Entire home

Papaya Paradise • Luxe Destiny East Resort • Pvt Pool • Walk 2 Beach • King Beds

Photo gallery for Papaya Paradise • Luxe Destiny East Resort • Pvt Pool • Walk 2 Beach • King Beds

Large Covered Lanai w/Private Heated* Pool
Property video
Private Pool Just for you and your Family to enjoy!
Clubhouse, Fitness Center, Hot Tub all within 2 Minute Walk
Beautiful Lakeside Pool for Destiny East Guests Only

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 8204.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Air conditioning
  • Dryer
  • Gym
  • Washer

Explore the area

Map
Destin, FL
  • Miramar Beach
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • James Lee Park
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Destin Commons
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional)
    ‪35 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bunkroom

1 Single Bunk Bed

King Guest Room

1 Crib and 1 King Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Crib and 1 King Bed

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom

Toilet

Outdoor Shower by Pool

Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Papaya Paradise • Luxe Destiny East Resort • Pvt Pool • Walk 2 Beach • King Beds

Welcome to Papaya Paradise hosted by GSM Family Vacations
- Pool Heat included for 7-night stays in March-Oct
- Pool heat • $75/day for shorter stays or Nov-Feb
- 3 en-suites • 3.5 bath
-2 Community Pools • Hot Tub
- Walk to beach • Walk to restaurants
- Destiny East Gated Community
-Tennis courts • Basketball • Playground

Welcome to Papaya Paradise, a luxury property presented by GSM Family Vacations.

This exclusive vacation home is situated in the highly sought-after gated community of Destiny East, offering the ultimate in privacy and sophistication. You won't find a more perfect location in Destin, with a pristine beach just a quick 10-minute walk away and a variety of exquisite restaurants just a short stroll from your doorstep.

Enjoy the convenience of the nearby Crab Trap beach access, just a 2-minute drive away, providing exclusive access to changing rooms, bathrooms, and a covered picnic area. This is the perfect place to spend an entire day enjoying the Florida sun.

Inside this 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home, you'll find luxurious amenities, including a private pool and covered lanai, perfect for relaxation and entertainment.

Experience the best of both worlds with access to the sought-after amenities of the Destiny East community, including a large pool, tennis courts, playground, theater, and gym, along with close beach access. This home is equipped with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances and a full-size washer and dryer for your convenience.

Each of the 3 en-suite bedrooms offers the utmost in comfort and privacy, including a bunk room perfect for kids and a large master king suite with access to the pool and lanai. The master suite also features an expansive closet, a large jetted garden tub, a separate shower, and double vanities.

Don't wait to book your stay in this amazing home with beautifully landscaped surroundings that offer privacy on the patio. Please note that this property requires guests to be at least 25 years of age, and all guests must be named, with their ages provided at booking. Experience the ultimate in luxury and book your stay at Papaya Paradise today!

**SNOW BIRDS WELCOME IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY!** Inquire about longer bookings.

What our Guests say:
"Fantastic stay! Hosts were quick to respond to any questions or concerns."
"Our family really enjoyed our stay! The house is very clean, and the kitchen is stocked with essentials for everyday use."
"The kitchen/family room opens to the screened-in patio and pool area—our favorite feature! We enjoyed the heated pool every day!"
"Highly recommend this gorgeous home. The backyard is a private piece of heaven. Everything exceeded our expectations."
"Bigger than the photos looked. Having beach chairs and floats was a bonus. Super comfy beds and sofa. 100% recommend."
"Great house and location close to everything—grocery, restaurants, and beach. The patio is much larger than the listing pictures!"
"Amanda was awesome! She went above and beyond with any questions we had. The house has beach chairs, sand toys, an umbrella, and a cooler for guests to use."
"The home was inviting and comfortable. It’s in a gated community within walking distance to the beach. Each room had its own bathroom and shower."
"Everything was wonderful in this beautiful house. The children loved the pool. The host was very responsive and helpful."
"Incredible home with an amazing layout. The pool area is perfect, and the kitchen is fully equipped. We will definitely stay again."
"A beautiful home, super clean. The hosts were very nice and easy to communicate with. We had a great time and recommend this home 100%."

Indulge in the vacation of a lifetime at Papaya Paradise! Book now and experience the magic firsthand. Your slice of paradise awaits!

**Renter Agreement and Security Deposit Required**
-A renter agreement and link to provide credit card for security deposit will be required AFTER you book on VRBO
-Failure to comply with this requirement within 2 hours of VRBO booking will result in cancellation and a fee of 3% to recoup our cost of accepting the VRBO booking


**Regarding Pool Heating**
- The pool can be heated to 87 degrees for an additional fee.
- Pool heat • $75/day • Ask about longer stay discounts on pool heat
- Pool heat must be purchased 48 hours before arrival.
- Pool Heat must be purchased for the entire length of your stay. You can NOT purchase partial days or weeks.
- Pool heat can not be added after check-in.
- Pool heat will run from 7am-10pm.
- Pool heat will not be provided overnight.
- If air temperatures are below 50 degrees, it may take up to 24 hours before the pool reaches temperature.
- In the event of unseasonably cold weather and the pool heater's inability to bring the water temperature to 87 degrees, no refunds will be given.
- We do not offer pool heat if the air temperatures are predicted to be below 45 degrees for more than 2 days during your stay.


**Regarding Outdoor Life & Pests**
We want you to have an amazing vacation, so we do everything possible to keep the house free from unwanted outside visitors such as beetles, ants, palmetto bugs (aka roaches), etc.
Our home is regularly treated for pest control and cleaned to ensure pesky creatures stay out. However, because our home has great outdoor spaces that lead into the indoor spaces, you may see the occasional pest inside the home from time to time. This is to be expected when living out of doors and in tropical areas.

**Cameras/Noise Monitors**
We have security cameras that record video and audio located on the exterior of the property at the front door entrance and pointing away from the house toward the driveway. Tampering with cameras will result in cancellation without refund.
This is for your safety as well as the safety and security of our property.
The doors to the pool are on a timed alarm. This feature can not be disabled. The messaging after your book provides instructions on how to access the lanai.
We have a noise monitor in the pool area to help comply with local and HOA noise ordinances. It does not record voices, only decibel levels. If you exceed the recommended noise level during quiet hours, you will receive a text notifying you of the need to lower the noise level.

Property manager

Amanda
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Signed Rental agreement required to complete booking, No Smoking or Vaping, No Tobacco Use, No Pets, No Parties, Max guests 8
No RVs, Trailers, Commercial Vehicles ABSOLUTELY NO PARTIES!
HOA Rules Strictly Enforced & Fines Will be your responsibility to pay. No unregistered guests allowed on property even if during the day.

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Destin

Located in Destin, this holiday home is on a lake. Destin Commons and Silver Sands Premium Outlets are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Henderson Beach State Park and Miramar Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park and Fat Daddy's Arcade. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Destin, FL

What's nearby

  • Miramar Beach - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • James Lee Park - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Destin Commons - 2 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Henderson Beach State Park - 4 min drive - 3.5 km
  • Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park - 8 min drive - 7.6 km

Getting around

  • Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional) - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Pompano Joe's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Crab Trap Destin - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Culver's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Kenny D's New Orleans Cuisine - ‬13 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Does Papaya Paradise • Luxe Destiny East Resort • Pvt Pool • Walk 2 Beach • King Beds have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Papaya Paradise • Luxe Destiny East Resort • Pvt Pool • Walk 2 Beach • King Beds pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Papaya Paradise • Luxe Destiny East Resort • Pvt Pool • Walk 2 Beach • King Beds?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Papaya Paradise • Luxe Destiny East Resort • Pvt Pool • Walk 2 Beach • King Beds?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Papaya Paradise • Luxe Destiny East Resort • Pvt Pool • Walk 2 Beach • King Beds located?

This family-friendly Destin holiday home is located by the sea, within a 15-minute walk of Miramar Beach and James Lee Park. James Lee Beach and Destin Commons are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 14 out of 14 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lance C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay!!

We had such a great stay at this home. From the ease of working with the property owners from the start of our booking and throughout our whole stay in Destin. The house has everything you need and more. Our kids really enjoyed the pool at the house. The cleanliness of home shines through in every part of the house. we would not hesitate to book this home again!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gary W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Stay

This 3 bedroom, 4 bath was absolutely perfect for our group of six people. Great bunks for the grandkids, perfect bedroom for my son and daughter-in-law and a gorgeous master suite for the grandparents (me & my wife).This was our second trip to Destin (same development both times) and this year with the heated pool was 100% better than last year. It is a great location; short walk to the beach (or very short drive). The host was extremely responsive. We plan to return next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing property, Great location

The property was spacious, clean, comfortable and located in a great area. Short walk to the beach. Clear instructions and excellent communication with the owner.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicole E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Summer ‘24 vacation

This was an awesome location and the owners seriously thought of everything! The house was super clean and our family loved the pool and patio area!! We would definitely recommend this home!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alicia W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome Vacation

Amanda was awesome! We really enjoyed our stay! The home was exactly what we wanted and more! We will definitely stay again!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brandi C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome Stay

Amanda, was always quick to answer any questions I had to ensure my stay was pleasing. We will be back to stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brian V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely Perfect

I can't say enough good things about the hosts, their communication, the home, the patio, the pool and the area. I have rented many places and this was far and away the best of everything. We are already planning our return trip next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

thomas v.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dream place

This place was a dream. It was more wonderful than expected. The pictures don't do it justice. The owners were great to work with and quick to respond. Loved the community it was located in. Will definitely do this property again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adam M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic House

My wife, kids, and I stayed with our friends at this house in April and everything about it was great.... The house had a great layout with plenty of room for all 8 of us... The back patio/pool area was awesome and perfect for hanging out while the kids swam... Would definitely stay here again and I highly recommend it
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elaine L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We loved this house!

Our family really enjoyed our stay here! The house is very clean and the kitchen is stocked with the essentials needed for everyday use. The hosts take great care of this home and it shows. They were very responsive and helpful with any inquiries we had. Our favorite part? How the kitchen/family room open up to the screened in patio/pool area so we can enjoy the heated pool everyday! We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joel G., Uvalde

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome home

The home was inviting and very comfortble. It's in a great location, gated community. We loved that it was within walking distance to the beach. It had everything you need to enjoy the pool and the beach. There is no need to buy or pack a ton of stuff because the house has beach chairs, sand toys, umbrella and cooler for guests to use. We loved that each room had its own bathroom and shower.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicole M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

Our stay at this property was everything we wanted. Very clean and tidy and ready for my family to enjoy! The location was perfect. The only thing I would recommend at the house is a pool heater as the pool was too chilly for the kids to go in and enjoy. We will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

JEan E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great escape from the Missouri winter!

This is a beautiful home in an excellent location. It has been recently updated and is tastefully decorated. The hosts have thought of everything. It was immaculate at check-in. The hosts left us a thorough manual of local amenties and restaurants. We did our best to see it all! Some of the highlights- we had access to the garage which came in handy for golf clubs and coolers. (So nice not to be tripping over that stuff.) The pantry area was huge so we could keep our supplies close and easily available. Each bedroom had a large TV. Internet access was free and easy to connect. This is a gated community so very safe with minimal traffic. We did not use the pool and lanai due to the time of year, but it would have been a great entertaining space. Lovely property!
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joshua W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house!

The property was amazing. The pool worked out perfectly with the little guys. Beach was close enough, but we rented a golf cart to make the trip a little easier. Dishwasher was said to have been faulty upon our arrival, maintenance was scheduled right away and a simple reset was all that was needed in the end, but the communication with the owner was on point. They delivered paper plates and plasticware before within a couple hours and even added a couple boxes of cookies for the inconvenience. Much appreciated!! Thank you and we’ll definitely be headed back
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

About the host

Hosted by Amanda

Host profile image
Papaya Paradise isn’t just a beach rental—it’s our family’s happy place, and we’re so grateful to share it with guests who will love it as much as we do.

We’re Mark and Amanda, Tennessee natives with a deep-rooted love for the Smoky Mountains—and now, a genuine passion for the soft white sands and emerald waters of Destin. After years of visiting the area, we carefully chose this home because it had everything we were looking for: peaceful surroundings, room to spread out, and easy access to the beach, restaurants, and fun. The moment we walked in, we knew this was it.

We’ve put our hearts into every detail—whether it’s the cozy sleeping arrangements, the well-stocked kitchen, or the welcoming outdoor space. This isn’t a corporate rental managed by a call center. It’s our personal beach home, and when you stay here, you're not just booking a property—you’re being invited into a place we truly love.

Our guests often mention how spacious, clean, and thoughtfully furnished the home is—but what we hear most is how appreciated our communication, care, and attention are. That means everything to us, because we take hosting personally.

Papaya Paradise is where our family comes to relax and reconnect. We hope yours will too. We welcome guests who are looking not just for a place to stay—but a home they can treat with the same care and respect we do.

At GSM Family Vacations, we believe vacations are about more than travel—they’re about gathering, laughing, and creating memories that last long after the trip ends.

Welcome to our slice of paradise. We can’t wait to host you.

Why they chose this property

Papaya Paradise isn’t just a beach house—it’s part of our family story. We chose this home not just for its location or layout, but because the moment we walked in, we knew it had the soul of a true gathering place. It’s a space that invites families to slow down, spread out, and reconnect.

We’ve poured love and attention into every detail of this home—from the upgraded outdoor furniture and cozy bedrooms to the fully stocked kitchen and peaceful poolside patio. This isn’t a generic vacation rental—it’s our family’s beach retreat, and it brings us so much joy to share it with others.

Our favorite part of hosting is hearing from guests who felt immediately at home here. Many say the home exceeded their expectations—not just because it’s clean, spacious, and beautifully maintained, but because they could feel how much we care.

We aren’t a big company. We’re Mark and Amanda—a husband and wife team who genuinely want your family to have an incredible experience. When you stay here, you’ll have the benefit of working directly with us and knowing this home is looked after with personal care and pride.

If you’re searching for a place that feels more like a family home than a vacation rental, where you can make real memories and feel truly welcomed, then Papaya Paradise is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

We’d be honored to host you—and we hope you love this home as much as we do.

What makes this property unique

• Luxurious 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath vacation home in exclusive gated community of Destiny East
• Private heated* pool and covered lanai for year-round enjoyment (inquire about heating pool for additional fee)
• Amenities such as large community pool, tennis courts, playground, theater, and gym within the community
• 10-minute walk to the beach and 2-minute drive to beach access with golf cart parking
• Stainless steel appliances and full-size washer and dryer for guests' convenience
• Bunk room for children
• Master king suite with access to the private pool and lanai
• 3 en-suite bedrooms for privacy and comfort
• Additional 1/2 bath for guest use
• Beautiful landscaping provides privacy in the backyard
• Master suite with access to the lanai, expansive closet, large jetted garden tub, separate shower, and double vanities.

RE: Unwanted Outside Pests
We want you to have an amazing vacation, so we do everything possible to keep the house free from unwanted outside visitors such as beetles, ants, palmetto bugs (aka roaches), etc.
Our home is regularly treated for pest control and cleaned to ensure pesky creatures stay out. However, because our home has great outdoor spaces that lead into the indoor spaces, you may see the occasional pest inside the home from time to time.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

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