By Charmaine Hibbert

It’s just over a two-hour drive from Gasparilla Island to the South Sea Island resort by road - and probably a lot faster by boat - but the views as we drive over the Sanibel Causeway are amazing with the blue waters of the Mexican Gulf either side of the bridge. I would imagine come the summer months this road gets pretty busy as there is only one lane either side. Once on Sanibel Island, the JN Ding Darling National Wildlife is on my right and as we hit Captiva drive the Gulf is now to our left, and with those crystal-clear azure waves just lapping the white sandy beaches it just makes you want to jump out of the car and dive in.  T

he first thing I notice as we arrive is that although it is a resort, the buildings are not that tall; the largest looks like it has three stories and all the rooms seem to have balconies. It is now 6pm and I am so looking forward to just sitting on a balcony watching the sunset, hopefully with a cocktail or another cold alcoholic drink in hand. 



After a swift (group) check-in we are off to our rooms and here comes the moment of truth… I open my door and the view that greets me has me forgetting all about the room as I throw my case on the sofa and open the doors to my wonderful balcony. Fortunately, I get the best of both worlds with a view of the harbour and the Gulf and I just sit and watch as a boat makes its way from the Gulf along the canal into the harbour. I am that engrossed, it’s not until the boat has parked up that I realise that I have a beautiful sectional wicker type corner sofa with soft cushions and coffee table on the balcony where I can watch the boats and relax. 

I make my way back into the room to dig out a bottle of wine I have in my bag as I just want to take a quick shower and chill out and watch the sunset. The apartment has a sofa, chair, coffee table and TV with a little kitchenette that has a breakfast bar. I make my way into the bedroom which is tastefully decorated with creams and dark wood furniture and a window that captures that wonderful view. The obligatory nose-dive onto the bed and the smell of fresh cotton sheets and a firm mattress confirm all I need to know. 



Harbourside Bar and Grill

After watching the sunset slowly dip below the horizon, I get ready for dinner. Tonight we are eating at the Harbourside Bar and Grill as we make our way up the steps of the white wood designed building overlooking the harbour. We are greeted by the maître d’ who informs us that they have prepared a beef fillet for us or we can order from the menu. Now, you may wonder what the dilemma could be but so far James has had steak nearly every night this week and he has vowed that he will have fish tonight – but we all laugh when he starts shaking his head knowing he will be ordering the steak once more. 

At least his starter was fish as we shared the seafood platter for two which was made up of lobster, oysters, tuna poke, charred octopus, clams, mussels and shrimp. I must admit I could have happily left it there, but I had already ordered the Asian glazed Chilean sea bass with rice, snow peas, edamame, bok choy and mushrooms and I am so glad I did as this had my taste buds dancing with delight. The wine and beers kept flowing and it was more of a stagger back to my room than a walk and I couldn’t wait to hit the pillow. 



Activities 

There is so much to do at South Sea Island especially if you bring your children. There is the Camp Skullywags kids club for 3 to 11-year-olds, Sanibel Sea School where you can learn to snorkel, surf and catch fish along with guided birdwatching and shelling walks. Of course, there is cycling, hiking, fishing, kayaking, paddleboards, parasailing, banana boat rides, swimming pools, gym, exercise classes, yoga and a spa. It’s been a long week and today I am just going to park myself on a sun lounger right near the beach bar on this two-and-a-half miles of pristine white sandy beach and soak up some rays while the guys go and play golf. Cheers!

South Seas Island Resort
5400 Plantation Rd
Captiva, FL 33924
United States

T: +1 239-472-5111
W: southseas.com