Mary & Lee,

We just wanted to let you know that we had a fabulous week in IRB. It
was our first visit and we do not expect it to be our last.

We spent a great deal of time online looking at hundreds of beach properties
in Florida before stumbling across your resort (Sarah's Seaside). It was the perfect
find! Because we had done so much research, our expectations were
very high... and we were not disappointed in the slightest... other
than when it came time to pack up and head home.

Thank you very much for your hospitality and we look forward to
visiting your resort again in the future.

~Fishers, Indiana

This was our second stay at Sarah's Seaside Resort - 306A & 308B. The cottages are comfortable, cozy, and wonderfully outfitted with everything you need to cook in if you want to. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance and more within bicycling distance using either the walking or bike lanes (even bikes are provided!). The ocean is a very short walk from all the cottages and the pool is practically right outside every door. Without even leaving the resort we saw dolphins, manatees, stingrays, pelicans, ibis, herons, egrets, lizards, ducks, crabs, You can even do your laundry on site and arrive home with all clean clothes! We really can't think of anything that would improve this resort - highly recommended.

We booked a one week stay at Sarah's Seaside, travelling over Canadian Spring Break 2011 with our 5 year old daughter. This was our first trip that was not all-inclusive, (and our first trip to Florida) and we couldn't be happier with our choice. We were not into doing the Disney vacation, and instead were looking for relaxing, quiet, family time together. Sarah's Seaside was just what we needed!

Upon arrival, we were greeted by Paul and Lee, who offered up warm, friendly smiles, firm handshakes and cold beverages. We were immediately impressed with their welcoming southern hospitality. They took the time to answer our (many!) questions, fill us in on the local area, and give us tips on where to eat, shop etc. Our daughter was thrilled to receive a Bird Guide to borrow for the week, so she could learn the names of the many birds we would see during our stay. Having only taken all-inclusive holidays prior to this trip, it was nice to know Paul, Lee & the staff were just a short drive down the road if we needed anything at all.

We checked into our little studio cottage, # 306A at Sarah's Seaside. Just perfect for our family of three. Cute, cozy, and so clean! It was well stocked with enough linens, beach towels, bath towels, pots, pans, flatware and wine glasses. We made good use of the charcoal grill most nights for supper. We used the laundry facilities to wash our beach wear and towels, and went home with all clean clothes in our suitcases at the end of our stay. There were plenty of TV channels to keep my husband entertained in the evenings while my daughter and I took in the sunsets on the beach. We checked our email each evening by the pool, which is where we got the best signal for the wireless internet.

Our particular unit had a loft above our queen size bed, which is where our daughter slept. She loved climbing the ladder, and having her own secret place to hang out. She had her own lamp up there, and a small dresser for her clothes and toys. We also had a lovely patio all to ourselves, where we enjoyed brunch and late afternoon drinks each day.

Although this unit backs onto Gulf Blvd. we were not at all bothered by the sound of the traffic. It was fairly busy during the day, but at night it quieted right down.....we slept like the dead, and awoke to the birds singing at sunup. Very comfy bed and pillows! Air conditioning if you wanted it, but we chose to go without.

The property itself was simply breathtaking. Each day, I got up, and still could not believe my eyes. Everything was green and lush and healthy. Pride of ownership showed around every corner. Simply gorgeous and so well taken care of. It was truly a paradise and made us feel so relaxed. An interlocking path led to the pool, and further on, to the beach. Pool was great; nice and warm, never crowded....our daughter loved it.

The other guests we met were friendly, yet quiet and respectful of everyone's privacy. There were no screaming children, no loud parties. We met nice folks from all over, and had nice conversations with everyone. It was so wonderful to go somewhere, be able to meet nice people, and yet still have peace and quiet when you wanted it. We would say hello as we met along the path to the beach, comment on the lovely weather etc, and then continue on our separate ways.

It was snowing when we left Canada, so the beach was a very important part of our trip. It was great......soft sand and breathtaking sunsets each evening. We had the best weather....sunny every day, and warm. We enjoyed many walks back and forth along the beach and there were lots of shells for our daughter to collect. The Gulf water was 65-70 degrees, which was warm enough for us to swim. We swam more in the Gulf than we did in the pool, and our daughter loved jumping in the waves. We built many sandcastles, and had use of all the pails, shovels and beach toys we could ever need.

Each morning we would program into our GPS one of the sights that Paul and Lee had told us about, or that was listed on the sheet they gave us upon check-in. We took in the Clearwater Aquarium, Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, John's Pass Village and shopping at Kohl's to name a few. We took a drive to the Sunshine Skyway, and talked to the fishermen on the pier. We were never at a loss for things to do. Afternoons were spent at the beach collecting shells and building castles, or in the pool. CVS pharmacy across the street took care of our sunburn needs and the WalMart Neighbourhood Market was a 10 min drive away for groceries.

After seven great days at Sarah's Seaside, we had settled into a nice routine of shopping, sightseeing, beach, and relaxing. We wish we could have stayed longer. It was the nicest week we've had together as a family in a long time, and we were sad to have to leave.

The other day, our daughter was looking at pictures of our trip and commented, "Mommy, I miss the beach." We are saving for next year's return visit....and plan to bring the Grandparents with us. Can't wait to return!

Gulfside Resorts provided us with a great family trip on fairly short notice. I found the website by Google searching Florida, beach, family, kayak, bicycle... pretty much every descriptor and activity it would take to satisfy my family of five with kids ages 12-20. Gulfside Resorts had it all. I spoke directly with the owner about our concerns and needs before we booked. He not only assured us we wouldn't have to worry about the loud college Spring Break crowd, but we would have easy access to a beautiful beach, pool, bicycles, kayak, float rafts, and other beach toys. The owner also made it possible for our larger family to have the most comfortable accommodations for our older children. There was plenty of room for all. The house was nicely decorated and the kitchen had everything we needed to cook many of our meals (we also grilled several times), but a number of great seafood restaurants were within easy walking distance. There were two other Gulfside cottages at this location that shared a nice private pool which an older couple and a family with young children were enjoying, but we didn't even get around to using it since there were plenty of other things to do during our five night stay. While our kids' favorite part of the trip was the beach, we were able to fit in a few short trips to Busch Gardens outside of Tampa as well as nearby St. Petersburg and Clearwater. We were told the weather is typically nice--and we were surprised to be blessed with six straight days of 80s and full sun. We are spreading the word to friends and family that Gulfside is a great location for a relaxing (and active) family getaway with plenty of fun in the sun opportunities. We will be back!! Thank you, Lee, Mary and Paul!