Captivating Captiva through the lens of South Seas Island Resort

South Seas Island Resort is a 330-acre destination beach resort located directly on the Gulf of Mexico on Captiva Island. Originally a Key Lime Plantation, South Seas opened to guests in 1946 as a fishing resort. Today, the resort is designed to take advantage of the natural landscape, offering a destination rich in beauty and recreation.

With 2.5 miles of exclusive white-sand beaches renowned for its world-class shelling, South Seas is the perfect getaway for friends, family or romance. Boutique shopping, on-site waterfront dining options, beachfront golf, tennis, an extensive activity calendar, yoga classes, jogging trails, nature tours, children’s programs, wildlife encounters, water sports, and new creative offerings make South Seas a playground for all ages.

Day One

12 pm Arrival – check-in

Lunch at Latitudes Food Shack

Beach Chair & Umbrella set-up

3 pm Kayak

6 pm Dinner at The Pointe on the Patio

Day Two

Breakfast

·       Captiva Provision Company, Starbucks and Ship’s Store

4 pm Captiva Cruises Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise aboard the Lady Chadwick

7:15 pm Dinner at Harborside Bar & Grill for three people on the patio

Day Three

Breakfast

·       Captiva Provision Company, Starbucks and Ship’s Store

Check-out 11 am

South Seas Island Resort

Destination           

South Seas Island Resort is located west of Fort Myers in Southwest Florida. Captiva, the island on which the resort is located, and its sister island, Sanibel, are known to boast some of the most pristine stretches of natural sand, offering more than 250 types of seashells, 230 species of birds, more than 20 miles of bike paths and renowned fishing experiences. The resort is ideally located just a short drive from area attractions including J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Lighthouse Beach and the spring training facilities of the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins. In addition, the resort is half a mile from downtown Captiva with its shops and restaurants, including Bubble Room and Mucky Duck.

Accommodations        

South Seas Island Resort offers a total of 434 guestrooms, villas and waterfront private homes.

Harbourside Guestrooms are conveniently located in North Pointe Village overlooking Pine Island Sound and the Yacht Harbour. The 475 sq. ft. guestrooms feature a private balcony with a marina or Pine Island Sound view, bathroom with a large soaking tub, flat screen TV, refrigerator, ironing set, coffeemaker and hair dryer. Suites are also available with 750 square feet, king bed and sitting area with sleeper sofa.

The Water View Harbourside Hotel Guestrooms are refreshed with a more open floor plan, each of the 30 waterfront hotel rooms features gorgeous linen fabrics complimented by a drift wood color palette with accents in various shades of blues while bathed in a crisp, yet calming white. The soft washed atmosphere with pops of natural elements make the reimagined guestrooms provide a next level, club-like feel that is welcoming and comfortable.

Spacious Villas from 850 sq. ft. to approximately 3,400 sq. ft. provide the perfect home away from home. Ideal for longer stays with one- to three-bedroom options, large living rooms, full kitchens and private screened balconies, condos are available adjacent to the tennis complex, bayside, beach and marina. All feature a full kitchen with dishwasher, oven/range, full-size refrigerator, coffeemaker, in-room safe and Wi-Fi access.

Private Homes and Specialty Cottage Rentals, called Homes of Distinction, are the finest accommodations within the resort village and range from two- to six-bedroom options for a more secluded getaway. All private homes and specialty condo rentals come complete with a full kitchen, deck/screened balcony (varies), daily housekeeping service, in-room safe, daily replenished coffee supply, a DVD player, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, Wi-Fi, and washer and dryer access. Some also feature private pools.

Dining                   

The Pointe is located poolside in the Resort Pool Complex on the north end of the resort. Offering a selection of sandwiches, salads, burgers and vegetarian-friendly options, menu highlights include Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Ahi Poke Bowls, Fish Tacos with Grilled Mahi and Grouper. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Exact hours fluctuate based on season.

Harborside Bar & Grill has just revamped the culinary experience to embody fresh, seafood-centric cuisine that is expanded with a variety of steaks, chops and pasta, the new bar is now opened later in the evening with artisan cocktails and a robust wine, bottle beer and spirits menu.

With a new, inviting bar space and atmosphere, Harborside Bar presents expertly crafted, fresh cocktails and a robust wine, bottle beer and spirits menu while extending evening hours until 11:30 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. Using the freshest product, all artisan cocktails are made on-the-spot while mixers are hand-pressed and then blended and sprits are infused in-house. With a substantial bar bites menu available at 4 p.m., the new Harborside Bar is rolling out a late-night happy hour 9-11:30 p.m.

Crooked Snook Tiki Bar, a full-service bar facing Pine Island Sound and adjacent to two of the three pools within the Resort Pool Complex. The bar serves tropical drinks, frozen specialties, beer and more. Exact hours fluctuate based on season.

Scoops & Slices is a 1950’s themed diner at North Pointe Village serving a wide-selection of ice cream, pizza, and fat-free, gluten-free frozen yogurt. A floor-to-ceiling candy wall highlights the diner. Exact hours fluctuate based on season.

Attitudes Beach Bar & Latitudes Food Shack offers delicious Mexican-inspired, casual fare and inviting beach cocktails with live music. The selection of tacos and margaritas are the perfect accompaniment to unmatched sunsets over the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Guests look forward to the festive Sunset Celebration on Sunset Beach every night, weather permitting.

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grill, an iconic Southwest Florida restaurant, brings Caribbean- inspired specialties to South Seas such as a Lime Panko Crusted Fish Sandwich and famous Mojito. Open daily from 11 a.m. to close.

Captiva Provision Company, located at Chadwick’s Square, is a gourmet market and deli for fresh fruit, salads, souvenirs, and over 150 wines and spirits. Curbside pickup is available.

The only Starbucks location on Captiva and Sanibel, Starbucks at Chadwick’s Square features delicious fresh brewed coffee, blended drinks, pastries and other café favorites.

Ships Store, conveniently located at the corner of the Yacht Harbour and Marina, North Pointe, offers souvenirs, boating supplies, fishing equipment, snacks, and fresh-made Boar’s Head deli sandwiches.

Pools                   

The resort features 20 pools in total, including three main pools and the H2WHOA! Waterslides at the Resort Pool Complex. Private cabanas are available for a little added pampering. Each cabana is furnished, complete with flat-screen TV, refrigerator stocked with drinks and a snack basket filled with treats. Pool servers are also making their rounds for guests to place orders. Each of the villas has a community pool for guests to enjoy. 

Shelling                

2.5 miles of beach are world-renowned for shelling. Both novice and serious collectors find the warm gulf waters and white sandy beaches bearing an incredible 250 species of shells. Spot shell-seekers doing the “Sanibel Stoop” or “Captiva Crouch” as they search for the perfect shell.

Marina                 

The full-service Yacht Harbour and Marina is located at the resort’s North Pointe, and features 2,400 feet of alongside berthing for yachts up to 120 feet. Dockage is available for boats 25” and under at the Bayside Marina, South Village. Also found at the Bayside Marina is Best Boats Club & Rentals, where guests can rent deck boats, pontoon boats, and even center console boats – great for fishing.

Cruises & Tours     

South Seas offers guided kayak tours, boat charters for back-bay fishing, guided waverunner island tours and banana boat rides. Guests can also step aboard a Captiva Cruises vessel for an island shelling cruise, dolphin watch & wildlife adventure cruise, sailing cruise, group boat tour, private charter or romantic sunset cruise.

Sailing                  

Guests may learn to sail year-round at South Seas in the Gulf of Mexico with Colgate Offshore Sailing School, Americas No. 1 Sailing School, certified by US Sailing. Guests can enjoy a two-hour clinic, or 3, 5, or 7-day sailing class. Corporate teams may also challenge each other to a special regatta competition. Kids and teens learn to sale free with family packages.

Fishing                  

Resort guests are welcome to fish from the beach or T-dock. Bait can be purchased from the Harbormaster’s office in the Yacht Harbour and Marina, Sunny Island Adventures, or Ships Store. Equipment rentals are also available at Sunny Island Watersports. South Seas’ Go! FISH is a catch and release program taught by resident fishing experts at the T-Dock, where participants are nearly guaranteed to catch one of the many types of fish found around the resort village such as snook, redfish, tarpon and a variety of other species. Fishing charters are also available for a half or full day from both marinas.

Water Sports        

Endless fun on the water includes waverunners, sailing, parasailing, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding with Sunny Island Adventures. Located at the T-Dock and adjacent to King’s Crown Lawn at the North Pointe and at the entrance of the resort. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kids Programs      

Sanibel Sea School, a non-profit organization, offers experiential sea-based education programs and exploration of Captiva Island. Children discover marine conservation with newly kids, tweens and teens programs including Guided Birdwatching and Discover Shelling. Registration required in advance.

Offerings grab and go crafts, camp in the box, outdoor games, and Go! Fish program, South Seas Island Resort also posts events to the calendar monthly showcasing the daily resort activities. 

Tennis                   

The Blackwood Tennis Academy features services and instruction for individuals and groups of all levels on 11 courts, for day and evening play. Its amenities include a tennis concierge service, private instruction by certified professionals, daily clinics, and group tennis functions.

Guests may reserve Pickleball courts 7 days a week 11am or later. Certified Pros will offer a variety of clinics for those looking to perfect their game or for those looking to learn more of the sport while private lessons are also available. Paddles and Balls will be available for rent to guests.

There are 10 brand new pickle ball courts. These are blended line courts meaning the lines are on existing Hard Surface tennis courts. When a reservation is made for pickle ball or a clinic, a pickle ball net is set up and half the tennis court is turned into a pickle ball court.

Golf                     

Beachfront golf along the Gulf of Mexico is the resort’s 9-hole, par-27 executive course – The Captiva Course – designed by Chip Powell. Ranked as one of the “Top Five Short Courses” in the world, views of the Gulf, soft sandy shores, and swaying palms from every hole make this course a truly spectacular setting. It’s a particular challenge to the short game, and players of all skill levels and abilities are welcome.

Golf cart and golf club rentals are available to guests. Tee times reservations are highly recommended and can be made through the pro shop. Tee times are from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 7 days a week.

Spa                       

Kay Casperson Spa & Lifestyle Boutique is a full-service spa and salon space along with a wide selection of apparel and accessories. Offerings include facials & scrubs, individual & couples’ massages, manicures & pedicures, cosmetic consultations, hair cut, color & styling, waxing & tinting, youth & teen services, bridal & special event styling and special parties for groups.

Fitness

The fully-equipped, waterfront fitness center is newly constructed with over 30 different kinds of state-of-the-art exercise machines including LifeFitness cardiovascular machines, strength training machines, and free weights.

Yoga classes are available inside the resort’s new yoga studio, Ambu Yoga, and outdoors on the ocean lawn, led by Ambu Yoga’s founder Yali Zawady. Classes are available daily in the South Village at the yoga studio.

Trek Bike Rentals are available for adults and children, per night at check-in or daily from Sunny Island Adventures, located in South Village and at North Pointe from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Exercise trails stretch 2.5 miles between North Pointe and South Village, from one tip of Captiva Island to the other and touching all points in between, is a runner’s dream with a network of four scenic trails. Perfect for walking or running, the trails run within South Seas Island Resort’s private grounds.

Shopping              

In Chadwick’s Square, guests can find a complete selection of men and women’s apparel stores including Everything But Water, Footloose, H20 Outfitters, Regatta, Beach Life and J. McLaughlin.

In the North Pointe shops, guests can find the Captiva Course Golf Shop, featuring the latest designer golf collections, and South Seas Island Outfitters, the resort’s logo apparel store offering T-shirts, sandals, hats, beach towels, and unique gifts made by local artists. Other resort outlets with merchandise include the Ships Store, Swimtastic, and Scoops & Slices.

The unique shops of Captiva Village are within walking distance of the resort at the north end of Captiva Drive. Guests can find antiques, casual fashions, pottery and many unique gifts while strolling along the village paths.

Nature

The resort village is a protected wildlife sanctuary existing in natural Florida beauty. Wildlife residing on the island and in the waters range from bottle-nosed dolphins and West Indian manatees, to great egrets, white ibis and Cuban anole lizards. There are no buildings taller than the trees to protect the natural wildlife.

Eco-Friendly         

Electric vehicle owners can find two High Power Wall Connectors by Tesla at South Seas to encourage eco-friendly driving. Guests can quickly recharge or have their car fully charged overnight in less than five hours.

South Seas offers a sustainable seafood program for catering services with personalized menus featuring locally caught seafood and fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs sourced from the Executive Chef’s on-site garden.

Meetings & Events

South Seas Island Resort offers 45,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor function space including:

  • Multiple options for meeting and break-out rooms, many of which feature Gulf or Harbour views and natural light
  • Indoor/outdoor settings, waterfront venues from beach to bay and event space for cocktail parties, networking, receptions and other social gatherings
  • Professional meeting coordinators, to help plan your event
  • Recreation staff, executing unique events and activities
  • Exceptional caterers, creative use of indigenous ingredients
  • In-house audiovisual equipment, PSAV, an industry leader
  • Onsite entertainment company, providing the perfect music for any style of event

Weddings             

With over two miles of indoor and outdoor settings at the edge of the Gulf Coast of Florida, South Seas Island Resort is a tropical romantic wedding destination in an unrivaled setting. Surrounded in the natural splendor of a wildlife sanctuary, the resort offers 45,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor and outdoor function space to accommodate up to 300 guests. Customizable packages and personal Wedding Consultants work with every couple to ensure that wedding dreams become a reality for everything from beachfront weddings to an elegant reception in the Captiva Ballroom. Exceptional and personalized catering features unique menu options with local seafood and produce. The resort features an onsite entertainment company and modern lighting services to provide the perfect touches with any décor.

Location

5400 Plantation Road

Captiva Island, Florida 33924

Airport Access

35 miles from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

64 miles from Charlotte County Airport (PGD)

157 miles from Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL)

170 miles from Miami International Airport (MIA)

170 miles from Tampa International Airport (TPA)

192 miles from Orlando Executive Airport (ORL)

Telephone: (239) 472-5111

Reservations (800) 533-5553

www.southseas.com

Special thanks to South Seas Island Resort for hosting us!

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