Guest reviews South Seas Island Resort, Captiva Island

by ejabbll Fort Myers, Florida

M/M

South Seas Island Resort, Lands End, was a huge disappointment. Paid more than $800 per night and thry didn't have pool fobs to access the pool. Unit had sand on a very worn sofa, kitchen appliances were not clean, and dining room table and chairs were all eskew. Furniture was sparse and no design quality. There were no bedspreads just plain white sheets... very shabby. The only thing not very disappointing was the phenomenal view. Housekeeping needs help... oh and btw they offered no housekeeping service.

by 668happy North Carolina

Another great visit

This was our 4th trip. Because of the pandemic, we decided to go somewhere within driving distance instead of flying, so we decided it was time for another South Seas trip! The past 3 times we stayed at the south end in the bayside or tennis villas. This time, those were booked up so we sprung for the Lands End villa. It was a nice treat staying at the north end, and we were able to avoid trolley travel during the pandemic. I know the resort is being careful but we took our own precautions on top of that. The Lands End villa was super spacious. Because the resort is limiting to 50% capacity we had our building to ourselves, which was nice because we didn't have to worry about watching our noise or dealing with other noise. Having a designated parking spot in the garage below the building was great. The master jacuzzi tub was a bust, it sprayed water all over the bathroom and the suction got stuck on my leg a few times, so we only used it once. Other than that the bathroom was awesome, the skylights were great, and nothing like looking up at palm trees while you shower after being stuck at home for 3 months! Master bed was so comfy, some of the best sleep I've had in awhile! The kitchen in our room could use a few more utensils like a wine opener and some measuring cups. We tried to mostly stick to eating in the villa to avoid large crowds at restaurants, as no one is social distancing or wearing masks. So we either cooked or got take out, so having a well stocked kitchen was important. We really enjoyed our daily porch views of all the birds and iguanas. The location for sunsets was perfect. We walked 2 minutes from the room right to the beach to see it. This beach is also amazing during the. We ended up going here multiple times instead of Sunset Beach because we could be totally alone. As long as you don't care about not having chair and umbrella service it's perfect...social distancing at its finest! We tried Sunset Beach but found it crowded despite 50% capacity. Attendants were busy with the crowds and had to be chased down to clean the chairs. There needs to be a fair system on assigning guests chairs, either a reservation system or a number ticket system...something! Our first day there they ran out of chairs and they told us just to grab the first ones we saw. We waited at least an hour and my husband saw a family leaving so he ran to grab the chairs but another family just beat him to it. It was a family of 4, like us, so my husband asked if they would be willing to split the chairs since we'd been waiting and they just walked up, and they said no (and proceeded to drop their stuff and all 4 got in the water for a long time, meanwhile we'd been waiting for over an hour and wanted somewhere to sit and eat our lunch). Since I'm bringing up rude guests, I'll add the other 2 types we saw. Guests, please do not bring your blue tooth speakers. The rest of do not want to listen to your music! After 3 months at home, I just wanted to hear the ocean. At the pool, one family plopped theirs down right at the water's edge. South Seas...please step in and tell people not to blast their music. Also, the thong and Brazilian bathing suits. This is a family resort, not adults only. Please do not wear your thongs or other cuts that expose most of your butts!! If that's the kind of vacation you're looking for go to an adults only resort. South Seas, I think parents would appreciate a ban on these types of suits. I appreciated the measures the resort to keep people safe in light of the virus situation. Of note, when I did call before booking, I asked if there were any refund policies specific to the current situation and I believe it was Joan who rudely said "there is no current situation." I don't know if she's living under a rock or if she's a virus denier or what? But I didn't appreciate her tone. I definitely think there needs to be a virus-related refund policy. When booking make sure you're aware of the daily per person resort fee. It's always been there, but we've never been happy about it and it can catch you off guard. South Seas is already not cheap, not sure how the high rates can't cover the amenities the resort fee covers. Overall, another enjoyable family trip and much needed fun and sunshine after 3 months stuck at home.

by 220brookel Birmingham, Alabama

Uncomfortable Stay, Left Early

We should have read and taken seriously Tripadvisor reviews before we booked our stay. Typically, I find low ratings and bad reviews to be inaccurate based on my personal opinions, but I have to 100% agree with all of the bad reviews on this resort. We ended up cutting our trip short by one day because we were so uncomfortable at this resort. For starters, we appreciate the gate check-in due to Covid, but we felt extremely rushed to let traffic through. We had several questions about getting around the property and how to access beaches, etc. We decided we would go to guest services after checking in, but the line was literally out of the door and not moving. We decided we would ride around and try to familiarize ourselves, but the map they gave us at check-in was not helpful. We called an operator and after waiting for a while, we finally got someone on the phone, but they instructed us to look at the map. We finally found the main pool area and were shocked that the pool closed at 6. Luckily the bar was open for a little longer, but it was difficult to enjoy the drink and scenery due to all the flies. We finally spent some time in the room (Bayside Villa) and noticed a few issues- it was updated with granite, but that’s where it stops. The main living area seemed clean, but the bedroom did not. The BED WAS HORRIBLE. Literal HUGE dips on both sides and springs poking in your back. The bed was also hard as a rock. I’ve stayed in hundreds of hotels and never dreamed of a hotel having a bed like this, regardless of price. Outside at our unit, the smell of trash was gross the whole stay. The pool didn’t feel clean. The time spent on hold to address any of these issues was ridiculous. You could not get anyone on the phone! Lastly, the fact that they offer free wifi is a stretch... they have wifi for free, yes, but it doesn’t work half the time. We made it to North Pointe Beach on our first full day and very much enjoyed the beach. The bar staff and the guys who set up the chairs and umbrellas were awesome! The beach was pretty, as expected, BUT there was trash left on the beach (empty cups and cans) each day. The same trash was in the same spot on multiple days. I started picking up the trash myself since apparently the resort does not have anyone staffed to do this. I honestly can’t figure out how they have an overall 4 star rating, especially at their price point. We have visited resorts within various price ranges all over Florida (and the US) with more convenient beach access, actual updated rooms and an easily accessible concierge. This resort is the worst we have experienced and extremely over-priced. Unfortunately, we have no interest in visiting Captiva again after our experience here. I hate to be so negative, but I am being honest in hopes that management will fix some of these issues. It’s unfortunate they didn’t have a concierge or a convenient way to speak with a resort representative during our stay.

by jaimepA8561KC

Family vacation, Bayside Villas

Pros: Beautiful resort. Rented a 3 bed/3bath. It had full washer and dryer plus a tv in every bedroom and living room. Views were amazing. We were in Bayside Villas. Trolley can take you across the resort for free. We saw dolphins when jetskiing and manatees when paddleboarding. You can also rent kayaks and go over to the cove where manatees and stingrays are. Cons: wifi was not the best but good enough to watch a movie on our laptop. Food is expensive but delicious. If you want to cook buy groceries in Sanibel or Fort Myers before you head to the island. Drinks at pool are expensive like $14 each. But they allow you to bring your own. So buy alcohol or sodas and bring your own! Overall i completely recommend especially for families!!

by Kwinggs Sarasota, Florida

Do not stay in Room 4208 Bayside Villa

No hot water, air conditioning was not working properly, dishwasher would not work, carpet in bedroom was disgusting, fan in lanai was a joke. Overall the worst room ever - they should of paid me to stay there. Out in the hall they had overflowing garbage and the tiles were filthy, Pool was dirty and someone actually had there dog at the pool. Property of South Seas is gorgeous - shame we had such a bad experience!!