COURTESY PHOTO
Fishing is a relaxing way to pass time.
By STACEY MARCUS
Are you one of those beach lovers who needs little more than sand beneath your toes, the lullaby of the ocean, a few outdoor activities and a lime mango mojito to make your heart go thump?
Have I got a couple of islands for you to put on your sand bucket list. Florida’s Sanibel and Captiva islands, located an hour away from Fort Myers, are ideal spots to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, like strolling on the shore, collecting sea shells, riding a bike amid mangrove trees, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, golfing, beach yoga and relishing living in the moment.
We visited the sunny islands the weekend before the presidential election and it was a delicious diversion from the noise. Early November is an ideal time to visit these jewels before the chill of winter and the seasonal crowds arrive.
Driving onto Sanibel Island over the long two-lane bridge, I got the sense we were entering someplace special. All of a sudden, the world gets a wee bit smaller just at the moment the landscape and appreciation of natural beauty gets a lot larger. These enchanting islands serve as nature’s commercial to life, beckoning you to leave your worries behind and take a moment to get in touch with your inner sea child. Collect seashells. Ride a bike. Build a sand castle. See dolphins dance and manatees float. Catch a fish. Forget time. Twist taffy. And by George, get off the damn phone. In other words, live.
Here are seven reasons why Sanibel and Captiva islands are the ideal destination for folks who want to feel like they have escaped to tropical islands without having to leave the USA:
Stay: South Seas Island Resort
South Seas Island Resort on Captiva is the perfect place for families to enjoy the area. The 330-acre village and wildlife sanctuary boasts myriad activities including fishing, kayaking, pools galore, tennis and golf. We adored strolling along the 2.5 miles of shell-sprinkled beach and watching flocks of white birds splash and dance on the beach.
Mitch thought the golf course, a 9-hole, par 3 three layout was gorgeous, reporting, “The golf course was in pristine condition. Greens were immaculate and the ball rolled very true. The course was scenic with ocean views throughout.” He noted that Pedro, the greenskeeper, took tremendous pride in the condition of the course.
We were intoxicated with food after feasting at the Harbourside Bar and Grill located on the property. Our deck seats overlooking Harbour Yacht Marina were perfect perches to enjoy the exquisitely prepared feast. Another treat was a couples massage at Kay Casperson Spa.
Watch: Daily Dose of Breathtaking Sunrises and Sunsets
I don’t know about you, but I rarely take the time to notice the sun rising and setting on a daily basis. Vacation is a great time to remember this natural beauty is available 365 days a year at no cost. Taking a few moments to look at the world waking up or going to sleep is rejuvenating, especially when the lights and colors create pretty palettes.
Dine: Diverse Dining Options
We loved that we could walk to Any Rosse Lane and find a collection of eclectic restaurants. The darling downtown of Captiva offers a few dining options. Favorites included Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, Key Lime Bistro and Sunshine Seafood Cafe.
Indulge: Bubble Room
The Bubble Room is a must for anyone visiting the area. The restaurant offers a kaleidoscope of colors and objects, creating a funhouse feel. Toys from the 1930s, Christmas decorations and merry music make you forget that you are about to eat a week’s worth of calories. Waiters donning Boy Scout outfits present trays of desserts on steroids. We shared the butter-crunch ice cream pie and a couple of decadent coffee drinks and agreed it was worth the splurge.
Observe: J N ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Who knew that one could be so captivated watching an American White Pelican sit on a rail or a Great Egret soar in the sky? We loved learning about the history of the 6,000-acre wildlife refuge and J.N. “Ding” Darling’s commitment to conserving the area during our 90-minute tram tour.
Breathe: Ambu Yoga
I love enjoying yoga when on vacation and was delighted to discover this studio. Enjoying both traditional and hot yoga classes were a great way to launch the day. One morning our instructor reminded the class that each day offers both reasons to cry and laugh, so it’s up to us to choose.
Watch: Stargazing
Captiva is one of those magical islands that is luminous in natural daylight but pitch black in the evening. We loved strolling downtown to enjoy dinner, guided by starlight, serenaded by crickets and the sounds of the sea.
Stacey Marcus is a Marblehead-based freelance writer. Her work has appeared in top regional and national publications including Boston magazine, Boston Weddings, Bride & Groom Magazine, Destination I Do, 01907 and ONE. She adores discovering new places and people around the world and nearby neighborhoods almost as much as writing about them. Top loves include her husband Mitch, two daughters, Rachel and Emily, and their maltichon Theo.