In the early 1970’s, after decades of economic growth across the U.S. and with the WWII generation nearing retirement age, southwest Florida was booming. Beachfront property is a scarce commodity and it was being gobbled up by hotel and resort developers at a tremendous rate. With bulldozers and cement mixers lined up and pointed at Sanibel and Captiva, the island’s residents, beach-lovers, bird-watchers, activists and lots of regular folk took a stand. In creating the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) in 1967 and the Sanibel Comprehensive Land Use Plan in 1974, islanders effectively put the brakes on the over-development that swept much of the rest of the coast.

Still, being a barrier island has its perils. Built by rivers, waves and currents depositing silt and sand over milllenia, Captiva and Sanibel are subject to the same forces that created them. The beaches erode due to the Gulf current that sweeps from north to south along the Florida coast, constantly pulling tons of sand from one area and moving it to another. Captiva Island, to the north of Sanibel, takes the brunt of this “longshore” current. The Captiva Erosion Prevention District is a governmental body that uses both conservation (planting, controlling access and development) and mechanical beach nourishment (moving sand from offshore areas) to maintain the island’s basic shape.

In a completely natural cycle, erosion tends to balance out, with sand lost in one direction more or less balancing with sand deposited from the other direction. Coastal development, however, interrupts that cycle. Piers, sea walls, inlet structures, docks, rip-rap and other structures are often put in place to prevent erosion. They work locally, slowing or prevent erosion in a specific area, but often causing net increased erosion to adjacent areas even though many see them as preventative measures. Sanibel and Captiva have long served as models for balancing the demand for beach tourism while carefully controlling use and development.

Island Inn, a steward of its own Sanibel beaches since 1898, is proud to support these efforts to preserve the natural landscape of the Islands. Our resort is also next door to the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most spectacular and important wildlife areas in Florida. It’s pretty quiet here most of the time, and when you come to Sanibel’s Island Inn, we want you to have a carefree time on our beaches. It’s interesting for many of our guests to discover how much work it takes to have this opportunity for profound relaxation!

Seafood

In the supermarket, “fresh” means the seafood has not been frozen. When you are on Sanibel and Captiva Island, “fresh” often means the seafood was caught, prepared and served all in the same day. You can taste the difference.  Whether you dine in a resort restaurant like Island Inn’s Traditions on the Beach or purchase a few fillets from a dockside fish market and cook them yourself, your perception of the taste of seafood will change for the better. The waters of the Gulf of Mexico and estuaries near Sanibel and Captiva are teeming with a full menu of the most desirable varieties, including shrimp, mussels, snapper, flounder, grouper, oysters, redfish and more.

Shelling

There is no other way to put it – Sanibel and Captiva Island have built a reputation as one of the top destinations for conchophiles – people who love seashells!  Every day, these beautiful and unusual natural creations wash ashore in great numbers, representing hundreds of varieties.  Shell collectors and enthusiasts come from all over the world to stroll the beaches near Island Inn resort in the cool dawn, stooping every few feet to examine another find.  Don’t worry – even if you know nothing about seashells you’ll find plenty – especially after an offshore storm or a windy day. The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum (shellmuseum.org) showcases shells from around the world and, of course, from Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

Shopping

For such a quiet little island, guests are continually surprised by the many shopping choices Sanibel and Captiva afford. From swanky designer shops to funky and artsy galleries, strolling Periwinkle Way is a stimulating diversion after days spent relaxing on the beach.  Whether you are looking for a new outfit or an affordable souvenir, the shops of Captiva and Sanibel aim to please.

Just Right

Not crowded but not deserted. Casual but not junky. Relaxed but not sleepy. No high-rise sprawl but plenty to do – Sanibel and Captiva are renowned for generations of travelers seeking the perfect balance of the good things – the “old Florida” way of life.

How did Sanibel avoid the building boom that has turned much of the Florida coastline into a picket fence of concrete and glass towers? It nearly didn’t. Lack of access kept Sanibel remote until 1963 when the state built a permanent causeway, replacing the ferry service and exposing the island to vehicle traffic. This could have been the turning point since, in the heady days of the early 60s, bigger was better and fighting development was not fashionable. To their credit, Sanibel’s residents literally held their ground, drafting and passing the Sanibel Comprehensive Land Use Plan in 1974 that placed clear and comprehensive limits on development, preserving the island’s open spaces and wildlife.

As a result of Sanibel Islanders’ wariness, Sanibel lodging choices are different from those you will encounter elsewhere in the Gulf region. On Sanibel, lodging centers around quality of life, rather than quantity of visitors. As the oldest accommodation on the island, Island Inn set the standard and continues to uphold it. The buildings on the Island Inn property have “breathing room” around them – clearly we could pack more rooms and more guests in this 10-acre space if we wanted to – and this airy approach prevails among many of Sanibel’s resorts, inns and hotels.

The “old Florida” island culture also is evident in the activities on Sanibel. Where the mainland focuses on driving somewhere, parking and driving again, Sanibel visitors find themselves taking leisurely walks or bike rides to wherever they need to be. At Island Inn, guests find the beautiful Sanibel Island beach just outside their lodgings; no need to lug coolers, bags and chairs across sweltering tarmac or over long access paths. Stress melts away when you don’t have to worry about driving or hiking back to the room for potty breaks or forgotten items.

Bike rentals are simple to arrange at the Island Inn, since the lodging facility has its own fleet of bicycles to rent to its guests. Spending the day on the island’s 26 miles of picturesque (and mercifully flat) bike trails is a great way to see Sanibel and soak up the unspoiled landscape. Sanibel is made for bikes, and since bikes are quiet, they contribute to the island’s tranquility.

When you are ready to experience authentic “old Florida” island culture, Island Inn is the top choice of savvy travelers for Sanibel lodging since 1895. What are you waiting for?

To make matters more confusing, you’ll find that each beachfront hotel, resort, cottage and rental unit makes bold and rosy claims about their fantastic view, linens, pool, service, etc.  How reliable is this? Pictures are helpful, but they tell only part of the story.  Guest reviews may be the most direct way of judging the quality of a place, but you may be hesitant to depend on the opinions of anonymous strangers. In the end, faced with too many similar-sounding options, it’s possible to give up and choose your Sanibel Island accommodations based on simple specifications: room capacity and price.

A Leisurely Tradition

Fortunately, there are a few ready truths that can help you select the optimal spot for your vacation – the first being tradition. For well over a century, Sanibel has drawn visitors who see the island as a getaway from everyday life. In those early days, a culture was born that might now be called “old Florida.” Sanibel Island and its early accommodations were the embodiment of that culture. In the late 1800s, Victorian social norms cut across all social classes and dictated a much more formal style of interaction than we are used to today. Letting your guard down, loosening the collar and relaxing was serious business – not enjoyed every day. Island Inn, the oldest continuous accommodations on Sanibel Island, opened its doors in 1895 when the island was still practically a secret and leisure time was highly prized and relished. Although accessing a beach in southwest Florida is a lot simpler now than it was in 1895, the casual but elegant feeling of “old Florida” is nowhere more evident than at Island Inn. Here, we still see fun as a great privilege and our guests as adventurers!

Being the first has its advantages. Early settlers always choose the prime site for themselves and Island Inn occupies some of the most beautiful real estate on a beautiful island. From the resort’s wide, gently sloping beach on the broadest portion of Sanibel Island, to the perfect angle of sunsets and natural setting, Island Inn defines the Sanibel Island experience.

Island Inn celebrates its past, but it definitely does not live there. Come to Sanibel Island and you’ll experience fully updated accommodations, modern conveniences and facilities. The difference is in the approach. While many resorts offer impressive architecture and the latest trends in décor and gilded luxury, Island Inn prefers a timeless, elegant approach. Over the decades, we’ve learned that this vacation is not about us – it’s about you.

Fortunately, as the thousands who have been on Sanibel Island vacations over the years can attest, Sanibel is not just another beach, and your vacation there is much more than just a trip to the beach!

Experts agree: In 2011, travel guru Arthur Frommer made a list of his favorite vacation destinations. Paris came in at #3. The tropical Pacific island of Bali was #2. Sanibel Island was #1. In his guidebook to Sanibel, the famous author described Sanibel and Captiva as “Florida’s unfussy cousins … tolerating none of the neon, amusement parks or high-rise condominiums cluttering most Florida beaches.” His praise for the islands is really a reflection of the carefully restrained development that has (or, more importantly, has not!) taken place.

Many resort communities are carefully planned to look natural – extensive landscaping is executed and lots of mature palm trees are poked into the sand around the golf courses. In essence, natural and pristine areas are an oasis in a primarily developed environment. On Sanibel Island, in contrast, the row of fine restaurants and shops along the town’s main street – Periwinkle Way – are themselves an oasis of civilization and glamour in a predominantly natural setting.

Even for those who have taken Sanibel Island vacations many times, there remain more than enough sights, activities and undiscovered places to keep their visit interesting. Although many will want to “just lay there” on the beach and relax – highly recommended by the way – Sanibel has much more to offer. Sanibel and Captiva are scattered with many attractions geared toward lovers of nature, nightlife, history, art and fine dining.

The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is the largest and most well known of Sanibel’s natural treasures. By area, the refuge covers fully half of the island and allows hundreds of species of animals to flourish.

Shells representing 250 mollusk species have been documented on the shores of Sanibel Island, many of them collected by folks on vacations who would hardly suspect they are involved in scientific activity! The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, located at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, chronicles this colorful and fantastic array of natural sculpture. After viewing the shells in the museum, you’ll be fully primed to do some on-shore shelling on your own – maybe you’ll discover species #251!

Old Town Sanibel is one of the island’s top vacation destinations. Located near the lighthouse on the island’s eastern edge, the town has always been the modest but quaint and charming hub of activity on the island. Inns, shops, restaurants and other establishments line the streets, with giant bearded live oaks providing shade and beauty. Many visitors feel their Sanibel Island vacations would not be complete without a walking tour of the Old Town. Created by the Sanibel Historical Society, the “tour to yesteryear” is just over 2 miles long. Tour maps are available at the Visitor Center and the Historical Museum.

So, how do you start planning? Let’s assume you are headed to the beach. That doesn’t narrow it down much, as there are 2,276 miles of beaches in Florida alone! Perhaps you want to be able to swim comfortably in the water and stretch out in the warm sunshine? Sounds like the southern Gulf, with its calm, warm and clear waters and 300+ sunny days every year. What else are you picturing? Tall condos and crowded beaches, or a spacious private beach in a natural setting? If you lean toward the latter, you have narrowed your choices considerably! Does the island lifestyle appeal to you? Sanibel Island offers many hotel choices and practically idealizes the Florida island lifestyle, with no traffic lights and a low population – even in peak season. The controlled development on Sanibel and neighboring Captiva Island means that nature dominates – not only on our unspoiled beaches but also in the fact that more than half of the island’s land area is a nature preserve – the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

As you continue creating the picture for the setting of your trip to Sanibel Island, you’ll still have to choose among the dozens of hotels and other lodging choices available. The perfect setting is what you have in mind, but how to select, when all of the hotels, cottages, resorts, inns and condos on Sanibel Island claim to be the best?

Fortunately, your answer is right there on the map. There aren’t many roads on Sanibel Island, but one of them is called Island Inn Road. Since 1895, people have been coming to Sanibel Island to get away from it all, and Island Inn is where they have done it. Fortunately, over the decades Island Inn’s owners have continually updated as needed and expanded with careful planning, also playing an active role in making sure the island keeps development to a minimum.

Island Inn offers eleven accommodation styles to choose from including spacious and flexible cottages, suites, rooms and lodges. The variety of choices ensures that, no matter your travel style or preferences, Island Inn has you covered. All four of the resort’s buildings are sited carefully within Island Inn’s 10-acre property with no roads, gates, catwalks or jetties separating you from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There are a lot of hotels on Sanibel Island, but there is only one Island Inn!

The word “cottage” can bring many images to mind (including cramped fishing shacks with army cots!) Rest assured, while Island Inn can be described overall as “casual,” it steers clear of the “rustic” approach, tending instead toward elegance, good taste and luxurious yet understated comfort. Island Inn Cottages embody the traditions of Sanibel Island, since 1895, setting itself apart from the frantic pace of development just a few short miles away, adding no more buildings than necessary and keeping their size and style refined and relaxed. Cottage guests frequently remark that their stay felt like owning an exclusive beachfront home, with all the luxuries of a resort just steps away, theirs to partake whenever they chose. In today’s world of luxury high-rise beach condos and mega-hotels by the shore, a classy secluded beach cottage is a rare commodity indeed.

Island Inn boasts 5 distinct and welcoming Sanibel Island cottages. Planning your honeymoon? Vacationing alone? Bringing the family and the in-laws to Sanibel Island? Island Inn cottages range from single bedroom getaways to large cottages for groups as large as eight. All cottages have fully equipped kitchens too, so you can maroon yourself in your slice of paradise for as long as you choose. The Sanibel Island cottages of Island Inn feature large interior spaces and big windows for plenty of elbow room, even at capacity. You’ll hear the murmuring waves of the Gulf of Mexico just outside, tempting you to make the short stroll through the sand to the water’s edge.

Placed directly on Island Inn’s private beach, the cottages afford guests a sense of independence and true privacy. Of course, you’re only steps away from the rest of the Island Inn resort with myriad activities and opportunities for socializing, and from its renowned restaurant, Traditions On the Beach. For a study in contrasts, step through the warm sand outside your cottage door, start the car and in minutes be on the Florida mainland in the bustling environs of the Fort Meyers area. When you return, be warned, you might not want to leave!

So, there you are, at your computer, trying to picture yourself and your fellow vacationers staying in each one of the little dots on the map of Sanibel Island. One of the resorts has a large pool with a swim up bar, another has three small pools and two hot tubs. Which will you enjoy more? One has small rooms with a great view and fair reviews, another has large rooms with no view but good reviews. Will your son-in-law like the exercise room? Should you pick the place nearest the bike trail or the beach? And what about the little things, like the towels, the sheets or the bathrooms? It seems petty to worry about it, but the details can make or break the trip – this is supposed to be a resort, not a campsite!

Choice may be a good thing, but too much choice can be stressful. Having a plan or a making a list of the most important features you want is one way to limit the feelings of indecision and strain. Decide what’s really important about the resorts you’re considering. Ask yourself these questions:

• What is my budget?
• What might the weather be like at this time of year?
• Do we want to explore Sanibel Island’s history?
• How important is a view from the room?
• Is the resort a chain or franchise operation?
• How important is a unique and exclusive atmosphere?
• What do guests say about the place after they leave?

For generations, the privately owned and one-of-a-kind Island Inn has stood out among Sanibel Island resorts. Although the buildings themselves have been renewed, updated and freshened regularly since the doors opened in 1895, there is a timeless sense of history and tradition one can only find here. Some hotels and resorts are more grand, indeed, but often have a slightly artificial or “don’t touch” aura about them. Island Inn invites you to sink in and become part of the tradition. It was not designed in some corporate boardroom and rubber-stamped across a hundred beaches; Island Inn seems to be part of the landscape, with its multiple buildings providing a broad selection of lodging styles, capacity and advantages.

In fact, many guests have made Island Inn their own tradition, returning year after year to experience all that Sanibel Island has to offer. That’s what we mean when we say that Island Inn is more than just another resort; like Sanibel itself, the Inn is a special place, with a culture that is both casual and relaxed, but still elegant and sophisticated.

You have many choices when deciding where you’ll vacation in South Florida. Those who wish to experience the unique and wonderful mix of southern and island culture know the secret ingredient is Island Inn.

Located just off the western shore of Fort Myers, Florida, Sanibel Island is also convenient to Naples, located to the south, and Tampa to the north. Captiva Island is a smaller island capping the northern tip of Sanibel and can be reached via the Blind Pass bridge. While only a short stretch of water separates Sanibel Island from mainland Florida, your Island Inn adventure makes you feel like you’re a million miles away from Florida’s bustling, often crowded and overdeveloped shoreline.

Development on Sanibel Island

Protected by a strict building code enacted in the face of Florida’s development boom in the early 1960s, Sanibel Island has only two buildings taller than three stories, both built before the code was enacted. As a result, the island feels like a best-kept secret, with only 6,000 year-round residents and plenty of room on its 15 miles of pristine white sand beaches, even during peak season. A little-known fact tells you something about the approach to life embraced by both residents and visitors: How many traffic lights are there in Sanibel Island Florida? Answer: Zero! This leisurely world view permeates the island’s culture – prompting visitors to slow down and enjoy every moment, every view, the breeze, the sun, the sound of the waves lapping at the beach.

Island Geography and Natural Features

Sanibel, with a total area of 33 square miles, is a barrier island on Florida’s southern Gulf coast. Barrier islands are essentially large sandbars formed by the action of waves over millennia. The resulting flat topography of the island makes it especially enjoyable for cycling, walking and running. Sanibel also features extensive wetland areas, sheltering wildlife, birds and aquatic species of astonishing variety. Island Inn guests are encouraged to visit the nearby Ding Darling Wildlife refuge for a glimpse of how Sanibel Island must have looked to its first visitors. Today, more than half of the island’s land area is a protected wildlife refuge.

With its broad beach facing the prevailing winds off the Gulf of Mexico, shells are washed ashore on Sanibel Island Florida in great numbers. More than 250 species of shells have been identified and strolling for shells at dawn is a favorite activity for early-rising visitors to the island.

The Sanibel Lighthouse is the town’s most widely recognized landmark and can be found at the easternmost point of the island. The nearby fishing pier provides an excellent vantage point for family photographs as well as fishing, of course! Sanibel’s main street, Periwinkle Way, is where you’ll find most shops and restaurants.

The Shell Museum’s annual benefit is a firm favorite on the island and this year promises to be even more spectacular than ever. They chose the Island Inn, the original home of Sanibel’s Shell Fair, to host this year’s gala event – A Polynesian Luau beach party – themed “Under The Sea”.

There will be a pre-dinner reception hosted at Traditions On The Beach, our award-winning restaurant, followed by a live Polynesian luau, which includes:

• Dancers on the beach
• Live music
• Delicious Polynesian dinner
• Lots of spectacular auction and raffle prizes
• Artwork from Sanibel’s renowned artist, Myra Roberts

Book your stay directly with the Island Inn during this time and receive a 20% discount on “Under The Sea” gala tickets. Stay where the party is and enjoy a spectacular event with us on Sanibel. Call (800) 851-5088 to book your accommodation and tickets for the event as space is limited and tickets are sure to sellout!

See The Benefit Promoted on Fox 4!