Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa: background
First point to note: this resort isn't on Sanibel Island --an unspoiled island, known for shelling-- though it does overlook it and a shuttle will take you there. Location is near Fort Myers FL: about as far south in Florida as Palm Beach but on the west side, on the Gulf of Mexico.
Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa has 85 acres, and 400 units that include suites, condos, hotel, and and the premium Grande Bay, a concierge hotel with extra services. Most rooms have great views over the water.
Parts of the resort are in the style of an old Florida plantation: the photogenic Charlie's Bar building has verandahs and octagonal porch; a modern multi-storey building dominates, though. You'll also find two pools, five restaurants, spa, and clay tennis courts.
Sanibel Harbor Resort & Spa has been named one of the "Top 10 Family Beach Resorts" by Family Circle magazine but don't expect a swimming beach. Still the setting is on the water, guests love to see dolphins and pelicans in the harbor, and the sunsets are breathtaking.
Sanibel Harbour Resort: Features for families
- kids' club, see below
- dive-in movies at the pool, during summer
- special activities for kids and teens during holidays
- kids' Tennis Clinic daily
- complimentary trolley trips to Sanibel Island (half-hour ride)
- outings include fishing, dolphin cruises, sea life encounter excursions, shelling and snorkeling trips, lunch on a barrier island, kayak tours
Sanibel Harbour: Kids Klub
- for ages 5 to 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
- price includes lunch, backpack, t-shirt and prizes
- evening program on weekends
- activities include themed days (such as Wet & Wild Wednesdays), crafts, bumper cars, kite decorating, hand puppets, shell wind chimes, and "SLIME!" (?)
- also outdoor activities, such as sand castle building, scavenger hunts, potato sack races, shell hunts
Keep in mind about Sanibel Harbour Resort:
- not the place to stay if you want a beach
- expect extra charges in addition to daily resort fee
- no kids' playground
- location is somewhat isolated: nothing in walking distance
- free bus to shopping mall
- check web site for specials and packages: you might find a good deal
- May 2006: guests complain of construction noise from the bridge to Sanibel Island- check to make sure you'll have a quiet room
Find out more about:
- See the Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa site
- check visitors' comments at TripAdvisor.com. Be sure to enter "Sanibel Harbour" -- note the spelling!-- in the searchbox.
This brief profile is meant to introduce this resort to family vacationers; please note that the writer has not visited in person. Always check resort sites for updates.
