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!

You have decided to come to an island, drawn by the beckon of the sea. So indulge your inner sailor and get out on the water. It’s the island thing to do.

When it comes to trekking around island waterways–whether it’s the Gulf, bay, or river—paddling is the most wildlife intimate, eco-conscious mode. Outfitters on both islands can set you up with a kayak or canoe that best fits the type of water or activity you choose.

Besides rentals, outfitters offer kayaking lessons for the beginner and guided tours into the islands’ most secret wildlife areas where you can’t go by larger craft. There’s no better way to get close to the islands’ rich bird life and marine creatures. Dolphins often escort your excursion and sometimes a manatee will steal a back-scratch off the bottom of your craft.

The Island Inn now has kayaks available to rent, directly on the beach! Paddle along the coast and enjoy the warm water and the beautiful view from the other side of the beach. Visit the front desk for rentals and more information.

Source: The Islands of Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Guide

Melinda first opened her store as an Interior Design Consulting firm in 1994 and went on to appear on television shows such as NBC’s Later Today, Discovery Channel’s Home Matters, HGTV’s The Almanac with Willard Scott, Lifetime’s Our Home and Oxygen’s Pure Oxygen.

Once seeing the beautiful landscape of the Island Inn and learning the historical aspects of the 115 year old property, Graham was commissioned to redecorate the guestrooms and cottages to reflect what the Inn represents to so many people today – a beautiful, cozy, home away from home on the beach – without losing its charm or history.

And that is exactly what she did.

Graham transformed each of the guest rooms and cottages to updated versions of their former selves. New linens, couches, and accent pieces make them beautifully updated, without losing any of the comforts guests had grown to love. You can still find Granny Matthew’s desk in the Matthew’s Cottage, white furniture still graces most of the rooms, and paintings and photographs of shells and sunsets compliment new ceramic tile and hardwood floors. The Inn once again has become the perfect beachfront home away from home.

This week, a production team from the nationally published lifestyle and decor magazine ‘Cottages & Bungalows’ visited Sanibel to see all of the new updates made to the Inn. The Island Inn and Graham’s work will be featured in an upcoming issue of the magazine.

Instead of driving around paved Wildlife Drive at “Ding” Darling Refuge, try two-wheeling for a close-up encounter.

The entire loop from the Education Center, through the Refuge and back to the center via the Sanibel-Captiva Road (a.k.a. San-Cap Road) bike path, is about 8 miles, all paved. Or you may want to follow the unpaved shortcut on the Cross-Dike Trail near the Refuge’s entrance.

Sanibel Island’s 23-mile bike path takes you just about anywhere you want to go. Nature-lovers bike the “conservation corridor” path paralleling San-Cap Road, which leads to “Ding” Darling, SCCF and other environmental attractions. Here there are few cyclists and driveways, which makes biking more pleasurable than on some of the well-traveled path sections along Periwinkle Way. Try the loop off Sanibel-Captiva Road that runs parallel to Rabbit Road on the backside of its homes, ending at West Gulf Drive. From there you can turn left and circle around on Tarpon Bay Road, past the beach and Bailey Tract (where bikes are allowed, but must be walked in parts), then back to San-Cap Road.

Another favorite by-bike destination along San-Cap Road is Bowman’s Beach, north of the Refuge. At the Blind Pass Bridge to Captiva Island, the bike path ends and pedaling can become a bit treacherous on Captiva’s twisty road, especially in the busy winter season. But if you’re staying in Captiva Island’s “downtown” area, by all means rent a bike to explore the nearby sights and shopping.

With an average elevation of four feet, the islands’ geography makes biking practically effortless. A number of rental outlets and resorts carry all manner of biking equipment from mountain bikes to tandems, baby trailers, and family-sized surreys.

Isn’t it time to downshift into island mode? Take your explorations to the trails and paths for the quintessential island experience. It’s the ultimate green way to get around.

The Island Inn has bikes available to rent on the property. Visit the front desk for more information.

Source: Sanibel and Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Guide

Regardless of weather or color, fall in Southwest Florida still brings a season of change and with it, many reasons to celebrate.

Residents and visitors begin returning to the islands and, although this has been a very busy summer, we’re looking forward to seeing our old friends.
Thanksgiving is less than a month away and we’ll be hosting many guests for the holiday.

Traditions on the Beach, which is our award-winning restaurant, bar and lounge, will be offering a traditional holiday spread with everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving dishes.

The 27th annual Sanibel and Captiva Luminary Festival takes place the weekend of December 3rd, and always brings visitors and residents together to kick off the holiday season with an illuminated drive down Periwinkle Way. Stores, businesses and art galleries welcome friends and visitors alike to come eat, drink and be merry alongside each other.

Christmas has always been a special time here at the Island Inn. With the beachfront property beautifully decorated and the fireplace crackling in the lounge, you can be sure to find cherished memories to go along side your holiday cheer.

For those of you who’ve made plans to visit us in the next two months, we are anxiously awaiting your arrival. And for those who have not made their travel arrangements yet, be sure not to delay. We only have so much sunshine, seashells and holiday cheer to go around!

We hope to see all of you soon and that your fall festivities are filled with reasons to celebrate!

Best Wishes,

Chris Davison
General Manager

Island Inn guests are warmly invited to come along and celebrate island style.

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