Travel is not canceled for summer; however, it might be different than what you had planned. Many cruises have been canceled, European trips postponed, Hawaii is still closed — yet, Florida is open. Southwest Florida families may want to consider a “nearcation” for their summer getaway and embrace the offerings of local resorts.
As the state reopens from the height of the pandemic, the region’s island resorts welcome families for a staycation with special savings for residents. Here are seven Southwest Florida favorites, from Captiva to Marco Island.
A Caribbean feel on Captiva Island
The South Seas Island Resort is one of the closest Caribbean-like experiences you can have in Southwest Florida. Just in our backyard, so to speak, on Captiva island, 2½ miles of pristine beach, water sports, waterslides, multiple pools, fishing and more await guests.
South Seas Director of Sales & Marketing Verdell Ekberg says that now more than ever, after being in a stay-at-home mode, families are looking to spend time together in anything other than their home.
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Sammy Todd Dyess Photography sammy@samdyess.com
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“They love the pool slides, hanging out at the beach looking for shells, swimming, and getting some vitamin 'sea.' Watching the sunset is always a family favorite especially when you can cap off the evening around the fire pit with s'mores,” he adds. “Those parents with older kids enjoy water sports including WaveRunners, kayaks, parasailing and paddleboarding.”
Fishing either off the T-dock or with a captain remains one of the more iconic South Seas family activities.
“Also, a day or evening cruise on Captiva Cruises remains wildly popular as the dolphins ride alongside you, whichever tour you take,” he recommends.
Land sports include tennis and golf, which also appeal to kids of all ages. And there’s one other land activity the resort is known for. “Of course, all kids love to drive their parents’ golf carts around the resort (parents in tow),” Verdell says.
South Seas provides many accommodations, including marina rooms, villas, beach homes, cottages and townhouses, giving families of all sizes options for their island retreat in a variety of settings.
For summer, South Seas offers its Sizzlin’ Summer Spectacular. Stay three nights at regular rates and get your fourth night free. In addition, reserve your Sizzlin’ Summer Spectacular package now for travel through September 30 and, with a minimum four-night stay, you receive a $200 resort spending credit, 15% off food and beverage at resort restaurants, and a coupon book with over $250 in savings in resort outlets, family activities, dining, golf, spa services and merchandise. Readers can redeem this rate by using promo code SWFL.
- Online: southseas.com
- Address: 5400 Plantation Road, Captiva Island
- Phone: 239-472-5111
Relaxation coupled with adventure
‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva is divine for the water enthusiast and for those seeking serenity. Nestled between the resort’s private Gulf of Mexico beach and the natural beauty of Pine Island Sound, families can take advantage of parasailing, boating, fishing, swimming, biking and just soaking in this Captiva treasure.
Families love that the resort provides all this in one spot, according to resort spokesperson Ashley Shenk.
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Vanessa Rogers Photography
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“They have access to the beach and the bay. They love all of the outdoor activities that are available on property — from kayaking and fishing charters, to ecotours, pool days and of course, the beach,” she says. “They can walk to breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Old Captiva House, Crow’s Nest Bar & Grille and Oasis Pool Bar. There is a family pool for families and kids, and a Serenity Pool for those who want to relax.”
The island accommodations are great for families, and their coastal-appointed cottages extend the vacation vibe. Nestled along the gulf front, bayside and courtyard areas, the cottages have one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts — each giving the comforts of home with the perks of a resort.
When guests book direct through the resort, there are no resort fees (includes free resort bikes, kayaks, tennis, pickleball, use of rackets, and more). Additionally, ‘Tween Waters is featuring a special booking offer where guests who stay two nights or more receive a $250-value Island Rewards coupon book with discounts and freebies. There’s also a 4th Night Free offer through September 3 where guests can get their fourth night free when they stay three, plus they receive the coupon book.
- Online: tween-waters.com
- Address: 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva
- Phone: 800-223-5865
Connect with Nature
Sanibel Inn is part of The Inns of Sanibel collection, and among them, it’s the property perfect for family fun. This island destination is known for its connection to nature, its Gulf of Mexico views, long beach walks, shelling, biking, and water sports for the entire family.
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“As far as activities, our guests adore the fact that use of bicycles, kayaks and paddleboards are provided complimentary. Further, we offer bocce ball and other yard games free of charge,” says resort spokesperson Kelly Katz. “A unique and added benefit of staying with The Inns of Sanibel is the immersive experiences that highlight nature and our fabled island available via our fabulous guided beach walks, bike tours and kayak tours.”
Guests at the Sanibel Inn may also enjoy the heated pools at its sister inns, including Song of the Sea, Seaside Inn and Sunset Beach Inn, which boasts one of the largest swimming pools on the island. The firepits are a family favorite at the Sanibel Inn.
In addition to the standard guest rooms, the Sanibel Inn offers two-bedroom suites and condominiums perfect for spreading out in your private oasis.
Summer offers include a 30% off Florida-resident rate that includes a coupon book with exclusive discounts at Periwinkle Place Shops valued at more than $250 in savings and complimentary membership at the Dunes Golf & Tennis Club, which features an 18-hole championship course. Sanibel Inn’s No Strings Attached promotion also includes the 30% off rate, with free cancellation within 24-hours of arrival, and it’s valid for new reservations on stays through September 30.
- Online: theinnsofsanibel.com
- Address: 937 E. Gulf Drive, Sanibel
- Phone: 866-717-2323
Sunkissed beach paradise
Located on Fort Myers Beach less than a mile south of the pier, the DiamondHead Beach Resort stands tall on its gulf-front location, complete with jaw-dropping technicolor sunset views.
DiamondHead offers families a spacious suite with separate bedroom and living room, providing a pull-out sofa for the children, as well as a kitchenette and a screened lanai with amazing views of the beach and gulf waters.
Guests are advised to do as much or as little as they want.
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Superheroes at the beach
Little boys pretending to be superheroes with masks and capes.
“Adults and children alike enjoy the summer beach activities, refreshing pool, and dining in the sand at Cabanas Beach Bar & Grille,” resort spokesperson Jennifer Ellis says.
Guests can take a short trolley ride to the quaint shops and restaurants in the island’s downtown area.
Families also enjoy swimming in the beachfront pool. As a side note, water sport rentals, volleyball, beach chairs and umbrellas are a separate fee. The resort’s beach concierge can assist in making arrangements.
The resort offers a Sunny Summer Special of 20% off best available rates through the summer and remainder of 2020; and a Florida resident discount promotion is offered year-round.
- Online: diamondheadfl.com
- Address: 2000 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach
- Phone: 844-652-3696
Waterslides and a secluded island
A family favorite for locals seeking a staycation getaway is the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa. It’s known for its multiple waterslides, lazy river and beach on a secluded island.
The resort’s poolscape area boasts three acres of water attractions including dueling speed waterslides, an inner tube waterslide, corkscrew waterslide and the Ciquala waterslide for the youngest guests. Note that some slides have height requirements. Pools galore for both families and adults-only are on property including the family-favorite Adventure pool, splashdown pool and the kid-friendly waterfall pool.
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Photo courtesy Hyatt hotels inc
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point
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Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Estero
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Andrea Melendez Andrea Melendez/The News-Press
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa.
Resort spokesperson Rhett P. Wilson says the water park is a big hit with families.
“We have multiple slides, fun for both kids and parents. Oversized yard games, ping pong and corn hole games are also popular family activities,” he adds. “Lastly, the climbing wall and the boat trip out to our private island are also family favorites.”
Property guests can walk the nature trail or ride the trolley (temporarily closed due to COVID-19) to the resort’s marina and board the ferry for a ride across Estero Bay to Big Hickory Island for a beach day, complete with shelling, a boardwalk and covered picnic area. During the boat ride, travelers can spot dolphins, an American bald eagle, brown pelicans and more.
“Wrap up your busy day with some ice cream from our Cool Beans Marketplace or grab a s’mores kit there and head over to one of our three fire pits,” Rhett recommends.
The Hyatt offers both a Florida resident promotion and a first responder and essential workers’ rate for its guests. The Florida resident rate provides 20% off the prevailing rates, particularly for Sunday through Thursday night stays. To book, use code CPFLR. The first responders/essential workers rate is a $179 special promotion available through summer and can be booked by calling the hotel sales department directly at 239-444-1234. Best availability to book this rate is also Sunday through Thursday nights.
- Online: hyattregencycoconutpoint.com
- Address: 5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs
- Phone: 239-444-1234
Thrills and peaceful quiet
At the Naples Grande Beach Resort, guests can have a blissful beach retreat and water and sport thrills. In addition to 3 miles of beachfront sand and ocean views, the property also offers ecotours in the adjoining 200-acre mangrove preserve and estuary. Plus get your game on with golf and tennis lessons for parents and kids alike. The resort features an 18-hole championship golf course and 15 tournament-grade tennis courts.
Squeals of joy are bound to be heard from kids (and parents) sliding down a 100-foot twisting waterslide. Parents can retreat poolside with a rented cabana for a bit of serenity.
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Resort spokesperson Briana Ciraulo says families love the water features.
“The mangrove pool with the slide is definitely a fun one for them,” she says. “The trolley that goes through the mangrove estuary to the beach is a favorite as well.”
Ideal for families, the resort offers spacious accommodations, suites and villas. The villas are separate from the tower and provide additional space and privacy.
Travelers looking to explore the serene west coast while remaining socially distant can book the resort’s Sweet Suite Deal. Available on all 2020 bookings, this package includes the spacious accommodations of the resort’s remote Garden Villa one-bedroom suites. Garden Villas offer an oasis away from the main tower, featuring 700 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space, two patios or balconies that overlook private gardens and ponds. Starting at $279 per night, guests who book this package also receive daily breakfast for up to four. Naples Grande Beach Resort also has several signature food and beverage outlets open for take-out and all three pools remain open for guests, with proper 6-foot distancing. In addition, Florida resident rates through 2020 offer 20% off plus breakfast for two and free self-parking for one vehicle.
- Online: naplesgrande.com
- Address: 475 Seagate Drive, Naples
- Phone: 239-227 2182
Luxury beachfront and marine life haven
Rejuvenate and elevate your summer beach vacation at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, which sits on 3 miles of coastline. More than just a beach resort, this Marriott property is a marine and sea life wonderland. From renting a sailboat, kayak or paddleboard, to an Everglades tour and exploring the Ten Thousand Islands via a personal watercraft excursion, or taking the sailing and shelling cruise to view dolphins, turtles and manatees, guests are connected with the water.
Tours also include a visit to a wildlife sanctuary — home to rescued creatures, including more than 100 alligators, crocodiles, lions and more.
Families enjoy and take advantage of the 10-acre private beach, says resort spokesperson Amanda Cox.
“Family fun possibilities are endless! Whether it’s beach volleyball, shell walks, water sports or just simply soaking up the sun and fun, there’s something for everyone,” she says.
On property, guests can rent a beach chickee hut or a poolside cabana. Two family pools are on property and one includes a waterslide. But the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Returning in July is the nightly fire dancer Sunset Celebration show, making you feel like you are in Hawaii or Tahiti.
“If your stay includes a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night, a visit to 10K Alley, our indoor virtual entertainment center, complete with indoor mini-golf and bowling is a one-of-a-kind resort experience,” Amanda says. “Parents will enjoy the craft cocktails and local brews to accompany game time, and it’s the perfect way to enjoy inside family fun after a day in the sun.”
The JW Marriott Marco Island’s Tiki Tribe Discovery Day Camp (separate fee required) invites its young guests to become nature explorers complete with beach and pool time, arts and crafts, and a sea animal fact of the day lesson and project.
The resort offers two promotional opportunities. The Experience Local resort credit promotion runs Sundays through Thursdays through September 30, offering guests a $50 resort credit per night of their stay. This credit can be used to maximize the resort experience in any way. Food and beverage, activities — the possibilities to build your custom vacation or staycation are limitless. The resort also offers a late checkout (based on availability) with this stay so you can make the most of your time in paradise. The Stay Longer, Save More promotion is available seven days per week and is for stays booked before September 30, but travel can take place any time prior to December 20. The resort is offering a 15% off discount for stays of four nights, or 20% discount for five nights or longer.
- Online: jwmarriottmarcoisland.com
- Address: 400 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island
- Phone: 239-394-2511