Welcome to your home at The Enclave! We're Trent & Denise Rae, and we're thrilled to host you at our Gulf-front retreat on the Emerald Coast.
We originally created this condo as an escape from the daily grind, only to realize the Florida sun burns a lot brighter for guests who get to enjoy it. So here we are — sharing the vacation!
This guide is your go-to resource for everything during your stay — from WiFi passwords to beach tips to the best local restaurants.
Ground Rules: This is our personal property, not a hotel or resort. Please treat it with care, as if it were your own home. The entire unit is non-smoking. Pets are not permitted. Quiet hours are 10 PM – 8 AM.
Before You Leave Home
Packing List — Beach Essentials
We supply bath & hand towels, linens, and basic kitchen staples. Here's what to bring with you:
Beach towels (we provide bath towels only)
Sunscreen & aloe vera
Beach chairs & umbrella (or rent from a Gulf-front vendor)
Cooler & reusable water bottles
Swimsuits & cover-ups
Comfortable walking shoes / sandals
Light layers — evenings can be breezy
Rain jacket (afternoon Gulf storms pop up quickly)
Groceries & specialty foods (nearest Publix is ~5 min away)
Gulf Coast Weather
Destin enjoys a subtropical climate with warm winters and hot, humid summers. Afternoon thunderstorms are common from June–September but typically pass within 30 minutes.
From VPS, take FL-85 South → merge onto US-98 East. The Enclave will be on your right along the scenic stretch of Highway 98.
Tip: If arriving after dark, look for The Enclave building sign along Hwy 98. The parking lot is accessible from the main entrance.
Arrival & Check-In
Check-in: 4:00 PM | Check-out: 10:00 AM
Access & Entry
The Enclave uses a smart lock with a unique access code provided to you before your stay.
Your door code: Provided upon booking
Parking
Free, unassigned parking is available in The Enclave lot. Park in any open, non-reserved space. There is no overnight street parking along Hwy 98.
Orientation
When you enter the unit:
Left: Kitchen and dining area
Straight ahead: Living room with ocean views and balcony access
Right: Master suite and guest bedroom
Laundry: In the hallway closet
Pool & Beach Access
The Enclave features a resort-style pool in the courtyard — towels are not provided for pool use, so bring your own or use beach towels. The beach is a short walk from the property via the public access path.
Please note: No glass containers are permitted on the beach. This is a county ordinance and carries fines.
Around the Condo
Kitchen
The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need to prepare meals — from pots and pans to a blender, toaster, and coffee maker (Keurig & drip). Coffee pods and basic condiments are provided as a welcome courtesy.
Dishwasher: Standard — just press Start when full.
Oven/Stove: Glass-top electric range. Please use flat-bottom cookware only.
Microwave: Above the stove. Use the ventilation fan button when cooking on the range.
Garbage disposal: Switch is on the wall near the sink. Run cold water while operating.
Heating & Cooling
The condo has central A/C controlled by an Ecobee smart thermostat in the hallway, with sensors in key rooms to help maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature throughout the unit. As part of our commitment to energy efficiency, the system is set to smart schedules that balance comfort and conservation — please keep it set to 72–76 °F during your stay to prevent excessive energy use and potential system freeze-ups.
Tip: If you feel the A/C isn't keeping up, make sure the balcony door is fully closed. Even a small gap lets in significant humidity and warm air. The Ecobee sensors help detect hot spots, but open doors work against the system.
Washer & Dryer
A full-size stacked washer/dryer is located in the hallway closet. Detergent pods are provided under the bathroom sink.
Grill
A communal gas grill is available in the pool/courtyard area. Please clean the grates after each use and ensure the gas is turned off when done.
Trash & Recycling
Trash bags are under the kitchen sink. The dumpster is located at the end of the parking lot. Please take trash out before it accumulates — the Florida heat can create odors quickly.
Recycling bins (blue) are next to the dumpster. All cans, bottles, and cardboard can be recycled.
Balcony
Enjoy the ocean-view balcony but please do not hang towels or swimsuits over the railing — this is a building policy. Use the washer/dryer or indoor drying rack instead.
WiFi, Internet & TV
WiFi Network
Network name: Provided upon booking
Password: Provided upon booking
The condo has high-speed internet. If you experience connectivity issues, try unplugging the router (located near the TV in the living room), wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
Smart TVs
The living room and master bedroom have Roku Smart TVs. Free channels are pre-loaded. You can also log into your own streaming accounts (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.) — just be sure to sign out before checkout.
Remote tip: Use the Roku remote for all TV functions. If the TV doesn't respond, point the remote directly at the TV and hold the pairing button (in the battery compartment) for 5 seconds.
Owner & Maintenance
The Enclave is privately owned and managed by Trent & Denise Rae. We're here to help — reach out anytime during your stay.
If something isn't working properly during your stay — plumbing, A/C, appliances, etc. — please contact us right away. We'll coordinate with local maintenance to resolve it as quickly as possible.
Emergencies: For fire, medical, or police emergencies, always call 911 first. Then notify us so we can help coordinate.
Safety & Rules
House Rules
No smoking anywhere on the property (including balcony). Violation incurs a $500 cleaning fee.
No pets — this is strictly enforced due to allergies and insurance.
Quiet hours: 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM. Be considerate of neighboring units.
Max occupancy: 8 guests. No parties or events.
No glass on the beach — Okaloosa County ordinance.
Lock all doors and close windows when leaving the unit.
Report any damage immediately — accidents happen and we appreciate honesty.
Destin's beaches use a colored flag system to communicate water conditions. Always check the flag before entering the water.
Green — Low hazard, calm
Yellow — Medium hazard
Red — High hazard, strong surf
Double Red — Water closed
Purple — Marine pests (jellyfish)
Beach Rules
No glass containers on the beach
No fires or fireworks on the beach
Leave no trace — carry out everything you bring
Stay off the sand dunes and sea oat grasses (protected habitat)
Respect sea turtle nesting areas (May–October). Keep lights off at night near the beach.
Pets are not permitted on Destin public beaches
Your Local Area Guide
Restaurants We Love
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii
Hawaiian-inspired coffee shop with specialty lattes, cold brews, and pastries. Great for morning fuel before the beach. ~5 min drive.
Beach Camp Brewpub
Craft brewery with creative pub fare, a rooftop bar, and Gulf views. Family-friendly with a fun, laidback vibe. ~8 min drive.
Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
Upscale-casual harborside dining with incredible sunset views. Known for fresh Gulf oysters, seafood platters, and craft cocktails. ~10 min drive. View Menu
Captain Dave's on the Gulf
Toes-in-the-sand beach bar and grill right on the water. Casual, fun, and perfect for lunch or sunset drinks. ~5 min drive.
McGuire's Irish Pub
A legendary Destin institution since 1977. Famous for steaks, their own microbrews, and dollar bills wallpapering every inch. ~12 min drive. View Menu
Pascalli Kitchen + Bar
Italian/Mediterranean fine dining with a coastal twist. Handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and an excellent wine list. ~8 min drive.
Kenny D's
Great food, fun atmosphere, and karaoke on Wednesday nights. A local favorite for bar fare and good times. ~8 min drive.
Sea Market — Fresh Fish Destin
The best fresh fish market in Destin. Real fishmongers cut Gulf seafood in-house daily — snapper, grouper, shrimp, and more. Perfect for cooking at your rental. Ask John for cooking tips! ~5 min drive. Visit Website
Sandos Beachside
Coffee and creative sandwiches downstairs (Tue–Sun 7am–3pm), then head up to the rooftop bar for drinks and sunset views in the evening (11am–9pm). On Old 98. ~5 min drive. View Menu
Camille's at Crystal Beach
A Crystal Beach favorite for breakfast and brunch — great food with a neighborhood feel. Get there early, especially on weekends, because it fills up fast. ~3 min drive. View Menu
Grocery & Essentials
Publix
Full-service grocery store ~5 min away. Great deli subs and bakery. Closest option for daily needs.
Walmart Supercenter
Everything under one roof — groceries, household items, beach gear. ~10 min drive.
Whole Foods Market
Organic and specialty groceries. Located near Destin Commons. ~12 min drive.
Crab Island — Iconic sandbar in the middle of the harbor. Accessible by boat or pontoon rental.
Deep-sea fishing charters — Destin is the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village." Book a half-day or full-day trip from the harbor.
Paddleboarding / Kayaking — Rentals available at the harbor and along the beach.
LIV Adventures — Bike & Golf Cart Rentals
Our go-to for bike and golf cart rentals. They deliver right to your door and have gear for the whole family. Mention Trent and Denise sent you and save 10%. Book Online
Book Experiences
Looking to make your trip unforgettable? Browse and book top-rated Destin activities directly.
Check-out time: 10:00 AM. Please have the unit vacated by this time so our cleaning team can prepare for the next guests.
Departure Checklist
Start the dishwasher with any remaining dirty dishes
Take out all trash to the dumpster at the end of the parking lot
Leave used towels in the bathtub(s) — do not leave on counters or floor
Strip the beds — leave sheets piled on each bed (do not remake)
Turn off all lights, fans, and the TV
Set the thermostat to 78 °F
Close and lock the balcony door and all windows
Sign out of any streaming accounts on the TVs
Check for personal belongings (under beds, in drawers, on the balcony)
Lock the front door — it will auto-lock when closed
Leave Us a Review
We hope you had an amazing stay! If you loved your time at The Enclave, we'd be grateful for a review — it helps future guests find us and helps us keep improving.
As a past guest, you're eligible for a 5% loyalty discount on your next stay when you book directly through our website. Plus, you skip the Airbnb service fees — saving up to 20% total.
Mention your previous stay when booking. A $250 deposit holds your dates.
