South Seas Island Resort

FYI--I'm sure this was a gorgeous resort before the hurricanes, but it is currently being rebuilt. Every single inch of the resort is under construction - and it's LOUD. Of course the beach is gorgeous, and the shells are amazing. But none of the restaurants or cafes at South Seas are open, it's like a ghost town. And half the restaurants in town were destroyed or aren't open b/c off-season. No boats or water sports either. We ended up driving to Sanibel almost every night. In summary, great resort if you want to completely chill and don't want to "go out" much. But if you want more activities or people-watching, go to Sanibel.

We just got back from a lovely stay there after Christmas through new years. We have been coming to South Seas for 12 years and this island has captured our hearts. Yes, the resort is different, it was destroyed during Ian and then just when it was moving forward, smacked with another two hurricanes. So there is damage, there is construction, but there’s also beautiful sunsets, amazing beaches, and incredible people. We got to say hi to some familiar faces (Marc and Everton are fantastic!) as well as some new people, namely Tyler G! Whether it’s at the welcome desk, the waterslide, or afternoon bingo, Tyler was always there with a smile to help! I truly love this island and yes, there are some hiccups but you can tell that everyone’s heart is in the right place and they are really trying to make it as wonderful as ever. I’m looking forward to going back in just a few short months 😊

Returned to the South Seas after the Hurricane. We stayed Labor Day Weekend 2024. Thought it would be important to let people know the truth about what is happening as well as get Management's attention: 1. Scoops isn't open, the Fitness Center is closed, Harborside Bar & Grill is closed, elevators are nonfunctional in some buildings, Bathrooms at the pool are Portapotty (High end/High Quality, clean and had elevator music ... and weren't a problem) 2. The waterslide is open as is the main pool. The Bar at the pool is fully functional. There is food service at the pool, just that the food is limited as it is by food trucks (Tacos - Good high Quality and delicious. No Salad or Veggie Options.) 3. There aren't enough umbrellas for sunshade at the pool for the amount of chairs. As a result, there is limited space for shade at the pool if there is a large enough crowd which is usually the case. As a result people end up with no where to sit, unless you want to fry in the sun. 4. The decor of the room was weak. Not like it was before. Floors were Vinil not tile and not installed properly. The headboard on the bed was loose. The mirror closet was rusted at the bottom ... sign that it wasn't changed after the flood. It was obvious the rehab job after the damage, wasn't done to the par of the Resort. Despite all these setbacks, none of this bothered us... b/c the service and kindness of the staff fully made up for the negligence on behalf of the owners. The people who work there are doing a phenomenal job to keep the place afloat and keep the guests happy. Management should follow thru ... it costs nothing to get more umbrellas at the Pool or add a veggie/salad option to the menu. For $600/night? ... Really. What bothered me about all of this is that none of this was disclosed when I booked the room. I was also given a Tennis Villa room when I arrived. I specifically asked for a room near the main pool so as to not have to walk. The person who I spoke to who made the reservation confirmed this to me. This was deceiving. We paid USD600/night. The Ritz Carlton on Vanderbilt Beach has rates at $500/night and is fully operational. Upon arrival, Terry at the front desk apologized and did accommodate us to a 2 bedroom suite near the Pool. This was after having to go back to reception (which is at the Starbucks Strip mall) to complain. He also gave us a late check out for our troubles. Terry was great. The Sunsets are still amazing and the quality of the service both at the pool and at the Beach is wonderful. They set up live music, a food truck and marshmallow roasting there as well (Good quality food!) and free Icee's for the kids. Again ... I cannot say it enough ... the Staff, the Staff, the Staff and the Sunsets are what make this place what it is. I will pay the USD600/night once again to stay there. We love the South Seas ... just didn't appreciate being deceived. Management should really be upfront with potential guests about the status of the Resort. All these things should be disclosed and not leave the Staff to manage the disappointment and deceit upon arrival. Evident sign of a weak Management ... Management shouldn't also push for the ownership to buy a few more umbrellas at the main pool in order for guests to be comfortable. Especially for $600/night. We love the people of Lee County who work at the South Seas. They have always made us feel like home and didn't fail this time around. We will continue to visit. To the Management/Investors; A little investment in the right things go a long way. The South Sea crowd is hardy and loyal. We have 20 years of memories invested at the resort. We understand what you went thru. Nonetheless, the Resort still sells itself. It's located in the heart of Paradise. All you have to do is keep it polished ... Don't deceive people by not disclosing the work-in-progress. Make the necessary investments to keep the Guests happy. We will keep on coming back

Unfortunately we’ll never return to South Seas for the following reasons: 1. Elevators not working in 3 story buildings - not notified of this when we booked. Fortunately we were able to get a different room. 2. Unless you’re close to the marina you have to drive your car to the beach and pool - or wait for a shuttle that isn’t frequent. They have golf carts - but it would’ve cost $700!!!!! to have a cart from Fri at check in to Monday check out!!!! 3. We booked a tennis Villa to play tennis but no court there - so luckily we were able to sneak in one of the others that were usually locked. 4. No restaurants - 2 food trucks - which were pretty good. 5. This is the deal breaker - 12% fee charged at checkout for housekeeping (we were never offered), front desk (???), engineering and security. So first you pay a lot for the room - and then they want you to pay for their operating expenses. Nope - never again. Oh - and I emailed them to express my outrage and never received a response. 🙄

Love Beach Villas 2638 renovated condo! Sleeps 9 comfortably. New everything, floors, appliances, renovated bathrooms, furniture and mattresses. Love the short walk to “town” to have dinner, ice cream, drinks and best sunsets in the world. If you want access to amenities you have to rent through South Seas and not a 3rd party (vrbo, king fisher etc.). Condos in South Seas rental programs can only be booked through South Seas and come with access to amenities; fantastic golf course, beach chairs with towels and umbrellas, pool with chairs, towels, trolly bus and iconic tiki bar. Houses, timeshares and condos not in South Seas rental programs do not pay into the very expensive construction and maintenance of pools, restaurants (2 reopening in fall 2024), water park (late 2025) and spa/fitness center (late 2025) or even roads, security or resort staff. While it makes non program guests mad to not have access to amenities it’s a choice the condo owner made and they can join the program anytime. Such a fabulous place, can’t wait to go back! ignore the haters that rented through 3rd party and didn’t read the fine print.