Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 8
Popular amenities
Private pool
Spa pool on site
Garage parking available
Kitchen
Washing machine
Air-conditioning
Explore the area
Destin, FL
Miramar Beach
Place, Miramar Beach
6 min walk
James Lee Park
Place, James Lee Park
12 min walk
Destin Commons
Place, Destin Commons
2 min drive
Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional)
Airport, Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional)
34 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
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom
Toilet
Outdoor Shower by Pool
Outdoor shower
Spaces
Deck or patio
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Heated Pool Included thru May (5+ Nights) • Walk to Beach • Destiny East
GSM Family Vacations presents Papaya Paradise, LLC -Luxury 3 BR/3.5BA Beach Home in Exclusive Destiny East Gated Community -Covered Private Pool•Pool Heat incl for 7-night stays in March-Oct -Walk to beach • Walk to restaurants -Beach Chairs Provided • Propane Grill (1 tank provided) -2 Community Pools • Community Hot Tub -Tennis courts • Pickleball • Basketball • Playground -All rooms are en-suites -Plenty of room for 3 couples (2 King masters plus a Full over Queen Bunk room) -Pool heat is $75/day for shorter stays or Nov-Feb
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 Photo ID Required** -A renter agreement and link to provide credit card for Photo ID 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.
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Important information
You need to know
Property # 3226410vb
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
About the area
Destin
Located in Destin, this holiday home is on a lake. Shoppers can check out HarborWalk Village, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Miramar Beach and Destin Beaches. Travelling with kids? Consider Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park and Fat Daddy's Arcade. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and hiking/biking trails.
Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional) - 30 min drive
Restaurants
Pompano Joe's - 4 min drive
McDonald's - 3 min drive
Culver's - 3 min drive
El Jalisco Destin - 3 min drive
Crab Trap Destin - 12 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Does Heated Pool Included thru May (5+ Nights) • Walk to Beach • Destiny East have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.
How much does it cost to stay at Heated Pool Included thru May (5+ Nights) • Walk to Beach • Destiny East?
As of 17 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Heated Pool Included thru May (5+ Nights) • Walk to Beach • Destiny East on 28 July 2026 start from NZ$831, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Heated Pool Included thru May (5+ Nights) • Walk to Beach • Destiny East pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Heated Pool Included thru May (5+ Nights) • Walk to Beach • Destiny East?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Heated Pool Included thru May (5+ Nights) • Walk to Beach • Destiny East?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Heated Pool Included thru May (5+ Nights) • Walk to Beach • Destiny East?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Heated Pool Included thru May (5+ Nights) • Walk to Beach • Destiny East located?
This family-friendly Destin holiday home is located by the sea, within 1 mi (2 km) of James Lee Park and Miramar Beach. 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.
This was a spacious, lovely home. We enjoyed spending our daughter's 11th birthday and Spring Break here. It was enjoyable whether we out to see the attractions or stayed in and just relaxed. The hosts were very accommodating, and they responded very quickly to any question(s) we had. The house was equipped with everything we needed. We have it on our list of "Saved" places to return and stay.
Heck in simple and the kitchen is well stocked do made cooking easy. Do wish had some wipes to clean counters but otherwise everything you need to make any meal readily available.Beds very comfortable and plenty of TVs for anyone to watch their favorite shows. Pool was nice at the end of the day. Appreciated all the chairs for beach. Great place to stay
Caren B.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 August 2025
Caren,
We are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay at Papaya Paradise, LLC. We appreciate the care you took of our beloved beach home in Destiny East. You are always welcome and if you ever want to stay in Gatlinburg, please come stay with us at our sister property, Bear's Wilderness Lodge, LLC.
Amanda
Papaya Paradise, LLC
GSM Family Vacations
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!
Nicole E.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 9 August 2024
Nicole, we so appreciate your review! We hope you will visit us again sometime or come see us in Gatlinburg at Bear's Wildereness Lodge.
Amanda
GSM Family Vacations
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.
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!
Lance C.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 March 2025
Lance, thank you so much for this glowing review of Papaya Paradise! We appreciate you and how well you cared for our home in Destiny East. You are welcome back anytime.
Amanda
GSM Family Vacations
Papaya Paradise, LLC
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!
Brian V.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 12 April 2024
Thank you, Brian! We strive to provide our guests with the best possible experience and we love our home in Destin and work hard to keep it in great condition for ourselves and our guests. I also happy that we met your expectations. We truly appreciate guests like you who love and care for our home in the same way we do and we can't wait to have you back next year!
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.
thomas v.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 August 2024
Wow!! Thanks Thomas! We are elated to hear this. We agree, we love this house and we love guests like you who take such excellent care of it. L
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.
Gary W.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 June 2025
Gary! Thanks so much for your kind words. We can't wait to host you again at Papaya Paradise, LLC.
Amanda
GSM Family Vacations
Papaya Paradise, LLC
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
Adam M.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 28 June 2024
Thanks Adam!! We hope to see you again sometime. Thanks for taking such great care of our home. That means a lot!!
Mark, Amanda, Jacob, Sara, and Caleb
GSM Family Vacations
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.
Joel G.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 September 2023
Joel,
Thank you for this great feedback. We really appreciate what great care you took of the house. We would be happy to host you anytime and hope you will return again.
Amanda
GSM Family Vacations "Papaya Paradise"
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!
Nicole M.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 November 2023
Updated Response as of November 2023:
We are happy to report that the gas lines are installed and pool heat is now available.
We offer pool heat from Mid October to Mid May.
There is an additional fee to add pool heat, so please inquire if you are interested in having the pool heated during your stay.
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!
Elaine L.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 28 November 2023
Elaine,
We really appreciate you r review. Come back and stay with us anytime.
GSM Family Vacations
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
Joshua W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 June 2024
Joshua,
Thank you so much for the kind words. We are so glad it all worked out and that you and your family were able to enjoy a nice vacation in our Destin home. We really would love to host you again. If you are ever in Gatlinburg, look up our other property, Bear's Wilderness Lodge. We would extend the loyalty discount to you there as well. You guys were great guests. We hope to see you again soon.
Amanda and Mark
GSM Family Vacations
Papaya Paradise, LLC VRBO#3226410
Bear's Wilderness Lodge, LLC VRBO#2967249
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!
JEan E.
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 2 March 2024
Thank you, Jean! We were delighted to have you as our guests and would welcome you back any time.
Amanda
Papaya Paradise, LLC
GSM Family Vacations
About the host
Hosted by Amanda
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