Inside the Emerald Island resort on Crystal Cove Loop, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home gives you the best of both worlds: resort pools, a tiki bar, tennis, basketball, and volleyball right outside, and a comfortable, well-kept home to come back to.

The layout: a king bedroom with attached bath, a queen bedroom with attached bath, and a kids' room with a bunk bed (two twins). Sleeps 6 very comfortably, 8 with the living room sleeper sofa. Pet-friendly, with in-home washer and dryer.

The full kitchen (range, microwave, dishwasher, coffee maker, toaster, blender) handles family meals, and free high-speed WiFi plus flat-screen cable TVs cover downtime. Starter coffee and toiletries provided; Walmart and Publix are close for longer stays.

Note: the Emerald Island HOA charges a one-time access fee of $20 per car (not needed for Uber/taxi), paid directly to the resort after booking and before arrival.

Good to know before you book: no smoking inside the home ($200 penalty); pets welcome with prior approval ($25/night or $100/month, up to two pets under 20 lbs, guests liable for any damage); a signed rental agreement is required before check-in.