Captiva Island with South Seas Resort
A Slow Weekend in Captiva Island, Florida
at South Seas Resort
If you’re planning a trip to Captiva Island, just know—it’s not your typical Florida getaway. There’s no pressure to constantly be doing something, and honestly, that’s what makes it so special. Captiva is slow, peaceful, and incredibly serene—the kind of place you go to actually unwind.
I recently spent a weekend at South Seas Island Resort, and it ended up being one of the most relaxing, pampered trips I’ve had in Florida. The island has come a long way since Hurricane Ian (2022), and everything we experienced felt beautifully restored and thoughtfully done.
Even better—there’s more on the way. The resort is continuing to expand its offerings, with a spa and additional hotel accommodations currently in the works, which will only make the experience even more elevated. Between the beaches, full-service amenities, and access to things like golf, rentals, and excursions, it’s the kind of place where you can stay the entire weekend and never feel like you’re missing out.
Friday: Arrival, Tiki Drinks & Sunset Dinner
We arrived Friday afternoon, checked into South Seas Island Resort, and spent some time getting our bearings around the property. It’s pretty expansive, so this part is actually really helpful.
After exploring, we made our way to the Tiki Bar at the adults pool (located within the resort), and this was such an underrated highlight. It was quiet, relaxed, and had the best view overlooking the water—just sitting there with a drink instantly put us into vacation mode.
We headed back to shower and get ready, then went to dinner at The Beach House Restaurant. More than anything, this spot is about the full experience. You can roll up in your golf cart, park right across the street, and be seated for dinner within minutes—which just adds to that easy island feeling Captiva does so well.
The restaurant itself is relaxed and casual, but what really makes it special is everything surrounding it. Just behind The Beach House are the iconic hammocks, fire pits, cornhole, and a wide open sandy area with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the evening. Even during dinner hours, it still feels calm, uncrowded, and almost exclusive—like everyone has room to breathe and enjoy it.
The beach is only steps away, making it the perfect place to wander out for sunset afterward. The sunset here is unreal—one of those moments where everything just feels still and beautiful. The whole night felt effortless and set the tone for the rest of the weekend.
Saturday: Morning Golf, Beach Time & the Dreamiest Cabana Day
Saturday started with one of the most unique amenities on property—a round at The Clutch, the resort’s 12-hole short course. This is one of those experiences you can only access if you’re staying at South Seas Island Resort, so definitely take advantage. It’s a walking-only course made up of par 3s and short par 4s, and it is gorgeous. Super approachable, fun, and such a cool way to start the day. You can check it out here: The Clutch Golf Course.
After that, we grabbed breakfast and headed straight to the beach—and again, I cannot get over how clear the water was. Truly the clearest I’ve seen anywhere in Florida. What really stood out to me was how private Captiva feels—especially within South Seas Resort. This is not the crowded Florida beach scene most people picture. The mornings were unbelievably quiet, and I rarely saw other vacationers until around 8:30 or 9 AM. There were moments it honestly felt like we had our own private island. Between the secluded setting, peaceful beaches, and the area’s more exclusive homes and estates, Captiva has a level of privacy and calm that’s hard to find anywhere else in Florida.
The rest of the day was spent at the pool and in our cabana—and I mean this when I say it was the nicest cabana I’ve ever experienced. Right along the water, dolphins swimming by, boats passing… it didn’t even feel real.
We stayed out there as long as possible (until around 5PM), just soaking it all in. Between the service, the setup, and the views, this was peak “I feel pampered” energy.
If you’re planning your own stay, one of South Seas Resort’s best offers is back for a limited time: book 3+ nights through November 15, 2026, and receive 25% off your stay, a complimentary full-day cabana rental at Bayview Pool or Captiva Landing, plus a $100 food & beverage credit. Conditions apply—check the link for full details.
We had a later dinner at Harborside Bar & Grill, and this ended up being my favorite meal of the trip. It’s an Italian steakhouse right on the marina (very fitting name), and everything was incredible.
We ordered the trio of bruschetta, short rib ravioli, filet mignon, shrimp scampi, and octopus—and I would get every single one again. The bruschetta trio alone was worth ordering: one topped with rich Wagyu beef, one with classic burrata and heirloom tomatoes finished with balsamic glaze, and one with fresh lump crab. Every single one was so good and felt like its own little standout bite.
The short rib ravioli was rich and comforting, the filet was cooked perfectly, and the shrimp scampi was fresh and flavorful. Even the octopus was incredibly well done. Honestly, every dish at Harborside Bar & Grill impressed us. Between the food, the drinks, and the marina setting right by the boats, it was just one of those dinners you talk about afterward.
Honestly, if we went back, we’d do both dinners here.
Sunday: Coffee, Shelling & Lazy River
Sunday morning was slow and simple—coffee, then straight to the beach for shelling, which Captiva is known for. The shells here are so unique, and it was such a fun, relaxing way to start the day. Learn more about shelling here.
After that, we checked out the other pool on property and lazy river—and this is definitely more of the “family” side of the resort, but still so fun. There are waterslides, activities run by staff, an arcade, and a full food and drink setup.
We had heard the smashburger was a must, so of course we tried it—and yes, it lived up to the hype.
We floated, laid out in the sun, and just enjoyed the last few hours before heading home.
What I Didn’t Get to Do (But You Should)
In case I forgot to mention it—there’s honestly so much more to do at South Seas Resort than I could fit into one weekend. Guests can also take advantage of kayak and paddleboard rentals, watersports and marina excursions, bike and resort cart rentals, fishing experiences, family pool attractions, arcade fun, and rotating kids’ activities throughout the week. If you’re staying here, definitely check the resort schedule/app when you arrive because there’s always something going on.
And since we stayed on property, I didn’t make it to a few iconic spots like:
Both are worth checking out if you leave the resort.
What I Wore (Resort Style)
I partnered with Tommy Bahama for this trip, and their pieces were perfect for Captiva—easy, elevated, and very resort-ready.
Shop my looks here:
Palm Bay Cotton Boyfriend Beach Shirt
Island Cays Cabana Wrap Tie Beach Romper
Sandy Hair, Don't Care Boyfriend Beach Shirt
👉 I also styled from Amazon & linked them on my storefront:
Saodimallsu Womens 2 Piece Outfits Sweater Sets Summer Oversized Cap Sleeve Button Up Cardigans Top Shorts Lounge Set
Saodimallsu Womens Crochet Beach Cover Up Dress Sleeveless Scoop Neck Drawstring Long Dresses Summer Vacation Outfits
Saodimallsu Womens Crochet Crop Tank Tops Sleeveless Fringe Crew Neck Trendy Boho Knit Summer Sweater Vest
Saodimallsu Womens Striped Bodycon Midi Dress Sleeveless Square Neck Color Block Knit Summer Tank Dresses
Final Thoughts
I truly felt pampered this entire trip. South Seas Island Resort does such a good job balancing relaxation with just enough to do.
I would especially recommend it for families with younger kids—it’s kind of perfect for that. But for couples, it still works beautifully if your goal is to relax. Just know even the quieter areas may still have a few kids around.
That said, the service, cabanas, amenities, and overall experience make it more than worth it.
Screenshot-Worthy Weekend Itinerary
Friday
2:00 PM – Arrive + check into South Seas
3:00 PM – Explore resort
4:30 PM – Tiki Bar (adults pool)
7:30 PM – Dinner at Beach House
Saturday
8:30 AM – Golf at The Clutch
10:00 AM – Breakfast
11:00 AM – Beach
12:30–5:00 PM – Cabana + pool
6:30 PM – Sunset
8:30 PM – Dinner at Harborside
Sunday
9:00 AM – Coffee + shelling
11:00 AM – Lazy river
12:30 PM – Smashburger
2:00 PM – Head out
