*Disclaimer: I received a discounted rate in exchange for my honest review of the South Seas Island Resort.  This review part one of a three part series.*  

Nearly every summer, my family and I plan a summer escape to our favorite Florida destination, Sanibel and Captiva islands. Nestled on the most northern tip of Captiva, sits the very secluded South Seas Island Resort.  With each trip to Captiva, we longed to know what lies behind the gated resort entrance.

This summer, we set out to discover what happens on the other side of the gate.  As welcomed guests at the South Sea Island Resort, we uncovered a side to Captiva that we’ve never experienced before.

For our family of five, we requested a Beach Villa on the South Beach located approximately 200 feet away from the Gulf shores.  Modern beach décor with all the comforts of home including full-size kitchen and living room, two bedrooms, two bath and large balcony overlooking the gulf accommodated us perfectly.

Our Beach Villa faced a garden pool conveniently placed just outside our front door.  With twenty pools throughout the resort property, each village has its own private pool as well as the three pools at the North Pointe.

On Monday afternoon after a lovely morning of body surfing and shelling along the beach, we took a trolley ride to investigate the H2WHOA! Water Park at the North Pointe.

Two slides create some incredible water fun at the H2WHOA! Water Park.  From the youngest Taylor to the oldest Taylor, everyone wanted to the ride the slides.

Once we had our fill of water slide excitement, we found three more pools in tropical paradise just beyond the floral path.

A breath taking postcard view filled the horizon for an illusion as if you were swimming the ocean.

Also at the North Pointe, we stumbled upon the Scully’s and Sanibel Sea School and Marine Discovery Center.  My girls proudly shared their own sea creature knowledge with the staff as they know a thing or two about seashells, horseshoe crabs, mangroves and manatees.

At the Marine Discovery Center, When my oldest learned about the South Seas Island Resort ScoutAbout, she made it her mission to collect all 15 bands.  (Allana will share a review of her ScoutAbout adventure in another post.)

The wonderful world of South Seas Island Resort hidden behind the gated entrance was more fun than we ever anticipated.  Of course, I enjoyed running along the island and visiting the fitness center and we enjoyed visiting with the locals,

but it was beach and its gorgeous sunsets that called us back for more.

One evening, we visited Sunset Beach for the sunset festivities with live music.  Each night just before sunset, children make a wish on a shell and toss their wish into the ocean.  The sight of smiling, hopeful children made everyone’s heart glow brighter than the Captiva sunset.

With only a short time on Captiva, we soaked up as much of the sun and sand, body surfing and shelling as we could.  And the shelling is amazing!

Since the South Seas Island Resort provides towels, beach chairs and umbrellas for its guests, it greatly simplified our beach outings.  Only swimsuit and sunblock required!

With all the trips we made to Captiva over the years, our stay at the South Seas Island Resort redefined our favorite summer destination and Family. Nature. Comfort.

 Discover why South Seas Island Resort has become a Top 10 Beach Resort for Families by Parents Magazine. Surround yourself with sun, sand, sea and sky for your next family beach vacation. Book your memorable experience online for South Seas Island Resort’s Best Rates Guaranteed.