28/06/2021
Almost 50 years ago, a good friend of mine, an Orlando hotelier, Bobby Duncan, decided to show me the real Florida. We travelled everywhere and most impressive to me was Captiva Island and Sanibel. It was unknown to the UK and European market and little did I know that in 1981, starting up my own business, NAR (North American Representatives), I would be appointed the European representative of South Seas Plantation, and Tween Waters Inn, Captiva Island.
40 years ago this July, in 1981, I travelled to meet up with the sales director John Boykin to discuss promotional plans. We sat and had breakfast at Capt’n Al’s., (now the Harourside Bar and grill) overlooking the yacht harbour and Marina. It was a Wednesday morning, July 29th. How do I remember? Well before us on tv they broadcast the wedding of Charles and Diana!
South Seas Plantation is very special. Over 100 years ago it was a key lime plantation. When you cross the Sanibel Causeway bridge and enter the complex you realize that this is genuine Florida, an island dream. You are surrounded by 300 acres of wildlife preserve with dolphins and manatee often paying a visit.
There are all types of accommodation from the regular rooms at harbourside to three bedroom villas. There are so many things to do and see, from kayaking and sailing, bicycling, golf and tennis (for those who remember, Wimbledon winner, Virginia Wade was the tennis pro there for some time).
There’s fishing too and shelling is popular with families who walk the 2.5 miles of the private pristine beach. Much of the property was destroyed by hurricane Charley in 2004 but was re-built and updated some 18 months afterwards in 2006.
By 1982, I had introduced the property to the 3 main tour operators of that era, Relionus travel, Americana Holidays and American Express, run by my pal Colin Collins and sales took off. The UK had finally discovered this paradise resort.
Agents may find information and rates on the property on our new website, www.floridahotelstore.com. The system is live so agents may book on line. We encourage all agents to sign up to the new site!
A few sample rates are shown here:
From February 18th to April 23rd, 2022
7 nights for 2 people – 1 Bedroom villa – £2399 inclusive of tax.
7 nights for 2 people – Harbourside Guest room - £2469 inclusive of tax
7 nights for 2 people – One bedroom Beach villa - £3019 inclusive of tax
To be paid locally is the resort fee of approx. £17 per person.
Of course agents will receive a commission on the above rates.
For questions please call our Ascot office on 01344 890400 or drop us an e-mail at [email protected] .