Although Sanibel has become a year round destination, some months are busier than others.
As one might expect of a winter retreat, February is the most popular month of all. Many people use it to escape the cold and snow and release them from their cabin fever.
But the second most popular month is not in winter but in spring, a very special time on island.
The many school holidays in April are among the reasons the Island is so popular in April. But there are other factors that come into play.
April is generally the month where rates drop, making a vacation during that time period more attractive. They do not drop to half of high season prices, but the month is more often than not considered shoulder season and a 25 to 30 percent decrease in vacation rental prices is typical. The decrease combined with the fact that the weather is warmer, the Gulf of Mexico is warmer and the days are longer can make Sanibel irresistible in April.
And for birders, a growing number of visitors for Sanibel, April provides an additional incentive.
April and early May are great times to observe migratory birds on the Island. This time period will offer birds in breeding plumage, behavior, and chicks for some species.
And exploring the island, whether by beach or bike path, is especially nice in the month of April. Typically, there is little rain, low humidity, great shelling , nice breezes and nights just cool enough to necessitate a light sweater or light blanket , even with the AC off and windows open.
So, if you have not made your vacation plans yet, think Sanibel, think April. We are confident you will like what you find here!
Friday, February 26, 2016
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Condo or house: Sanibel's Choices
Choices for Sanibel vacation rentals, as detailed in our last post, often revolve around location.
Where one wants to be on the Island, helps to shape the option chosen in making a booking.
Similarly, how one wants to live on vacation, has a tremendous impact on whether a private home or condominium will best meet your needs.
For some, it is an easy choice, as there are few condos that can comfortably accommodate a party of six. So for the family or group of friends looking to spend a month on Island, the gravitation toward a home is a logical choice.
A home not only offers the necessary number of bedrooms, it provides more privacy and more options for where and how to gather during monthly stays. Larger kitchens offer tables for those evenings where playing cards is the night's activity, a comfy space for having some chips and dip at the card table.
But if pool parties are more your style for your friends and family, some Island homes can give you a private retreat where you can laze in the sun or sit and read a book.
For the smaller group, especially those looking for a shorter vacation, a condo will make more sense.
The 28 night minimum applies to almost all houses on Sanibel, very few were grandfathered from that restriction. But in addition to compliance, convenience and social interaction may be important to some vacationers.
Even those homes that have pools, have relatively small pools, while a condo complex will have a much larger place to swim. For lap swimmers, the size will be very important. And there are visitors who welcome the company of others while they are on holiday. The social interaction is much facilitated in a condo stay. This could be a pivotal point in a family's special enjoyment of a vacation when there are other kids for theirs to play with and talk to.
All vacationers should consider the options open to them when choosing Sanibel as a destination. And those who work with an agency have the added benefit of being able to discuss them with an objective booking agent. Our agents are knowledgeable about our properties and if you have specific concerns in mind, we can counsel you on the best choices for your stay and direct you to them.
Vacationers always have the best time when the weather cooperates and they feel comfortable and secure in their accommodations.
Where one wants to be on the Island, helps to shape the option chosen in making a booking.
Similarly, how one wants to live on vacation, has a tremendous impact on whether a private home or condominium will best meet your needs.
For some, it is an easy choice, as there are few condos that can comfortably accommodate a party of six. So for the family or group of friends looking to spend a month on Island, the gravitation toward a home is a logical choice.
A home not only offers the necessary number of bedrooms, it provides more privacy and more options for where and how to gather during monthly stays. Larger kitchens offer tables for those evenings where playing cards is the night's activity, a comfy space for having some chips and dip at the card table.
But if pool parties are more your style for your friends and family, some Island homes can give you a private retreat where you can laze in the sun or sit and read a book.
For the smaller group, especially those looking for a shorter vacation, a condo will make more sense.
The 28 night minimum applies to almost all houses on Sanibel, very few were grandfathered from that restriction. But in addition to compliance, convenience and social interaction may be important to some vacationers.
Even those homes that have pools, have relatively small pools, while a condo complex will have a much larger place to swim. For lap swimmers, the size will be very important. And there are visitors who welcome the company of others while they are on holiday. The social interaction is much facilitated in a condo stay. This could be a pivotal point in a family's special enjoyment of a vacation when there are other kids for theirs to play with and talk to.
All vacationers should consider the options open to them when choosing Sanibel as a destination. And those who work with an agency have the added benefit of being able to discuss them with an objective booking agent. Our agents are knowledgeable about our properties and if you have specific concerns in mind, we can counsel you on the best choices for your stay and direct you to them.
Vacationers always have the best time when the weather cooperates and they feel comfortable and secure in their accommodations.
Sunday, February 7, 2016
East or West side? Sanibel Location Alternatives!
So now you have made the crucial decision.
Sanibel Island is going to be your go to or return to vacation destination.
Good decision!
But the options of East End or West End still looms large.
There are great choices for accommodations on either end of the island, and compelling reasons for each special location.
Coming across our beautiful causeway, the options lie right and left. The left turn will take you to the furthest east end of the island. There, in addition to lovely condos to choose from, you have the added attractions of the Sanibel Lighthouse, the Sanibel Pier, and one of the most "Islandy" eateries on Sanibel, Gramma Dot's. Easy access to the causeway is also an advantage for anyone looking to travel often onto the main land.
The right turn will take you down to the West End of the Island. Both private homes and condos can be found west, as well as Ding Darling Nature Preserve, the entrance onto Captiva Island and the best shelling beach on Sanibel.
Of course we have not mentioned that between East and West lies mid-island, a location many favor because of the preponderance of shops and restaurants in this middle strip, not to mention the delightful natural preserve of the Bailey Tract.
But one of the very best aspects of Sanibel holiday making is that you can have the best of all possible worlds in one stay.
The island is only 12 miles long, so getting from one end to the other is a simple thing, both by car and by bike.
So, spend your morning on the west end, collecting shells. Come a little further north and ride your bike through Ding Darling. Watch the birds beg for fish and play along the bay at the Pier during sunset.
And end the day with dinner at Gramma Dot's.
Or do the same things the opposite way. You can't go wrong no matter what!
Sanibel Island is going to be your go to or return to vacation destination.
Good decision!
But the options of East End or West End still looms large.
There are great choices for accommodations on either end of the island, and compelling reasons for each special location.
Coming across our beautiful causeway, the options lie right and left. The left turn will take you to the furthest east end of the island. There, in addition to lovely condos to choose from, you have the added attractions of the Sanibel Lighthouse, the Sanibel Pier, and one of the most "Islandy" eateries on Sanibel, Gramma Dot's. Easy access to the causeway is also an advantage for anyone looking to travel often onto the main land.
The right turn will take you down to the West End of the Island. Both private homes and condos can be found west, as well as Ding Darling Nature Preserve, the entrance onto Captiva Island and the best shelling beach on Sanibel.
Of course we have not mentioned that between East and West lies mid-island, a location many favor because of the preponderance of shops and restaurants in this middle strip, not to mention the delightful natural preserve of the Bailey Tract.
But one of the very best aspects of Sanibel holiday making is that you can have the best of all possible worlds in one stay.
The island is only 12 miles long, so getting from one end to the other is a simple thing, both by car and by bike.
So, spend your morning on the west end, collecting shells. Come a little further north and ride your bike through Ding Darling. Watch the birds beg for fish and play along the bay at the Pier during sunset.
And end the day with dinner at Gramma Dot's.
Or do the same things the opposite way. You can't go wrong no matter what!
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Nature sightings on Sanibel
As is generally the case, our wild life sightings increase in winter.
That is particularly true for our special avian friends.
Like our two legged visitors, our feathered visitors want to escape the cold and frigid conditions in most of the country and find refuge in our tropical island and climate.
They, too, can be called "snow birds".
And the last few weeks have offered a delight to the eye that has exceeded many previous years.
This past month, the American White Pelican has come to roost in Ding Darling in tremendous numbers. They can be seen in more than one location, preening their feathers and huddling together. The large orange beaks stand out amongst the dazzling white of their fluffy bodies.
And often they are accompanied on the Preserve sand spits by other birds, many of which look positively diminutive compared to the Pelicans.
The Willets and Sea Gulls who accompany the large white birds can barely be seen.
But the more sizeable and prominent pink Roseate Spoonbills are a stunning contrast to the sparkling white of the Pelicans. Indeed, the two species look like they have coordinated their outfits to look their best. The Rosies almost perfectly match the pinkish colored mandibles of the orange bills of the Pelicans. Seeing either of these species alone is a lovely treat, seeing them together is an unforgettable double delight.
And while our beautiful brown Pelicans are the more loyal of the two, they have fierce competition in the beauty contest with both White Pelicans and Rosies sharing their space.
Luckily, human visitors to the Island do not have to choose, they can see both.
And , if they get exceptionally fortunate, they may even catch sight of the flamboyantly attired flamingo who has been spotted and photographed on Bunche beach, shared by Sanibel and Fort Meyers.
Perhaps the Flamingo is a visitor from the Everglades where a group of these long legged beauties have returned.
But we can only guess that if it decides to stay on Sanibel for the winter, it will not want to go anywhere else.
Who would?
That is particularly true for our special avian friends.
Like our two legged visitors, our feathered visitors want to escape the cold and frigid conditions in most of the country and find refuge in our tropical island and climate.
They, too, can be called "snow birds".
And the last few weeks have offered a delight to the eye that has exceeded many previous years.
This past month, the American White Pelican has come to roost in Ding Darling in tremendous numbers. They can be seen in more than one location, preening their feathers and huddling together. The large orange beaks stand out amongst the dazzling white of their fluffy bodies.
And often they are accompanied on the Preserve sand spits by other birds, many of which look positively diminutive compared to the Pelicans.
The Willets and Sea Gulls who accompany the large white birds can barely be seen.
But the more sizeable and prominent pink Roseate Spoonbills are a stunning contrast to the sparkling white of the Pelicans. Indeed, the two species look like they have coordinated their outfits to look their best. The Rosies almost perfectly match the pinkish colored mandibles of the orange bills of the Pelicans. Seeing either of these species alone is a lovely treat, seeing them together is an unforgettable double delight.
And while our beautiful brown Pelicans are the more loyal of the two, they have fierce competition in the beauty contest with both White Pelicans and Rosies sharing their space.
Luckily, human visitors to the Island do not have to choose, they can see both.
And , if they get exceptionally fortunate, they may even catch sight of the flamboyantly attired flamingo who has been spotted and photographed on Bunche beach, shared by Sanibel and Fort Meyers.
Perhaps the Flamingo is a visitor from the Everglades where a group of these long legged beauties have returned.
But we can only guess that if it decides to stay on Sanibel for the winter, it will not want to go anywhere else.
Who would?
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Best Bike Rides on Sanibel Island
Considered an exceptional biking destination, Sanibel attracts bicyclists of all ages.
And certainly one can travel from furthest east to furthest west points on the Island by bike.
Bike trails , safe and lightly used, traverse the entire island creating a 25 mile path.
If you can’t bring your own bike to Sanibel, our main drag, Periwinkle Way, has several businesses that rent bikes, including tandems, four-wheel buggy types and trailer-style carriers to pull the kids. (Also, many vacation rentals have bicycles for guest use.)
You’ll see lots of people of all ages and types on bikes on Sanibel. The trails are separated from the roadways, making them safe for families with children.
Sanibel’s bike trails are wide, smooth and well-marked. There are several water fountains along the trails and there are bike racks everywhere.
You do see performance bikers here too. Those interested in speed and distance seem to rise early and use the roads rather than the special bike trails for early-morning workouts.
Here are a few suggestions on where to go by bike on Sanibel:
The eastern (lighthouse) end of the island is fun to explore on bike because it’s shady and you don’t have to worry about parking in what can be a congested area. Lock your bike and visit the picturesque lighthouse (120 years old; not open for tours) and fishing pier.
In this old part of town, several roads remain unpaved. These hard-packed sand lanes end in lovely waterfront sites where cars can’t park.
The Middle Gulf Cemetery bike trail. East of Casa Ybel Road, the Middle Gulf Drive bike path leaves the roadside. This route goes to Sanibel’s pioneer cemetery, over the river and to the beach at Gulfside Park.
Wildlife Drive through J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful way to see birds and alligators. It’s a four-mile loop within the refuge that ends three miles from where you started. The drive, formerly gravel, has been paved for good bicycling. Cyclists pay $1 per person.
The longest stretch of bicycle trail is on the western end of the island, Sanibel-Captive Road. You pass Ding Darling refuge and can continue almost to Blind Pass (the division between Sanibel and Captiva.) Along the way, you can stop at the Shell Museum or Bowman’s Beach. Bowman’s Beach, one of Sanibel’s more remote beaches, is known for great shelling. From the parking lot, you walk a quarter mile and cross a wooden bridge over a freshwater lagoon. It’s a fabulous walk west along an unspoiled beach filled with wading birds and shells. You can walk all the way to Blind Pass.
The Sanibel Causeway is open — and free — to bikes. The causeway is three bridges connected by manmade islands that are developed as popular parks. One of the thrills of a Sanibel getaway is traveling over Pine Island Sound with gorgeous views of water and islands. Let us warn you, though: It looks like a mighty high bridge to pedal.
And certainly one can travel from furthest east to furthest west points on the Island by bike.
Bike trails , safe and lightly used, traverse the entire island creating a 25 mile path.
If you can’t bring your own bike to Sanibel, our main drag, Periwinkle Way, has several businesses that rent bikes, including tandems, four-wheel buggy types and trailer-style carriers to pull the kids. (Also, many vacation rentals have bicycles for guest use.)
You’ll see lots of people of all ages and types on bikes on Sanibel. The trails are separated from the roadways, making them safe for families with children.
Sanibel’s bike trails are wide, smooth and well-marked. There are several water fountains along the trails and there are bike racks everywhere.
You do see performance bikers here too. Those interested in speed and distance seem to rise early and use the roads rather than the special bike trails for early-morning workouts.
Here are a few suggestions on where to go by bike on Sanibel:
The eastern (lighthouse) end of the island is fun to explore on bike because it’s shady and you don’t have to worry about parking in what can be a congested area. Lock your bike and visit the picturesque lighthouse (120 years old; not open for tours) and fishing pier.
In this old part of town, several roads remain unpaved. These hard-packed sand lanes end in lovely waterfront sites where cars can’t park.
The longest stretch of bicycle trail is on the western end of the island, Sanibel-Captive Road. You pass Ding Darling refuge and can continue almost to Blind Pass (the division between Sanibel and Captiva.) Along the way, you can stop at the Shell Museum or Bowman’s Beach. Bowman’s Beach, one of Sanibel’s more remote beaches, is known for great shelling. From the parking lot, you walk a quarter mile and cross a wooden bridge over a freshwater lagoon. It’s a fabulous walk west along an unspoiled beach filled with wading birds and shells. You can walk all the way to Blind Pass.
The Sanibel Causeway is open — and free — to bikes. The causeway is three bridges connected by manmade islands that are developed as popular parks. One of the thrills of a Sanibel getaway is traveling over Pine Island Sound with gorgeous views of water and islands. Let us warn you, though: It looks like a mighty high bridge to pedal.
Thursday, January 14, 2016
A Real Review: Bleu- Rendezvous, A Sanibel Stand-Out
We often rely on reviews of vacation rentals, hoping that what is written comes close to reality.
And , while that happens some times, it does not happen as much as we would like.
The same holds true for evaluations of restaurants.
Truth be told, there is no accounting for taste.
So we preface this blog post with these statements of disclosure.
We have experienced this fabulous restaurant personally.
We are fairly sophisticated diners, and have enjoyed the opportunity of eating in some wonderful restaurants around the world.
We have no business or other relationship with Bleu-Rendezvous.
And we do love this place....for the food, for the service, for the comfort , for the convenience.
A recent dinner with 2 couples had all four of us exceptionally pleased with our orders. The meals were beautifully presented, fresh and pleasing. Two of us had the trout, which was simply remarkable for flavor. One had the coq au vin and another the beef bourguignon. Both utterly delicious. The escargots as appetizers were fresh and hot and garlicky. The crème brulee for dessert was the sweet and final touch.
The wine on the menu is also very diversified and special pairings were made.
Service was attentive without being intrusive, and though the restaurant is intimate in scope, in no way is it claustrophobic. We were at enough distance from other tables to have a lively conversation with no fear of interfering with other diners, and had no discomfort emanating from other conversations.
So we welcome Bleu Rendez-vous into the Sanibel family of great places to eat. From our one experience thus far, we would certainly put this lovely eatery into the top tier of restaurants on Sanibel and Captiva. Try it. We are betting you will love it!
And , while that happens some times, it does not happen as much as we would like.
The same holds true for evaluations of restaurants.
Truth be told, there is no accounting for taste.
So we preface this blog post with these statements of disclosure.
We have experienced this fabulous restaurant personally.
We are fairly sophisticated diners, and have enjoyed the opportunity of eating in some wonderful restaurants around the world.
We have no business or other relationship with Bleu-Rendezvous.
And we do love this place....for the food, for the service, for the comfort , for the convenience.
A recent dinner with 2 couples had all four of us exceptionally pleased with our orders. The meals were beautifully presented, fresh and pleasing. Two of us had the trout, which was simply remarkable for flavor. One had the coq au vin and another the beef bourguignon. Both utterly delicious. The escargots as appetizers were fresh and hot and garlicky. The crème brulee for dessert was the sweet and final touch.
The wine on the menu is also very diversified and special pairings were made.
Service was attentive without being intrusive, and though the restaurant is intimate in scope, in no way is it claustrophobic. We were at enough distance from other tables to have a lively conversation with no fear of interfering with other diners, and had no discomfort emanating from other conversations.
So we welcome Bleu Rendez-vous into the Sanibel family of great places to eat. From our one experience thus far, we would certainly put this lovely eatery into the top tier of restaurants on Sanibel and Captiva. Try it. We are betting you will love it!
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Great New Year's Resolutions for Sanibel Island Visitors
Hard to believe 2016 is here already.
Last year went so fast.
But then again, when life is good, it does pass quickly.
It is chilly on Sanibel at the moment, but typically this will not last. For that expediency, we are very grateful, as are our guests.
We have also been talking to visitors about holiday resolutions, many of which are much like those of previous years: eat less, spend quality time with friends and family, exercise more.
We are not certain if a stay on Sanibel will help with those resolutions, though there are certainly not many vacation destinations so geared to family fun or offering as many exercise options.
But we would like to offer some suggestions of our own to those currently on Island or planning their trip now.
High season is always busy, and has only gotten busier in the last year. To fully maximize your enjoyment of Island living, you may want to consider living like an Islander. In high season, many of us travel at odd hours, avoiding peak traffic. Coming onto the Island at 8 a.m. or leaving at 4 p.m. may mean more cars and vans to contend with. You are probably better off coming at 9 and leaving at 5. An hour can make a big difference.
Same for dining hours. Late lunches and early dinners may help in the comfort of your restaurant. Space on Sanibel is highly valued, and the majority of our restaurants are small . They can also be charming if you eat at the less popular times.
While most visitors know that collecting live shells is a no-no, not everyone is aware of certain forms of etiquette that allow for the greatest Island experience. Drive slowly, speak softly, explore carefully. All roads are posted well , indicating allowed driving speeds. Taking the Island at a snails' pace will make life nicer for everyone, as will conversations in subdued tones. And your own safety does rest on common sense. Avoid walking close to edges of ponds and lagoons.
And remember, you do not have to see everything and do everything in on one special vacation.
Sanibel Island has been here a long time, has only gotten better for the tourist and resident alike and will be here for a long time to come. Savor your time and save some of those must do's for a return trip!
Last year went so fast.
But then again, when life is good, it does pass quickly.
It is chilly on Sanibel at the moment, but typically this will not last. For that expediency, we are very grateful, as are our guests.
We have also been talking to visitors about holiday resolutions, many of which are much like those of previous years: eat less, spend quality time with friends and family, exercise more.
We are not certain if a stay on Sanibel will help with those resolutions, though there are certainly not many vacation destinations so geared to family fun or offering as many exercise options.
But we would like to offer some suggestions of our own to those currently on Island or planning their trip now.
High season is always busy, and has only gotten busier in the last year. To fully maximize your enjoyment of Island living, you may want to consider living like an Islander. In high season, many of us travel at odd hours, avoiding peak traffic. Coming onto the Island at 8 a.m. or leaving at 4 p.m. may mean more cars and vans to contend with. You are probably better off coming at 9 and leaving at 5. An hour can make a big difference.
Same for dining hours. Late lunches and early dinners may help in the comfort of your restaurant. Space on Sanibel is highly valued, and the majority of our restaurants are small . They can also be charming if you eat at the less popular times.
While most visitors know that collecting live shells is a no-no, not everyone is aware of certain forms of etiquette that allow for the greatest Island experience. Drive slowly, speak softly, explore carefully. All roads are posted well , indicating allowed driving speeds. Taking the Island at a snails' pace will make life nicer for everyone, as will conversations in subdued tones. And your own safety does rest on common sense. Avoid walking close to edges of ponds and lagoons.
And remember, you do not have to see everything and do everything in on one special vacation.
Sanibel Island has been here a long time, has only gotten better for the tourist and resident alike and will be here for a long time to come. Savor your time and save some of those must do's for a return trip!
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