28 TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL / MAY 201948 HOURS
The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel
here’s a reason why time seems to stand still in The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. It’s
because no one is ever in a rush to leave. Located off the southwest Florida coast, just 35 miles
north of Naples, this laidback, sun-soaked destination oozes Old Florida charm, still seen today in
its shell-topped beaches and plantation shutters that are opened daily to let the crosswinds in. It’s
where to go to unplug from daily life and to spend lazy days kayaking and fishing. And with Sanibel
Island and Captiva Island situated just off the coast, it’s also where you can soak up some island
vibes without ever leaving North America.48 HOURS IN...
stooped over in search of shells.
After an afternoon on the beach,
enjoy dinner and a throwback to Hol-
lywood past at The Bubble Room.
Popular with many of cinema’s earliest
stars, this one-of-a-kind restaurant has
walls adorned with photographs of big
screen idols of yesteryear, as well as
rooms permanently decked out with
Christmas decorations. On top of fan-
tastic food fares, The Bubble Room is
perhaps most famous for its over-the-
top cakes and desserts.DAY 1: To add a touch of romance
to your beachside getaway, check
into the legendary Tween Waters
Island Resort & Spa on Captiva Island.
Situated on a stretch of beach that’s
been named ‘America’s Most Romantic
Beach’ by Travelocity, this 13-acre lux-
ury resort offers 137 units and cottages
that vary from standard guestrooms
and three-bedroom suites to ultra-
dreamy historic cottages.
For lunch, make your way to the ac-
claimed Doc Ford’s Sanibel, ‘Homeof the Island Mojito’. Featuring flavours
from the Caribbean Rim, the menu of-
fers everything from Fresh Gulf Oysters
to Island-Style Shrimp & Grits and Ba-
nana Leaf Snapper.
When in Fort Myers, do as the local
do and go shelling on Sanibel
Island. Due to its unique east/west
orientation, Sanibel’s beaches catch an
abundance of gorgeous seashells from
the Gulf of Mexico. Before you know
it, you too will be doing ‘The Sanibel
Stoop’, the term used to describe how
young and old alike are constantly