Emerald Above

Tucked between Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach along Scenic Highway 30A, this villa puts the Emerald Coast's most coveted stretch of coastline right at your feet – with private beach access to sugar-white sands and a complimentary beach tram runs from the resort to the shore. Back at the resort, two community pools and a hot tub sit below the covered balcony, which catches the breeze above the treetops with the coast beyond. Boutiques, restaurants, and wine bars are all within walking distance.

Home truths:
* If you're travelling with a baby or toddler, your host has a Pack 'n Play available in the apartment.
* If reliable wi-fi is essential – say, for remote working – it's worth bringing your own mobile hotspot as a backup, as the host flags that connectivity may not always be consistent.
* The swimming pool is only available for use between 9am and 10pm.
* Guests aged 10 and older need to wear an amenity wristband to access the private beach entrance, the resort pool, and the beach tram. Wristbands are provided in the apartment – just remember to return them before you check out, as there's a $30 replacement fee for each one that goes missing.
* The beach tram only runs from 1st March to 31st October, between 9am and 5:30pm, and you'll need to call ahead to schedule a pickup – it won't stop without a booking.