South Seas Island Resort

Always an amazing family experience creating memories that last forever. We call Captiva and South Seas a hidden gem in Florida. Would give a 5 rating if pricing was a little better for returning guest and during the remodel phase. Overall a great place to unwind.

Through the painful journey of grieving the loss of my husband, my daughter and I decided to return to South Seas Island—a place that held deep meaning for our family. It’s where my parents met while working at Chadwick’s in the early 80s, where I honeymooned with my husband, and where we took our last family vacation together. I hoped this trip would bring a sense of closeness, comfort, and healing. To say I was disappointed with our stay would be an understatement. First, the booking was misleading. I was led to believe the rate was $475 per night with the fourth night free. In reality, the “free night” was based on a different nightly rate—deceptive advertising at best. I had already paid a deposit when I booked, yet was hit with an unexpected $2,400 hold at check-in. Having stayed here twice before with my late husband—including on our honeymoon—I was shocked at the changes. The charm and unique character we once loved have been replaced with what feels like a hollow shell. The vibrant tropical bar with incredible tacos is now a sad, temporary burger truck. Construction noise and mess were constant and intrusive, all while paying luxury-level prices. Our room had a beautiful view, but that was its only redeeming quality. The fridge was dirty, the dishwasher was rusting, there was no trash can, and everything looked like it hadn’t been touched in decades. We were even told our room was ready when it wasn’t, and made to wait outside in the heat while it was “finished,” which turned out to be rushed and clearly incomplete. Despite everything, my daughter and I tried to make the best of it—until the final insult. A manager reached out after my stay, promising to make it right with a return visit in July or August. She assured me I would receive an email to coordinate. That email never came. I followed up multiple times and was completely ignored. It breaks my heart that a place so full of beautiful memories was tarnished by this experience. We came seeking comfort and connection, but instead left hurt and disillusioned. We won’t be back.

Fantastic 4 day trip. Loved the big beautiful pools and great beaches. Bubble Room and Green Flash restaurant S also were great.

It's like staying in the middle of a construction site. There were construction workers everywhere and, since the signing was poor, when we stopped to ask directions, we could not find any of them who spoke English.

This place was highly recommended to me a few years back, unfortunately, I did not have the great experience I was expecting. Part of the reason is the construction going on, there is a lot of it. I was expecting to have the beach steps away and while that was the case, to get beach towels and chairs, I had to get in my car and travel over a mile. Getting in a trolly or having to rent a golfcart to get around is equally inconvenient. Figuring out where the beach, pool, restaurants, and parking was extremely frustrating, there are no signs and it took a lot of guessing where to go. Having better signage and disclosing to your guests that there is no towel/chair service at the beach that is right outside your room but if you travel, you can get that service would at the very least set a clear expectation of the resort. Room was not perfect either, the safe did not work which forced me to leave my jewelry locked in my car. The pool was very nice and the one restaurant I visited was good as well. If you don't mind traveling to the beach then I guess the resort is fine, when I stay at a beach front hotel, I expect everything to be close enough where I don't have to get in my car to eat, use the pool or get a beach chair.