Southseas Plays Hardball with Private Guests
Submitted: December 4, 2010
Stayed: November 2010
Captiva is truly a natural gem that offers the most outstanding beaches, bird watching, dolphin sightings and fabulous weather. This condo has a great location, perfectly positioned for those outstanding sunsets and only steps away from an amazing white sand beach. The gated community of SouthSeas ensures privacy and restricted access but they sure don't like the fact that owners may rent thru alternate management companies. We approached the staff that handles privately owned condos on site and were immediately dismissed since we weren't part of their managed units. What does this really mean? Well, first you won't get a chair on the beach nor a towel, you can't buy items in any of their shops, you can't rent bikes without a SouthSeas account. They will happily sell you a "membership" to allow access to any of the amenities. So plan to spend additional $$ and if this isn't in your budget expect to be treated as a second class citizen in this elite village.
The condo was clean and spacious as promised (although 8 guests would be a stretch). Basic kitchen supplies, VHS videos available but no player, VCR without remote provided a lot of exercise, but the TV is about 20 years old and the colors are distorted (couldn't adjust). Internet access was extremely frustrating in the fact that there was only broadband available with this unit. Once again you must buy WIFI from SouthSeas in their membership option. The broadband connection was as fickle as a light switch; on one minute off the next. If you need to access the internet for business, pay the extra to management, it isn't worth the hassle with broadband.
This location is excellent for families that enjoy pool activities (a few steps from condo) but if you don't have children and are in search of a quiet restful vacation you might be disappointed with the excessive noise from the pool area.
Cute little village a short walk or bike ride with very unique and creative art galleries. Take advantage of the library- best deal in town and you can borrow up to 7 movies as well as FREE WIFI! Highly recommended restaurants: Green Flash & Doc Fords offer great menu options and reasonable prices for the area. If you're into nightlife, look elsewhere. This is a very laid back island, enjoy the sand, sun and quiet. Exercise picking up all those shells.
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Families with Young Children
Owner's Response: We go to great lengths to insure our guests understand they are staying in a private beach condo. Many of the beach condos on South Seas Plantation Road (like ours) are independently owned and operated by the Captiva Beach Villa Association. Other South Seas Resort condo locations offer amenities similar to those already available to our guests. However, proximity to the "South Seas Resort" complex does not automatically grant unlimited use of their facilities.
"South Seas Resort" requires each visitor wishing to shop in their in-house stores to purchase an "Amenities Card." Needless to say, very few of our own guests support this peculiar practice, as everything offered (including restaurants, gift shops, kayak rentals, bikes, general store, and much more) are all conveniently available (and at far lower cost) via a short, comfortable walk to Captiva village. We hope this clears up any confusion.
We were very sorry our guest had trouble with Internet access and we now have reliable DSL. 2 of the 3 TV's in the condo have been replaced and the 3rd is also scheduled for replacement. As to pool noise, yes, kids can occasionally be noisy, but that comes with the territory and usually it's pretty quiet. Beach equipment is also included with our condo -- but if you need more personalized service, a small tip to a beach employee invariably results in instant service with a smile.
Our guests have access to 2 pools, private beach board walks, poolside gas barbeques, swim accessories, dedicated elevator, parking and much more. We're also glad our guest recognized that "...Captiva is truly a natural gem that offers the most outstanding beaches, bird watching, dolphin sightings and fabulous weather. This condo has a great location, perfectly positioned for those outstanding sunsets and only steps away from an amazing white sand beach. ... Cute little village a short walk or bike ride with very unique and creative art galleries. Take advantage of the library- best deal in town and you can borrow up to 7 movies as well as free WIFI! Highly recommended restaurants: 'Green Flash' & 'Doc Fords' offer great menu options and reasonable prices for the area... This is a very laid back island, enjoy the sand, sun and quiet."
Helpful votes: 17/18
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