Michele

Trying to decide between South Seas Plantation and Casa Ybel for a vacation in July with 2 adults and 2 young kids. How would you compare the prices between these two? We want something nice, not run down, close to stores and on the beach. South Seas Plantation sounds nice, but I'm concerned that its too far away from everything. Also, which villas within South Seas would you recommend? We need a 2 bedroom unit.

OliveOyl

We've stayed at Casa Ybel a couple of times in the summer and that would be our choice again if we were to return. We've had one bedroom units each time--two queen beds in the bedroom then a couch that opens into a bed in the living room, which has been perfect for our family of two adults and two 20-something aged kids. The two bedroom units only rent by the week, and in both cases we were just there for a long weekend.

Both times the units were very nicely furnished, and well maintained. All have Gulf views, with very large screened porches for evening sitting and enjoying the breezes. My husband is a Hyatt GM and has an eye for defects in anyplace he stays, but this has been a great experience both times, and no complaints from us except for perhaps slow and a bit inept dining room service, which was just one meal, and if you're eating out, that probably wouldn't be your first choice anyway.

The beach is this area is very nice, wide, not too shelly, and wave action gentle--perfect for younger children.

Although we have not stayed at South Seas, nor even driven in, so I have no first hand experience, I have read on this board where some of the units there are in need of rennovation, and I don't believe all have Gulf views.

jo

If your children are small, South Seas is a great place for them. There are programs for the children during the day, there's a tram that runs the length of the resort that kids love ot ride on. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance plus clothing stores and a pizza parlor. If you can find a 2 bedroom unit at Plantation Beach Club (a time share but some owners rent thru the Plantation), you'll be right on the beach. Every 2 buildings has their own pool and tennis court.

Denise

I am trying to make the same choice for a trip in May. Have you looked into Sanibel Harbor Resort? They also have a kids club. I would love to hear what you decide.

Patrick

I can't imagine why anyone would stay at Sanibel Harbor Resort since it isn't even on Sanibel island. You have to drive over to the island and the beach paying the $3 toll each time. Sanibel is all about being on the beach, why go there and not even stay on the island? In fact I think there ought to be a law against them using Sanibel in their
name. Sort of like booking at the "Manhattan Towers Palace" and getting there and finding out it's in Brooklyn.

OliveOyl

I agree whole-heartedly with Patrick on the Sanibel Harbor Resort. Denise, are you aware that it's on the mainland, not on Sanibel? The whole idea, I would think, of going to Sanibel, is being on those beaches on the Gulf, not at a place on the bay, overlooking the backside of the island!

Kathy

I would like some similar advice as Michele. I am currently booked at South Seas Plantation for July with 3 young children, but wondering if I would be better off at the Sundial Resort so I can be on Sanibel Island rather than Captiva. Both have the same Fun Factory Children's program which I am interested in. I've been reading that perhaps Sanibel has better beaches than Captiva and more around within walking distance (restaurants, shopping, etc). Can someone tell me their feelings?

Patrick

Sundial is indeed more central, but I wouldn't imagine that many people walk to much from there. Sanibel simply is not a walking island and the only real concentration of shops and restuarants is along the main road, Periwinkle Way, so it is hard to imagine not having a car there -- or for the more adventurous, at least bicycles. South Seas is definitely a more upscale place that Sundial, but it is certainly a more self-contained resort complex. In July you will certainly find the beaches near South Seas less crowded, but you are right in that the beaches along the center of Sanibel are wider and sandier.

Denise

Thanks for the heads up! After reading more about Sanibel Harbor, I decided that the cheaper rates are not worth being off the island. Does anyone have a reccomendation on which South Seas Resort area is the nicest for families?

Karen

We have vacationed on Sanibel/Captiva Islands quite often-it's our favorite place to relax! We have stayed at the South Seas Plantation, which is a gated resort. On-site condos usually have either gulf or bay views, and 2-unit complexes usually have their own pools,jacussis,etc.There is a main pool area also if you want to people-watch & listen to music. Also tennis courts, a tram that takes you anywhere in the resort, restaurants,yacht harbor,golf course,etc. The beach is wide & wasn't at all crowded when we were there in January. There are also boat tours (sightseeing & sunset, dolphin watching tours) you can sign up for. Within walking distance from the main gate (take the trolley or just walk, depending on where your condo is) are several fun shops,restaurants, etc. Research the price & ask for any hidden costs - there was a built-in per-day tip charge on our bill that we weren't aware of (for budgeting). Captiva and Sanibel are two separate islands, but they're connected so closely by the same road that you just go over a small bridge & you're there. It's VERY easy to drive there; just pay attention to side roads where people join the hiway. When staying on Sanibel, we've used several different motels, from the WestWind Inn to JollyRoger(redone now with a different name). I've also heard that Pointe Santo Sanibel is a nice condo situation...not a resort, but a nice complex for familes. Good Luck!

Debbie Nemshick

Michele,
We stayed at the South Seas Resort last summer and loved it. We rented a condo directly from the owner you can check out their web site www.sunsanibel.com or you can go to www.royalshell.com. The resort has a trolly that takes you all around the resort. We met several teenagers who rode the trolly at night and they were having a great time because they could go off without their parents and the parents loved it because they knew the kids were safe within the resort gated grounds. We also checked out the Sundial while we were there to compare. I think it would be fine with little kids, I personally thought it felt more crowded.
The South Seas is definitely laid back.
Our 8 year old loved the nature center at South Seas, they have a touch tank. The Sundial lets you adopt a hermit crab. I think the Casa Ybel looked nice as well, but didn't have all of the activities for the kids. Have a great time and good luck. Email me if you have any other questions.
P.S. Avoid the Bubble Room for dinner, we were not impressed at all!

Molly

I have stayed at Casa Ybel and it is a great resort for kids. The pool with the big slide is great. However, when stayed Casa Ybel we drove over to Captiva and South Seas and wished we had stayed there instead. Captiva is a totally different experience. You really feel as if you are on a tropical island..I have been to Kauaii and Captiva is much more plush with vegetation. The other advantage is that you walk everywhere. You can park your car for the week and walk around the charming town to many different restaurants. However, I have heard that a lot of the units at South Seas are somewhat run down and although they have a ton of pools none compare to the pool at Casa Ybel. If you are most interested in a "resort" and don't mind driving 15 minutes to dinner each night Casa Ybel is your best bet..if you want a tropical, laid back vacation in a true island atmosphere I'd pick Captiva and or South Seas.

Linda

I would stay at Casa Ybel before South Seas, we are repeat visitors to the island and casa ybel is beautifu, nice beach and everything. South Seas is too big and spread out. I would not stay at the harbour resort unless I was vacationing alone without the kids, it has alot to offer for adults, but of course you are not even on the island, which is part of the whole experience!

Cyndi

I'm confused. If South Seas is not on the island of Captiva, where is it? I thought South Seas was on the beach right on Captiva. It's not?

Michael

My wife want to get away for a long weekend from NY (May 17-20. Does it pay to go to Sanibel?
We want to find a very private location with a kitchenette. (AS orthodox Jews we need to bring our own food.. and in order to sit out in the sun we need to be free of onlookers)...

You make these places sound great. I am hoping you may know of a place that meets our specific needs.... PLEASE WE want to get away... Thank you
Michael

Linda

Casa ybel over South Seas! Much better location, you can always take a drive up the rode to south seas, it's too big and spread out. Casa ybel area is the best location on the sanibel beach if you aske me,we stay at the Pointe santo which is a few places down from casa ybel, excellent choice

Bob

Just came back from South Seas Resort (Plantation) on Captiva. Having last been there 20 years ago, it was more built up, but still a wonderful place, especially for families. Our room was recently renovated and had a view of the bay. It was expensive, however.

IMHO, Captiva, Sanibel and Key West are the only places in Florida worth visiting.

Bicyling on Sanibel was great fun, with well-maintained bike paths, a great wildlife sanctuary, and cheap rentals. DO NOT rent bikes on Captiva or at South Seas; it's much more expensive and there are no bike paths.

GO to the Bubble Room for dinner; get there early, and you won't be disappointed. The food is well prepared and pleniful, and the atmosphere is unique.