Welcome to Suite 1!
Sit on the dock during sunrise or sunset to enjoy these refreshing mystical waters. During the summer months, the spring is crystal clear and fun to explore while swimming or snorkeling.
Nestled on a secluded 3.5-acre estate in a small, quiet neighborhood, this property offers 2 private guest suites with private entrances
Please scroll down to the "Things to know" section for full details, rules & disclosures.
The space
The Luxury suite is attached to the main home, however fully private & closed to you only. The luxury suite offers 1 bedroom w/ closet, 1 pull-out couch bed, 1 bath, full kitchen/dining area, a dedicated workspace, and a spacious living room. Private porches and shared decks envelop the home offering a plethora of places to relax and kick back. Beautiful suite designed to accommodate anywhere from 1 to 4 guests comfortably. The Master bedroom has Queen size bed & pull-out couch that can fit 1-2 people. Extra pillows and bedding provided for pull-out bed located in under storage as pictured.
Pet Policy:
A 9-year-old Australian Shepherd, Zula, is the co-host at this location. She is friendly to people/children and will likely want to show you her impressive frisbee skills. If you are allergic or have a service animal please notify the host prior to arrival so I can arrange to keep her in the fenced-in area. No other pets are allowed at this location for this reason.
The location and atmosphere:
This property is submerged in nature and to get to the location requires going down a canopy dirt road to our small, private, quiet neighborhood which houses only a handful of families, many of whom are retired.
There are 3 fully private suites on this property. 2 of them are available on Airbnb, and 1 is reserved for private events by advance reservation only.
This secluded estate overlooks one of the most precious Cenotes/Springs in the Wakulla Aquifer system.
A “Cenote” translates as “Karst window” because it is an underground river where the land has opened up to create the window in which we can enjoy these mystical waters.
The water is pristinely clean due to being filtered from the limestone underground making it one of the cleanest waters to swim in.
The property provides a private dock to the spring making it a beautiful and serene space to enjoy the water & sunshine.
During the drier (no rain) months, the spring is crystal clear and fun to explore with goggles/snorkel. We cannot guarantee the weather or the clarity of the water. Please don't knock our ratings for things we cannot control. <3
Sit on the dock during sunrise or sunset to enjoy these refreshing mystical waters. Or bring your binoculars and be on the lookout for wildlife from the comfort of the dock. Woodpeckers, swallowtail birds, and hawks are nearby residents in the area daily
Common FAQs:
Are there any alligators?
Answer: We get asked often if there are any alligators. I would like to assure you that there hasn't been a single siting of any alligators in 46 years (Testimony of my neighbor)*
What are the "drier" months?
September 11 to June 1. The month with the fewest wet days in Tallahassee is October, with an average of 6.1 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation
This property hosts other Airbnb guests and therefore is not conducive for unauthorized guests, parties, or events unless the entire property is rented solely by you. If you wish to reserve the entire Retreat Center for fully private gatherings, weddings, family reunions, or celebrations please contact the host privately to arrange and discuss coordinating dates. This listing on its own is perfect for couples and small families who want a peaceful vacation spot in a beautiful area of North Florida that want to enjoy outdoor recreation on a private cenote spring, a truly unique natural resource.
Host’s Engagement:
Property Manager, Cleaners, Gardeners/Landscapers may or may not be present during your arrival/visit. To respect your privacy, If we are onsite during your stay we will only engage with guests if requested/needed through the Airbnb platform. If you need anything during your stay please keep in communication and contact me through Airbnb. If we happen to cross paths outside or by the dock we will politely wave or say hello, and respect your privacy. We strive to offer you a peaceful & serene experience at the Crystal Springs Retreat and ask you kindly to be considerate of sharing space with other guests that may or may not be present during your stay when adventuring the gorgeous outdoors and swimming in the spring. Please do not walk up or “check out” any of the other suites/homes in respect of other guests’ privacy. If you are curious about future stays, please contact us through Airbnb and we can arrange a private tour if the spaces are not occupied. :)
Other things to note
Nearby Attractions:
11 miles Doak Cambell Stadium FSU
11 miles FAMU
47 miles Rock Landing, Carrabelle
16 miles St. Mark boat ramp
15 miles Shell Point & boat ramp
32 miles Alligator Point
13 miles Tallahassee Airport
6 miles Walmart/Winn Dixie
5 miles Publix
12 miles Florida Capital
12 miles Tallahassee Museum
54 miles St George Island
20 miles Apalachicola National Forest
65 miles Apalachicola, FL.
3 miles Wakulla Springs State Park
6.5 miles Wakulla River Boat Tour
17 miles St Marks Lighthouse
11 miles SouthWood Golf Club Tallahassee, FL
29 miles St James Bay Golf Club Carabelle, FL
17 miles Sopchoppy
Tallahassee City Guide
-Railroad Square Art Park: A large outdoor attraction full of art galleries, thrift stores, coffee, restaurants, & specialty boutiques. Well known for the First Friday art walk (if you’re staying during a First Friday definitely go check it out!)
-Visit Crystal Portal & mention your stay to an employee for a discount!
-Cascades Park
-Tom Brown Park
-Lucky Goat - Best coffee
-Proof Brewery - Best Brewery & Beer
-Southwood Golf Course & Shopping Center
Want a nature-focused adventure?
-Visit one of several parks that are just a quick 10-15 minute drive.
-Visit the Wakulla River spring-head in Wakulla Springs State Park, the 2nd largest of its kind in the world. Have lunch or dinner in the lodge or enjoy an ice cream float or a milkshake at the ice cream bar in the lodge gift shop after venturing out on one of the hour-long boat tours that are offered within the park.
-Hike, bike, or drive through the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge to witness the untamed Florida landscape as it was before the sprawl of urban development of this beautiful state.
-If squeezing your toes in the sand makes for a perfect day for you - Alligator Point is just a 45-minute drive from this waterfront home, or visit Apalachicola and St. George Island, just an hour and a half drive!
Whatever your idea of paradise, this part of Florida offers something for everyone!
