South Seas Island Resort – Captiva Island Florida

Nestled on the tip of Captiva Island in Southwest Florida, the South Seas Island Resort has handily endured hurricanes, an influx of vacationers, and a recent renovation to preserve its well-earned reputation as an exclusive island destination. 

The 330-acre resort is the former site of a copra and key lime plantation started by Clarence Chadwick,  an inventor and itinerant farmer. By 1924, Chadwick owned 400 acres on the northern tip of Captiva and built a number of homes as quarters for his workers.  At one time, his plantation was the largest key lime producer in the world.  In 1930, Chadwick grew tired of the business and worked with his wife and brother to turn the settlement of worker cottages into a viable resort. Today, many of his towering coconut palms still stand, framing the resort and providing a lush, tropical welcome to visitors.  Accommodations are spread throughout the grounds in low-rise buildings featuring hotel rooms, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom suites and private homes.  Because the resort takes up the entire northern tip of Captiva, a free trolley shuttles back and forth through the mangrove forests dotting the property as well as into town at designated times.

The 2 1/2 miles of sugary beach — steps away from homes and condominiums within the resort — is South Seas’ defining feature.  Strolling the shell-strewn beach is a tranquil escape for even the weariest of travelers.  The beach was refreshed following the devastation of Hurricane Charlie in 2005.  In fact, the entire resort recently underwent a $140 million renovation.  Rooms — from standard hotel rooms to one,-two, and three bedroom beach villas and private homes — were newly decorated with a West Indies feel with bamboo and teak furniture, lavish bedding and spacious bathrooms.  The pool area now feature two new lagoon-style pools with cabana complex and an expansive sun deck, fountains and Jacuzzi/spa.  The resort includes 18 heated outdoor pools in total, scattered throughout the different accommodation villages as well as the Beach Villas.

Manatees are a common sight frolicking near the elegant marina fronting South Seas.  The Yacht Harbour serves as a launching point for scenic day cruises to Cabbage Key and Useppa as well as shelling, dolphin watching and other boating excursions.  Boating enthusiasts can arrive at the resort by water as the marina accommodates vessels up to 120 feet.

Perhaps South Seas’ best kept secret is its superb tennis facilities.  Services include daily clinics for all levels, individual private lessons with an accomplished pro, endurance workshops, and clinics providing instruction on how to play doubles.  The resort boasts 19 courts in all, four of which are flood-lit for evening play.  The carefully crafted golf course completes the country club experience, yet preserves the secluded, tranquil feel of the island.  A recent New York Times travel and leisure piece dubbed the South Seas golf course “one of the most picturesque 9-holers” anywhere.  After a vigorous round of golf, guests can eat at one of three restaurants on the premises, including room service delivered to condos, or take advantage of the many offerings in town and nearby Sanibel.

While South Seas has always catered to families, its recent upgrade included an expansion to its children’s programs and facilities.  Kids club theme parties and other educational camps are broken out into programs for teens and children ages 4-12.  Past programs have included shell walks, water games, pirate hunts, and kayak programs, among others.

While Captiva is famous for its beaches and shelling, its unspoiled wildlife has provided enduring comfort to a number of visitors.  Anne Morrow Lindbergh wrote her famous “Gifts from the Sea,” while vacationing on Captiva.  Captiva is one of the few regions left where you can observe rare birds such as opsrey, bald eagle, and blue herons in their natural habitat. The nearby wildlife refuge is home to more than 300 species of birds, 50 species of reptiles and amphibians and more than 30 types of animals — species that a visitor might not ordinarily get to see in such an intimate setting.  The miles of winding bike and jogging paths allow visitors to experience Captiva’s raw beauty at a languid pace.

While many charmed guests have described South Seas as seemingly “the end of the world,” the newly restyled resort has preserved its status as an unspoiled haven while offering new levels of amenities and services for families of all ages.

Mark Washburn is a real estate agent serving the Greater Fort Myers area. Mark understands the changing market and can help you find value in the Southwest Florida Real Estate Market. Read Mark’s blog, Gulf Returns about the Southwest Florida real estate market.

World Renowned New York Hotels – The Waldorf Astoria

The Waldorf Astoria is one of the first grand New York Hotels to combine luxurious amenities and services with elegance, and is world renowned for over a century. The hotel was the first skyscraper hotel and has been an official New York City landmark since 1993, member of the National Trust Historic Hotels of America, and the Art Decor property occupies the whole city block of prime, mid-town Manhattan real estate. It is located between Park and Lexington Avenue and the 49th and 50th Streets. The hotel is walking distance to Rockefeller Venter, Radio City Music Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the word famous galleries and shopping of Fifth Avenue. The original hotel, affiliated to the new Hilton luxury brand established in 2006, and recent renovations in 2002, of $400 million have renewed the splendor that has long made The Waldorf Astoria an international icon.

This New York Hotel is a vast resource of nearly 60,000 square feet of distinctive and versatile function space, with 40 rooms capable of hosting gatherings, ranging from the most grand, extraordinary, to the small, and private. Three lounges, four distinctive restaurants, and 24 hour room service offer an array of distinctive cuisine. Most of the 19th floor is occupied by the Guerlain spa with 14,000 square foot facility featuring 16 treatment rooms, each with its own private bath and dressing room, and 2 lounges with natural lighting. The $21.5 million facility spa and fitness center was unveiled on September 1st 2008. The spa boutique retails the exquisite skincare, make up collections and fragrance of Guerlain Paris. A new 2,500 square feet fitness center is located on the 5th floor of the hotel and is equipped with Precor exercise equipment. The Waldorf Astoria and The Waldorf Towers, the boutique hotel occupying 27th to the 42nd floors of the hotel, offer a total of 1,416 guest rooms, including 303 suites, with each room featuring Art Deco motifs and being different from the other.

Every room of the 1245 guestrooms is stylishly decorated as per the sophisticated tastes of the hotel’s clientele. The hotel offers a wide variety of accommodation from spacious single rooms to grand multi-bedroom suites. The Waldorf Astoria has acclaimed restaurants serving distinctly different cuisines, bars, and lounges like the Bull and Bear- that serves a selection of fresh seafood and is the only restaurant on the East Coast serving the prime grade of USDA Certified Angus Beef. Peacock Alley that offers power breakfast, la carte lunch menu, and a distinctive dinner, Cocktail Terrace where you can enjoy tea, cocktails and champagne, Sunday Brunch, Inagiku that offers Japanese cuisine , Sir Harry’s Lounge and Oscars American Brasserie which is perfect for breakfast and serving Egg Benedict. The Waldorf Concierge Team caters to many New York comprehensive expertise, like multi-lingual translation and interpretation in various languages, an understanding of the new and trendy concerts, events, and attraction. They can arrange baby sitting services, car rentals, and the concierge and bell staff is available from 7a.m o 11p.m.

Other additional features include reward program offered through Hilton Honors membership, where guests of the hotel can enjoy complimentary access for $14 per day for Hilton Honors Silver and above memberships. Steve Cohen amazes the audience during his Chamber Magic show on most Friday nights beginning at 7p.m, in a beautiful, historic suite at the Waldorf Towers. Guests can avail the complimentary wireless internet access, which is available in the Main Lobby, Bull & Bear, and Oscar’s Bar. A broad spectrum of collection items, from bedding to decorative, kitchenware to jewelry accessories and some Waldorf branded items are available at Distinctly Waldorf. A diverse menu of salon treatments and beauty services is available at he world renowned Kenneth’s Salon.

There are many great New York hotels. Book family, luxurious, themed or cheap hotels today.

5 Best Luxury Hotels in Bristol

Luxurious Marriott Hotel in Bristol

Marriott Hotels around the world offer luxury accommodation to all guests and the Bristol hotel does just that. Perched in Bristol city centre next to the impressive Cabot Circus shopping mall. All guest rooms in the luxurious Marriott hotel in Bristol offer all guests a dedicated work area that includes high speed internet. The comfortable beds include luxury designer bedding pillows and duvets. As standard in luxury hotels the Marriott consists of top of the range health fitness and spa facilities. The top dining place at the Bristol Marriott hotel is the Terrace Grill. Priding themselves on succulent menus prepared from local seasonal produce.

Westfield Luxury Guest House

Westfield house is not as well known in the hotel industry as it is a small and friendly family run establishment. This luxury hotel is an old mansion and is only a 10 minute drive from Bristol centre on the North West side of the city. City Centre Hotels can offer luxurious accommodation but come with the hustle and bustle that city centre hotels bring. This is a well run luxurious hidden gem. Well renowned for its superb international cuisines and its rigorous Les Routiers criteria certification. A hard to come by luxury hotel in Bristol that is still a hidden gem.

Carpenters Arms Guest House Hotel

Another hidden gem that can be found on the outskirts of Bristol and bath. The guest house offers 4 star luxury accommodation and is ideally located for exploring the surrounding country side of Chew Valley. relax in the traditional bar with ice cold refreshments. The chef serves al fresco dining. Take in the beautiful country side whilst sipping a drink in the scenic patio area. In cold days the log fire burns to keep guests warm. The guest rooms at the Carpenters Arms are beautifully decorated in a contemporary fashion. Another luxurious hidden gem in a luxurious settlement.

Hotel Du Vin in Bristol

Du Vin Hotels are somewhat different from most city centre hotels making them unique. Du Vin Hotels in Bristol as well as Du Vin Hotels all over the world offer guests luxury accommodation without the fuss and frills of most luxury hotels. Once the most important destination for all sugar being imported to the united kingdom the old sugar house is now a luxury warehouse style hotel that is located in Bristols prime commercial district.

Ramada Jarvis Hotel in Bristol

Located a five minute walk from Temple Meads Train Station in Bristol is the luxury 4 star Ramada Jarvis Hotel. One of the hotels top features is the stunning restaurant that is now housed in the old 17th century glass blown kiln. The lounge area offers guests free wifi sky sports you can also order snacks and refreshments from the very professional and friendly staff. 24 hour room service is available when requested. All en suite accommodation at the luxury hotel is superbly done making guests feel comfortable and relaxed in contemporary surroundings.

My name is Gavin Boyd and am the proud owner of a couple of small sites. I also write content for hotels as well as writing articles supporting their establishments. My new hotel site is based around Bristol and specialises in finding guests the best hotels in Bristol at the best rates available. I try to make my posts as interesting as possible and all are uniquely written. I hope you enjoyed reading.