About this rental
Welcome to Octopus Garden, your new home away from home! Our first-floor, oceanfront condo at Azure is the ideal vacation spot. Walk right out your door to the gorgeous views of the emerald Gulf coast waters!
Our beautiful 3-bedroom, 3-bath condo is ideal for families and includes TWO sets of Beach service (four chairs and two umbrellas!) This beachfront property is meticulously landscaped and designed with 2 large pools (one heated seasonally), 2 hot tubs, and a splash pad area just for the kids. Our 1st floor unit has the perfect location -- walk directly out to the pool or beach with no stairs or elevators needed! Plus, we've made traveling with kids as easy as possible. We have a high chair, booster seats, a stroller, rails for the lower bunks, rocking chair, noise machine, and a pack and play. We also have a baby monitor so you can sit by the pool and listen for your little one during nap time. And yes, it even reaches to the hot tub so you can relax in the hot tub after they are asleep!
Two of the bedrooms feature king-size beds and spacious baths while the kids' room has 2 sets of bunk beds with a fun beach mural, plus their own bathroom. Our kitchen is well supplied and a joy to use - where else can you make dinner as you watch the waves roll in? Our kids enjoy playing on our large fenced patio where we love to sit and watch Okaloosa Island's can’t-miss sunsets.
A beautiful condo and instant access to the pool and a gorgeous beach on your doorstep, this spacious unit is perfect for your family. We welcome you to our home and want to do everything we can to make your stay relaxing and fun! Our goal is to have you enjoy our place as much as we do!
This place has it all!
~ Completely remodeled in 2021.
~ 3 Bedrooms
~ 3 Full Bathrooms
~ King-size Bed in Master with a spa like master bathroom
~ King-size Bed in 2nd bedroom with en suite bathroom
~ 4 Twin beds in 3rd bedroom with en suite bathroom
~ Large dining area that seats 8 plus extra counter seating
~ Oceanfront porch with lots of seating
~ Chef’s kitchen with refrigerator, stove, microwave, and dishwasher
~ Free Beach Service - TWO SETS!
~ Brand New full size Washer/Dryer
~ Free Wireless Internet
~ Coffee Maker (Keurig and traditional)
~ TVs in Living Room and all bedrooms with Rokus
~ Tile floors throughout
ABOUT US:
My name is Virginia and my husband is Randy. We have five children ranging from 21 years old down to 2 year old twins. We purchased the property at the end of 2020 as a place to make priceless family memories by the sea! We named it the Octopus Garden because just as an octopus makes their little slice of paradise by putting a garden of shells and coral outside of their lairs, so have we! We have put our heart and soul into making this ocean home a slice of paradise, and you will find some coral and shells around the place too!
This is our only property and we stay here frequently. That means we know all the ins and outs of our condo, Azure, and the area. We are happy to answer all your questions and give you our insider information to help make your vacation as relaxing as possible. Additionally, it means that our condo has to be comfortable enough and clean enough for our family so you know our standards are high! If you are looking for a personal touch, you have come to the right place :)
You may notice we don’t have many reviews yet, and we can’t wait for you to review us! Hospitality and the guest experience are vital to our business… it helps us continue renting the place to great families like yours! We will go above and beyond to make your stay amazing. So please review us to help our future guests know how wonderful your stay was at the Octopus Garden!
Inside Scoop
Because I live down there for part of the year, I am very familiar with the area and an active part of the community. I am happy to help you plan the perfect vacation for your family!
Amenities
Other Vacation Rental Amenities
2 Bunk Bed
Children Welcome
Heater
Swimming pool
Deadbolt lock
Smoke detector
Fire extinguisher
Exterior lighting
Washing Machine
Clothes Dryer
Equipment
Grill
Ice Maker
Stereo
Books
Games for Kids
Video Library
Beach Service
Umbrella
Why FloridaRentals.com?
Connect directly with owners
Cut out the middleman
No booking or service fees
Save up to 20% over other websites
Florida's #1 vacation rental site
We're the experts
Rates
Rate Period | Nightly | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Min Stay |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oct 29 - Nov 23 2024 | $400 | $1,985 | 4 nights | ||
Nov 23 - Nov 30 2024 | $3,388 | 7 nights | |||
Nov 30 - Dec 28 2024 | $350 | $1,938 | 4 nights | ||
Jan 03 - Feb 01 2025 | $400 | $1,985 | $3,400 | 4 nights | |
Mar 08 - Mar 22 2025 | $450 | $2,750 | 4 nights |
Fees:
Cleaning Fee: $250
Tax Rate: 13%
Notes:
There is a 13% tax along with a one time cleaning fee of $250 to ensure the condo stays in great condition for guests like you! We also require a $1,000 security deposit. The security deposit gets returned once the condo is reviewed to ensure no excess cleaning or repairs are needed.
That's it! It also includes TWO SETS of Beach service- 4 chairs and 2 umbrellas set up for you at the beach every morning! Most places do one set so this is a savings of $200+ a week!
Rules:
There is No Smoking/Vaping in or outside of the condo. Pets are not allowed at Azure and therefore are not allowed in our condo.
Availability
Last updated on August 12, 2024
Map
Hosted by Kim Johnson
Member since 2020
Year Purchased: 2020
About the owner: My name is Virginia Strunk and my husband Randy and I bought this condo in late 2020 after the pandemic taught us that life is short and we need to spend more time at the beach! I am a LCSW/MFT that put my career on hold to raise our five children ranging from 21 years old down to 2 year old twins.
This is our only property and we stay here frequently. That means we know all the ins and outs of our condo, Azure, and the area. We are happy to answer all your questions and give you our insider information to help make your vacation as relaxing as possible. Additionally, it means that our condo has to be comfortable enough and clean enough for our family so you know our standards are high! If you are looking for a personal touch, you have come to the right place :)
We put a lot of thought into making Octopus Garden feel like a retreat while also making it homey and comfortable. We love our times here together and are excited for you and your family to make memories here as well. We hope you want to come back and visit us year after year!
Why this property? The best thing about going to the beach is the beach! We love walking out our back gate and being steps away from the ocean. It makes all the difference in the world to not have to go up and down stairs, take elevators, and go through a lobby every time you need an extra drink or a break from the sun. We also love that our kids can nap inside while we sit by the pool or in the hot tub with the baby monitor- it is that close! We love how Okaloosa Island has the most beautiful white, sugary sand and turquoise water. We have the benefits of being near Destin without the crowds as hotels and condos have a 6 floor maximum- no high rises! There are fireworks on the pier Wednesdays during the summer, icecream and mini-golf across the street, and live music at AJ's right around the corner.
Links to more information:
View all my listings
Guestbook comments from the host:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you allow pets?
Unfortunately there are no pets allowed in the entire condominium complex.
Photos
Reviews
PERFECT!
This was our second stay at this incredible condo, and once again, it was absolutely perfect! The space is immaculately clean, beautifully decorated, and equipped with everything you could possibly need for a relaxing vacation. We traveled with a toddler, and the thoughtful inclusion of a pack-and-play, stroller, and high chair made things so much easier for us.The beach service, which includes four chairs and two umbrellas, is a fantastic bonus. The "chair guy" clearly has a great relationship with the owner and gave us extra attention during our stay. The kitchen is well-stocked with high-quality appliances, and the large washer and dryer made it quick and easy to clean our beach towels.The location of this first-floor condo is ideal. Just steps away from the beach and pool, we never had any noise issues. We loved relaxing by the pool during nap time with a baby monitor. Our toddler was thrilled by the kid-friendly mushroom fountain at the pool! Parking and unloading was also a breeze with the nearby parking garage.However, what truly sets this condo apart is Virginia’s outstanding hospitality. From booking to checkout, she was incredibly attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed. She even provided us with a fantastic list of local restaurants and activities, which was very helpful.If you’re looking for the perfect place for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation, this is it. We highly recommend it and will definitely be back!
Stayed: September 2024 Submitted: September 16, 2024
Wonderful, clean and felt like home
We visited FWB for my daughter softball tournament. The condo was spotless upon arrival. We absolutely loved being right on the main level and only steps away from the pool and beach. I was worried about the noise level being close to the pool but the patio doors must be hurricane proof and sound proof because even on the busiest week of the year sound from the pool was never an issue. Beach service with 4 chairs and two umbrellas was amazing as well. We felt like we were staying in someone’s home and not just a rental until. We will definitely book again in the future.
Stayed: July 2024 Submitted: July 13, 2024
Heaven on FWB
We had the most relaxing stay at this place. The condo is steps from the pool and just a short walk to the beach. The place is beautifully done and spotlessly clean. Perfect size for two families to stay. Can’t wait to come back!!
Stayed: February 2024 Submitted: May 21, 2024
The most perfect time
If you want the best of everything in a vacation Octopus Garden is it. Beautiful beach, pools and condo. We were vacationing with children and grand babies, almost two years old and a 2 month old. This condo has everything you could possible think you need when vacationing with little ones. You don’t have to pack it all from home. Clean, beautiful decor, chargers for technology, pools/hot tub out your back door and the beach a few steps away. Communication with the owner Virginia is quick and easy. I had grown up vacationing on emerald coast and was happy to introduce my grandchildren to such a special place. Can’t wait to go back again.
Stayed: April 2024 Submitted: April 27, 2024
First Beach Trip
My mom and dad booked this trip for them and our family before I went back to work from maternity leave. I have a 22 month old and a 11 week old and to be honest the thought of going anywhere with 2 under 2 sounded overwhelming. However my oldest had never been to the beach and so we decided to go. And I’m so glad we did because we had the BEST time at Octopus Garden! Virginia has thought of everything you could possibly need as a new parent traveling. She provides pack n plays, high chairs, books, games, beach toys, and a baby monitor that reaches out to the pool!!!! Octopus Garden is a first floor unit by the pool and just steps away from the beach which made nap times and sun breaks super convenient! Also having the 4 beach chairs and 2 umbrellas set up every morning at the beach made going to the beach so much easier! The unit is super spacious and with 4 adults and 2 little ones we never felt like we were on top of each other, everyone had their own space. Each room had their own bathroom which was so nice! The unit was very clean and you can tell the Strunks take pride in their condo! Virginia checked in on us throughout the week to make sure we were doing okay and had everything we needed! Just an all around great first vacation with 2 littles! I couldn’t ask for a better host, better condo, better location or any better amenities! Highly highly recommended, I can’t say enough good things!
Stayed: April 2024 Submitted: April 27, 2024
Gorgeous Condo
The Strunk's truly do have the best condo. I have been vacationing here every year since I was a child and now bring my own family each year as well as an adult trip each year. In the past two months I have rented their condo twice and was not disappointed! They have literally made traveling with a family as easy as every providing all things and more ya need for your kids including highchair, games, outdoor sand toys, boogie boards....you name it! This condo will be our Forever Vaca spot until we can call a place at Azure our own also, until then thank you for making such a great home away from home for us to enjoy!
Stayed: October 2023 Submitted: October 25, 2023
Best Host Ever!
The Strunk Family have really thought of everything when it comes to their condo rental. Not only is everything ready for a large group but they also have everything stocked with good quality items. The personal touches are endless within every corner you look. Truly a home a way from home. We have found the only condo we will be renting in Okaloosa from here on out!!
Stayed: October 2023 Submitted: October 17, 2023
Amazing 1st vacation with baby
We had an amazing stay at this condo. Being our 1st family vacation with our 7 mo old, it was such an amazing setup, super convenient location to beach and pool and stocked with baby amenities, pack n play, high chair, etc.Condo is literally footsteps from the pool right in front of the beach, so could sit in the sun while little one napped inside.Master was great size with nice big tub! Kitchen was stocked with all kitchen essentials. Brand new washer and dryer was crucial.Added bonuses was probably best crab legs across the street that was an easy few.min walk.Overall couldn't have asked for better setup, convenient location with everything we needed for an amazing vacation. Can't wait to come back.
Stayed: September 2023 Submitted: September 16, 2023
AMAZING!!!!!
The description of this condo doesn’t really prepare you for what greets you when you open the front door. You literally walk out your patio to the pool area-2 pools! The beach and water was beautiful and the condo had everything we needed. We traveled with a 19 month old and she had a blast in the condo, at the pool, splash pad and the beach ️. The kitchen was nicely stocked and the bedrooms were great. We had an amazing time and didn’t want to leave
Stayed: July 2023 Submitted: August 01, 2023
Wonderful Condo!!
Wonderful condo! Spotlessly clean and the best equipped unit we've ever stayed in!! Fantastic location with great pool and beach access. The 2 full sets of beach chairs/umbrellas is great, plus many other items provided by owner as well. Virginia is an absolute joy to work with, and she gave excellent communication & recommendations, and was readily available prior to/during our vacation.Stewby's Market is SO great and easy, just walked across a couple of nights for takeaway. Lots of other restaurants and grocery nearby too. Also, rented a pontoon boat to Crab Island for a half-day (great time + all really enjoyed it). Parking is easy, with great access to the unit. Security is also excellent, laid back but very present/on top of things so all felt very safe and well controlled.Grateful that you let us enjoy your condo, and we highly recommend it!!
Stayed: June 2023 Submitted: August 01, 2023
Amazing Location and Fantastic Management!!
This condo was absolutely amazing and Virginia was off the charts fantastic from the beginning. I had some concerns regarding if my mother, who is in a wheelchair, would be able to get around in the unit and enjoy the stay. Needless to say it was PERFECT for her. Not only was the unit very spacious, but the beach attendants were able to accommodate my mom to where she was able to come on the beach with us at any time. I have always been hesitant about staying in condos as we usually always stay in a house. I will say this unit is above and beyond amazing and I would stay here any time. Highly, highly recommend!!!!
Stayed: June 2023 Submitted: June 27, 2023
Amazing vacation spot!
We had an amazing time staying at Octopus Garden! Virginia and Randy were great hosts. They were very informative and they have thought of everything you could possible need! The convenience of the pool being steps away from the patio made our vacation so much more relaxing. Not having to catch elevators or tote all the kids beach/pool gear down everyday was a lifesaver! The condo was very spacious and comfortable. We can’t wait to visit again!
Stayed: March 2023 Submitted: April 04, 2023
Amazing stay!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Octopus Garden garden. Virginia was very helpful to answer all of my questions ahead of renting, and she sent us a very detailed list of where to eat and things to do which was amazing! The unit is beautiful and very well stocked! It is steps from the pool and hot tub. It is also a very close walk down to the beach and no stairs- just a boardwalk. My son loved the bunk room! The decor is beautiful and practical. We could walk across the street to eat or play putt putt golf which was nice. We will definitely return soon! Thank you, Virginia and family for letting us rent your beautiful place.
Stayed: March 2023 Submitted: March 27, 2023
Perfect beach condo for a family with young children!
The location of this immaculate condo was absolutely perfect. Steps from the pool and hot tub, and yet we couldn't hear a thing from other pool-goers when the condo doors were closed. Just a very short walk to the beach (maybe 2 minutes, less if your kids are running with excitement!). There was no need to "pack up for the day, think of all the things you'll need, and head to the beach/pool" because everything was so close. It was SO EASY to head back for a quick lunch, forgotten item, or nap time for the youngest while the older kids stayed to play with another adult. Virginia (the owner) has stocked her condo with everything needed for little ones (pack and play, stroller, high chair, baby monitor, kid-friendly silverware and plates, beach toys, pool toys, books, and games). She also leaves some common pantry items for guests to use, such as spices, oils, etc. She was incredibly responsive whenever I had a question prior to and during our stay, even for as insignificant of a question such as, "Where can I find the cutest Fort Walton Beach Christmas ornaments?" We had some flight issues on our way to Florida, and when Virginia found out, she went out of her way to have a special basket of goodies waiting for us when we arrived at the condo! Virginia also helped us set up our transportation service to and from the airport. The condo was exceptionally clean. All staff we encountered were friendly and helpful. The beach chair and umbrella service was great! We would stay again in a heartbeat! I can't recommend Virginia and her beautiful condo enough!
Stayed: March 2022 Submitted: July 27, 2022
Perfect beach front condo
This was our first time staying at Azure condominiums. We chose the Octopus Garden because of the ground floor location, covered parking and beach service set up.Parking was easy, only had to park on 2nd level a couple times. Easy walk from parking garage to condo unit. Grounds were clean and well kept. Best part NO ELEVATORS! A flight of stairs from the 2nd level parking area but that was a breeze!The condo itself was nicely decorated and had all the things you need when away from home. Full size (huge) washer & dryer, enough beds/baths for a large group or small family, nice pots/pans and dish ware in the kitchen for cooking or snacking. We had 4 people so we weren't running over each other and everyone had privacy when needed.Access to the pool & beach were awesome. Just a few steps out the patio door and you were poolside. A little bit further and you were on the pass over to the beach. Showers along the way to rinse off when coming or going. The beach set up guys were friendly and had us set up in the same spot daily. The pool was always clean and not overly crowded. We were able to sit and relax daily by the pool if we wanted.Virginia is an excellent host. She answered any question, big or small and her welcome packet was full of helpful info and suggestions. No complaints from us on our stay at the Octopus Garden at Azure! Thank you Virginia!!
Stayed: June 2022 Submitted: July 07, 2022
Perfect Beach Condo
We just spent the week at Octopus Garden and it was perfection! The condo was spotless and had everything you could think of. We were surprised how peaceful and quiet it was inside the condo. The bedrooms and bathrooms are all very spacious. We loved hanging out in the living room playing games and watching movies, both of which were provided. The patio right by the pool and hot tub was super convient for our family. The white sand beach was gorgeous and we loved having 4 chairs and 2 umbrellas provided. The new washer and dryer were huge and great for doing beach towels, etc. Virginia was so helpful and amazing to work with. We can’t wait to return and stay here again!!!
Stayed: June 2022 Submitted: June 25, 2022
Beachfront Perfection
Our family of 6 absolutely loved this condo and location. Ground level, right in front of the pool, short walk to the beach. Felt very safe allowing our 4 teenagers to come and go from the beach to the pool. The condo has everything you need. Very clean, spacious. The perfect setup for our family. The washer/dryer are huge, so you can do plenty of towels at one time. Virginia was nothing but a pleasure to work with. Very informative and responsive. If you are hesitating to book this, just do it. You won’t regret it.
Stayed: June 2022 Submitted: June 05, 2022
Amazing condo!
We had the most amazing time at the Octopus Garden! The condo itself is beyond perfect, in addition to being part of a beautiful resort with two amazing pools and hot tubs. It is the cleanest rental property I have ever stayed in. Virginia and her family pay attention to every single detail which helps to make sure guests can have the most relaxing vacation. It is comfortable, beautifully decorated, cozy, and spotless. I cannot imagine a more perfect place to stay, and I highly recommend it!!
Stayed: April 2022 Submitted: June 02, 2022
The stress-less vacation spot
First of all, the location of this place of this is amazing! It has convenient access to the pool and beach (just steps away) as well as plenty of great food and things to do. It is also nice that this owner has made it super easy for families with little ones to travel! They have almost anything you can think of for you to use so that you don't have to bring the entire house (well, at least not all of it). From a high chair, to pack-n-plays and bedrails, to noise machines and monitors, to beach chairs and toys/games, these owners have truly tried to take as much stress off of parents as they can. You can tell this place is well loved and taken care of. The owners are also very responsive, helpful in providing insider tips for your stay, and easy to work with. Will definitely be back!
Stayed: May 2022 Submitted: May 31, 2022
Great Family Location on Ground Floor!
We loved the convenience of the condo from direct beach and pool access to dining! Our kids who are 2 and 6 loved their bunk beds and all of the toys and games that are provided. The owners communicate well and are very transparent. We had everything we needed for a great beach vacation. We can't wait to go back!
Stayed: May 2021 Submitted: May 20, 2021
Owner response
Thank you so much Ann! We love when families build great memories together at The Octopus Garden and we would love to have y'all back anytime!
Contact Host