South Seas Island Resort, located at the tip of Captiva Island is Southwest Florida’s most exclusive island getaway, has been able to withstand hurricanes as well as an influx from vacationers.
The 330-acre resort is the former site of a copra and key lime plantation started by Clarence Chadwick, an inventor and itinerant farmer. Chadwick built several homes for his employees and owned 400 acres at the Captiva tip. Chadwick’s plantation once produced the most key limes in the entire world. Chadwick, his brother and wife became tired of running the plantation and began to work with their brother and sister to make it a resort. His towering coconut palms, which still dominate the resort, provide a tropical oasis and welcome for visitors. Low-rise hotels, private residences, and 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom suites offer accommodation. Since the resort occupies the whole northern tip of Captiva there is a trolley that runs free between mangrove forests and the city at certain times.
South Seas’ most distinctive feature is its 2 1/2 mile sugary beach, just steps from condos and homes within the resort. The shell-strewn beaches are a peaceful escape for all travelers. After Hurricane Charlie’s 2005 destruction, the beach was restored to its former glory. The resort underwent an $140 million remodel. The resort’s rooms range from the standard hotel room to one- and two-bedroom beach villas or private homes. They were all decorated in a West Indies style with lavish bedding, bamboo and teak furnishings, spacious bathrooms, and luxurious bedding. There are two pools now in the area, one lagoon style with a cabana structure and an extensive sundeck. The spa also features sand fountains and Jacuzzi/spa. In total the resort has 18 heated outdoor swimming pools, which are scattered around the various villages that make up the Beach Villas.
The elegant marina overlooking the South Seas is a popular spot for manatees. Yacht Harbour can be used as a launch point for day trips to Cabbage Key, Useppa and shelling. It also offers dolphin watching and other boating adventures. The marina can accommodate boats up to 120 feet.
One of the best-kept secrets in South Seas are its tennis courts. You can find daily clinics and private lessons for every level, along with endurance workshops and instruction on doubles. There are 19 tennis courts at the resort, with four floodlit for night play. This golf course was carefully designed to enhance the country club experience while maintaining the peaceful, quiet feel of the Island. The South Seas Golf Course was a recent New York Times leisure and travel piece. “one of the most picturesque 9-holers”You can find it anywhere. After a hard round of golf, you can enjoy a meal at any of the three restaurant on site, as well as room service delivered directly to your condos.
South Seas was always open to all families. However, the recent upgrades included expanded facilities and programs for children. The programs are split into themes for kids clubs and education camps, and can be used by children aged between 4-12 years old. Before programs included water games, kayak programs and pirate hunts.
Captiva is known for its shelling and beaches, but its wildlife provides a lasting comfort to many tourists. Anne Morrow Lindbergh is the famous author. “Gifts from the Sea,”While vacationing in Captiva. Captiva has rare bird species such as the opsrey and bald eagle. More than 300 birds and 50 types of reptiles, amphibians, as well as more than 30 species of animals are found in the wildlife refuge. These species can be seen in an intimate setting that visitors might not normally have access to. Visitors can enjoy Captiva’s natural beauty on a leisurely pace thanks to the miles of jogging and biking paths.
South Seas is described by many as a magical place that charms. “the end of the world,”This resort, which has undergone a rebranding, is still regarded as an unspoiled paradise and offers new services and amenities for all ages.