The owners of Runaway Bay are super accommodating! We booked our stay through a travel website that mistakenly allowed us to reserve a room even though Runaway Bay was actually closed (and had been for a prolonged amount of time) and had never received our payment. One of the owners came as soon as he could to set up our room even though it was his day off. We were super grateful for that - many other hotels would never let someone stay in a room if they were closed and had received no payment. The owners are currently working with the travel site we used to figure everything out. As for our stay, Runaway Bay feels so much more comfortable and personable than a formal hotel. In the best way possible, it felt like a close friend's house. The lake was beautiful and stargazing at night was so refreshing. If you reserve a tent, keep in mind that you will be glamping. There's other reviews complaining about bugs, but honestly that's unfair. If you're uncomfortable with bugs and camping in the Florida heat, right in front of a lake, it's probably best to not reserve a tent. The indoor units looked very nice, and would be worth the extra money if bugs and hot weather make you uncomfortable. Also, the majority of the bugs are seasonal and don't bite, but unfortunately are unavoidable in the summer. All in all, Runaway Bay was amazing. If you're looking to rejuvenate yourself in nature with a gorgeous lakeside view and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, this place is for you!

I was blessed to come across this place last minute. Kennedy was understanding of my special needs, accommodating, gracious, kind... "That sounds good. Enjoy a sunset paddle and chill and relax. You are in a safe space and you are welcome to make yourself at home. I am looking forward to meeting you." He texted me, unaware of how great my need was... Aaron greeted me with like kindness, helping me carry my heavy box and cooler of food/drink, to place in commune fridge/freezer, showed me around and lmk if there was anything I needed, just ask...his beautiful wife was just as gracious, offering me fajitas she'd prepared earlier... This rustic, nature focused, peacefilled, place is everything an unquiet mind, restless heart, and weary body, needed, soothing my soul. Welcome indeed. I only wish I could have stayed longer. Until next time, hopefully this fall or winter...until then richest blessings to you and yours... In gratitute. ☮️ Thank you. 💜🌊🧜‍♀️🌈🕊 Renée Michelle

We had a blast! The suite was as pictured and super clean. We were running late for check in, but the hosts were super kind and flexible. You can purchase dinner from them, which is made in front of you and was absolutely delicious! Very fun, relaxing and getaway from the everyday hustle and bustle.

My fiance and I stayed here for the weekend, in the water front yurt, for our anniversary. We usually do primitive camping, so this was the first time glamping for us. It was a much needed break. We absolutely loved it here! Such amazing views, quiet and amazing energy. They had everything we needed, all we had to bring was our clothes and some food. We loved the rustic boho look and feel. The outdoor shower was awesome. And loved going out on the kayaks with our morning coffee. It truly felt like home. Kennedy and Christine were the most welcoming and warm host we've ever met. And they made an amazing homemade and fresh chicken jerk dinner for us, right from the salad to the desert. Such an amazing place to get away from it all and recharge your soul.

The location is absolutely beautiful! My friends and I had a wonderful time at the resort enjoying the gorgeous views and cozy accommodations. As a bonus, the owners are incredibly kind and willing to help improve the experience whenever possible. I highly recommend a stay here!

We just got back from a week stay and it was amazing. Everything about it was perfect. I haven’t felt more relaxed in a long time. I loved the tiki and everything that was provided in there. There was a dock which was a perfect spot to do some fishing. Enjoyed the hot tub! The outdoor shower was definitely a nice touch to it as well. It really did feel like vacation. The owners are really friendly as well. We felt very welcomed when we arrived. I want to thank them for making this place happen. I was pretty bummed out when we left, but just like everything, all good things have to come to an end. Highly, highly recommend this place!

Runaway Bay is a rejuvenating oasis tucked away in the Ocala National forest. The serene views and atmosphere were out of this world. Each centimeter it seems has a personal touch and lots of love put in. The hot tub overlooking the water was our favorite part in our short stay, though we feel there's so much to explore when the weather is nicer! Kennedy was an amazing and responsive host and our cabin was so cozy and had everything we needed ❤️ We will definitely be back!!

Totally dissatisfied, from the beginning the communication with the owner was limited, at first he said that he would come to see us in the evening and he never came, after I called him to ask him a couple of things he told me that he would call me back , he never called me back and then texted me saying he was busy at an event that would be out at 9:30pm. The place is totally different from what is shown in the photos of him that he offers, very dusty, refrigerator in terrible condition, horrible smell, wet and too dirty pool table, we did not even want to sit on the chairs or coachs. The tent where we slept full of humidity and mosquitoes, the AC does not work properly, the "Kitchen" in a terrible state, we did not even cook there, the Jacuzzi that offers dirty, yellow and dirty water. We had 2 nights rented to which I told him that I would be leaving the next morning (we only stayed 1 night) we had a dinner the next day and I called him to ask him to please cancel it since we were leaving the next morning and He said that there is no problem that he will cancel it without any charge since we were staying only 1 night and we had already paid for the two nights. Today we received an email where he is asking me to pay for dinner, a dinner that was never made is outrageous to me. We have some photos that we took that I am going to share with you (real photos) I am not saying that you should not stay there, I am only very dissatisfied with the treatment we received, since we are clients and we were not treated as such.

This location really is a hidden gem. My family has come here twice now and we are planning right now for the next visit. The sunsets here are absolutely amazing. We had the Jamaican jerk chicken cooked by Kennedy and the food was so good. Sitting outside listening to the water and fish jumping makes for a relaxing atmosphere. Excellent vibes and amazing company can be expected at this place I call paradise.

This is an amazing little space. Kennedy is an amazing host and very accommodating, lots of adventures to do and see here. Quiet and peaceful, great place to get away from it all