Island Haven at Emerald Isle, Fort Walton Beach, Florida Vacation Rental by Owner

Great place to stay on Okaloosa Island! Great/easy communication with owners and condo was modern, super cute and in a great location. the owners included so many “extras” that no other condos provide for Renters.

Erling Smedvig's reply:

Thanks. Hope you come back again! Erling

This was our second time in Fort Walton. Condo was clean and Modern and comfortable. We had a great time. Erling was very accommodating. We had no problems at all. We felt like the owners cared for the condo like they lived in it. The location is just right. Not to busy but within 15 min or less of anything you could want. We will defiantly be back and recommend this property.

Erling Smedvig's reply:

Your welcome, and your welcome back as a 5🌟 guest as well! Thxs, Erling

This was our first time staying here and the condo was amazing! I brought my parents and young son and the proximity to the ocean was so nice. The condo was amazing. From the moment we walked in, it was spectacular! Cleanliness is one of my biggest concerns and this place did not disappoint! It was so fresh and clean! Erling was so great to work with and checked on our needs throughout the week. His detailed information about the unit and what to do, recommendations for food, and which way to walk on the beach we’re so incredibly helpful! We were so close to Stewby’s which is always a favorite to order in because it’s quick and delicious and you don’t miss out on beach time! You will not be disappointed if you rent from here! We are already looking forward to another stay!

Erling Smedvig's reply:

Thank you. We’d love to hv you back! Erling

Nice condo, attentive owner.

This was our first stay and it was great. It was comfortable, clean, nicely decorated. It felt like the owners had though of everything…all the way down to the quality toilet paper ?? will definitely be back

Erling Smedvig's reply:

Thanks, we'd love to have you back. Erling

This was our seventh year to stay here and as usual everything was perfect! It really is a home away from home. Can’t wait for our visit next year!

Erling Smedvig's reply:

Your always welcome! FANTASTIC renter.

First time staying and will definitely be back. Everything was perfect! Erling was easily accessible if needed and the condo ground and location are fantastic ! Would most definitely recommend to anyone wanting beach front and easy access to the ocean.

Erling Smedvig's reply:

thxs. love to hv you back.

Perfection is the best way to describe our stay in this condo. The location was great. It was completely stocked with everything you could ever need during your stay. It’s beautifully decorated and super comfortable. We didn’t have any issues with anything. We didn’t hear any loud noises from any neighbors or from the pool . The elevators were fast, plenty of carts for hauling things from your car.Erling gave us great recommendations on food and shelling. We had a wonderful time! I wouldn’t want to stay anywhere else!!!

Erling Smedvig's reply:

thxs

We brought my parents here for a week and had the best time. The condo is perfect - amazing location, easy access to beach (which was key for my parents), beautifully decorated with furniture that was so comfy, and well stocked with everything needed. Loved the tall chairs on the balcony so we could enjoy the view without looking through bars. Property well cared for also and the carts were so helpful for unloading suitcases and groceries. Erling was also great to deal with. Would highly recommend and definitely would come here again!!!

This beautiful and relaxing condo has been our home away from home for 6 years! With spectacular views and awesome beaches we look forward more each year to our visit. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to stay in this wonderful home!

My family and I absolutely loved this condo!! The decor and the views were stunning. The condo had everything we needed especially the kitchen. This was our first trip to Okaloosa. The island and this condo did not disappoint. We will definitely be back!!

This condo was beautiful, very clean and had amazing views. It was also very well furnished. The owner was quick to respond to any questions we had.

This is a beautifully updated and very clean condo with a perfect location. We spent many mornings drinking coffee on the deck watching the waves roll in. The decorations were perfect and the beds were very comfortable. Erling and Lisa made sure that all of our needs were met during our stay. We highly recommend this condo!

Property was great and recently remodeled. Beach and pool were great. Highly recommend.

Will definitely book again!

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this clean and beautifully furnished property! The beach was right outside the unit and not nearly as crowded as the beaches in Destin. Even during our visit leading up to the 4th of July weekend, the beach was nearly empty in the mornings and evenings. The pictures accurately represented the high quality of the furnishings and fixtures. We look forward to coming back to the unit and are already planning our next trip to Fort Walton!

This condo is awesome! It is decorated so tastefully and very clean and comfortable. The owners are attentive to any needs that might come up and quick to respond.

I would give this condo more than 5 stars if I could and hope to return next year!

My family stayed in May 2018 and what a time we had! This property is one of the rare few I have stayed at that actually exceeded my expectations! Super clean (and smelled amazing right as you walked through the door), beautiful decor and the view is unmatched! There are not many in this complex that are ocean front and this view was the best in my opinion. Short walk to the pool which was really clean and we always had available chairs. The staff seem to always be walking around the property making sure everything was nice. Also a short walk to the beach and the service was super attentive and always had 2 chairs waiting for us. Plenty of great restaurants and recommendations from the property manager. We went on a dolphin cruise in Destin from a brochure left in the binder provided and had an amazing time. The communication and information from Erling could not have been more thorough, every detail taken care of. I even asked what kind of mattress was in the master because it was the best sleep of my life (and I’ve struggled with back pain for decades) The condo was stocked with much more than we needed in every room and in speaking to others that rented condos here that is not the norm. Also we took advantage of the laundry which was super close and very clean. This was a true treasure of a find and we will be definitely coming back!

I want to start by saying this property was beautifully renovated. So many condos just expect you to pay a premium price for 1990 decor and furnishings. This condo did not disappoint. Great distance from the beach. Around 11:30 it would get too hot for me to handle on the beach and the room was a super quick walk up from the beach. Everything you needed was here. The extra beach chairs were a nice add on as well. Beds were very comfortable. You can tell the owners put actual thought into how their guests would sleep, eat and relax. Leather couches are a smart touch. They will last the owners a very long time instead of getting torn or stained. Flooring was beautiful. Kitchen and bathrooms were beautiful. Views out of both bedrooms. Beach service included with the room. Owner texted promptly back anytime I had a question. The only think mom and I had an issue with were parking passes. We were supposed to get them in one of the first emails but we didn’t. We eventually got the forms from the owners and went to a local office depo to print them so no biggy. A suggestion I would have for the owners is to provide parking passes in the room. All other condos I’ve stayed in have done this. Mom wanted more wash clothes and hand towels but I didn’t have an issue with the number is towels provided. Owner also provided travel size shampoo bottles and dove soap bar. And a make up mirror. The condo was extremely clean. Maintenance guys on the property were very nice and worked hard to keep the property clean. Not once did I step into a nasty elevator and the pool was cleaned every morning. Grocery store is very close and there are a few places to eat close without having to drive to Destin. Overall would recommend this place to anyone who likes nice things :)

Our family had a lovely time staying in this condo. It is very clean and the decor is perfect in a beach setting. Erling is very responsive and gives a lot of privacy, which is appreciated. We made memories with our small family to last a lifetime and I will cherish them forever. Thank you.

The condo is beautifully decorated and very clean! We loved how quite the location is and how close it is to the beach. Erling and his wife were great to communicate with. We can't wait to return!!!

The owners of this property sate that they strive for a 5 star rating, and that makes all the difference. I travel the world with my work and stay 180+ nights per year in hotels, apartments etc... I know when and where corners are cut. You will not find any short comings here, every small detail is taken care of and the furnishing are beautiful and all top quality. The Smedvig's are very prompt with communications and will make your visit a 5 star stay also. The location is fabulous with beautiful views as are many other rentals nearby, but this one is going to meet your expectations. Five stars all the way !

We just got back from an amazing stay at this condo in Ft. Walton Beach. The condo was very clean and it had amazing views from just about the entire place. It was nice having the provided beach chairs with umbrella. There are food places everywhere but our favorite was Mcquires. Grocery stores are very close and the parking was convenient to the elevator. Quick note, elevator responded quickly and wasn't slow at all. Don't hesitate book your stay here and you will not be disappointed.

Great Condo! Very clean.

This was one of the best trips ever. My husband and I and my brother and sister n law came down to celebrate both of our anniversaries and 3 of our birthdays. We could not have asked for a better gift than this. Thank you and we will be back soon.

We had such a great stay at this wonderful property. Everything here is top notch and the view of the beach is beautiful. We highly recommend this unit.

The first impression of the condo was spectacular. It was nicely decorated, modern, and with a great balcony view of the gulf. The condo was stocked with everything we could possibly need for a comfortable stay. There were a few quirks, but Erling was incredibly responsive, and went above and beyond to help out. The beaches were clean and much less crowded than the downtown Destin area, which was appreciated. It's only a short drive to great restaurants, downtown Destin, and anything you could want. The property beyond the condo itself was not a five star resort, with just a basic pool and clean, but bare complex. However, we went for the condo and the beach, and we were not disappointed!

I will definitely stay here again if we return to the area.

The condo was very well maintained. We enjoyed every night on the balcony looking out into the Gulf.

Everything we needed was provided- from items in the kitchen, laundry baskets, a bag to take out towels to the beach. Plenty of space to store all of our items. The beach service was a great asset and a very nice pool area,

There was a welcome binder waiting for us upon arrival with information regarding the property, several local menus.

The property manager was very response when we emailed or texted him.

I would recommend this place

Stayed Aug 4th-11th. The condo was absolutely beautiful with a stunning ocean view! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and it felt like home minus the ocean view! The condo was clean and beautifully decorated with extra touches. The pool and BBQ area were very nice as well. The property is very well maintained. The beach boy, John was extremely nice and very helpful. We had brought chairs from home, but didn’t need them as the property had 2 chairs, a small table and an umbrella which were always set up early each morning. All in all, we would definitely stay at this property again!

We (myself, my husband, and our 5 year old daughter) stayed here July 28-Aug 4 2018. If you think the photos make this unit look beautiful and modern, then just wait until you see it in person! It truly is gorgeous - the furniture, the simple/elegant decor, the modern finishes, the spotless cleanliness, and a magnificently perfect view of the gulf...it simply can't be better. From the moment I stepped into this place I felt at home. Little touches, like two separate wall hangings that contain several hooks each which were perfect for hanging wet towels, jackets, purses, etc, multiple modern bags and laundry baskets for keeping track of your things, plenty of drawers in the bathrooms, all the kitchenware needed, practically brand new furnishings for your comfort....all of these things made it feel like home. The location of the unit is wonderful - full frontal view of the Gulf plus it is on a corner so only one wall is shared, super close to elevator, and elevator convenient to parking space. The balcony is completely private with no other neighbors to see. The pool is a little on the small side, but we still had plenty of room to play every day and never had a problem getting chaise lounges. The beach guys were wonderful with setting up our included chairs and umbrella. We always felt like we had room and enjoyed our time out there immensely.

We did have two very minor maintenance issues that did not require any immediate attention, but Erling came our very first evening to fix them both himself. Not only did he fix them, but we had a nice conversation about the area and recommended restaurants, etc. It felt like talking to a family friend, and we appreciated his timely responses to every little question or concern we had.

The location is great! It is close to the national seashore, which is such a beautiful and private place to walk. We enjoyed the closeness of restaurants at the Okaloosa Pier (all good!) and also watching dolphins and sea turtles from the pier. We also dined at Harborwalk Village (Harry T's is a favorite!) multiple times, as well as restaurants like AJ's and Landshark Pizza in Destin. We had an amazing time on the Cattywampus Dolphin and Snorkel Cruise! Do it! Great for us as well as our young daughter. We also LOVED our "breakfast with the dolphins" and "turtle encounter" experiences at the Gulfarium. Sign up for some things there, so much fun! Bottom line, don't hesitate. Go to Fort Walton/Okaloosa. Book this condo!

We were stunned when we first walked in the door! The home is beautifully decorated, clean, and the view from the balcony is spectacular! We loved the fact that you do not have to cross any streets, just down the elevator and to the beach!! There are so many extra touches that the owners add...from the books, beach toys, movies, games and our kids loved all of them! We were all so sad to leave and can not wait for our return next year! We will for sure be staying in this condo again and again!!

Our condo was absolutely gorgeous with a fantastic view. We really enjoyed our stay and we would recommend this condo to anyone. It surpassed our expectations. It was great location and a wonderful experience.

I highly recommend this beautiful newly remodeled beachfront condo! Comfortable and well decorated, the perfect beach vibe. We loved this condo and the views of the beach. There is even a beach view in the 2nd bedroom which is very unusual as most 2nd bedrooms get a view of the hall or elevator. Clean and very well equipped in every way from beach bags and beach toys to a fully equipped kitchen. For you coffee drinkers, there is a Keurig and an automatic coffee maker. You literally only need to pack your toothbrush, suit and some dinner clothes, every need is provided for once you get there!

I think the beaches in Ft Walton are gorgeous with white sand and emerald colored water. We really loved the easy access to the beach and the daily umbrella and chair service! Another thing I liked about the beach was that since Emerald Isle isn't a massive complex our chairs and umbrellas weren't packed together like sardines. Even though there were others near us, we still felt like we had our own space and some privacy. As I walked the beach, the large complexes were so crowded and everyone crammed together.

We didn't use the pool but it was well maintained. In fact, the whole complex was well maintained and clean.

Emerald Isle is on the west side of Ft Walton. I really like the location because the traffic isn't quite as congested as Destin. And if there is something in Destin that you want to do, even in heavy traffic it will only take 30 minutes at most. There are many good restaurants and a couple grocery stores with in a minute or two. So many fun activities in the area! It is a great place to vacation!

Finally, the condo owners were amazing! Very attentive, responded to any questions or concerns right away. Anything that needed to be handled was done very quickly. And they have made sure that everything need is met while staying there. I really appreciated the attention and service that I received.

From the first time you open the front door, this condo does not disappoint! The decor is beautiful and comfortable. We have been staying at Emerald Isle for 10-12 years, and this by far our favorite unit! Reserved parking is convenient to the elevator, and the condo entrance is private. Views from the balcony are fabulous and the beach service was great. The owners went out of their way to make sure we had a great visit. I would highly recommend it!

We enjoyed our stay very much. We were there from May 25, 2018 to June 1, 2018. The condo was well furnished and everything we wanted was provided. The access to the pool, the beach, the restaurants was very good. We enjoyed the view of the beach from the balcony. We would recommend highly the renting of this property.

We had an excellent time at the condo!! Everything was very clean and decorated nicely and the master bed was VERY comfortable. We really loved that the owners included the umbrella and chairs-that was a nice touch!! The kitchen was stocked with everything you can think of (even koozies). This was our 1st time in Okaloosa Island and we will be back!! Especially to this condo :) Thanks again for a great time!!

We decided to get away at the last minute - and thought we'd try a property new on the market. Are we glad we did!

Our first interaction with the owners demonstrated their high level of responsiveness. They were very helpful in answering all our questions. Best of all, they were extremely easy to work with.

Starting with the grounds of the property, everything was top-notch. Emerald Isle is located on a very private strip of FWB, out of the flow of heavy traffic. The reserved parking place is located close the elevator, making unloading a breeze.

When we opened the door to the unit, we were greeted by a light, bright interior and an amazing view of the Gulf waters (more on that later). The unit was obviously professionally decorated and extremely comfortable. The home had all the amenities one would expect from a luxury scale property. The kitchen was well stocked and roomy. No need to bring anything from home.

The layout was perfect for us, with the two bedrooms roomy and with plenty of storage. Again, everything was tastefully decorated. (They even had artwork from one of our favorite coastal artists!)

We can’t say enough about the porch. Not only is it big, it is very private. It provided great views of the beach below and the water (we loved watching the dolphins). The pool, grill and beach are right out the door. We really enjoyed having the beach umbrella service right on the property. We'd set up "camp" and then went walking. In one direction is the extremely private coast on the air base, in the other direction is the hustle and bustle of the pier.

Lastly, the restaurants in FWB (both walking and driving) were varied and good. The owners recommended a couple of them to us, which we tried and enjoyed.

We highly recommend this property!

This condo was absolutely wonderful! Decor beautiful, clean, great views of the ocean from living area and both bedrooms. Beds were very comfortable. Short walk to beach, right above the pool area. Grounds are nicely maintained. Beach not crowded. Nice beach chairs and umbrella ready every morning. There were carts available to help us get everything to and from our room. Newly renovated bathrooms and kitchen were beautiful. Mr.. Smedvig was always readily available if you need to contact him.We enjoyed several restaurants but our favorite was The Shack.