The sparkling ocean greets you when you step onto the balcony of our second-floor condo at Island House E228. Tastefully decorated and conveniently located in a oceanfront complex with all the amenities, it's the ideal Crescent Beach vacation retreat!

You'll be pleasantly surprised by just how roomy our two-bedroom, two-bath condo really is. A plush sofa, loveseat, and easy chair offer space for everyone around the large new HDTV in the living room, while the dining table folds out from space for 2 into a 4- or 6-top! (This comes in handy during those group games of Trivial Pursuit!) A handsome hanging lamp puts the spotlight right onto this table, just in case you need to study a map of the Magic Kingdom or open the laptop to say hello to everyone back home. Plus, there is free wifi Internet at the club house.

The light-and-open plan of the living space continues with the kitchen, located just beyond the dining area. A wide breakfast bar offers seating for 2, while full-size appliances easily hold all of your groceries. And groceries are absolutely the only thing you need add to this kitchen -- we have all the gadgets, cookware, dishes, and utensils you'll need, from the microwave and blender right down to the corkscrew and measuring spoons!

While we're on the topic, Island House E228 also has a utility area with a washer, dryer, and ironing board. When it's time to fluff up the towels or toss in a load of swimsuits, everything is right on hand.

The master bedroom is a oasis of calm that will prepare you for a terrific night's sleep. Our king-size bed offers space to spare, with a view right out onto the balcony and beyond. Go ahead, enjoy that sea breeze one last time before retiring -- it will inspire you to be at the beach all the sooner tomorrow!

A large TV, plenty of bureau space, and comfy seating make the master bedroom a place to spread out and feel right at home. And the master bathroom is en-suite, sparkling clean and equipped with both a shower and a tub.

The second bedroom also has balcony access, plus a pair of twin beds so soft and comfortable the kids just might sleep in late! And the second bathroom is well-appointed. Need to sleep one or two more folks? The big sofa in the living room converts to a sleeper!

After a good night's rest, you'll be ready to explore all the attractions of the area, and you might want to start with the Island House complex itself. There's something for everyone here -- a huge swimming pool with a gated surround and plenty of lounging and sunbathing space; tennis and shuffleboard courts; a ping pong table; and a private walkway to the beach. Beautifully landscaped with grassy stretches and native palms, our complex will feel like home in no time.

Take the walkway down to the beach and discover the best playground in the world -- the wide, soft sands, indescribable sunrises and sunsets, and rollicking waves. Crescent Beach is beautiful in any season, with something for everyone. Water enthusiasts can swim, surf, or boogie-board, in addition to renting just about any sort of watercraft nearby; beachcombers can collect shells and sharks' teeth; children can build sandcastles, fly kites, or play games in the sand; and everyone can enjoy the lovely coastline.

Just minutes away is the Intracoastal Waterway, another source of sailing, kayaking, or canoeing on water or hiking and nature-watching on foot. Historic St. Augustine is just 10 miles away, with fine dining, superb shopping, and more. And Orlando, with all of its attractions, is less than a 2-hour drive away. At Island House E228, you're convenient to so many irresistible vacation spots . . . yet you just might be staying at the best of them all! Come visit soon.