South Sea Island Resort – Captiva Island Florida

Located on the tip of Captiva Island in southwest Florida, the South Seas Island Resort has easily withstood hurricanes, tourist influxes, and a recent renovation to preserve its well-earned reputation as an upscale island destination.

The 330-acre complex is the former site of a copra and lime plantation started by Clarence Chadwick, an itinerant farmer and inventor. By 1924, Chadwick owned 400 acres on the northern tip of Captiva and built several houses as housing for his workers. At one point, his plantation was the largest producer of limes in the world. By 1930, Chadwick had grown tired of the business and worked with his wife and his brother to turn the settlement of workers’ cabins into a viable resort. Today many of its towering coconut palms still stand, framing the resort and providing a lush tropical welcome to visitors. Accommodations are spread throughout the grounds in low-rise buildings that include hotel rooms, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom suites, and private homes. Because the resort occupies the entire north end of Captiva, a free trolley travels back and forth through the mangrove forests that dot the property, as well as into town at designated times.

The 2 1/2 miles of sugary beach, steps from the homes and condos within the complex, is the defining characteristic of South Seas. Strolling along the shell-covered beach is a peaceful escape for even the most weary of travelers. The beach underwent a facelift after the devastation of Hurricane Charlie in 2005. In fact, the entire complex recently underwent a $140 million renovation. Rooms, from standard hotel rooms to beach villas and one-, two-, and three-bedroom private homes, have been newly decorated in a West Indies style with bamboo and teak furnishings, plush bedding, and spacious bathrooms. The pool area now features two new lagoon style pools with a cabana complex and expansive sundeck, fountains and Jacuzzi/spa. The complex includes 18 heated outdoor pools in total, spread across the different accommodation villages, as well as the Beach Villas.

Manatees are a common sight frolicking near the elegant marina facing the South Seas. The yacht harbor serves as the launching point for scenic day cruises to Cabbage Key and Useppa, as well as shelling, dolphin watching, and other boat excursions. Boating enthusiasts can reach the resort by water, as the marina accommodates vessels up to 120 feet.

Perhaps the South Seas’ best kept secret is its magnificent tennis facilities. Services include daily clinics for all levels, one-on-one private lessons with an accomplished pro, endurance workshops, and clinics providing instruction on how to play doubles. The complex has 19 courts in total, four of which are lighted for play at night. The thoughtfully designed golf course completes the country club experience, yet retains the secluded and tranquil island feel. A recent New York Times travel and recreation article called the South Seas Golf Course “one of the most scenic 9-hole golf courses” in the world. After a vigorous round of golf, guests can dine at one of three on-site restaurants, including room service delivered to the condos, or take advantage of the many offerings in town and on nearby Sanibel.

While South Seas has always catered to families, its recent upgrade included an expansion of its children’s programs and facilities. The theme parties of the kids’ club and other educational camps are divided into programs for teenagers and children from 4 to 12 years old. Past programs have included shell walks, water games, pirate hunts, and kayak programs, among others.

While Captiva is famous for its beaches and shelling, its untouched wildlife has provided long-lasting comfort for many visitors. Anne Morrow Lindbergh wrote her famous “Gifts from the Sea” while she was vacationing in Captiva. Captiva is one of the few remaining regions where rare birds such as the osprey, bald eagle, and blue heron can be observed in their natural habitat. The nearby wildlife refuge is home to more than 300 species of birds, 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, and more than 30 types of animals, species that a visitor cannot normally see in such an intimate setting. Miles of winding bike paths and jogging trails allow visitors to experience Captiva’s natural beauty at a languid pace.

While many delighted guests have described the South Seas as seemingly “the end of the world,” the newly reimagined resort has retained its status as an unspoilt paradise while offering new levels of amenities and services for families of all ages.