Located on the tip of Captiva Island in Southwest Florida, the South Seas Island Resort has easily withstood hurricanes, an influx of tourists, and a recent renovation to preserve its well-earned reputation as an exclusive 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 north end of Captiva and built several houses as lodging for his workers. At one time, his plantation was the largest producer of limes in the world. In 1930, Chadwick grew 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 featuring 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 resort, is the defining feature of South Seas. Strolling along the shell-strewn beach is a peaceful escape for even the most weary of travelers. The beach was renovated 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 recently decorated in a West Indian style with bamboo and teak furnishings, plush bedding and spacious bathrooms. The pool area now features two new lagoon pools with a cabana complex and large sundeck, fountains, and hot tub/spa. The resort includes 18 outdoor heated pools in total, spread across the various 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 a 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 boats up to 120 feet.
Perhaps the best kept secret in the South Seas is its superb tennis facilities. Services include daily clinics for all levels, individual private lessons with an accomplished professional, endurance workshops, and clinics that provide instruction on how to play doubles. The complex has 19 courts in all, four of which are lit for night play. The carefully designed golf course completes the country club experience, yet retains the secluded and tranquil feel of the island. A recent New York Times travel and leisure 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 update included an expansion of its children’s programs and facilities. The kids’ club theme parties and other educational camps are divided into programs for teenagers and children from 4 to 12 years old. Past programs have included seashell walks, water games, pirate hunts, and kayaking programs, among others.
While Captiva is famous for its beaches and shelling, its unspoiled wildlife has provided lasting comfort to a number of 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 seen 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 might not 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 South Seas as seemingly “the end of the world,” the newly redesigned resort has retained its status as an unspoiled paradise while offering new levels of amenities and services for families of all ages.