'ONE OF THE TOP 25 TRUE ISLAND RETREATS IN THE WORLD-- SENERITY, GREAT FACILITIES, FISHING, AND NO CARS -- USEPPA ISLAND HAS IT ALL.' CON DE NEST TRAVELER.
If you like Captiva ... you will love Useppa & Hemingway Cottage -- a small, exclusive island just north of Captiva where one steps back in time.
History: The developer of South Sea Plantation decided he did not want to reside at South Sea. As beautiful as it was , the thought of living with 900 time share owners started him looking at near by islands where he found Useppa. Useppa is home to 100 plus lucky island cottage owners and guest with resort facilities like The Barron Collier Inn -- a large club house, spa, & health Club.
The island used to be totally private and 50 years ago did not allow kids. Today, that has all changed and families are the norm. The Lady Chadwick leaves daily from South Sea Plantation for Useppa Island with a load of Captiva tourist ---sadly they must leave after lunch and a quick tour of the island's famous musium.
The best way to get there is to take a prearranged Mom & Pop Van service from the Airport (RSW) to the island's private ferry- port out of Pine Island. Check with the owner for details and Ferry schedules. It leaves 4-5 times a day but water taxies are available if you arrive late. No need to rent a car.
The island is not for everyone but if you like Captiva you will love Useppa. Some say, it is like having all of the best of Captiva on your very own plantation. For others, it is a step back in History when Florida living was at its finest.
There are 3 restaurants, pool, hot tubs, free fishing tournaments on most Sundays for kids, Clay tennis courts and English wicket (couquet) for adults. Just bring your whites.
Fishing off the docks can not be beat and the Ferry Captains will bring you shrimp daily for the asking. There is a ships store for those oft forgotten and can't do without items like wine and cheese. Yes, one can still stay in touch with the world and purchase a US Today or local paper along with a cup of coffee and conversation at the ships store every morning.
There are no cars or crowds so walking, biking, golf carting is the normal mode of transportation. You can rent bikes, kyaks and golf carts on the island.
There are plenty of island staff when you arrive and they will get you setteled. They will meet the ferry and take you to Little Hemingway Cottage. There are no better sun sets than looking over the intercoastal while sail boats are setting anchor for the evening. The sun sets from Hemingway are historic as one views the sun set over these barrier islands as the Calusa Indians did 10,000 years ago.
Keywords: Hemingway, Cottage, Waterfront, Sunsets, Tropical, Island Time, Ferry boats, Privacy, Guilded, Tarpon bar, Snails Pace.
