Sundial Beach Resort & Spa

Sanibel Island’s largest resort, Sundial Beach Resort, is comprised of a series of four-story condo buildings, which fan out in either direction from a main building where most of the facilities are found. All units are individually owned, with about half belonging to the resort’s rental program. The rest are managed by third parties and, naturally, guests staying in these condos don’t have access to the resort's facilities. The wide, interconnected parking lots spanning the front of the property are softened by neatly manicured flower beds and palm trees. The coastal side of the grounds is defined by a one-mile stretch of beachfront, with access points found at each condo building. 

Facilities aren’t posh -- and you wouldn’t expect them to be at this price point -- but everything is clean and contemporary. The atmosphere is lively but family-friendly, and the restaurants are decent. Large units are a solid choice for families, and there are more than enough activity options to keep kids entertained. With the varied meeting and event space here, the resort also draws business travelers and groups. 

Sundial Beach Resort is set in a peaceful neighborhood at the southern end of Sanibel Island, where its neighbors are mainly residences and rental condos. It’s about a five-minute drive to the restaurants and shops lining the island’s main thoroughfare, Periwinkle Way, but there’s little within immediate walking distance. Biking is a popular way to explore the island and the resort offers free bikes, which can make getting around more manageable for guests without a car. 

Resort guests have playing privileges at the Dunes Golf & Tennis Club, which can be reached in a 10-minute drive. J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a 20-minute drive away and it’s a 40-minute drive to Southwest Florida International Airport.

Sundial Beach Resort offers studios along with one-, two-, and three-bedroom units with various layouts. Units are individually owned and therefore no two are exactly alike, but most have modern, beachy decor -- think seashell and starfish prints, whitewashed furniture, and soft color palettes. Some units have carpeting, while others have tile or wood floors. All units have separate living areas with queen sleeper sofas, flat-screen TVs, and DVD players. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. 

Kitchens feature updated appliances that include full-size fridges, ovens, blenders, dishwashers, and Keurig coffeemakers. They come stocked with a starter pack of amenities that includes dish soap and paper towel. Screened-in balconies or terraces overlook the beach, gulf, or grounds. Many views are wonderful, but some mostly overlook the parking lot.

Bathrooms have newish fixtures, square sinks, and quality Damana bath products. Some have glass-door showers, while others have shower/tub combos. Two- and three-bedroom units offer two bathrooms. 

Sanibel Beach Resort’s extensive roster of facilities and entertainment is pretty much unrivaled on Sanibel Island. There are five pools in total, but the pool in the main resort building is the center of the action. It's lined by sand on one side and set in a deck with surrounding loungers, and there's a small kids’ slide and a separate whirlpool. The other four pools, which are spread among the condo buildings, are a thoughtful feature for guests who want to take a quick dip without walking to the main building. Guests have access to all the pools, but most stick to the main pool and the pool closest to their unit. 

The property backs onto a beautiful, private stretch of beachfront on the Gulf of Mexico, which is known for its excellent shelling (there’s a shell washing station near the main pool where guests can rinse off their finds). Vinyl beach chairs are provided for guests, along with free kayak and paddleboard rentals. 

The practical fitness center features a good range of Life Fitness equipment, including treadmills, stationary bikes, and elliptical machines with video screens. The property also has six clay tennis courts and twelve Plexicushion pickleball courts, plus free pedal bikes are available to borrow.

The lovely Kay Casperson Lifestyle Spa features a full range of spa and salon services, including manicures, makeup applications, hair styling, and massages. Sanibel Sea School offers a variety of educational programs for children and adults focused on marine ecosystems (these come at an extra fee).

There are nine event rooms with great audiovisual capabilities, the largest of which can accommodate up to 300 guests. The business center has two PCs and two printers, and wedding planning services are available. 

The non-stop activities schedule includes everything from bingo and shell painting to ping pong and log rolls. A daily resort fee covers these activities along with equipment rentals. Two Weber propane grills are available for guests. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout, and there’s free self-parking on-site. 

Food

Dining options range from casual poolside eats to made-to-order sushi

The resort’s main restaurant, Sea Breeze Café, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is a buffet spread, while lunch and dinner are a la carte American fare, with an emphasis on seafood and sandwiches. The restaurant has a pleasant terrace overlooking the pool area and coastline, plus daily happy hours.

Tables at Shima Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar are arranged around hibachi grills, where steak, salmon, and other entrees are cooked up in front of diners. The restaurant also has a lengthy sushi menu, which can be enjoyed in the sit-down dining area or picked up for takeaway from a grab-and-go counter.

Slice of Paradice and Turtle’s Pool & Beach Bar share a simple outdoor seating area by the pool, with Turtle’s also offering bar seating under a thatched roof hut. Turtle’s serves up drinks and snacks, while Slice of Paradice specializes in pizza, hot dogs, and ice cream. 

Bailey’s Marketplace is a sizable shop that sells cooking staples as well as souvenirs and basic supplies like sunscreen. It also includes a coffee bar and bakery that offers sandwiches, salads, and other grab-and-go fare.