A beach vacation in the Gulf Shores area of Alabama can be a vacation dream come true, especially when you choose the right vacation rental in which to start and end every day in comfort and luxury. We at Poole & Associates have been providing both to travelers for more than a few minutes, and in that time we have learned how to make our properties an integral part of the vacation experience, something that starts with the amenities offered within. And because we want to make sure that your Alabama summer vacation is one that surpasses all others, we have created this guide to what amenities you should look for in your summer rental in the Gulf Shores area and of course, all of the above will be found in our own seasonal sanctuaries.
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Amenities In Our Summer Rentals in the Gulf Shores Area
Summers in the Gulf Shores area are hot and humid, so of course you will want your rental to offer air conditioning, but it’s more than just having the equipment that will make the difference. We’ve all stayed in a vacation rentals where the air conditioner simply can’t stand up to the heat, just barely cooling the property enough so as not to be dangerous or illegal. Proper maintenance is the key, as is knowing when it is time to throw in the towel and invest in a new unit altogether, and when you choose our holiday hideaways, our systems work so well that goosebumps may be an issue when you leave the heat of the outdoors and step back into the air conditioned coolness of our retreats.
Ceiling Fans
The air can be heavy on a particularly hot day in the summer, and although the air conditioning we offer will keep the space cool, a good ceiling fan will circulate the air, adding even more chill to the air. Taking a nap under a ceiling fan on the couch will refresh and at night, it is always going to be so much easier to sleep when you have the soft whir of the fan overhead lulling you into a deep and restful sleep. Ceiling fans can make the difference between ok and just right, and although many designers hate their look, we know how much they will add to your vacation experience, and you will find them in most bedrooms and living rooms.
Wine Refrigerators, Coffee Makers (or Keurigs) and Blenders
Summer beverages are fun beverages and whether you like to start your morning with an iced coffee or smoothie, and end your day with a glass of wine, a frozen margarita, or a cold beer, we’ve got you covered. No self-respecting vacation rental would offer a kitchen without a coffee maker, that is something even hotels provide, but the blenders that are found in many of our retreats are equally important. Raise a frothy margarita in toast to the beauty of a summer sunset, skip the heavy breakfasts at our comfort food restaurants with a smoothy, and live your best hydrated life during your summer getaway to Gulf Shores. Not every property we offer will feature wine refrigerators, but if the one you rent does, you can relax and drink well, knowing that it can chill not just your wine, but your beer, sodas, and bottled water as well.
Televisions and Board Games
The lush Alabama countryside doesn’t happen by magic, it takes rain to get that verdant beauty, and chances are the rain may fall during at least one day or night of your vacation. But you won’t mind because a rainy day or night is the perfect time to pop some popcorn, pour yourself your beverage of choice, and settle in for a night of movie watching on our state of the art televisions. Some will be Smart televisions, allowing you to stream all your favorite services and others will be cable access, connected to DVD players, and providing cabinets of movies for our guests to watch. But on the nights you want to stay unplugged, perhaps teaching your children a life lesson, you may also discover shelves stacked with board games and puzzles, inviting you and your family to rediscover the joys of game night. Rainy days and nights may even end up being your favorite ones as you chill with the family and learn again all the reasons you wouldn’t trade your life for anyone else’s.
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This Way to the Beach
As you can see, we spent the first part of this guide talking about amenities that are inside, which means the next part will tell the story of outside fun, but we think this amenity deserves its own section as it will be enjoyed both inside and out. We are, of course, talking about our beachfront rentals, the properties that combine salt air and serenity and really do become the most important part of your Gulf Shores journey. There are a variety of reasons you may not be able to rent a beachfront escape, and that’s ok, all our properties are close enough to the beach that you will still reap most of the benefits, but if you can, choose the beach, just as it will choose you. Waking up every morning and rushing to the windows to discover what vibe the ocean brings each day, sitting on the balcony and watching the sky turn to fire before the sun drops behind the horizon, and on cooler days, opening the windows, and letting in salt air breezes and the roar of the ocean, and all the peace and tranquility you never knew you needed; these are just some of the benefits of choosing beachfront instead of beach adjacent.
Taking the Good Times Outside
Now it’s time to go outside and play, to explore the summer amenities we know will make your Alabama journey one that is fun, exciting, and entertaining. The sun will shine down on your outdoor adventures (until it rains) and your skin will develop a golden glow that will be the envy of your friends and family who weren’t able to join you on this southern vacation in paradise. So change into your shorts and tees, slip into your flip flops, and pour yourself a tropical drink as you prepare to go on a tour of summer fun in our Poole & Associates exciting backyards and communities. We’ll start with our outdoor condo amenities first.
Community Pool
Yes, you can swim in the sea pretty much anytime you want, but sometimes you just want crystal clear chlorinated water and a short distance away from your blender where pitchers of margaritas are waiting to be sipped. The community pools found in our condo communities are another tool used to combat the summer heat and as you splash with your kids, tan on loungers that surround said pools, or simply sit at pool’s edge, your feet dangling in the cool waters, you will be experiencing one of summer’s most favored activities.
Hot Tubs
Hot tubs aren’t as popular as the pools are in the summer months, but when evening falls, they can help tired and achy muscles heal and add some romance to your vacation adventures. When the sun sets, the nights can really cool down, so that might be when you choose to use the hot tub the most. Or you could keep it in mind for a return trip in the cooler months, savoring the hot and bubbling waters when the temperatures dip into the cooler numbers.
Sports Courts
The family that plays together may squabble a bit, but playing basketball, volleyball, or tennis together will still bring you closer. Again, this is an activity you may want to participate in during the early morning or late evening hours, before and after the temperatures have risen or lowered, but we have seen many of our guests shooting hoops in the middle of the day. People from cooler climates particularly, seem to never get enough of the heat!
Private Pools
When you rent a standalone home, you have another set of amenities that will enhance your vacation experience and although we have already discussed the benefit of community pool, there are some key differences when you choose a home with a private pool. Especially when you learn that a nighttime swim can help lower your core body temperature, leading to a night of peaceful and not sweaty sleep. We’ve been known to leave the pool with teeth chattering, needing to pull out the heavy blankets on the hottest nights of the year, but even if you don’t get cold, there is joy that can be found while floating on your back, staring up into a sky filled with twinkling stars and, if you visit at the right time, the glow of a full moon. If your vacation home is close to the beach, you may even be able to hear the roar of the waves, enhancing the experience and making memories you will never forget.
Barbecues and Patio Tables
The summer barbecue is a uniquely American experience that can be enjoyed in our private homes, as all of them offer either a gas or charcoal grill. Flip burgers, gulp down cold beer, and laugh at the antics of your kids who are splashing in the pool as your favorite Yacht Rock channel plays the music you know all the words. Char up the fish you caught on an earlier fishing trip after cleaning them at the fish cleaning stations that can be found in the backyards of some of our vacation home rentals. And when you don’t want to leave the beauty of your Alabama backyard an al fresco dinner can be enjoyed at the patio tables that are placed in shaded areas, covered patios, or under colorful umbrellas that accompany the tables.
Boat Slips
This is another amenity that may be included in both our condo communities and in our private homes, and the freedom they offer will never let you down. Rent a boat from a local rental place, there are plenty in the area, and keep your boat tied to the slip, ready to use every morning of your stay. Whether you are waterskiing, fishing, or simply zipping around the waters, enjoying the sea spray, the salt air, and perhaps wondering if your retirement plans could include a beach cottage in Gulf Shores and your own boat tied to your private boat dock. Beach life is the best life and who knows? Maybe your beach dreams will come true and you can live in Gulf Shores during every season, not just the summer months!
Outdoor Showers, Tiki Bars, and Screened Patios
Beach houses need outdoor showers and travelers need tiki bars located close to the pool, which are two more amenities you may find in our summer sanctuaries. Keep the sand outside where it belongs while experiencing the luxury of showering under the open sky, and when your shower is complete, fix yourself a drink at the tiki bar. Not all our homes will offer these amenities, if it is important to you, be sure to read the listing carefully to determine if the property you fell in love with has what you want. Screened-in patios can be another amenity you will appreciate, keeping debris and creepy crawlies outside where they belong!
Our Seasonal Sanctuaries Will Bring You Joy Any Time of the Year
The best news of all is that all our summer sanctuaries will bring you joy no matter what time of year you choose to visit. Offering comfort to travelers that have been uncomfortable for too many hours, relaxation to guests who have been too busy to relax for months, and peace to everyone who steps inside, these spaces are all designed to be the best part of your vacation experience. Contact us to reserve your favorite Poole & Associates Gulf Coast escape today and explore which summer amenities are your favorite!
