Rosemary & the Gulf

Steps from the water – under two minutes on foot – this Rosemary Beach home is built for the kind of coastal trip that's easy to lose track of time on. A private courtyard pool keeps things cool when the beach gets busy, while the expansive second-floor porch frames Gulf views that earn their keep at sundown. Bikes come with the stay for exploring 30A, and access to four neighbourhood pools, a fitness centre, and a racquet club means the options rarely run out.

Home truths:
* You're right in the heart of Rosemary Beach, which means early-morning delivery and rubbish trucks servicing nearby restaurants and shops can wake you before you're ready. Light sleepers – and anyone travelling with young children – may want to bring earplugs.
* You'll need to bring your own beach and pool towels – bath towels and linens from the home cannot be taken outside for laundering reasons.
* At full occupancy, two guests will sleep on the sofa bed in the living space.
* The lead guest must be at least 25 years old.
* During sea turtle nesting season – 1st May to 31st October – you'll need to keep balcony and porch lights off at night and close the blinds on any Gulf-facing windows.