Last winter, I took a trip to South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, Florida, to visit the newly renovated getaway, which offers venues for those looking to tie the knot in a tropical fashion.
What I discovered was a truly secluded, romantic white-sand beach setting along with all the amenities of a top-notch vacation. Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Pine Island Sound, Captiva is the perfect backdrop against which to create wedding memories.
Last winter—after New England’s record 110 inches of snowfall—I was ready to defrost. Upon my arrival at Fort Myers, the warm Gulf Coast breezes reminded me of just how far away I had traveled from New England’s harsh winter. I hopped into a luxury sedan sent by the resort and started my journey to this remote place that promised relaxation and natural beauty all rolled into one.
After check-in, I jumped on a trolley to my room, large and comfortable accommodations with a deck overlooking the private marina. The island-inspired bath offered a large Jacuzzi tub. I quickly changed out of my uniform—jeans and wool sweater—and donned a linen skirt and flip-flops and joined the group of editors on the beach for a dinner under the stars. We dined family style—the mahimahi was delicious and the wine selection perfection as we watched the sun slowly sink into the sea.
The next morning, we toured the property and surrounding wildlife sanctuary. Dolphins breached along the coastline and manatees bobbed up and down in the surf. Our guide told us that several beachside ceremonies had witnessed wildlife popping up as unexpected guests. We toured the resort options for both indoor and outdoor venues. (All outdoor locations include indoor alternatives in case of rainy weather.)
We met a few of the wedding consultants who work with couples to plan a personalized wedding, whether a couple is looking for a barefoot beach ceremony at Sunset Cove or a black-tie reception at the historic structure built in the 1880s—which has been restored to its 19th-century tropical charms—or something more casual in the Sea Pearl Room located next to South Seas’ Butterfly Garden.
Eco-conscious couples will love South Seas’ sustainable seafood program—the catering team will create a menu featuring locally caught seafood and locally produced vegetables, fruits, and herbs, many sourced from executive chef Charles Mereday’s on-site garden.
Prior to the big day, guests can spend days relaxing around the resort pool complex (including three main pools) or at one of the many Gulf Coast beaches, plus take advantage of world-class shelling, beachfront golf, tennis, deep-sea fishing, and much more. Kay Casperson’s Zen-like spa is located on-site for treatments from soothing facials to couples’ massages to sea-salt body scrubs.
With waterfront views and a natural landscape, South Seas Island Resort is a truly romantic wedding destination in an unrivaled setting. With dedicated staff available to plan events and activities for guests, and on-point wedding planning services, South Seas ensures that every bride, groom, and guest experiences an event that is exquisite in every way.