South Seas or The Registry?
 

We are 2 women in our mid 40's looking for some R&R, beach, dining, spa & shopping a plus in Florida in mid February. We are leaving the kids and husbands behind for a getaway!<BR>Which sounds like more of what we are looking for, Captiva or Naples and specifically the above mentioned resorts. The Ritz sounds wonderful but unaffordable.<BR>

Linda,<BR>I stayed at The Registry about 4 years ago in the summer once, very off season and got an amazing deal on the penthouse suite (FABULOUS!), so I certainly couldnt complain, but the main dining room was closed while we were there so I cant comment, the bar was dead of course, etc. This was a lovely getaway for a few days, did lots of shopping in Naples, you will need a car I suggest, but this was my drawback of the hotel: the beach. You took a little tram to it and it was tiny. This didnt really bother us as we werent there for the beach, coming from Sarasota and one of the nicest beaches in the world (I believe), but if the beach is a part of what you want, I think this may be a drawback for you. Hope this helps.

Sherry, <BR>thanks for the valuable info.

Linda, I would stay at the Registry. I think there will be more for you to do in Naples. There are a lot of great restaurants downtown and a lot of great shopping. You might want to take a drive to Captiva/Sanibel for the day. It is only about an hour away. There are alot of cute shops on Sanibel but they are more like specialty shops. I don't know about the beach at the Registry but Naples beach is nice and you can go see the Pier. There is also a nice beach on Marco Island which isn't too far away.

They also charge (I forget how much) to cross the bridge every time you go to Sanibel island, regardless of whether you are staying there! So if you leave Sanibel for Naples, you have to pay to go back. Just a thought...

Linda - Can I come with you?!! (Just kidding!) How long do you plan to be in Florida? It depends on what your top focus would be, but I would vote for Sanibel/Captiva. We have been there several times in early winter, and the beaches are great (not crowded at all) for strolling/shelling/sunbathing. The two-lane road is easy to drive, without big-city traffic (the toll onto mainland isn't much), lots of specialty shops, Factory Outlet complex at mainland entrance, and there's always Ft. Myers if that's not enough! LOTS of restaurant opportunites, a small theatre to attend, kayaking, dolphin watching/outer islands/sunset cruises to book - lots to do or not, depending on your mood. South Seas (we've stayed) is a gated complex - nice grounds, golf course, yacht club, etc. I envy you!

Ditto all the above. Also, South Seas (despite the name) is at the north end of Captiva, which is north of Sanibel...so outside dining and shopping will require considerable driving. Both are much better in Naples anyway!<BR>Have fun!

Ooops! Kaye posted while I was still composing. So, ditto everybody above Kaye. And I remember the toll being something like $6!

The toll is only $2 unless it just went up. If you like outlet mall shopping, there is a better outlet mall in Estero which is between Naples and Sanibel. If you want upscale shopping than you should stay in Naples. You can shop downtown, Venetian Village, and there is another nice mall but can't remember the name right now but it is on 41 (there is a Saks there and other nice stores). Avoid Tin City unless you are looking for souveniors for the kids.