Doug & Lora, Hamilton, OH
08/20/09 Positive
We had a wonderful time at Island Sands condo this August. The living space was more than I could have hoped for and the scenery is fantastic. Very low key and relaxing, which is exactly what we needed. We would absolutely love to return next year.
  Anonymous, Nashville, TN
08/15/09 Positive
Pat, your condo is wonderful and this was easily our best vacation yet. We appreciated how responive and accomodating you were. I loved sitting on the balcony as much as the beach. We ate dinners out there and really enjoyed the tall chairs. What a wonderful secret you have - a peaceful, family-friendly beach that is super close to all the tourist attractions. My daughter cried the morning we left. When can we reserve for 2010???
  Angela , O'Fallon, MO

Homeowner Response:
Thank you so very much! It warms my heart to know that you were so comfortable in "our"special place! I'd be happy to host your next visit! Pat

08/14/09 Positive
What a wonderful place right off of the beach with an amazing view. Pat the owner has been very gracious to us the past 2 yrs. . We plan on coming back for a 3rd.
Thanks, Pat
  Anonymous
06/28/09 Positive
We truly enjoyed a relaxing vacation at your little
paradise at the beach. It was located close to the
beautiful white sandy beach with no overcrowding
during the day and it was so peaceful every night
while sitting on the balcony enjoying the sunset.
Beautiful gulf water, great weather, and everything
that we needed was present in your condo plus a
delightful and interesting decor. Clean, well-
organized condo, and easy rental process. The
fishing pier was great for watching at least 15
dolphins and several sea turtles one afternoon for
over an hour. We had no luck at fishing, though.
Of course, we enjoyed lots of fresh seafood at
several resteraunts and shopping in the Destin
area. Thanks for sharing your Island Sands
paradise with us. Hope to return soon.
  carol oconner, bicknell, IN
04/30/09 Positive
We just returned from this wonderful paradise and can't wait to get back. We had such a great time relaxing and enjoying ourselves. It's the perfect place to bring a family, friends, or for two people who just want to slow life down a bit take it easy. Everything you need is there - whether it's activities, places to see and visit, or just watching the dolphins swim. It's paradise! I highly recommend it!
  Karen, Mokena, IL
04/06/09 Positive
We had a fabulous time at your beach side paradise. We are so happy we found your place and hope to return in the future. We had huge storms from Nashville all the way in, arriving by 11:00 am Saturday. All the roads where still open, but water over them in many places. We got in Early enough to dust off our thirsts along the boardwalk and fishing pier. We did it all, driving, Naval museum, shopping, and spending every sunny moment on your patio. What a great place to chill. Sextons and their fresh shrimp with heads on were on a daily basis along with the oysters and crab meat.

Plenty of good sun, laughter, and rest. Perfect spot to rehab my total nee replacement.

Scott and Mary
  Anonymous, Broofield, Wisconsin
01/31/09 Positive
We had a wonderful time - the weather was unbelievable. January in Maine was brutal, and we missed the whole thing! The condo is perfect and is supplied with everything guests could want. The bed was s0000 comfortable. We were thrilled to see both dolphins and pelicans. All in all, a fabulous vacation spot.
  Ben and Marilyn Stevens, Lewiston, Maine

207 786-9040
10/13/08 N/A
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
We arrived home this morning around 1:00 am after a delightful drive through the backcountry roads of Florida and Alabama and a dreaded return to I65 for the rest of our trip north to Kentucky. We had the greatest trip of our lives and want to thank you for sharing your beautiful condo with us. It was everything you said and more. When Erin and I first walked in we were astounded by the view and were practically brought to tears by your perfect dollhouse by the beach. The personal note written on the blackboard in the hallway was a very nice touch.

We enjoyed Dewey Destin and discovered Royal Red shrimp…what a treat ! Our first meal there was awesome. I bought 1 pound of the Royal Red’s and prepared them at the condo for a great dinner on the balcony. Those shrimp tasted very much like lobster. I went back the next day and bought 2 more pounds ( $7.00 a pound) and sautéed them with butter and olive oil…scrumptious. We went back again on Saturday and bought 5 lbs. for our family back home. I had never prepared shrimp with the heads on before…quite the labor intensive effort but well worth it ! We also ate at Rick’s Crab Trap and Floyd’s. Dewey Destin was the best !
Thanks again for all of your kindness. We will be permanent clients from now on. We’re going to bring our teenage daughters next time…we’re already planning on returning at least twice a year…summer and fall break.We have found our perfect paradise. Take care Pat and we wish God’s blessings for you and Ed.

Joey & Erin Milburn








  Joey & Erin Milburn
Harrodsburg, KY
08/18/08 Positive
We had the BEST time, and the condo could not have been any better! All the little ‘extras’ were just fabulous! The bed was super comfy, just like you promised. The beach chairs were great – just the type we like and were easy to tote back and forth. There was a collection of beach and pool toys available so I didn’t have to buy a bundle of stuff for my daughter to play with. I could’ve packed even lighter with the hair dryer and iHome that was available in the condo. You even had the same sleep sound machine that I have at home which was used every night! The collection of spices, etc. left in the cabinets was great too – saved us in having to buy all that stuff and throwing it away. You provide REAL towels vs. those paper thins ones which was awesome. All-around the accommodations just couldn’t have been any better! Thank you!



We had great weather the whole week. The 1st few days we were there the red flags were flying and the surf was pretty high and the jellyfish were everywhere. But then it calmed down for the rest of the week and was wonderful. We saw dolphins playing in the water in front of the condo the last 3-4 days we were there.
Again, everything was awesome and we really enjoyed our stay!
Donna



  Donna Belcher, Tulsa, OK
07/07/08 Positive
HI Pat! Just wanted to say that leaving your Paradise was really hard. The view was stunning!!! The condo is packed with everything imaginable, you haven't forgotten a thing. Your unit does have it all! We are so glad to have gotten to stay at such a quiet, up-to-date, clean unit. Now we have to get all of the great pics developed! About 500 pics in all! Anyway... Thanks so much for all of your help and time helping us schedule our much needed trip. Bless you!
Chuck, Crystal, Amber, Brianna, & Dylan
  Crystal Baisden, Elkmont, AL
06/24/08 Positive
Hi Pat,

We just wanted to say thank you. We just got back from a week stay and everything was perfect! We did not want to leave. The view could not have been better and everything was just as you said. We loved the size of the complex. In the afternoon when we were ready to hit the pool it was never overcrowded. We certainly plan to return next year. Thanks so much for helping to make a memorable vacation.

Moore family
  Anonymous, New Albany, MS
05/06/08 Positive
Pat,
Just a quick note to say what a great place you have. The weather has been perfect EVERY day. The view is beautiful..we eat our meals out on the balcony. The bed is very comfortable and everything works just fine. We have enjoyed the stay very, very much. What a view!!!!The internet works great too!!!....Thought you'd like to know that the hooks by the door were one of the greatest conveniences.
Enjoy the treasure you have there!
Thanks .... Dave & Pam

  Pam & Dave Schurter, Morton, Il
10/12/07 Positive
Thanks, Pat!
We loved the condo and the personal little touches you gave it to make our stay more pleasant. I’m a big lover of light houses, really enjoyed seeing yours. We really enjoyed the balcony furniture. It was very nice of you to provide such comfortable table and chairs. You will probably be hearing from us again next September.
Thanks for “sharing” with us!




  Shirley, Bloomington, IN
09/13/07 N/A
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Hey Pat, once again had a wonderful trip! (Repeat guests 3yrs now) Stayed at the condo almost the whole time other than eating out every night and one basically full day trip to shop. Every day, and I mean pretty much full days, was spent on the beach, got a bunch of neat shells, pictures and a little sand for some co - workers. Never really rained very much at all except Monday we got a relaxing long rain . Everyday was great for the beach, the water was perfect . Didn't have to worry about many jellyfish but did see dolphins as usual. The balcony is obviously great to sit out on mornings and nights We loved the new door entry system, so much easier than keeping up with a key. We love your place in paradise. Was hard to leave.

Scott & Christie
Arkansas
  Scott & Christie Hatley
Greenbrier, Arkansas
06/01/07 Positive
Pat,

We totally enjoyed our stay at your condo from 4/27 - 5/5/07. The weather was perfect and the water was so calm and clear. We are repeat guests (at least 5 times now) and really appreciate the quality and cleanliness of your condo. We would highly recommend it to anyone interested in a "home away from home" experience. You won't be disappointed!!!
  Kris & Tony Bagan, Crown Point, Indiana
04/03/07 Positive
Pat,

The kids and I had an absolutely wonderful week in your condo watching the dolphin from the balcony. I don't know if it was an out of ordinary week but each day we saw anywhere from 10 to 30 dolphin which thrilled my kids. Your condo is awesome and very convenient to everything. The fact that the weather was absolutely perfect didn't hurt either. We are all very tan and well rested. Thank you for sharing your place with us!
  Susan Mudd, Charlestown, IN

Homeowner Response:
You are most welcome! It does my heart good to see folks enjoying our "vacation paradise" as much as we do. Come back soon! Pat

12/05/06 Positive
Dear Pat:
We sadly arrived home this afternoon and just wanted to drop you a line about our stay. It was WONDERFUL. We have a wonderful tan now and each read 3 books in the sunshine.

Thanks again. Everything was great, working, and in order. We could not have asked for more. Barbara is already talking about a February return!!

Warmest Regards,
Mike and Barbara Dickenson

  Mike & Barbara Dickenson, Franklin, TN
11/24/06 Positive
Pat,
I just wanted to touch base with you after my stay at Island Sands. It was
more than I could have imagined! Thank you so much for everything. The view from the balcony is spectacular. I will surely bring binoculars to
watch the dolphins on my next visit. Thank you again! Denise

  Denise Highland, Dallas, Texas
07/26/06 N/A
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Hey Pat,

First thing I must say is THANK YOU !! Your Condo was a dream come true! It was ABSOLUTELY AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL ! WOW what a view. We loved the decor also. You were right saying we would have everything we needed except an elevator...But your condo and view was worth every one of those steps LOL ! We had such a tremendous time on our vacation in your paradise! We definetly plan on doing it again next year so please keep our names. I wanted to write you a nice note in your guestbook, but it was full. So I looked for a new one to leave you as a gift, but I was not able to find one at any of the shops around. So I had to E-mail to tell you how much we enjoyed our stay. We were really impressed with everything you had to offer and all the extra's in your information packet. You were right about all the little things you told us about regarding the HOT water, great pressure, etc. The only thing I could re commend would be putting some things in the bathtub/shower floor to prevent slipping from happening(because I almost did it). We had perfect weather and a perfect condo to enjoy our whole visit in. Once again THANKS from the bottom of OUR FAMILY's Hearts for having the pleasure of staying in your place. It was truely the most wonderful place to have our first family vacation together and celebrate our wedding anniversary. We took SO MANY pictures and will have all these WONDERFUL memories to enjoy over a lifetime. We will see you next year I hope!

Warmest Regards,

"The Smith Family"
Greg, Mandy, Taylor, Ben, and Colton
  The Smith Family
Loganville, Ga
07/18/06 Positive
We took our first family beach vacation to Okaloosa Island for the week of the 4th of July 2006. Pat's condo far exceeded my expectations! Our girls loved sleeping on the sleeper sofas in the living room and waking up to the view of the beach every morning. The sofas were HUGE, the girls didn't even make the beds, they just put the sheets & blankets on the sofas which are bigger than twin size beds! It's true that dolphins are swimming in front of the condo EVERY morning. If you are looking for a nice place to stay at an affordable price, this is it! P.S. Okaloosa Island is the perfect FAMILY destination, no crazy wild all-night parties (unless we just didn't get invited!).
  Trina Hood, Midwest City OK
04/17/06 Positive
Pat,
Thanks for the use of your condo. we loved it. this was one of our favorite vacations. the weather was fantastic , the people there were very friendly, & the condo was beautiful. the balcony has a great view & you get to view the people coming & going on the beach. GREAT! Jeff & Ginger Barnes
  Jeff & Ginger Barnes, Kentucky
12/02/05 Positive
WOW! That is what I said when I opened the blinds and saw the white sand the the beautiful torquoise water of the gulf. This is what you will experience when you stay on the third floor corner unit at Pat's Gulf Front Paradise. The condo was like staying at a AAA hotel and sure didn't seem like a rental unit. We saw 6 dolphins playing in the surf right from our balcony. Make sure to bring binoculars for a close up look. Take the short drive to Destin to check out the Boardwalk with fun shops and restaurants that are right on the water. Also, go to Fudpucker's for a fun dinner, especially if you have kids. They have a tropical atmoshphere and live gators. We were here for Thanksgiving and had weather in the 70's and no crowds. It was awesome! My husband said, "I think we have found our new vacation spot"
  Gail Colgan, Loganville, GA

404 281-2903
11/16/05 Positive
Hi Pat,
Thank you for sharing your little slice of paradise in Ft. Walton Beach. The condo greatly exceeded our expectations, and we really enjoyed our stay. The weather was about 10 degrees above normal (about 83-84 degrees most days, and no rain). Perfect weather for shorts and a t-shirt. We spent a fair amount of time in Pensacola watching the Blue Angels airshow and visiting relatives. I took lots of pictures of the beautiful sunrises and sunsets from the balcony of the condo as well as sea gulls and pelicans. You have underestimated the beauty of the view from your condo. I don't think you will find a better one anywhere on the Emerald Coast.
Thanks again for sharing. We hope to do it again next year.
Tom

  Tom Hargrove, Paducah, Ky
07/09/05 N/A
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
GUEST COMMENTS:
Hi Pat,
Just wanted to let you know we are back home safe and sound....We had a great time....relaxed and enjoyed the beach. We loved your condo. Its location was great! It was clean, neat, exactly what anyone would need. Loved it !!!

If we ever decide to visit the area again, we'll be sure to give you a call.
Thanks a bunch....

Nick & Jo Reed
  Jo and Nick Reed
Connelly Spgs, NC
09/19/04 Positive
I have been staying at the Island Sands for 4 years and I love it. It is so attractive and fully equipped. The view from the balcony is gorgeous. This year we had to evacuate because of Ivan and Pat was quick to assure us that she would refund our money for the days we weren't there. She is a great person to do business with. We'll go back next year for sure.
  Jane Brinkman, Cincinnati Ohio

513-871-8486
08/08/04 N/A
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
You will not be disappointed with our condo, I promise you! We rented this condo ourselves for 3 yrs and then had the opportunity to purchase it. We are committed to maintaining the same high standards of the previous owner that we enjoyed ourselves, clean & neat & has plenty of fresh linens! We visit it frequently, and can assure you it will be a very satisfying experience for you & your family....hands down! Call us if you want any more details! WE NOW HAVE FREE WI FI CONNECTIONS! Cell Ph #706-817-9314
  Pat Okenica/Owner
Georgia
  • So far, the homeowner has approved 22 guest-submitted comments to appear in the guestbook.
  • The number of homeowner-entered comments is 5. (Note that the homeowner can enter comments from guests who have stayed at this property in the past, or who would most likely not utilize this guestbook.)

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    Property Last Updated: 12/28/2009  

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