| Date | Rating | Comment
[Guest Comments: 26 positive, 0 negative]
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| 08/11/09 |
Positive
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| We just returned from another fabulous week in the Essence. Each visit seems to get better and better. Thanks so much to Bev and John for their hospitality. The weather was great, the water and sand are absolutely gorgeous and everyone came home very relaxed. Hope to repeat in two years. Again, thanks for everything. |
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Casebolt family, Lima, OH
419-221-1366 |
|
| 08/05/09 |
Positive
|
We just completed a week in this lovely home. We were pleased with all aspects of this rental, especially the helpful information that was sent prior to our arrival. The Monacos supplied us with complete lists of places to eat, play and see. They were so helpful and prompt in all communications. Thanks for a great beachfront property. We would certainly return here for any future Destin vacations.
The Bushes
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Cynthia Bush, Seneca, SC |
|
| 07/01/09 |
Positive
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Super week-super accommodations-super location. Ideal for an extended familly of nine. Thanks again for lettinng us stay in your splendid beach quarters!
Bobbie & John
Bobbie and John |
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John & Bobbie Molsberry, Indian Shores FL 33785
(727)595-3383 |
|
| 06/26/09 |
Positive
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| We introduced our 2 yr old granddaughter to the ocean and beach and she loved it. The private, uncrowded, sugar white beaches could not have been prettier. Add the beautiful home and you have a wonderful combination for a great family vacation. An additional bonus is Theo's Pizza right across the street....Great pizza and atmosphere. |
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John Nix, Houston, TX |
|
| 06/22/09 |
Positive
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| This was our third year in a row staying at the ESSENCE during the Memorial Day Week. As always Bev & John delivered on all expectations and my family had yet another great vacation. |
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Steve Gasich, St.Louis, MO. |
|
| 06/15/09 |
Positive
|
The Essence is wonderful! Our family stayed there in May of 2009 and the weather was off the first few days of our vacation - but this beach house definitely made up for it! It is decorated beautifully and it is so close to the water that you could practically throw a rock in from the balconies. All 3 of them! My children loved waking up in the morning and coming into our Master Suite and looking at the ocean out the window while they watched tv in the bed. They loved watching all the dolphins playing in the water. It was very breathtaking! We loved the beach setup everyday and the house is very roomy to accomodate everyone. It also offers 2 other ocean front excellent jack and jill bedrooms with balcony access besides the Master Suite, which was very nice and pleasant. The house was very equipped with everything that we needed. Overall, though, the very best thing about this beach house is it's convenience and proximity to the beach and water.
Our family has decided that our vacation at the Essence was our very best vacation yet! |
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Kim Kleeberg, Mount Juliet, TN |
|
| 05/11/09 |
Positive
|
| We had a wonderful stay in Destin for Spring Break 2009. The house is in the perfect location right on the beach, and the house is very nicely furnished. We enjoyed walking down the steps to the sand each morning (where our umbrella and chairs were already set up for us!) and running across the street to the beach supply store daily. The house is walking distance to restaurants and very close to a grocery store. Bev provided everything you could possibly need - linens, dish soap, bath products. We had a wonderful time and look forward to returning next year. |
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The Vincents, Cleveland, OH |
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Homeowner Response:
Thank you soooo much for staying with us! You left our home in wonderful shape! Please come back soon!! Bev
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|
| 03/09/09 |
Positive
|
Bev & John,
Our family had the most relaxing vacation. We
brought our Mom on a Destin trip and she loved
the house, beach and beautiful sunsets. The
weather was so warm. Our family shared a
wonderful vacation and have great memories and
pictures.
We hope to come back this year. We thank you so
much for sharing your home with us.
Thanks again.
Karen Crabtree
Una Currier, Cathy Smith
Johnny & Martha Hall
John Jr, Kadra, Katie & Keaton
Tony, Kim, Taylor & Caden |
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Karen Crabtree & Family, Rockwood, Tennessee
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|
| 08/29/08 |
Positive
|
Dear Bev & John,
A million thanks to you for sharing this wonderful beach home. The online photos DO NOT do it justice! Four generations of my family just spent a week there & I never heard even one complaint. Miracle! We have been coming to Destin the past ten years; only missing one year because of Katrina; & I must tell you we were pleasantly surprised at the abundance of fine furnishings & the ease of care of this beautiful home. We had ages from 3 years all the way up to 85 years & an abundance of cherished memories were made in your 'Essence.'
God willing, we will return to the incomparable Destin beaches in 2009 & to your incomparable beach home. May God bless you & yours. The Plummer/Parsons Krewe
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Plummer/Parsons family, Houston, Texas
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|
| 08/21/08 |
Positive
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Dear Bev & John,
We just spent another great year at The Essence. As expected, we had a wonderful time. Staying in your home with its location right on the beautiful white sandy beach has completely spoiled our family. This is the ultimate vacation because when the adults are tired the kids don’t have to stop. It was such a pleasure sitting on one of the spacious decks in the late afternoon watching them play on the beach as the sun was going down. So much fun - - so many beautiful photos!
And of course, your home was as beautiful as we remembered with its gorgeous furnishings. Everyone was so pleased with their own private space spread out over three floors. The living area was very comfortable with plenty of seating that easily accommodated our large family.
Another terrific Destin family vacation! We plan to return soon and when we do will absolutely stay at The Essence. We could not find a more perfect home located on such a beautiful beach. Thank you, Bev and John for being so helpful and kind. |
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Boudreaux Family, Baton Rouge, LA
(225) 931-0592 |
|
| 08/17/08 |
Positive
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Dear Bev and John,
We just returned home from a wonderful week in Destin. Our son has just one comment, “Awesome.” The beach views from the balconies were spectacular. It was also great to walk down the deck and to be directly on the beach. Your home was great for our family and extended family. The four kids had their own space down stairs and we had plenty of room on the remaining two levels. The kitchen is well equipped and the extra door on the refrigerator was a big hit. We have decided that a one week stay is not long enough. Our plan is to stay for two weeks next year! Thank you for opening up your home to us.
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Cheryl and Greg Gore, Dallas, Texas |
|
| 03/26/08 |
Positive
|
Dear Bev and John,
We just returned from a wonderful Spring Break in Destin. Your home was
absolutely perfect for our 2 families. It had everything we needed not
to mention was beautifully appointed. The 5 kids had their own space as
did the parents. Having 2 master bedrooms on the top floor is perfect!
However, since we lost the coin toss for the ocean view room I can't
comment on waking up to a beautiful sun rise over the ocean. BUT - I
certainly did hear about how gorgeous it was as my friend kept rubbing
it in! The accesibility to everything that Destin has to offer was great
as well. As if all of this is not enough, we got to watch the dolphins
swim by every morning! How fabulous! Thank you again for opening up your
home to us and we look forward to going back next year. Have a wonderful
2008. Jill Amerie
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Jill Amerie, Austin, Tx
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|
| 03/26/08 |
Positive
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Dear Bev and John,
We just returned from a wonderful Spring Break in Destin. Your home was absolutely perfect for our 2 families. It had everything we needed not to mention was beautifully appointed. The 5 kids had their own space as did the parents. Having 2 master bedrooms on the top floor is perfect! However, since we lost the coin toss for the ocean view room I can't comment on waking up to a beautiful sun rise over the ocean. BUT - I certainly did hear about how gorgeous it was as my friend kept rubbing it in! The accesibility to everything that Destin has to offer was great as well. As if all of this is not enough, we got to watch the dolphins swim by every morning! How fabulous! Thank you again for opening up your home to us and we look forward to going back next year. Have a wonderful 2008. Jill Amerie |
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Jill Amerie, Austin, TX
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|
| 09/14/07 |
Positive
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| We just returned from a delightful week at Bev and John's Essence. Along with my brother and friends we enjoyed a very relaxing stay. The way the house is layed out, everyone has their own space to enjoy and then room to get together. We'll be back same time next year. |
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sue bell, Pompano Beach, Florida
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|
| 09/13/07 |
Positive
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Thanks again for allowing us to rent your home...very rare you can have 8,
'Type A' adults in the same house with no conflicts...the physical space
and floor plan help with that. Booking again for next year for 5th year!
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Larry Bell, Kennesaw, Ga
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|
| 08/28/07 |
Positive
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| We just got back from another great time at the Essence. This was our 2nd time there. Again, it was the most awesome, beautiful, and relaxing vacation! Bev and John's home is most inviting. So comfy! It was just the right thing to do before heading back to school. Hope to be back again next year. Thanks for having such a spectacular spot! |
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Loretta Guillory, Kingwood, Tx
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|
| 07/24/07 |
Positive
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| Great beach front home. Both families enjoyed every minute. We hope to return next summer. Bev makes sure you are comfortable during your stay. I definately recommend. |
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Tina, Branson, Missouri
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|
| 06/26/07 |
Positive
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Thank you. You have a wonderful house with an excellent location. Everyone
had a great time.
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Anonymous
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|
| 06/20/07 |
Positive
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| Our family stayed in the essence May 2007. We had the most wonderful time. The house is beautiful. It had everything you could imagine in the kitchen. We hope to get to stay again. |
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parker family, locust grove, oklahoma
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|
| 05/31/07 |
Positive
|
| Fantastic is the first word that comes to mind when thinking of our trip to Destin, our first trip to the Gulf. The pictures of the house were inviting, but the house itself is spectacular. Situated right on the beach and in a very nice area, the house is comfortable and very beautifully furnished, not at all what we expected in a beach house. The views of the beach from the three levels of decks were a highlight -- white sand, emerald water and dolphins! Bev and John could not have been nicer or more helpful in every way. Thank you both for a truly wonderful, fun-filled week -- it went by far too quickly!! Best regards, |
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The Bays and Riester Families, Richmond, Virginia |
|
| 03/18/07 |
Positive
|
great house. it was everything we expected. will book for 08'
Thanks
Frank |
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frank, Dallas Texas
214-677-9001 |
|
| 01/23/07 |
Positive
|
| This house is a must stay. We have visited this house on multiple occasions. It is in a nice neighborhood and the beach is absolutely stunning. We plan on staying here gor many years to come. |
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WOODY VANSTRATUM, COOKEVILLE TN
9312528111 |
|
| 01/10/07 |
Positive
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| Last summer my sister, her family, my best friend, her family, myself, and my family stayed at The Essence. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Bev has a beautiful and spacious home. We had such a great time. We are going to stay there again this summer. We all can't wait to arrive. |
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Loretta, Kingwood, TX |
|
| 12/16/06 |
Positive
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| We stayed at the Essence for Thanksgiving 2006. What a fantastic location and a beautiful house. Right on the beach, plenty of room (for 4 couples with young children), very well furnished and maintained. We've been visiting Destin for 15 years, and this was most definitely the best place we've stayed at. |
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SCR&L, Houston, Texas |
|
| 08/11/06 |
Positive
|
We have just returned home from our stay at The Essence on Miramar Beach, owned by John and Bev Monaco. I am searching for words that will explain our experience and still be believable. Simply put, this is the most perfect home on the most perfect beach we have ever seen.
If you read through the description of the house on the VRBO site, you will get the true picture only if you understand that everything that is said is true, but understated. The house is incredibly beautiful and wonderfully comfortable for 10 or 12 people. The floor plan is perfect and privacy is not an issue; anybody can slip off for a nap at any time, and no one will disturb them (believe me, I know!) The furnishings are exquisite and not at all what you would expect in a rental. Besides being very high quality furniture, all of the couches and chairs are incredibly comfortable (very important when you’re on vacation!). The sheets and towels are luxurious, like a 5-star hotel. The three wooden decks are huge and there are plenty of comfortable deck chairs and tables on each level.
The nearby conveniences are also wonderful; several of our party trotted across the street to buy beach towels and boogie boards. (By the way, the owner of that beach shop is very nice and it’s a great place to look around for souvenirs!) The restaurants and shops recommended by the owners were all excellent as well.
It is the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen, in pictures or in person. And the beach is private, all yours. Other than the adventure of foreign travel, there is no reason to travel to some exotic, far-away destination when you can experience paradise so close to home.
I could go on an on, but trust me, if you have a large family or a group of friends you enjoy, you will never have a beach vacation as nice as this no matter how hard you try.
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Don Smith, Bryan, TX |
|
| 04/24/06 |
Positive
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5 Star quality in Destin's best location! My family and I were thrilled with our stay in the Essence. Bev Monaco was true to her word in every detail and the entire rental process was easy with no surprises. My first concern with any place we stay is cleanliness. I found the entire house to be immaculately clean…linens and towels were new and not "tired" as I have seen in some places. Furnishings and décor are executive quality and very tastefully done. The house is furnished like an expensive private residence not a vacation rental. The kitchen has modern appliances and there were tons of plates, silverware, pots, pans, etc. The Beach behind the house is beautiful white sand and is about 100' wide…very rare in Destin these days with all the beach erosion that has taken place. Beach services were included and they had the umbrellas and chairs up every morning by 7am. The house's multi-story design provides for plenty of privacy. I believe several families could easily vacation here together without getting on each other's nerves. Of course my favorite thing about the house was the top floor master bedroom looking out over the beach and water. It is a world-class view from the comfort of your bed. I highly recommend the Essence. We loved it!
Dr. MB Tabor |
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Anonymous |
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| 04/23/06 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Hi! We, the owners, would like to welcome any comments from guests who stay in our homes or penthouse! We strive to make your vacations wonderful and memorable experiences, and welcome any input from you!
Thanks,
Bev Monaco
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Owner
Fl
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