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Water Lovers Retreat

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Your own personal retreat directly on the beautiful St. Johns River
Your own personal retreat directly on the beautiful St. Johns River
Your own personal retreat directly on the beautiful St. Johns River
Located directly on the river
Located directly on the river

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Sanford, FL
  • Place, Black Bear Wilderness Area
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
    ‪20 min walk‬
  • Place, Lake Monroe
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Orlando, FL (SFB-Orlando Sanford Intl.)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 5)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden

About this property

Water Lovers Retreat

Completely renovated custom 50’x14’ stationary houseboat available for short/long term rentals. Enjoy the beautiful world famous St. John’s river. One of the only two rivers in the world that flows north. Be surrounded by its natural beauty and wildlife. Experience the luxury of waking up in your own private setting surrounded by nature.
This custom spacious 50’ house boat allows you to feel as if you are waking in your own private oasis. The beautiful and spacious 14’x16’ master suite offers you a private sitting area with a full size sofa, as well as a comfortable queen size bed, and 42” flat screen television, a nice closet with custom shelving, full bathroom with a fully tiled shower, vanity and tiled floors. As well as your own private 8’x14’ outdoor deck for your private coffee in the morning, or beverage in the evening.
The galley offers a beautiful leather sofa, which opens into a comfortable queen size bed for additional sleeping space. The full size fully stocked kitchen allows you to entertain and bring all the comforts of home with its full refrigerator, microwave,oven/stove, sink and plenty of cabinet and counter space.
The galley is also equipped with an electric fireplace, center-island, as well as a32” flat screen television, not leaving out the gorgeous views of the St. John’s river. The second outdoor living area is equipped with a barbecue, a beautiful and comfortable outdoor patio set that includes a custom table with a fire-pit.
You will never run short of activities while on vacation. Our resort offers a large pool for your swimming pleasure, several outdoor sitting areas, deli on premise, ship store, beautiful sceni, laundry facilities, and private parking at your slip. Boat rentals are available at the resort as well as marinas nearby for your further enjoyment of the St. John’s river.
Close to all local beaches, Orlando theme parks, the world famous Daytona International Speedway, as well as Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center.
Book your next memorable vacation today to experience luxury and nature at its finest!

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children are welcomed......
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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
Smoking allowed in outside areas only......

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 and a first aid kit

About the area

Sanford

Sanford is home to this houseboat. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Wekiwa Springs State Park and Blue Spring State Park. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens and Elev8 Fun Orlando are also worth visiting.
View more Houseboats in SanfordOpens in a new window
Map
Sanford, FL

What's nearby

  • Black Bear Wilderness Area - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Lake Monroe - 2 min drive - 1.7 km
  • Seminole County Sports Complex - 18 min drive - 20.3 km
  • Universal Studios Florida - 43 min drive - 55.9 km

Getting around

  • DeBary Station - 6 min drive
  • Sanford Station - 8 min drive
  • Orlando, FL (SFB-Orlando Sanford Intl.) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wawa - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪RaceTrac - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Water Lovers Retreat have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Water Lovers Retreat?

As of 18 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Water Lovers Retreat on 1 July 2026 start from AU$257, 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 Water Lovers Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Water Lovers Retreat?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Water Lovers Retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Water Lovers Retreat?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Water Lovers Retreat located?

Situated in Sanford, this houseboat is within 2 miles (3 km) of Black Bear Wilderness Area, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens and Lake Monroe. Lake Monroe Park is 1.7 mi (2.8 km) away.

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. 103 out of 107 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 107 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 107 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 107 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 107 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Matt R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a nice stay. Mark was very easy to work with.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Camberlyn H.

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

Very nice clean accommodations, host was awesome

Enjoyed our stay, easy to follow instructions, great communication
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Mar 2020
Thank you for staying with us.... We enjoyed hosting you and appreciate you leaving our property neat..
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Regan R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Matk is a great host and willing to share knowledge of the area. I quire about hid boat rentals to add to yiur adventure. Views are great and close to everythign in Sandford..
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth H.

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

Quick Vacation Get Away

Just wanted some time with family in a quiet space, It was beautiful, the wild life was amazing. A bit of a walk to the marina, but definetly worth it.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

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

Great houseboat vacation!

Owner is on site and such a great host. Houseboat is at the end of the dock along the river and is so peaceful. We absolutely loved our stay, thank you!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Catherine C.

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

Water’s Retreat Sanford

Mark is very responsive to
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deborah G.

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

Wonderful in every way!

We loved staying here. The houseboat is well appointed and the host is very helpful. The marina is fun too. We are already planning our return visit!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tina H.

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

Sanford

We had a wonderful experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deb H.

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

Unique river stay!

This stay was one of our highlights of our trip. The river is beautiful. We rented a pontoon from the owner and spent the day on the river. We would highly recommend this if you have a spare day!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Geraldine G.

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

Wonderful getaway

Stayed 4 nights, great communication with Mark, and he stressed he was only a call away if we needed anything- never needed a thing. Great place for escaping the daily grind. Walk up to the pool, sports bar at the marina. Had access to laundry .looking forward to returning
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Judy Z.

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

Lovely location on the St John river

We enjoyed our stay very much. Beautiful location at the end of the dock looking out over the river and very comfortable accommodations. Just as we expected.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristine E.

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

Weekend Get Away

Relaxing
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John J.

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

Seamless check-in process and extremely clean

The inside of the houseboat is on par with a very nice home. Great views of the river and nice privacy off of the back deck.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stacy T.

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

Water Lovers Retreat

Our host Mark was beyond accommodating. He was extremely helpful and made sure we didn’t need anything. We loved our stay, the view boat access it was great!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karlee N.

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

Perfect location

Perfect location for a quiet getaway. The boat is redone beautifully and the view is gorgeous. Great wildlife to watch and very friendly people. The owners have really outdone themselves with this property. I would highly recommend this location for anyone looking for a great relaxing getaway. Thank you so much for making our stay awesome!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Mar 2020
Karlee and her husband were extremely pleasant and very easy to communicate with.... They were the perfect guest's who left our house boat in very clean condition and the type of guest's who make it pleasent for us to host..... We definitely recommend them to future host's and we will definitely invite them back should they ever have the desire to stay with us again.... Thank you so much for respecting our property.....
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deborah G.

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

Wonderful in every way!

Mark is always the perfect host. This has become our annual getaway for my husband's birthday. Can't wait until next year!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly L.

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

Great experience

Lovely
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

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

Weekend getaway

We were looking for a peaceful and quiet location to get away for the weekend. Host keeps this houseboat very clean! It was exactly what we looking for. Peaceful river and we also enjoyed a little fishing right off the boat.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

gary v.

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

Relaxing

Excellent getaway. Everything was set to please
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jenny S.

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

Water paradise

This was a great find! Very clean. All at the end of the dock. Lots of wildlife and fish! Mark was a fantastic host, very accommodating.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathy L.

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

Fun

Mark was very nice. Houseboat really neat and clean. Unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul G.

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

Honeymoon Haven

Exceptional! Houseboat was the perfect place at the very end of the dock with an unrestricted view of sunrise and sunset. Mark was a great host, answered every question patiently and if we had a need, he filled it! We will be back! Thank you for making this special 💗
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David M.

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

Amazing stay

We had such a remarkable time staying on Mark's houseboat; what a phenomenal space. Very comfortable bed and the couches were also super comfy. We either sat out front or out back depending upon the time of day. Cabana Live was a great place to people watch and listen to music while having a drink or snack.Mark offers many other boats to take out for the day should you have interest in going out on the river.We would highly recommend on staying on Water Lovers Resort; Mark is amazing with his communication. He gave us a tour of the grounds which was very nice to know where the store is there plus we got to meet his wife one night.We will be back for sure
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ann C.

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

Excellent celebration

My husband and I came to celebrate his birthday. Mark was very hospitable and set the entire weekend up for success. We brought our own jetski and per Mark's reference, Boat Tree Marina launched and retrieved it for us. We were able to see sunrise and sunset and enjoy the beauty of the area. The bed was comfortable. The accommodations were excellent. I would return!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Mark D.

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

Ok houseboat, clean but dated decor.

Cleaning fee is excessive in my opinion. Common area facilities at marina are run down.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Sept 2021
We are sorry to hear that you feel our cleaning fees in your opinion are excessive. We strive to offer our guest nothing but a five star experience and from all recipes prior to yours we have been proven by all of our guests that this is exactly what we have delivered... As far as you giving us a three star rating when you did nothing but boast of how wonderful and beautiful everything was as you were being shown around the marina as well as the houseboat we find that to be very confusing..... As far as the cleaning fees are concerned all fees are itemized on the booking site you saw everything prior to booking if you felt that our cleaning fees was excessive you certainly had the option not to book your stay with us.... Your review of or property to be frank is insulting to us especially when we go above and beyond to ensure that our guests have a great experience.... We wish you well in your future stays however they will definitely not be with us again.....

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