“We have a really cool Go! program that is taking off at South Seas,” explains Hayduk. “Go! Fish, Go! Cook, Go! Swim and Go! Create programs encourage guests to simply get up and go do something active while on vacation. South Seas guests have the opportunity to learn the ropes of fishing, cooking, find their inner-artist and learn how to swim from the experts at the resort through these activities.” Hayduk adds that South Seas will also be adding a Go! Discover program that will expose guests to the natural aspects of the property. “From shelling and birding to kayaking, South Seas will create a way for our guests to discover it all.”
Additionally, the excursion boat company, Captiva Cruises offers programs and tours from South Seas, including dolphin and sunset sightseeing cruises. Definitely recommend your clients take a cruise over to Cabbage Key, as it’s got an interesting story and the restaurant serves scrumptious cheeseburgers and frozen drinks.
“We work with Captiva Cruises and guests can cruise to Cabbage Key every day,” says Hayduk. “Cabbage Key is a true ‘Old Florida’ island hideaway. The main house, which is now an inn and restaurant, was built in 1938 by playwright and novelist Mary Roberts Rinehart.”
Charter fishing boats are also available, as are aqua bikes and catamarans. Or, guests can grab a bucket and head out to the beach with the resort’s naturalist to learn about the area’s different types of shells.
“As the only Gulf island resort with an onsite naturalist, South Seas encourages guests to learn about their natural surroundings and become closer to nature,” says Hayduk. “On guided kayak excursions through Chadwick’s Bayou, eyes are apt to spot roseate spoonbills, rare woodstocks and osprey nestled in mangroves and perched at the top of trees. Every now and then, a bald eagle is seen flying overhead on its way home to North Captiva Island.” Hayduk adds that more than half of South Seas is a dedicated wildlife preserve and estuary.
dining options Here, dining venues abound with The Pointe for breakfast or lunch; Harbourside Bar & Grill for delicious steaks and fresh seafood, as well as a premium wine list; and Holy Smokes…Heavenly Barbeque, which features authentic Southern barbeque and is a limited-service outdoor restaurant that offers a take-out option—it is perfect on nights when guests want to relax in their villa or guestroom.
Wine connoisseurs should check out Wine Flight Up, a cozy wine bar complete with reading library. And a must for the kids is Scoops & Slices, an adorable 1950s-style diner—and candy store—serving brick-oven pizzas, ice cream, and old-fashioned malt and milk shakes.
“It all comes down to four words that embody the spirit of South Seas Island Resort. Those are family, village, nature and comfortable,” explains Hayduk. “There are a lot of great resorts out there, but they don’t have the security of a village with a family spin in a natural setting. South Seas exudes a comfort for guests that makes them want to return year after year.”
Rates start at $149 per night for the summer and early fall.
