Luxury, breathtaking views, and unforgettable memories—that’s exactly what guests are discovering at Nauti by Nature, the newest addition to the LJ Vacation Rentals Collection.
Located on the only inhabited island at Lake of the Ozarks, this beautifully designed lakefront retreat combines upscale nautical décor with panoramic main channel views to create a one-of-a-kind vacation experience. Whether you’re relaxing on the spacious screened patio, enjoying the designer-inspired interiors, or heading out on the lake, every detail was thoughtfully selected to help you unwind in style.
Guests love:
Stunning main channel lake views
Designer coastal-inspired interiors with upscale finishes
A spacious screened patio perfect for morning coffee or evening cocktails
Elevator access with no stairs to the condo
Resort-style lakeside pool and splash playground
An optional premium boat slip for your stay
A convenient location just minutes from Bagnell Dam, waterfront dining, and many of the lake’s most popular attractions
We’re especially excited that our very first guests left a 5-star review, confirming what we hoped from the beginning—that Nauti by Nature delivers an exceptional Lake of the Ozarks getaway.
If you’re looking for a vacation that combines luxury accommodations with spectacular lake views and easy access to everything Lake of the Ozarks has to offer, Nauti by Nature is ready to welcome you.
Browse the photos, check availability, and experience why guests are already giving this island retreat a raving review.
A warm cottage bedroom with a welcoming note and refreshments on the bedside table.
At LJ Vacation Rentals, we believe successful short-term rental management is about far more than simply listing a property online and waiting for bookings.
Recently, one of our luxury one-bedroom lakefront condos experienced a major turnaround after joining the LJ Vacation Rentals Collection. Compared to the previous year under different management, the property saw:
A 42% increase in May revenue
Occupancy rise from 71% to over 90%
June bookings increase by more than 60% year-over-year
June occupancy nearly double compared to the same time last year
The difference wasn’t luck — it was strategy, consistency, and attention to detail.
Large management companies often oversee hundreds of properties at once. Listings are uploaded, automated, and rarely revisited. At LJ Vacation Rentals, we take a much more hands-on approach.
We continually adjust pricing strategies, refresh listing content, improve presentation, monitor market trends, and personally check properties to ensure they are staged and guest-ready. In today’s competitive STR market, listings cannot stay stagnant.
Sometimes the smallest details make the biggest impact — updated decor, improved staging, refreshed patios, better photography, or simply ensuring the property consistently delivers a true 5-star experience.
One of our owners recently shared this after making the switch to LJ Vacation Rentals:
“Dana and Bruce have been outstanding to work with. After struggling with multiple property managers, finding them completely changed the direction of my luxury lakefront condo at Lake of the Ozarks. Their communication, pricing strategy, guest service, and attention to detail are second to none. They helped take my condo into the top 5% on Airbnb listings, and the bookings and guest feedback have improved dramatically. Dana also has an incredible eye for design and presentation, which really helped my property stand out in a very competitive market. I highly recommend LJ Vacation Rentals to any owner looking for professional short-term rental management at the lake.”
We intentionally keep our portfolio selective enough to give every property the attention it deserves. Your property is never treated like just another listing — because your success matters to us.
In a market where many companies focus on quantity, we focus on performance, presentation, and guest experience.
Boutique by design. Hands-on by choice. Results-driven by experience.
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer at the lake, and we are so thankful for every guest choosing to spend their holiday getaway with LJ Vacation Rentals, it means a lot to us. 🇺🇸
As a smaller boutique-style vacation rental company, we truly love adding thoughtful touches that make a stay feel a little more personal. This weekend, each home was prepared with fresh flowers in small vases, holiday cookies, and red, white & blue treats waiting for our guests upon arrival.
For us, hospitality has always been about more than just providing a place to stay. It’s about creating an experience that feels warm, welcoming, and memorable from the moment guests walk through the door.
Wishing everyone a safe, relaxing, and meaningful Memorial Day weekend as we remember and honor those who served our country. ❤️🤍💙
Crowds gather at the popular Dog Days Boat Show on Lake of the Ozarks.
Spring and early summer are some of the best times to visit the Lake of the Ozarks. The weather is warming up, the lake is coming alive, and the calendar is packed with exciting events on and off the water.
Whether you’re a boating enthusiast, a poker-run pro, or just looking for a fun weekend getaway, here are the top events happening over the next few months.
🚤 Spring In-Water Boat Show (April 17–19)
📍 Location: 21MM at Dog Days Bar & Grill
Kick off the boating season at the annual Spring In-Water Boat Show! This exciting event showcases a wide variety of boats, including runabouts and personal watercraft, all displayed right on the water.
It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the latest models, connect with local dealers, and get inspired for your time on the lake. Even if you’re not buying, the energy and atmosphere make it a fun weekend outing.
♠️ Spring Harbor Hop (May 2)
📍 40+ waterfront locations around the lake
The Spring Harbor Hop is one of the most popular and interactive events at the lake—and anyone can participate!
Start by registering at any Harbor Hop checkpoint and make an optional $20 donation per poker hand. From there, travel by boat or car to different checkpoints to collect cards and build your best seven-card poker hand for a chance to win prizes.
This event is all about enjoying the lake, visiting waterfront spots, and having fun along the way.
🏁 XINSURANCE Offshore Race (June 12–14)
📍 Near Bagnell Dam (0–3 MM), close to Neon Taco 🕗 Daily racing from 8 AM – 5 PM
Get ready for high-speed excitement at the XINSURANCE Offshore Race! This thrilling event features professional powerboat teams racing along the Bagnell Dam Strip.
With boats flying across the water and crowds gathering to watch the action, this is one of the most exciting events of the season. Whether you’re viewing from the water or from shore, it’s an unforgettable experience.
🌅 Plan Your Spring Getaway
Spring is the perfect time to enjoy everything the lake has to offer—before the peak summer crowds arrive. From laid-back events to high-energy races, there’s something for everyone.
👉 Ready to plan your stay? Browse our properties and book direct at LJVacationRentals.com
✨ Pro Tip: These event weekends book quickly—secure your stay early!
From Monday through Wednesday, we’re expecting warm, sunny weather — the kind that makes you want to sit on the deck, soak up lake views, and pretend summer is already here. It could be a great last minute romantic getaway!
It’s the best of both worlds: • Summer-like weather • Winter-like pricing • Quiet lake vibes
If you’ve been thinking about a quick escape, now is the time to grab it before spring and summer rates kick in. LJVacationRentals.com
For more than 20 years, my career was rooted in real estate—but on a very different side of the transaction. As a real estate closer, I spent decades helping buyers, sellers, and agents reach the finish line. It was a career built on precision, trust, and relationships, and I’m truly grateful for the years I spent in that role.
As this year came to a close, I officially closed that door—and opened another.
I’m now putting my full-time focus into LJ Vacation Rentals, a short-term rental management company that has grown from a passion project into a trusted brand serving Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri and Colorado Springs, Colorado.
What started with a single property and a desire to do things differently—clear communication, thoughtful design, and exceptional guest care—has grown into something I’m incredibly proud of. Last year alone, we hosted 365 reservations and received nothing but five-star reviews throughout the entire year across major booking platforms. That level of consistency doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of hands-on management, attention to detail, and strong partnerships.
At LJ Vacation Rentals, we intentionally partner with owners who truly care about their homes and want to go above and beyond for their guests. Together, we focus on creating welcoming, well-appointed spaces that feel less like a rental and more like a getaway—where details matter and guest experience always comes first.
The biggest news of all? At the end of January, I’ll officially be calling Lake of the Ozarks home.
As soon as we arrive, we’ll be onboarding three new beautiful properties, allowing us to start the season with ten professionally managed vacation rentals. Being local means I can be even more hands-on, responsive, and connected to both our owners and our guests.
This next chapter is an exciting one, and I’m grateful for everyone—guests, owners, and partners—who has helped LJ Vacation Rentals grow into what it is today. I look forward to continuing to raise the bar for short-term rentals and creating memorable stays at the lake and beyond.
From our lake homes at Lake of the Ozarks to our cabin stays in Colorado Springs, we want to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season.
We are incredibly grateful for our wonderful guests, owners, partners, and local communities in both destinations. Thank you for trusting LJ Vacation Rentals to be a part of your vacations, celebrations, and memory-making moments-weather by the lake or near the mountains.
May your holidays be cozy, peaceful, and filled with cheer. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year!
A new lake escape is joining the LJ Vacation Rentals collection—The Royal View at Monarch Cove (MM2). Beautifully updated, 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath thoughtfully designed, and perfectly positioned to take in the lake views that make this location so special. ✨ Booking details coming soon!
The holiday season at Lake of the Ozarks brings a peaceful, magical charm that surprises many winter visitors. The summer crowds are gone, the coves are calm, and the Lake transforms into a serene backdrop perfect for slowing down, reconnecting, and enjoying the beauty of the season.
At LJ Vacation Rentals, we love helping guests discover this quieter side of the Lake. Whether you’re planning a couples’ escape, a family holiday visit, or a simple winter reset, here’s your guide to making the most of a Lake of the Ozarks holiday getaway.
✨ Why Visit the Lake During the Holidays?
Peaceful Winter Views
Calm water, crisp air, and soft winter landscapes make the Lake especially beautiful this time of year.
Boutique, Comfortable Stays
Our rentals offer welcoming décor, stocked kitchens, thoughtful amenities, and beautiful lake views — perfect for a cozy winter retreat.
Lowest Nightly Rates of the Year
Holiday-season stays fall in the off-season, meaning you’ll enjoy the best pricing of the entire year while still enjoying lakefront comfort.
A Relaxed Pace
Dining, exploring, and enjoying local activities feels easy and unhurried.
🎁 Holiday Activities & Events (Confirmed for This Season)
❄️ Enchanted Village of Lights – Laurie, MO
A large drive-through light display running nightly from mid-November through early January.
✨ St. Patrick’s Festival of Lights – Laurie, MO
A peaceful walk-through display on the Shrine grounds, open throughout the holiday season.
🌟 Unity of Lights – Versailles, MO
A charming drive-through park filled with festive community light displays.
🎄 Christmas on the Lake Celebration Cruise
A holiday-themed lake cruise featuring shoreline lights and festive music — a unique winter experience on the water.
🛍️ Holiday Shopping Around the Lake
🎁 Blair’s Landing
A beautifully curated boutique offering apparel, décor, and lake-inspired gifts.
🎁 Stonecrest Book & Toy
A great stop for books, toys, puzzles, and unique children’s gifts.
🎁 Wobbly Boots & Shorty Pants Retail Shops
Fun lake-life apparel and accessories.
🎁 Dogwood Hills Artisan Shops
Handmade gifts, Missouri-made products, and local artisan creations.
🔥 Cozy Up With LJ Vacation Rentals
During the holidays, guests enjoy:
Fireplaces in most rentals
Fully stocked kitchens for winter meals
Thoughtful amenities and boutique-style touches
Complimentary toiletries
High-speed WiFi
Peaceful lake views perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation
Friendly, responsive communication throughout your stay
We make sure your winter getaway feels warm, welcoming, and effortless.
🧣 Tips for a Perfect Holiday Stay
Book early for Christmas and New Year’s, as winter weekends fill quickly.
Pack layers, as Missouri winter temperatures can change fast.
Consider a holiday experience gift — a stay at the Lake makes a meaningful surprise.
✨ Make Your Holidays Memorable at the Lake
A winter getaway at the Lake offers something special — quiet mornings, festive lights, cozy evenings, and the chance to slow down and truly unwind. It’s peaceful, refreshing, and full of the kind of moments that make the season meaningful.
We’d be honored to host your holiday stay. Explore all rentals and book directly at LJVacationRentals.com.
Why Booking Direct Saves You Money and puts money back in your piggy bank!
If you’ve ever booked a vacation rental through Airbnb or VRBO, you’re not alone—they’ve made travel planning incredibly convenient. But here’s something most travelers don’t realize: those platforms charge you extra. In fact, by booking through them, you’re often paying 15–20% more than you need to.
At LJ Vacation Rentals, we offer the same high-quality stays you’ll find on Airbnb or VRBO—but when you book directly through our website, you skip the third-party fees and put those savings right back in your pocket.
Why Does Booking Direct Cost Less?
Airbnb and VRBO charge guest service fees, which can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars—on top of the nightly rate and cleaning fee. When you book through our website, those fees don’t exist. You pay only for your stay, and you still receive the same personal care, high standards, and responsive communication that make our rentals top-rated.
Tip: How to Find a Host’s Direct Booking Site
If you’re browsing Airbnb or VRBO and love a property, check the listing description. Many hosts (including us) include the company name, in the property description, like “LJ Vacation Rentals”, Google it. With a little effort, you might find their direct booking site and save a significant amount of money.
However, please note: we will never communicate through Airbnb or VRBO about our direct booking website—this is highly discouraged by those platforms, and rightly so. We respect and appreciate Airbnb and VRBO—they provide incredible exposure and support for both travelers and hosts. If you feel more comfortable booking through them, we completely encourage you to do so. This is simply an opportunity to save some money if you’re open to it.
Bottom Line
Booking direct with LJ Vacation Rentals means:
You save 15–20% instantly.
You deal directly with your host, not a call center.
You enjoy the same incredible homes, curated for comfort, style, and location.
You support a small business committed to personalized guest experiences.
Next time you’re planning a trip to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri or beautiful Colorado Springs, Colorado, booking direct could mean more in your pocket—and the same 5-star stay, 7-star experience you’ve come to expect.
LJ VACATION RENTALS 