Sanibel Moorings

Six acres of lush gardens and water on both sides make this resort a real tropical hideaway. A two-lane road bisects the property; there are condos and a pool on each side, with more units and property on the gulf side, which extends all the way to a shell-strewn beach. The non-Gulf side of the property backs up to a canal with boat docks. The on-site botanical garden is its prized item, but the importance of greenery is evident even from the road, with lush landscaping around the driveway. The lobby is more "front office" than resort hub -- a large L-shaped check-in counter is flanked by beachy signs and wicker chairs. Around the corner is a small retail nook, with T-shirts, souvenirs, and local art. Around the property, two-story condo buildings with sand-color stucco walls and screened lanai peek out from the trees and buses. The whole setting is serene and inviting. Little touches, like fountains and birdbaths around the property and edible plants and herbs near the grill create a homey tranquility. Despite the presence of a small business center, most guests are vacationing families and couples.

The resort sits on the eastern end of Sanibel Island, not far from the three-mile causeway that leads to the island from Fort Myers. Nearby, about a seven minute drive (or 40 minute beach walk -- shoes encouraged) from the resort is the historic Sanibel Lighthouse. The Gulf of Mexico laps at the beach on one side of the resort, providing pristine sunset views and one of the best shelling beaches in the world. There are a number of local eateries and shops nearby. Much of Sanibel Island is preserved land -- about 30 minutes from the resort by car is J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where visitors can drive through and see birds, alligators, and mangroves. It takes about 40 minutes by car (sometimes longer, with traffic) to get to the resort from Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, the nearest air hub. 

Each of the 122 condo-style suites is individually owned, and decor styles vary widely, from modern with stainless steel appliances to more dated beach-worn set-ups. The consistent theme is that every unit is in pristine condition and is kept very clean. Condos range from one, two, and three bedrooms, and all have a full kitchen, dining area and living room, and a screened lanai (porch). Windows on the buildings are on the smaller side, but rooms still feel bright and well-lit. Three Bedroom Suites have two lanai -- one off the main room and one off the master bedroom. There are five room categories, based on location and view: Gulf Front, Gulf View, Courtyard, Dock Front, and Dock View. The best sunset and beach views are from the Gulf Front second floor units. Gulf View rooms have partial sea views, and Dock View rooms have views of the boats on the canal. (Dock Front have direct access to the canal.) Interior Courtyard units often have lush garden views.

The property's botanical garden is such a draw that non-guests come here to explore the grounds. The resort employs a full-time horticulturist, plants are all carefully identified, and there are guided walking tours around the plantings. There's even a butterfly garden. The other big draw here is the beach, a stretch of white sand overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, and home to some of the world's best shelling. The hotel does have a business center with some computers, but it's more of a convenience for vacationers who need to check email -- this is not a place that's geared toward business travelers. While the resort is quiet and laid-back, activities are plentiful: There's a tennis court, two pools (plus a shallow kids' pool), a book and movie library, bike rentals, kayaks, fishing off the docks, and BBQs. There are also art and shelling lectures and classes. Coin-operated laundry machines are plentiful, and there's a small carpeted fitness center that looks a bit like a spare bedroom in someone's home.