We're Mario and Lina, a Colombian-American family who fell in love with Anna Maria Island long before we ever imagined owning a home here.
We live on a beautiful island just across the bay from downtown Tampa with our youngest kids and our dog, Happy. Together, we share five children, ages 17 to 30, and as a family we've always been drawn to places that slow life down and bring people closer together. For years, Anna Maria Island became that place for us — a quiet escape filled with sea breezes, bike rides, old Florida charm, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels increasingly rare today.
What captured our hearts most was that AMI never lost its soul. Unlike larger beach destinations filled with high-rises and crowds, the island still feels quaint, residential, and deeply connected to nature and community.
In 2020, we found a twin 1972 property tucked away in a serene corner of Holmes Beach just steps from the beach. At the time, the homes were dated and overgrown, with no pools, little landscaping, and years of deferred care. But beneath it all, we saw incredible potential: quiet outdoor spaces and an opportunity to create something deeply personal for families and travelers looking to truly unwind.
Together, we transformed the homes, blending modern comfort with the relaxed spirit of old Florida living. Lina, who is meticulous by nature and passionate about hospitality, personally oversees every detail with extraordinary care. From spotless interiors to thoughtful guest touches, she believes people should feel instantly at peace the moment they arrive.
As a storyteller and lifelong traveler, I wanted the homes to feel warm, memorable, and authentic rather than transactional. We designed the spaces around connection — slow mornings by the pool, dinners under the palms, beach days, and evenings spent reconnecting with the people you love most.
Then came Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, impacting Anna Maria Island in ways many longtime residents had never experienced before. Like so many others, we spent difficult days cleaning, rebuilding, and helping wherever we could. What stayed with us most was the strength of the island community. Neighbors showed up for one another, local businesses supported each other, and rebuilding the homes only deepened our love for this special place.
Today, these cottages are far more than vacation rentals to us. They are our second home — a place where our own family gathers often, whether it's parents visiting from Colorado, loved ones arriving from Colombia, or family traveling from across the country.
We intentionally remain small and hands-on. We are not a large property management company, and we never want to feel like one. Many guests return year after year and become friends over time. We personally communicate with guests, offer local recommendations, stay flexible whenever possible, and genuinely care about every family that chooses to stay with us.
Our hope is simple: that when you leave Anna Maria Island, you feel relaxed, inspired, grounded, and a little more connected to the people around you — just as we do every time we return.
Welcome to our little corner of Anna Maria Island.
— Mario, Lina, Happy, and Family