A Hidden Gem Among Clear Lake Vacation Houses

Smiling Otter Retreat

Book here to Get Your 25% discount

Featured as one of the top 10 properties in “Only in Your State” online magazine for Northern California! Discover year-round enjoyment at this stunning lakefront luxury home, thoughtfully designed for relaxation and adventure. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths - including 2 spacious master suites - and exceptional amenities: a private dock and pier, sparkling pool and spa, gourmet kitchen, game room, fire pit, grill area, outdoor shower, and indoor Sonos surround sound system. Perfect for fishing, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, hiking, wine tasting, and bird watching.

Sleep 12-15

Swimming Pool

Hot Tub

Game Room

Pet Friendly

BBQ Grill

Sound System

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Your Private Lakeside Retreat

Smiling Otter Retreat offers a rare blend of seclusion and convenience, where nature meets luxury. Wake up to breathtaking panoramic views of Mt Konocti towering over the largest freshwater lake in California, watch the wildlife, and enjoy spectacular sunsets from anywhere on the property.

Surrounded by wineries, scenic trails, and top-tier fishing spots, this retreat is perfect for relaxation and adventure alike. Whether you’re exploring the water or savoring local flavors, every moment here feels special. Read more about our amenities

Enjoy Plethora of Amenities

Full Size Preview of a Smiling Otter Retreat Amenity

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We have a family of 10 and it was perfect for us. Children had a room of their own and lots of toys and games for their entertainment. The bedrooms and bathrooms had everything we needed with respect to storage and amenities. The dining room table sat all ten of us comfortably. The game room was fun for everyone.

Chien

I've been to many Airbnb's, and this Airbnb has been the best experience I've ever had. Not only was the house pristine and amazing, filled with amenities and activities for all weathers and occasions, Maria was also the most responsive, friendly, and generous host I've ever seen on this app. 11/10 overall, 100% will be returning in the summer!

Karlene J.

You truly do not need to bring anything beyond clothing and groceries. The beautiful house and grounds are tranquil and the owner, Maria, was very responsive and pleasant to communicate with. We would definitely choose this Clearlake vacation rental again.

Tara

The home was beautiful, spacious, comfortable and very well stocked for our group of 9, including 4 small children who absolutely loved the plethora of toys and kid-friendly furnishings.

Carolyn

We cooked dinner in a very well stocked gourmet kitchen. Enjoyed swimming in the lake during the day and soaked in the hot tub at night. Our favorite time was to hang out on the dock and cuddle in the hammock while stargazing at the night sky. Unforgettable experience!!!

Rosemarie C.

To say we were blown away is an understatement. We saw this listing on VRBO & loved the presentation of this property. When we arrived, it was as we expected and more. The views are spectacular and when sitting on the deck, it feels as though you are over the water

Unforgettable Experiences

Water activities

Beautiful Nature

Wineries

Wild Animals

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How can I see which dates and prices are available?

Prices vary depending on the seasons and Holidays. Please click on Airbnb button and check out the calendar and prices on there. You might have to pretend to book to see the prices and they still might bundle things together. PLEASE DON’T BOOK OR MESSAGE HOST THERE IF YOU WANT TO BYPASS THEIR FEES. It is always better to come back here and message Maria to get an exact quote.

How do I book?

Please send an inquiry to Maria here on Smilingotterretreat.com, text or call 916-960-9042 to book directly and save money or book on Airbnb/VRBO for a higher price.

Can I bring pets?

Pets are allowed (up to 4) with a non refundable $200 fee (due to extra cleaning). Any damage done by pets will be covered by the security deposit. No pets swimming in the pool or bathing in the indoor bathrooms. Please use the lake for pet swimming and outdoor shower for rinsing if needed. “Clean up towels” are designated for pets.

What is a security deposit?

Sometimes damages happen unexpectedly. Refundable security deposit is required during booking.

What does the cleaning fee cover?

The cleaning fee goes directly to the cleaners and it covers a one time cleaning of the whole house, outside areas, pool and spa after your departure. There’s no daily made service included in the reservation.

Can I bring more guests than 12?

3 additional guests (up to 15 total) are allowed with a fee of $50 per person per night (so, if there are 3 extra guests, it would be $150 extra a night).

Is smoking allowed?

Indoor smoking is prohibited. Smoking outside is allowed anywhere on the property as long as smoke doesn’t enter the house.

Can I have an event/celebration at the property with more than 15 people?

Events with more than 15 guests are not allowed at this property. There are larger properties on the lake that allow 20-25 guests.

How to operate the spa and other appliances?

Please review the House Manual located in the foyer on the blue table. It has a lot of useful information about the house.

Are there mosquitoes?

There are no mosquitoes, but, in the Spring/early Summer, lake bugs arrive. They resemble large mosquitos, but, don’t bite😄.

Is there algae near the property?

When the weather warms up, it is not uncommon to see green algae floating by the house. It is safe to swim around with and it dissipates quickly when the wind picks up.

Is the pool heated?

The pool is not heated and gets warm enough to swim June to the end of September. The lake is warm for those months also.

What food is provided?

Coffee beans, grounds and pods, a selection of teas, creamers, sugar packets, starter amounts of Olive and Vegetable Oil, salt and pepper. The selection of spices is ever changing since the guests use and bring different spices each time. Please plan on bringing your own groceries.

What condiments are provided?

Hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, body soap (liquid and bar), toilet paper, 1-2 rolls of paper towels, napkins, dishwasher pods, dish soap,washing machine soap and softener, bath and pool towels. Please use “clean up towels” to clean up spills or to dry off pets.