Southwest Florida Celebrates a ‘Season of Milestones’
by Bruce Parkinson
There’s lots going on in the islands, beaches and neighbourhoods of Fort Myers and Southwest Florida this year, as the area continues its comeback after the ravages of Hurricane Ian in 2022.
Among those milestones: Sanibel Island is opening its first new hotel in 40 years; Captiva Island is celebrating the return of a beloved landmark; Gasparilla Island has been named Florida’s No. 1 resort; Cape Coral has unveiled a wave-inspired pool; and Bonita Springs has launched a multi-million-dollar renovation of its meeting space.
Here are some of the details:
Shalimar Beach Resort, Sanibel Island, plans a fall opening
Shalimar Beach Resort is planning a soft opening on Sept. 28 as the first Sanibel Island resort to be completely rebuilt, post-Hurricane Ian. The new construction, 33-room resort, will offer Gulf-front studios, one- and two-bedroom villas. Reservations are available for stays beginning in October.
The first new hotel to open on Sanibel in 40 years, the property was built with hurricane resiliency in mind: impact doors, windows, walls, roof structure. Buildings are 6 feet above the base flood elevation. More than 500 concrete pilings are installed below the foundation. With sensitivity to the natural environment, turtle lighting has been installed for protection during nesting season.
The Bubble Room on Captiva Island is back!
Bubble Bread, model trains, holiday lights and memories are back. The iconic Bubble Room Restaurantopened after three years of renovations following Hurricane Ian and delays from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande
Travel + Leisure readers named the Gasparilla Inn the No. 1 Florida Resort for 2025. As part of its World’s Best Awards from reader surveys, the publication says, “The property has retained a distinct Old Florida charm that date back to the inn’s opening in 1913.”
As one reader shared, “There truly is no place like The Gasparilla Inn. Its unique character and historic charm create an elegant atmosphere that is fast disappearing from most, if not all, other hotels and resorts.”
Cape Coral is Making Waves
Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral has opened Paradise Cove, a $4 million wave pool. The 12,000-square-foot pool features seven wave patterns and varying intensities. In addition, a 16-foot movie screen will be added for “dive-in movies” and other events.
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
A multimillion-dollar renovation of meeting and event space is underway at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa. With completion this fall, the renovation complements recent updates to its rooms, waterpark and restaurants.
The Beach Bar on Fort Myers Beach is back
After almost three years, The Beach Bar has reopened. With a new building that is a walk-up, open-air design that will withstand future storms, this island favourite is a big part of the Fort Myers Beach recovery story. Another reason to celebrate and visit soon. Follow for updates here.
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) news
Canada’s Porter Airlines is now landing weekly, year-round.
