Holmes Beach resort reopens for displaced residents, contractors

A resort in Holmes Beach has reopened, specifically for displaced residents and contractors. Waterline Villas & Marina was closed following hurricanes Helene and Milton due to Anna Maria Island being closed. This week, officials say the hotel is open for residents who lost their homes and workers who need a place to stay in the area.

Two-bedroom villas are available, each with a full kitchen, washer and dryer. Displaced residents and contractors can rent one of the 1,200-square-foot suites for $349 a night. 

The Chateau Anna Maria, the restaurant at the resort, is open with a limited menu from noon to 8 p.m. daily except Monday. The pool, fitness center and marina remain temporarily closed, and the lobby is currently undergoing renovations.

Hotel officials expect to reopen to visitors in general once the Holmes Beach moratorium on vacation rentals is lifted on Nov. 16. The city implemented the moratorium in October after Hurricane Helene delivered 6 feet of storm surge that created dangerous conditions requiring extensive recovery efforts. Exceptions to the vacation rental moratorium are made for displaced residents and construction workers.

Waterline Villas & Marina is owned by Tampa-based Mainsail Lodging & Development. Three of its other hotels on Anna Maria Island – Mello on the Beach, Luum at the Shore and Mainsail Beach Inn – remain closed temporarily. 

For room reservations at Waterline Villas & Marina, people can call 844-863-9443 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekends, as online reservations are not currently available. The resort is at 5325 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.