While I feel the photos on the site were likely taken quite a while ago, because the property in it's current state isn't quite as new and shiny as the photos make it look, none of that mattered to us once we headed out to the beach. The sand is so soft, the weather was great, and the water, while seeming slightly chilly at first touch, was really a perfect temperature, especially for it being December! My kids loved the shallow/ no waves water, and had a blast in the morning at low tide when they could walk out on the sand bars. We saw several starfish, sea snails, sand dollars, hermit crabs, etc. A bit further out we kept catching glimpses of what we are pretty sure were stingrays. We hoped for a turtle sighting or two, but didn't get one this time around. We did have a beautiful, great blue heron that came by each night to say hello that we named Edgar! We rented bikes down the street and had a great time riding to breakfast in the morning or lunch in the afternoon. One day we biked the few blocks to the Gulf side of the island to play and watch the sunset at Anna Maria beach. There are plenty of sand toys, beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, etc available. There is a washer/dryer but we had to buy our own soap. Same with shampoo/conditioner, but these things were easily overlooked with such a great location and the beach/views we received. We will definitely return!