Anna Maria Island is a special place for many people, and our story is no different. Ben and I both grew up in the northern parts of the country. We met in college, and a few years later, Ben invited me to join his family on a winter escape to Anna Maria Island. Having always loved beach and island towns, I was immediately taken with the area — the year-round beautiful weather, tropical beaches, clear waters, pedestrian- and bike-friendly streets, and endless nature experiences.
Our engagement and wedding both took place on the beaches of Anna Maria Island, and we continued to visit as often as we could. When the opportunity arose to make a life here, we didn’t hesitate. Today, we live on the island with our children, grateful to be part of this vibrant community and to share this piece of paradise with others.
From the beginning, our vision has been simple: to give our guests an exceptional experience every time they stay with us. By managing a small number of family-friendly Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, we’re able to prioritize quality and personal care for our guests. Our homes are well-maintained, meticulously clean, and thoughtfully stocked with everything we’d want as guests ourselves.
Moving to the island also allowed us to pursue another dream: running our own business. Lizzie Lu’s Island Retreat has been an exciting education, giving us the chance to be hands-on in every aspect of vacation rental management, from construction projects to laundry to landscaping. As our business has grown, we’ve built an incredible team. When you see our staff members at the properties in their gray collared shirts with our logo, feel free to say hello, ask questions, or thank them for their hard work. One of our greatest joys is even getting to include our kids in what we do.
And unlike many accommodation providers on Anna Maria Island, we don’t charge any processing fees, admin fees, linen fees, or other add-on charges, ever. What you see is what you pay.
We also believe deeply in offering a level of comfort that truly feels like home. Our furnishings and linens are the same quality we use in our own homes. In fact, we use the exact same brands and products ourselves. If it isn’t good enough for our family, it isn’t going into our rentals. That’s how we ensure a consistently comfortable, resort-like experience for every guest.
When you contact us, you’re speaking to people who know each property inside and out, from how deep the pools are to how close you’ll be to the beach. And when something needs attention or a guest offers a great idea, we’re able to act on it quickly across all homes.
Providing exceptional service, from your planning stages to your stay on the island, is our highest priority. We’re excited to share Anna Maria Island with you and hope you’ll love it as much as we do!
Yours,
Keren & Ben ten Haaf
Contact Information:
Lizzie Lu’s Island Retreat
P: (941) 782-8152
Mailing Address:
Lizzie Lu’s Island Retreat
6000 Marina Dr
Holmes Beach, FL 34217
