PEACEFUL BAYFRONT RETREAT: 2 Min Walk to Beach: Heated Pool, Parking, Ferry incl
Welcome to Thula Mati (Zulu for “Calm Water”), what we wish for our guests to experience while visiting our breezy, private, and secluded bayfront Placida Beach condo on Little Gasparilla Island. Designed for those who prefer peace and tranquility over hustle and bustle. If you’re looking for a more upscale yet very private-feeling Little Gasparilla Island escape, you’ve found your new island home away from home.
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS: -Fully renovated upscale 2-bedroom, 1-bath bayfront end unit. -Tucked away in the mangroves with stunning bay views. Spot dolphins from the lanai! -Ideal for couples, solo wellness retreats, or small families seeking privacy.
RELAXATION & COMFORT: -Year-round climate-controlled freshwater pool. -Luxurious king bed with crisp white organic bamboo linens. -Gated, secure mainland parking included. -Passenger ferry service included. -On-island trash service included (no need to haul trash off the island).
FOODIE & WELLNESS AMENITIES: -A well-equipped kitchen with high-end basics, oils, and spices. -Yoga mats, blocks, and straps are provided for wellness enthusiasts. -High-speed Starlink internet and flat-screen smart TV for entertainment.
BATHROOM LUXURIES: -Large walk-in shower with beach pebble tile floor and rain shower head -High-end organic hotel toiletries are provided. -Organic reef-safe sunscreen and bug spray are available. -Quick-drying Turkish Towels for added comfort.
**Just a friendly heads-up: getting to our island oasis is all part of the adventure! It is boat access only... Our beach boardwalk is currently not useable, so access to the beach is through the sand alongside the existing boardwalk (beach carts prohibited during this time in order to protect the dunes)
*To make sure everything runs smoothly before/after your stay, we have a handy exterior front door Ring camera in place. It helps us keep an eye on things like housekeeping, maintenance, and your arrival/departure times. It's all about ensuring your experience with us is as seamless and enjoyable as possible. So relax and let us take care of the little details!”
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Amenities
Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
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Beachfront - Romantic - Relaxing - Panoramic Views - Little Gasparilla Island
Placida
Beachfront - Romantic - Relaxing - Panoramic Views - Little Gasparilla Island
You must complete an external Rental Agreement and Parking/Ferry Access Form. This will be emailed to you once your booking is complete.
We can experience outages beyond our control (power, internet, or interruption to ferry service). No refunds/compensation given for any outages.
Know our ferry hours (9am-6pm, late runs available W/F/Sat until 9:00pm IF requested by 4:30). We do not offer compensation due to missed ferry.
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
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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
Placida
Located in Placida, this condo is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Don Pedro Island State Park and Gasparilla Island State Park, while Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum and Lemon Bay Playhouse are cultural highlights. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and cycling.
Placida, FL
What's nearby
Little Gasparilla Island Beach - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Don Pedro Island State Park - 3 min drive - 1.7 km
Don Pedro Island Beach - 31 min drive - 8.7 km
Boca Grande Beach - 36 min drive - 15.3 km
Englewood Beach - 42 min drive - 22.2 km
Getting around
Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) - 55 min drive
Restaurants
Cool Pickle In Paradise - 28 min drive
The Lighthouse Grill - 35 min drive
Rotonda Elks - 35 min drive
The Pink Elephant - 37 min drive
Manatee Beans & Brews - 34 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does QUIET BAYFRONT RETREAT: 2 Min Walk to Beach: Parking, Ferry & Pool incl have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.
How much does it cost to stay at PEACEFUL BAYFRONT RETREAT: 2 Min Walk to Beach: Heated Pool, Parking, Ferry incl?
As of 15 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at PEACEFUL BAYFRONT RETREAT: 2 Min Walk to Beach: Heated Pool, Parking, Ferry incl on 12 May 2026 start from NZ$489, 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 QUIET BAYFRONT RETREAT: 2 Min Walk to Beach: Parking, Ferry & Pool incl pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at QUIET BAYFRONT RETREAT: 2 Min Walk to Beach: Parking, Ferry & Pool incl?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at QUIET BAYFRONT RETREAT: 2 Min Walk to Beach: Parking, Ferry & Pool incl?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at QUIET BAYFRONT RETREAT: 2 Min Walk to Beach: Parking, Ferry & Pool incl?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is QUIET BAYFRONT RETREAT: 2 Min Walk to Beach: Parking, Ferry & Pool incl located?
Situated on the waterfront, this condo building is within 3 miles (5 km) of Little Gasparilla Island Beach, Don Pedro Island State Park and Tails and Scales Charters. Gasparilla Marina is 2.6 mi (4.1 km) away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Another wonderful stay at Kristin’s property! I’ve stayed in her beachfront condo and wanted to give the bayside a try…it definitely did not disappoint!
As always, Kristin is a wonderful, highly communicative host who has truly thought through every detail. She was quick to respond to any questions and you can really tell how much she cares about her guests. The condo is super clean and completely renovated, it feels like staying at a luxurious spa.
I really loved how calm and peaceful the bayside is (still with incredible views of the water)! We had the most luxurious island vacation and would highly recommend Kristin’s property!
Catalin V.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 November 2023
Thank you for the kind words and for being such a gracious guest... I look forward to welcoming you back!
About the host
Hosted by Kristin Varela-Schild
Hi There! We’re Kristin and Chris
Our island adventure goes all the way back to our elopement on a small island in the Indian Ocean. Hoping to recreate that same sense of bliss a little closer to home (Colorado), we discovered Little Gasparilla Island many years ago. We purchased a large home on the south end of the island to form memories with our daughters when they were young (some of you may have enjoyed our Ukuthula House). When our little shorebirds flew the coop, we decided we wanted an easier and lower maintenance island life. We honed in on the Placida Beach Condos as they tend to be quieter and more upscale feeling than other options on LGI.
Since we couldn’t decide between our favorite view, beach or bay, we decided to buy one of each! Chris and I love a good renovation project, so we lived in (and redecorated) our bayfront unit while fully renovating the beachfront unit (search for Wasi Mati): a total gut job...not an easy feat on a bridgeless barrier island.
We have traveled all over the world (Chris is from South Africa, and I have spent the bulk of my career traveling to world-class resorts). While we love the barefoot tranquility of LGI, we do appreciate a beautiful place to stay. I’m taking my 28 years of real estate investing experience, mixed with a long career of being wined and dined in some of the nicest hotels around the world and infusing just a tiny bit of both into our two new breathtaking LGI condos.
If you’re looking for that perfect blend of a low-key LGI immersion mixed with a more upscale island accommodation (not to mention coveted complimentary ferry and trash service), you’ve found your new home away from home!
*I manage every detail of our properties personally and want to make sure they’re a great fit for you and you’re a great fit for our lovely island neighbors.
Happy Island Dreaming,
Kristin
Why they chose this property
There is nothing better than escaping to the shade and cool bay breeze after a day in the sun on the beach. We love watching for dolphins from the patio or keeping tabs on the comings and goings of the resident Osprey that perches in the mangrove outside our patio white enjoy its fresh catch of the day.
What makes this property unique
We love experiencing the wild bliss of LGI with just a little touch of luxury and sophistication. Safe gated mainland parking, hourly on-demand ferry service, heated freshwater pool, and trash pickup are absolutely luxuries on the island. Pair that with a beautifully remodeled unit and you will never want to leave!