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Where memories bring you back | Private Sauna

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A bedroom with a large window, a wooden bench, and a bed with white linens.
Property video
Rick Stein's restaurant with its illuminated signage and exterior lighting.
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Outdoor dining

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6129 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Sandbanks, England
  • Place, Sandbanks Beach
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Studland Beach and Nature Reserve
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Shell Bay Beach
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Airport, Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.)
    ‪32 min drive‬

Room options

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Where memories bring you back | Private Sauna

Welcome to Villa Sofia!

Nestled in the heart of the renowned Sandbanks Peninsula, Villa Sofia is a beautifully restored 1930s bungalow designed to bring families and friends together. Thoughtfully curated with comfort, relaxation, and memorable experiences in mind, our home offers the perfect balance of coastal charm and modern convenience.

Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely breakfast in the garden, spending the day at the beach, exploring Dorset’s stunning coastline, or unwinding in our private outdoor sauna, Villa Sofia has been created as a true home away from home — a place where memories will keep you coming back.

New for 2026, guests can enjoy our Scandinavian-style outdoor sauna, thoughtfully designed to help you relax and recharge after a day of adventure. Robes, sauna towels, and complimentary sauna oils are provided for those wishing to enjoy this newest addition to the property.

Villa Sofia comfortably accommodates up to six guests across three bedrooms and is particularly well suited to families. We provide many of the thoughtful touches we appreciate when travelling ourselves, including quality linens, fluffy towels, a fully equipped kitchen, family-friendly amenities, an EV charger, and a spacious garden with plenty of room to relax and play.

Sandbanks is one of the UK’s most sought-after coastal destinations, renowned for its award-winning golden beaches, watersports, scenic walks, nature reserves, and excellent restaurants. Whether you’re looking for an active holiday or a peaceful seaside retreat, there is something for every member of the family to enjoy.

For information on local attractions, events, and activities, we recommend visiting Poole Tourism and Visit Dorset.

We look forward to welcoming you to Villa Sofia and helping you create wonderful memories by the sea.
During your stay at this holiday home, you're just a quick walk from Sandbanks Beach. You'll find features such as laundry facilities. Enjoy your stay with amenities like free WiFi and a kitchen in the holiday home.
  • The holiday home offers a kitchen, a washing machine and a fireplace
  • Free WiFi
  • Amenities include laundry facilities and a car charging station
  • On-site recreation includes a sauna and a playground
  • Just a 1-minute drive from Sandbanks Beach and 11 minutes from Poole Harbour
Where memories bring you back | Private Sauna offers its guests a sauna, barbecue grills, and a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Sauna

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 0.5 bathroom
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Cobblestone flooring in public areas
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Single level property
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Limited housekeeping
  • Phone
  • Safe

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the marina

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Bed sheets changed on request
  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Composting
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Electric car charging station
  • Garden
  • Recycling
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Towels (changed on request)
  • Unit size: 1,389 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
If you used the BBQ grill, please dispose of the used coal in the rubbish bin provided so that it’s clean and ready for the next guest.
Please ensure the V.I.K. is hung on the designated hook by the French doors in the kitchen, the two fobs are placed back on top of the microwave, and the main entrance door is securely closed.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

NO visitors in the Villa other than those on the reservation.
NO illegal activity of any kind on the premises.

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, which will enable you to manage your booking.

Property is also known as

The Retreat
...a Stay cation Anyone?
A Stay Cation Is The Vacation
A Stay-cation is the new Vacation! Poole
Limited Bookings Available for Summer 2021
A Stay-cation is the new Vacation! Private vacation home
A Stay-cation is the new Vacation! Private vacation home Poole

Where memories bring you back | Private Sauna Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 28 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 28 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 28 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Victoria M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is in excellent condition, with everything you could possibly need has been provided. The communication from the host was very helpful. The house is in a great location.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Nigel S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location Sandbanks Holiday

Good location Found ample cooking utensils every thing needed for a complete self catering holiday Found 1 bedroom downstairs rather small
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay at this beautiful property. There’s lots of living space, beds are comfortable, very well stocked with anything you need and a beautiful outdoor area. It’s also great for children. Donna is very responsive to any questions/needs.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kim g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely getaway

Had a lovely week at this property, it was exactly as described. It is in a great location and although the weather wasn't brilliant, we found tons to do. Donna was super helpful and we would love to visit the property again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

andrew m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
An amazing property- great location, in immaculate condition, beautifully furnished and really well stocked for a family to self cater. I’d give 6 stars if I could! Attention to detail- from kitchen essentials to board games made it a perfect location
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandra G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Superb stay

Beautifully presented and well equipped property that caters for all needs. Superb location, very close to fantastic beach and harbour with great eateries close by. The host was extremely helpful with good communications. Would definitely rent this property again.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Villa Sofia

This is a fabulous house, super well equipped kitchen, and very spacious. The outside space with a big table and comfortable chairs on the deck, and the pretty garden are a real bonus We absolutely loved our stay !!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Tracey G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Villa Sophia

Fabulous
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandra G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

super stay @ villa Sofia

This was our second time at villa Sofia and we had another fantastic stay. The weather was great so we enjoyed plenty of time on the beach. The location is excellent. The property and garden is beautifully presented and well equipped for all ages. We can’t wait to return, I’m sure we will be back again soon.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous stay!

We have just returned from a truly fantastic break at this beautiful property. Donna couldn't have been a more welcoming and helpful host. The bungalow is modern, bright, very well equipped, with a great garden and super facilities. A real "home from home". It is situated in a perfect location, close to beaches, bars and restaurants. We'll definitely return and couldn't recommend highly enough!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erica S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Sandbanks Holiday

We cannot say enough positive things about this home and our stay there. It was so clean and beautifully decorated and the hosts went out of their way to add so many special touches to make our stay there comfortable and welcoming. It is by far one of the nicest VRBO properties we have stayed at in the US and Europe. Communication was wonderful with the host and the process was very simple and straightforward. We will definitely stay here again the next time we are in England.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alex V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect!

Absolutely amazing accommodation in Sandbanks. We have rented property here many times and this is beyond a doubt the best place we've stayed. Location is perfect, the interiors delightful, everything was spotless, the kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms are so thoughtfully appointed and stocked, the huge garden is great for kids. Donna was incredibly kind and helpful and has really gone above and beyond to create a beautiful home. I felt like I was staying at a friend's house. We would love to return. Many thanks Donna!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janette H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A beautiful home from home

My husband & I enjoyed a week at Villa Sofia with our Mums. It was the perfect location about 5 mins walk from an amazing, beautiful beach & about a 10 minute drive from lovely Poole. The house was perfect & was lacking absolutely nothing, it was lovely & clean & was warm when we needed the central heating after the sun went down. We sat outside in the garden on the decking most afternoons in the sun BLISS! We loved exploring the beautiful surrounding area & trying out all the local ice creams. We would love to come & stay at Villa Sofia again. Thank you so much
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul Laithwaite

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A beautiful bungalow in a lovely location.

A wonderful break in a superb bungalow in Sandbanks. It is an easy walk to the glorious sandy beaches or up to the chain ferry. We were blessed with glorious weather too. We could not fault the cleanliness and high standard throughout, from the tastefully decorated rooms, to the kind and friendly touches, to the swinger in the garden and to the extremely well stocked kitchen. It has a lovely calm, relaxed feel about it and it made our stay special. From a teenager to a 79 year old grandad, it catered to us all! Thank you to Donna and family for a wonderful break and for all the hard work that has gone in to creating such a glorious place to stay. Can not recommend staying here enough.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Helen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful house, fantastic location

We stayed as a family of five in August for just under week and our overall stay was fabulous. Donna was a joy to deal with from start to finish. The house is clean and incredibly well equipped, especially the kitchen. Donna even provides robes, slippers, mini toiletries and beach bags (complete with a set of towels), which gives the property a touch of luxury. The location is ideal for Sandbanks beach (luckily the weather was kind), the Studland chain ferry and many local eateries. The kids loved the swing set and since it kept them busy, so did we! The automatic gate at the front is a welcome addition. We're very keen to return!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great place to make memories of an excellent holiday

We take away with us happy memories of a lovely holiday at Villa Sofia- a great place to relax and unwind. The new owners have gone out of their way toprovid everything you could possibly need for a stress free break. The grand children thought that the outdoor play area was wonderful, and loved the variety of books, toys and games that was provided for them. The host has put a lot of thought into the furnishings and tasteful design of the rooms and into what makes a good holiday base for their guests, The location is perfect, within walking distance of lovely sandy beaches which stretch for niles as well as plenty of other places to visit. There was good communication with the host who went out of her way to make sure all was well with us, Villa Sofia is a place we would recommend for families of all ages and we hope to return to in the future.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ezna S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful and Charming

Donna was amazing and the house was just perfect, even having a decorated Christmas tree prepped for our arrival. Everything in the house is classy yet comfortable, ideal for us and likely perfect for a family with children too. Sizable kitchen and good sized bedrooms and garden ensured that we were comfortable and the dining,/living room had a wonderful fireplace and smart TV - so Christmas was about as perfect as it could be. In the summer this place will be impossible to book no doubt as it happens to also be set in one of the UKs most fashionable areas, Sandbanks. But for us, drawing an awful year to an end, we couldn’t have done it in a better place. Thanks Donna!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Harminder S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A beautiful home with everything you could need!

We booked this property for a long weekend for a family trip. It exceeded our expectations with a lot of thought given to guests. I was especially pleased with the large wardrobe filled with games for children, the book case (for all ages), cosy robes and the great hair dryer and straighteners ! Host was always available when we had a little question too! The garden was great for extra fun for kids (play area) with decking by the kitchen for us to relax whilst keeping an eye on them. If your after a bit of luxury living in a cosy home, just by the beach then Villa Sofia is for you. I’d definitely stay again, Thanks Donna.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristina R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous property in great location!

We had a fantastic family stay for a long weekend. The property is really lovely and so well appointed, Donna has thought of it all. We were very comfortable and had a nice, relaxed visit. The property is well located on Sandbanks with access to the beach, the ferry and shops only a short walk away.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jo Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely holiday home

Lovely house in a great location for exploring Sandbanks and the surrounding area. Everything you could wish for in the house with really helpful communications from the Hosts. Would love to stay again.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic time at Villa Sofia

Location is perfect for the beaches and amenities. The property was fantastic - even better than the listing - kitchen was so well equipped , every room was bright and spotlessly clean. Donna made us feel very welcome and was super efficient in her communication with us. Thank you.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cara W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous Property - very chic and all you need!

As part of our staycation this year we decided to spend a few days on Sandbanks and we’re lucky enough to find the amazing gem that is Villa Sofia. Really cannot speak highly enough of the property & owners. The property is beautifully styled but is comfortable and has literally everything you need for a no worries vacation by the sea. Donna the owner could not have been more helpful & communication is excellent and nothing too much trouble. Book - you won’t regret it and we can’t wait to return!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Celebration staycation

The owners were brilliant - communicated well with us and kept us informed. The house is beautiful so clean and well equipped- we loved it and would definitely stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

stephen h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

PERFECT !! ( apart from the weather !! )

Congratulations to Donna and team for all their hard work in creating a real home from home. So comfortable. The house is beautiful and has every amenity and facility that you could wish for. From luxury coffee to having Jamie Oliver in the kitchen whenever we wanted !!( His book that is !! ) The kids were supplied with every game imaginable and practically every tv app. available. We got onto the fabulous beach a few times which is only a short walk away. If only our UK weather was more stable. Many thanks Donna Look forward to returning Steve.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jenny W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family staycation

We absolutely loved our staycation at Villa Sofia! The property is immaculate and Donna and her family have ensured there are so many personal touches throughout the property and throughout our stay to make sure we have the best holiday. We will definitely return to stay here and also at their impending new villas, as I’m sure they will put the same amount of attention, detail and love into their future properties. Adam, Jenny, Grace, Sienna, Halle and Joshua x
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021