Posted on 9/17/2021

Have you ever heard of Vrbo?  

Have you ever heard of Vrbo? If you are reading this article, chances are you have. However, how much do you really know about this niche travel website? It's our business to know all things vacation rentals, and with a name that once stood for Vacation Rentals by Owner, you can bet we know all about it. With a humble start in 1996, the former Craigslist-style listing site has grown into a significant OTA, or Online Travel Agency.

What does that mean for you?

That's a complicated question, but an important one nonetheless. First off, it's another place for you to find vacation rentals—homes, condos, cabins, treehouses, and anything else you can think of. There's a lot to choose from as many vacation rental management companies and homeowners utilize the VRBO site as a tool to find more guests. For us here at Ocean Reef, VRBO reservations are only a tiny portion of our overall business.

How does Vrbo work?

Cool, a place to search for more rentals. But wait, there's more! VRBO is a business, and like any business, they have to make money—and that they do. In recent years, their gross bookings came as high as $4.16 billion! Where do you think that money came from? Well, us, of course. Not us, as in Ocean Reef, "us" as in both of us! Yeah, we pay them $500 per property annually to advertise on their website, but here is the shocking part... travelers pay them too! For the privilege of using their services, you can pay north of $500 more (via a booking fee) than if you just simply booked directly with the property management company or homeowner.

Our Best Performing Vrbos

Here at Ocean Reef, we represent over 500 vacation rentals in Destin & South Walton (30A). The norm for us is a reservation or two per property via Vrbo annually. However, some outliers do very well on their website. As Vrbo is starting to become a household name, and they do have many faithful visitors, we want to take a moment to highlight a small group of our homes and condos that have done extraordinarily well on their site this year.

11. Seaclusion

4 Bedrooms / 3.5 Bathrooms / 12 Guests

Seaclusion is a gracious Mediterranean-style Destin vacation home that provides privileged residence for up to 12 fortunate guests in the exclusively gated residential resort community called the Villages of Crystal Beach. Besides having an excellent location just a short complimentary tram ride away from the crystalline beach, this place has an awesome community pool. This palm-studded setting includes cascading waterfalls into the pool, a mini tropical island, a BYOB Tiki Bar with a Surround Sound System, comfortable furnishings, and stainless-steel grills for poolside dining.

10. Pinnacle Port C2-503

2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 6 Guests

Pinnacle Port C2-503 is in a beachfront tower in Panama City Beach with stunning limitless views of the gorgeous gulf. Two bedrooms accommodate up to four delighted beachgoers who have access to a sizeable lovely lagoon-shaped swimming pool outdoors and an acclimatized pool indoors. The grounds are nestled beside the bright white beach and the largest coastal dune lake in Florida the likes of which are found hardly anywhere else on the planet. It comes with a dock for fishing or kayaking. Other amenities include tennis courts, a gulf side fitness center with a sauna, a kid's playground, and shuffleboard courts.

9. Emerald Towers 1104

2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 8 Guests

Emerald Towers 1104 is a two-bedroom, beachfront condo located in Downtown Destin that can host up to eight beachgoers. Its high-floor vantage point offers uninterrupted and unparalleled views of the shimmering shoreline. This unit is well-appointed with modern furnishings and chic beach décor. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors look out over the water and open onto a breezy balcony. The Gulf-front pool provides a great lounge spot with good views. You can cook up a fun Surf n' Turf meal using the community BBQ grills. An on-site exercise room and tennis court help you stick to your fitness routine while on vacation. Its convenient location also ensures you are close to popular shops, restaurants, and other coastal activities.

8. Ariel Dunes I 1808

2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 8 Guests

Located in Miramar Beach, Ariel Dunes I 1808 is a two-bedroom, two-bath condo listed on Vrbo that boasts an elevated, front-row seat to the Gulf Coast's gorgeous views. With gracious living and sleeping accommodations, the unit can accommodate up to eight vacationers. Hardwood floors and neutral-toned walls flow throughout the space, giving it an elegant yet laidback ambiance. Coastal décor contributes to the warm beach vibe. The king master suite has a private bath and balcony access, while the guest bedroom features a full bed and twin bunk. Ariel Dunes I provides guests with top-notch vacation amenities, including two expansive swimming pools, a fitness center, tennis courts, and convenient beach access.

7. Village of South Walton 313D

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 6 Guests

Seacrest Beach on Scenic Highway 30A is home to the Village of South Walton 313D, a cute condo rental with three bedrooms and two baths. This rental unit can host up to six visitors, and the low-density complex ensures a quiet, relaxing stay for beachgoers. Large windows and glass doors allow plenty of natural light to brighten the open living area, which features a cozy seating ensemble made up of a slipcover couch and two accent chairs. A furnished balcony is a perfect spot to unwind with your fellow vacationers and enjoy a refreshing drink. It looks out over the village green with mini art galleries, boutiques, and eateries. The beach is a short, five-minute walk from this rental condo, and guests also have access to amenities like the community pool, BBQ grills, and beach tram.

6. Splash 106E

2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 6 Guests

Splash 106E is a two-bedroom condo in Panama City Beach, where your vacation is sure to be—you guessed it—a splash! The spacious floorplan and bedrooms can accommodate up to six vacationers. From living space with natural sunlight to an open kitchen with stainless-steel appliances to cozy bedrooms, you're sure to enjoy every moment of your vacation here. Guests also love the awesome resort amenities, specifically the beachfront, waterpark-esque pool area, and kid's playground. The pool area is complete with a lazy river, waterslides, tunnels, water cannons, a toddler splash pad, and a mushroom waterfall feature. Adults can watch the kids play, while enjoying some "kid-free" time at the adult-only pool, as well.

5. Inlet Dunes 209

1 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom / 6 Guests

Inlet Dunes 209 is an intimate one-bedroom, one-bath vacation rental in Inlet Beach just off 30A. It can host up to six guests, making it great for a romantic getaway or small family vacation. The open floorplan combines the living, kitchen, and dining areas, creating a relaxing space to lounge while on vacation. Sliding glass doors open onto a breezy balcony, which has views of the beach only a short distance away. The master suite features a king-size bed, dresser, sunny window, and flatscreen TV. A queen-size sleeper sofa and bunk nook provide additional sleeping space. At Inlet Dunes, guests will enjoy the refreshing swimming pool, convenient beach access, and close proximity to Pier Park in Panama City Beach.

4. Destin Beach Club 215

1 Bedroom / 2 Bathrooms / 6 Guests

Welcome to the club—the Destin Beach Club! Destin Beach Club 215 is a Gulf-front vacation condo with one bedroom and two baths. Up to six vacationers can take advantage of the great views, cozy sleeping accommodations, and relaxing living room. The comfortable living room appears even more spacious because of a full-wall mirror and set of large sliding glass doors that lead to a furnished balcony. From the balcony, guests have a great view of the pool, as well as the beautiful beach. The bedroom is bright and welcoming, featuring a king-size bed with colorful bedding and patterned pillows. Guest amenities include a rectangular swimming pool with expansive sundeck and lounge chairs, a BBQ grill, and beach access.

3. SeaSet Skies

2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 6 Guests

You will find the popular townhome rental known as SeaSet Skies in Prominence along South Walton's Scenic Highway 30A. The Vrbo superstar has two bedrooms, two baths, an open floorplan, and a balcony. It can entertain up to six guests. This lovely property radiates coastal elegance in every aspect, from its brightly lit interior, white and natural-toned furnishings, and quaint beach décor. The master suite is well-appointed with a king-size bed, beach-inspired accents, bamboo curtains, and balcony access. One of the best perks of staying at SeaSet Skies is its prominent location in Prominence. Guests are conveniently close to The Hub, which boasts restaurants, bars, boutiques, shops, galleries, an events stage and furnished grounds, and even a 5,000 square-foot pool. Besides enjoying this wonderful town center, vacationers can also walk to or take the shuttle to the beach.

2. Seagrove Highlands 2105

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 9 Guests

Nestled in the quiet community of Seagrove on 30A, Seagrove Highlands 2105 is a three-bedroom, two-bath condo rental that can entertain up to nine visitors. The comfortable living room features a blue queen-size sleeper sofa, matching armchair, and accent chair, all of which are centered around a beach-washed drink table and face a credenza and flatscreen TV. A glass-topped table in the dining nook creates a cozy space for casual dining, and the granite-topped kitchen bar provides saddle-stool seating for two more. The master bedroom has a king-size bed, one guest bedroom has a queen-size bed, and the remaining bedroom has a twin-over-full bunk. Guests will enjoy the swimming pool and short walk to the beach.

1. Beachwood Villas 8F & 7E

1 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom / 4-6 Guests

Beachwood Villas 8F and Beachwood Villas 7E are one-bedroom vacation condos located in South Walton's Seagrove Beach. These are perfect for romantic getaways or small-group vacations. Though each is uniquely decorated and furnished, both radiate a laidback beach ambiance that makes for a stress-free vacation. Each also has access to a private patio, where guests can enjoy casual conversation, tropical drinks, and tasty appetizers. Condo complex amenities include a pool and sundeck surrounded by palm trees, as well as BBQ grills, tennis courts, shuffleboard, a kid's playground, and nearby beach access.

Take a look at each one of these Ocean Reef Resorts favorites to choose one as your own. Multiple images and full descriptions are provided for each here on our website. Just don't take too long to make a reservation because these highly desirable vacation destinations go quickly. Also, don't forget to book direct to save money!