Captiva Island holiday house

We had a great time! Sunny days in the low 80's, long walks on the beach, kayaking and many Coronas. We'll be calling about a return in 2006.

Captiva combines easy access to great shopping, restaurants and activities with a picture-book tropical setting. Great beach and spectacular sunsets.

Sunset Captiva offers a great beachfront location with well-maintained community facilities including a pool and tennis courts. The house is lovely and spacious with all the amenities. We'll be back!

We have had many spectacular trips to both Sanibel and Captiva, and have made Captiva our preferred location after our stays in Sunset Captiva. The house was wonderful, fully stocked, and more than met our expectations. The location was supurb with easy access to both beach and bay.

We have just returned from our fourth year in Captiva ... at the same house. And we have already renewed our reservation for next year.

When we first decided to explore the west coast of Florida, we searched in Sanibel, the area we had heard about. Then, my husband found a website with a house in Captiva that looked inviting. We spoke to the owner and decided to "take a chance."

The owner, George, told us that Captiva was where we wanted to be and that Sunset Captiva was the place to stay. Of course, what would you expect him to say? But we learned that first year that he was absolutely right! The community of Sunset Captiva is wonderful ... and it is the place you want to be. Everything is so easy and convenient. Once there, you can leave your car and walk to everything you need - pool, beach, stores, food, restaurants. The grounds are so well kept and everyone we meet there is always so wonderful. The pool is always clean - and really never crowded. The beach is just beautiful, and also never crowded.

If you have children - it is also great. There are always families with kids. By the end of the week, we always feel as though we know so many people.

George and Diane maintain the home well, and are regularly updating and improving it. In 2003, we arrived to find new carpeting and new furniture in the den and living room. The year before it was opening up and modernizing the kitchen (very well supplied for cooking), as well as remodeling the bathrooms. The screened porch is great - our son always enjoys being out there and it's great for him to feel like he's outside. This year I suggested to George that they might get some new porch furniture, and I won't be surprised if it's been done when we arrive next year.

This year, I took advantage of the sundeck off the master bedroom while my younger son napped. It was delightful, complete with the sounds of (good) music from a nearby restaurant - I felt like I was far away.

It seems that everyone who stays there keeps things clean and takes good care of the house, which is very nice. If you do go - enjoy - and please continue to respect the house - we plan to keep coming back for years, and don't want to have to look anywhere else!