Long after its days as a dwelling for dreaded pirates and the fair maidens they captured, Captiva Island, located off Florida’s Gulf Coast, has become a premier spot for quiet, beachside relaxation. This is, in part, due to the miles of white sand, seashell-covered beaches that stretch out as far as the eye can see, as well as to the unpretentious way of life where Crocs, flip-flops and swimsuits are the typical clothing attire. But there’s yet another reason for the area’s popularity—Captiva Island is also home to one of Florida’s top properties, the enchanting plantation-style South Seas Island Resort.
Tucked away on the north end of the island, and encompassing 330 acres, South Seas is not your average beachside resort. It’s more of a private refuge that takes its guests a world away from the daily grind.
Chadwick’s Square—a collection of boutiques located at the south end of the island that includes a swimwear specialty store and a gourmet market—welcomes guests with a classic island charm that remains ever so present throughout the rest of South Seas.
Spread along more than two miles of beach, this property is huge. Luckily, it’s not difficult to get around as there’s a trolley that runs through the resort most of the day, taking guests from their villas or guestrooms to the pool, marina, and restaurants. Or, guests can opt to rent bikes or golf cart, both of which offer fun and convenient ways to get around.
accommodations From deluxe guestrooms to gorgeous 2- and 3- bedroom villas, South Seas has accommodations for any group size—from honeymooners to multi-generational family reunions. The Harbourside guestrooms, for example, are located on the north end of the resort, just a short walk from the beach. These rooms feature plush bedding, a large bathroom with soaking tub, refrigerator, a flat-screen TV and a screened-in porch.
There is also an array of 1- to 3-bedroom villas—some measuring up to 3,400 sq. ft.—that feature a full kitchen, large master bathroom with whirlpool tub and 2-person walk-in shower (Land’s End Villas and Seabreeze Grand Villas), private washer and dryer, living area and screened-in porch.
All accommodations also offer DVD players, complimentary coffee and daily newspaper.
“The variety of accommodation options at South Seas provides families with many options, options that set them up for a comfortable vacation,” says Rick Hayduk, managing director for South Seas Island Resort. “For families with young children, some of the larger units with full kitchens make mealtime more enjoyable. Instead of having to eat out for every meal, families can make their own breakfast, lunch or dinner from the comfort of their own private home, cottage, condominium or villa.”
activities South Seas is set up in such a way that guests will feel at ease doing it all or nothing at all. There are tons of opportunities for excitement, and, on the other hand, even more opportunities to indulge in pure relaxation. The Point Pool & Cabana Complex, the new main pool area added as a part of the resort’s $140 million renovation, is definitely ideal for doing the latter. Here, guests can splash in the lagoon-style pool or lie out and soak up the sun. Recommend your clients rent one of the luxurious cabanas, featuring lots of comfortable seating, a TV and a mini-fridge. Pool attendants are on-hand offering guests refreshing drinks, lunch options and snacks such as fruit and cheese. Poolside spa services are also available.
Golf enthusiasts, meanwhile, can tee off at the property’s newly upgraded Captiva Golf Club, offering nine holes of oceanfront golf, while kids can partake in the Tiva Kids’ Club—little ones can enjoy bounce houses, sandcastle building and coconut painting, while teens can explore the waters on a kayaking adventure. The resort also has a brand-new water slide complex called H2Whoa! with two huge tube slides—one a corkscrew slide and the other a 16-ft. plunge slide.
“South Seas is very safe,” Hayduk says. “There is plenty of room for children to run and play and parents don’t have to worry. It’s a village-type community with a ‘simple life’ concept. Kids can jump on the South Seas trolley and go from one end of the resort to the other.”
While both kids and adults can make time for their own pastimes, there are also a lot of activities at South Seas that families can enjoy together.
