Paula Ramm, Author at Coastal Conservatory

How to Prepare Your Southwest Florida Home Before Heading North for the Summer (Complete Snowbird Checklist)

by Paula Ramm | Jul 2, 2026 | Estero, Featured, Naples

If you're one of the many seasonal residents who spend winters enjoying the sunshine in Southwest Florida and summers up north, you're not alone. Every spring, thousands of snowbirds close up their homes in Naples, Estero, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, and surrounding communities before heading back north.

But Florida's summer heat, humidity, tropical storms, and heavy rains can quickly turn a small issue into a costly disaster when no one is around to catch it.

The good news? With a little preparation—and a trusted home watch company—you can leave with confidence and return to the same beautiful home you left behind.

Your Southwest Florida Summer Home Checklist

1. Never Turn Off Your Air Conditioner

This is the number one piece of advice longtime Florida residents agree on.

Florida humidity can cause mold and mildew in a matter of days if your home isn't properly climate controlled.

Instead:

Set your thermostat between 76° and 79°F
Replace your HVAC filter before leaving
Consider installing a smart thermostat so you can monitor your home's temperature remotely
Have your A/C serviced before hurricane season begins

Your air conditioner isn't just cooling your home—it's removing moisture from the air.

2. Shut Off Your Main Water Supply

Water leaks are one of the biggest causes of damage in vacant homes.

Before leaving:

Turn off the main water supply
Shut off your water heater (at the breaker if electric)
Turn off the ice maker
Consider shutting off breakers to unnecessary appliances

A tiny leak under a sink can become thousands of dollars in repairs if it goes unnoticed for weeks.

3. Reduce Moisture Throughout the House

Even with the A/C running, extra moisture protection is smart.

Many seasonal homeowners:

Place moisture absorbers such as DampRid in closets and bathrooms
Leave closet doors and cabinet doors slightly open for airflow
Leave dresser drawers cracked open
Pour vinegar into the A/C condensate drain line to help discourage algae buildup

Good air circulation helps prevent musty odors and mildew.

4. Protect Your Plumbing

Standing water can evaporate over several months.

Helpful tips include:

Add a small amount of bleach to toilet bowls
Cover toilet bowls with plastic wrap to slow evaporation
Close sink and shower drains
Some homeowners also pour a small amount of mineral or cooking oil into infrequently used drains to reduce evaporation

5. Empty Perishable Foods

Before leaving:

Remove food that could spoil
Turn off the ice maker
Leave an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator
If leaving the refrigerator running, keep several jugs of water inside to help maintain temperature

Some homeowners also freeze a cup of water and place a coin on top of the ice. If the coin has sunk when you return, you'll know the freezer lost power long enough for the contents to thaw.

6. Prepare for Hurricane Season

If you're leaving between May and November:

Bring patio furniture inside
Secure outdoor décor
Close hurricane shutters if appropriate
Trim landscaping
Remove loose items that could become projectiles during storms

7. Unplug Electronics

Reduce the risk of electrical damage by unplugging:

TVs
Small kitchen appliances
Lamps
Computers
Chargers

Leave only essential systems powered.

8. Forward Your Mail

Don't let newspapers or overflowing mail advertise that your home is vacant.

Forward your mail
Pause newspaper delivery
Notify your HOA how to reach you in an emergency

9. Install Smart Home Monitoring

Technology makes long-distance homeownership much easier.

Consider adding:

Smart thermostat
Doorbell camera
Interior cameras
Water leak sensors
Smart smoke detectors

These devices provide alerts—but they can't fix problems.

The Most Important Step: Have Someone Check Your Home Regularly

Technology is helpful, but nothing replaces a trained set of eyes.

Air conditioners fail.

Water heaters leak.

Storm damage happens.

Pests find a way inside.

Power outages occur.

A professional home watch visit catches these issues early—before they become major repairs.

Many experienced Southwest Florida homeowners recommend having someone physically inspect the property every one to two weeks during the summer.

What Does a Professional Home Watch Company Do?

A professional home watch service doesn't simply drive by your house.

They perform visual inspections that may include:

Checking for water leaks
Monitoring A/C operation and humidity
Looking for signs of mold or mildew
Inspecting windows and doors
Checking appliances
Flushing toilets and running faucets
Looking for pest activity
Inspecting after storms
Bringing in packages or mail if requested
Providing detailed reports with photos

The goal is simple:

Catch small problems before they become expensive ones.

Why Southwest Florida Homeowners Trust Blue Water Home Watch Services

At Blue Water Home Watch Services, we understand that your Florida home is more than just a house—it's your investment, your getaway, and often the place where your family makes lifelong memories.

Whether your home is in Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, or nearby communities, we provide dependable home watch services designed to give you complete peace of mind while you're away.

Our professional inspections help identify problems early so you can avoid costly surprises when you return.

We also offer concierge services including:

Storm preparation checks
Post-storm inspections
Plant care (watering, pruning, orchid mounting)
Moving lanai furniture
Contractor access
Art and decor hanging
Shipping forgotten items
And more

When you head north for the summer, you shouldn't have to worry about what's happening back home.

We'll care for your home as if it were our own.

Ready to Leave with Confidence?

If you're preparing to head north for the summer, now is the perfect time to schedule your home watch service.

Contact Blue Water Home Watch Services today to learn how we can help protect your Southwest Florida home while you're away.

Safe travels—and we'll keep an eye on things until you return.

Top Hurricane Supplies You Can’t Do Without: Our Favorites Revealed

by Paula Ramm | Jul 2, 2026 | Featured, Hurricane Ian

Hurricane season is quickly approaching, so now is the time to start getting prepared. In this post, I will be sharing our favorite hurricane supplies that we were so thankful to have during Hurricane Ian and Milton.

Be sure to read to the end, as the last suggestion is one of the most important!

It is a work-in-progress, so as I find more great things to have on hand, I'll be adding them to this article. Also, if you have hurricane must-have's, please let me know, and we'll check them out!

(This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

top hurricane supplies you can't do without

1. Portable Generator

This is our #1 top recommendation for hurricane preparedness! This Westinghouse portable generator was a life-saver for us and our extended family during Hurricane Ian. We were without power for 5 days, and without internet or cell service for most of that time, and had 16 family members taking refuge in our home.

We were very happy to have a dependable generator that could keep the fridge and freezer cold, and that we could turn on when we wanted water for showers or coffee. We used it sparingly, however, as fuel was scarce and hard to come by. We used the propane we had, then went to gasoline.We were so grateful for it, that my husband did this video review and demonstration on how to use it:

Generator Cord

Be sure you have a heavy-duty cord to use with your generator. Here is the one we used in the video above:

2. Portable Solar Power Bank Generator

A solar power bank like this one by Allpowers is awesome. This is our newest addition to our emergency preparedness stash. Unlike the Westinghouse generator above, this one powers by electricity or through solar panels. Since there is no propane or gas to mess with, you can safely use this indoors. Of course, it does not have the power that the Westinghouse does, so this is more for smaller jobs for shorter periods of time.But it is compact, lightweight, and can be used in a pinch, during any power outage, without having to bring out the big guns.

3. Hand Crank Emergency Radio

During Hurricane Ian, our only link to the outside world, and what was going on with the location of the hurricane and other news, was our cheap emergency hand crank radio that I had bought years ago to have "in case." We had never needed it until then, and boy, were we glad we had it!

4. Glass Water Dispensers

Before the hurricane arrives, gather lots of water in jugs, containers and your bathtub. Then get some glass water dispensers to have by your kitchen and bathroom sinks for washing hands and brushing teeth. As our well pump needed electricity to work. these were so handy to have!

And look what I have since found on Amazon...water dispensers with LED lights powered by batteries or a power bank so you can actually SEE to wash your hands or brush your teeth in the dark! Brilliant!

5. Road Atlas or Paper Map of your Local Area

During the hurricane, we got out our map of southwest Florida, and took turns cranking our emergency radio to be able to follow the path of the hurricane. Everyone should have a paper map! Even better would be a road atlas, in case you need to evacuate. Who knows where you might have to travel to, in order to avoid the path of the storm.

6. Solar Charger Power Bank

These are great to have one for each member of the family. A portable solar power bank for charging your cell phone. It also has a flashlight feature.

A must-have for sure! To recharge, simply place in the sun! Check out my video HERE
or BUY HERE!

7. Batteries

Check the expiration dates on your batteries and be sure to stock up on fresh new ones in all sizes, so you are never without the power you need for your flashlights, radios, and other battery-powered devices.
Duracell 28-ct AAA

Duracell 28-ct AA

Duracell 10-ct C
Duracell 10-count D

Duracell 6-ct 9V

8. Wireless Rechargeable Lights

Wireless rechargeable wall sconces are a must! We used similar ones when we lost power during Hurricane Milton, and they were a game-changer! They were centrally located in our great room, so they lit up the family room, dining, and kitchen area like a charm! We could all just sit, relax, and have conversation while the hurricane was raging outside!

9. First Aid Kit

It goes without saying that you should always have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand!As we found through our experience with Hurricane Ian, emergency services were either not taking any calls, or not dispatching any help. So being prepared to take care of any accidents or health issues on your own is an absolute MUST. This would also include always having a good supply of your current prescription drugs always on hand.

10. Emergency Food

Having an emergency supply of food is always a great idea. Valley Food Storage has premium, high-quality, non-GMO food with only ingredients you can pronounce. It also lasts for 25 years, which should get you through quite a few hurricanes!

11. Camping Stove

A propane-fueled camping stove is great to have on hand for heating up your food.

12. Rechargeable Camping Lantern

I love this super-bright camping lantern by AYL. So great to have on hand for power outages, hurricanes, and emergency kits!I especially love that AYL is a small, family-owned business that you can feel good about supporting!

Hurricane Milton Update: This was so handy to have when we lost power during Hurricane Milton! I could just carry it from room to room for light!

13. Disinfecting Wipes

Disinfecting wipes are a must-have, especially when you don't have water. During Hurricane Milton, I put one of these in the kitchen, and in each of the bathrooms.

14. Paper Plates

When you are without water and/or power, having paper plates and to use is a life-saver. Check out this heavy-duty value pack of paper plates.

15. Plastic Utensils

Same with plastic silverware! I love this set of 300...it is surprisingly heavy-duty, and you are sure to have plenty of spoons and forks on hand.

16. Paper Towels

Definitely have a lot of paper towels on hand...they come in handy for so many things. Check out this value pack of Scott paper towels HERE.

17. Regular cloth Towels & Rags

We used a lot of towels and rags on the window panes and on the floor under the windows during Ian, as the hard, blowing rain would go right through the cracks under the windows.

Thanks to Coastal Conservatory reader Becky, for the following 5 suggestions!

18. A List of Important Phone Numbers

Make a written paper list of important phone numbers in case your phone doesn't work. This would include friends' and family and other emergency contacts.(Thanks to reader Becky for this idea!)

19. Tarps

You will be glad you have tarps on hand if your roof starts leaking.

20. Buckets

Buckets were also indispensable to us during Hurricane Ian, as not only were they good for leaks as well, but for flushing our toilets. Without electricity, we had no running water, so we'd keep a bucket of water from the pool in each bathroom to be able to flush. Large plastic Tupperware bowls and pitchers worked well, too.

21. Tool Kit

A complete tool set is a must for being prepared for the unexpected. I love this 255-piece tool set by Sundpey. It is a great price for all that you get. You can get it HERE.

22. Extra Gas for your Car & Generator

A full tank of gas is essential in case you need to evacuate, but extra gas is also important in the days and weeks following, if your area is greatly affected by the storm. Gas is scarce during and after hurricanes. Gas stations may be closed, out of gas, or have very long lines.

23. Prescriptions Rx's

Be sure you have refills of all needed medications in case you are not able to get to a pharmacy for a few weeks.

24. Diapers, Wipes & Baby Formula

If you have a baby or toddler in the house, be sure you have enough baby supplies to hold you for a while.

25. Clothesline & Clothespins

After Ian, we got clothespins and strung up a huge c lothesline between two trees to dry our hand-washed clothing and wet towels from the rain that had gotten inside. Very handy!

You can also get a wooden free-standing clothes drying rack like THIS ONE in solid maple.

26. Ziploc Freezer Bags

Fill gallon size Ziploc freezer bags with water and place in your freezer. They will help keep the food cold longer if you lose power. When they melt, you have good drinking water.(Thanks to my friend Michele R. for this tip!)You can also use extra Tupperware containers you have laying around. I scoured the house for all I could find, filled them with water, and put in the freezer. It also helps to make a lot of ice in the days leading up to a hurricane. Just keep filling Ziploc bags with ice to have on hand when you need some cold water when the power is out!

27. Cash

After the hurricane, many of the restaurants and stores that reopened were unable to process credit cards, so were "cash-only," even essential stores like Home Depot, so definitely have cash on hand!

I hope you enjoyed our list of our favorite hurricane supplies. We'll be adding more as we find more must-haves.If you'd like to read more about our experience during Hurricane Ian, check out our post Hurricane Ian Update from our Family (Southwest Florida). To read a survivor's story from Sanibel Island, check out Surviving Hurricane Ian (Sanibel Survivor Story)

What are your hurricane must-haves? Comment below!

Living in Estero, Florida: What Homeowners Need to Know (Especially Seasonal Residents)

by Paula Ramm | May 17, 2026 | Estero

Tucked between Naples and Fort Myers, Estero has quietly become one of Southwest Florida’s most desirable places to live — especially for seasonal residents and second-homeowners.

With gated golf communities, beautifully maintained neighborhoods, proximity to beaches, and easy access to RSW International Airport, Estero offers the perfect balance of luxury, lifestyle, and convenience.

But while living in Estero offers incredible benefits, seasonal homeowners face unique responsibilities — particularly during the long summer months and hurricane season.

If you own (or are considering purchasing) a home in Estero, here’s what you need to know.

Why Estero Is One of Southwest Florida’s Most Desirable Communities

Prime Location Without the Congestion

Estero sits strategically between Naples and Fort Myers, giving residents access to world-class dining, shopping, beaches, and healthcare — without the heavier congestion found further south.

Residents enjoy:

Quick access to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
Gulf beaches just minutes away
Upscale shopping and dining
Easy day trips throughout Southwest Florida

For seasonal homeowners who split time between Florida and “up north,” convenience matters — and Estero delivers.

Popular Neighborhoods in Estero

Estero offers a wide range of gated, amenity-rich communities — many of which are especially attractive to seasonal residents. Below are several of the most desirable neighborhoods for second-homeowners.

Spring Run at The Brooks

Spring Run is a bundled golf community known for its active lifestyle and welcoming atmosphere. Many homeowners divide their time between Florida and northern states.

Key features:

Bundled golf membership
Active social calendar
Condos and single-family homes
Professionally managed HOA

Its welcoming atmosphere and bundled golf lifestyle make it especially appealing to active seasonal residents who value both community and convenience.

Shadow Wood at The Brooks

Shadow Wood offers a more private, luxury country club lifestyle with larger estate homes and beautifully landscaped streets.

Highlights include:

Private golf courses
Upscale amenities
Larger square footage properties
Significant seasonal ownership

Its elegant setting and private club lifestyle make it ideal for homeowners seeking luxury, privacy, and an elevated Southwest Florida experience.

Country Creek

Country Creek is a well-established, gated golf community offering villas, condos, and single-family homes.

Residents enjoy:

Bundled golf
Mature landscaping
Active clubhouse amenities
A strong seasonal homeowner presence

Its mature landscaping and friendly, active environment make it a favorite for seasonal residents looking for charm and connection.

Bella Terra

Bella Terra is one of Estero’s most established gated communities, offering a mix of single-family homes and condos at a range of price points.

Residents enjoy:

Resort-style clubhouse
Fitness center and community pool
Strong HOA standards
Convenient access to shopping and I-75

Its accessibility and active lifestyle make it especially attractive to retirees and part-time residents.

Grandezza

Grandezza is a gated golf community known for its beautifully maintained landscaping and central location.

Features include:

Championship golf course
Country club lifestyle
Mix of villas and estate homes
Strong seasonal resident presence

Its central location and vibrant country club atmosphere make it especially attractive to homeowners who enjoy both recreation and community involvement.

West Bay Club

West Bay Club offers a private, luxury waterfront and golf lifestyle with access to a private beach club.

Homeowners are drawn to:

River and preserve views
Exclusive amenities
High-end custom homes
Elevated property values

Its waterfront views and exclusive amenities make it a premier choice for homeowners seeking a refined coastal lifestyle.

Seasonal Living in Estero: What Snowbirds Should Plan For

Many Estero homeowners reside in Florida from fall through spring and head north for the summer. While this lifestyle is ideal, Florida’s climate doesn’t take a break when you leave.

Here’s what seasonal residents must consider.

Humidity & Mold Risks

Florida humidity is relentless.

If an air conditioning system fails while a home is vacant, humidity levels can rise rapidly — leading to:

Mold growth
Warped cabinetry
Flooring damage
Musty odors
Extensive remediation costs

Routine inspections allow issues to be caught early — before they become expensive insurance claims.

Hurricane Season in Estero

Hurricane season runs from June through November.

Even if a storm does not make direct landfall, heavy rain, wind, and power outages can impact homes in Estero.

Seasonal homeowners should plan for:

Pre-storm preparation
Post-storm inspections
Debris checks
Roof and exterior assessments
Water intrusion monitoring

If you are out of state during a storm event, having someone physically check your home provides peace of mind — and documentation if needed for insurance purposes.

Insurance Requirements

Many insurance policies in Florida require documented property checks during extended absences.

Failing to monitor your home could:

Complicate claims
Delay reimbursement
Risk denied coverage in certain situations

Professional home watch services provide regular reports and documentation that protect both your home and your policy compliance.

What Happens to Homes in Estero During the Summer?

Many homeowners assume a closed house is a safe house. Unfortunately, Florida’s climate and conditions can create problems quickly.

Common issues we see in vacant homes:

Air conditioning breakdowns
Water heater leaks
Refrigerator line failures
Washing machine hose ruptures
Pest intrusion
Irrigation system malfunctions
Landscape overgrowth
Garage door motor failures

Most of these issues begin small — but without oversight, they can cause significant damage before being discovered.

Why Professional Home Watch Is Essential in Estero

If you live in Estero full-time, you can catch problems early.

If you are a seasonal resident, someone must act as your eyes and ears.

Professional home watch in Estero provides:

Scheduled property inspections
Storm checks
Detailed reporting with photos
Vendor coordination
Emergency response
HOA compliance assistance

In communities like Spring Run and Shadow Wood, routine oversight protects not only your home but also the overall aesthetic standards required by your association.

Peace of mind isn’t just about convenience — it’s about protection.

Is Estero Right for You?

Estero is ideal for:

Seasonal residents
Golf enthusiasts
Active retirees
Buyers seeking gated communities
Those wanting Naples-level lifestyle with slightly more value and less congestion

With its continued growth, strong community infrastructure, and proximity to Southwest Florida’s best amenities, Estero remains one of the smartest second-home investments in the region.

However, second-home ownership in Florida requires proactive management.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Estero

Is Estero a good place for snowbirds?
Yes. Estero offers gated communities, golf amenities, and a strong seasonal population, making it ideal for part-time residents.

Do I need home watch services in Estero?
If your home is vacant for extended periods, routine inspections help prevent costly damage and ensure insurance compliance.

Which Estero neighborhoods are most popular for seasonal residents?
Communities such as Spring Run at The Brooks, Shadow Wood at The Brooks, Bella Terra, Grandezza, and West Bay Club all have strong seasonal ownership.

How often should a vacant home in Florida be checked?
Most professionals recommend weekly inspections during extended absences, particularly in summer months.

Final Thoughts on Living in Estero, Florida

Living in Estero offers beauty, lifestyle, and community — but seasonal homeownership comes with responsibility.

Florida’s climate, hurricane season, and humidity require proactive oversight. The difference between minor maintenance and major damage often comes down to how quickly an issue is discovered.

If you own a home in Spring Run, Shadow Wood, or another Estero community and spend part of the year away, protecting your investment should be a priority.

Protect Your Estero Home While You’re Away

If you’re looking for trusted, professional home watch services in Estero, we would be honored to help.

Blue Water Valet & Home Watch Services provides routine inspections, storm checks, and detailed reporting designed specifically for seasonal homeowners in Estero’s gated communities.

Schedule a consultation today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your Estero home is being cared for as if it were our own.

Naples Botanical Garden Night Lights in Gorgeous Pictures

by Paula Ramm | Nov 23, 2024 | Naples

One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season in Naples is to go to the Night Lights in the Garden at the Naples Botanical Gardens, also known as the Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden.

Everything is lit up with thousands of colorful Christmas lights and vivid colors that make you feel like you are in a winter wonderland, even though you are in the tropics!

Believe me, this is like no Christmas lights display you’ve seen in the north, since the beautiful lights are adorning hundreds of tropical species of trees and plants that give this SW Florida lights display a truly other-worldly look.

They best way for you to know if this is a Naples Christmas outing you’d like to add to your calendar this year is for me to show you in pictures!

naples botanical garden night lights bamboo

Did you love these photos or what? Definitely consider putting the Naples Botanical Garden Night Lights on your Christmas activities calendar this year…you’ll be so glad you did!

Naples Botanical Garden Night Lights FAQ

What dates are the Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden?

The dates of the Naples Botanical Garden Night Lights for the 2024 holiday season are November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025.

How much does it cost to go to Naples Botanical Gardens?

Regular Garden admission is $34-$40 per adult, $18-$20 per child ages 4 – 17, depending on date. Children 3 and under are free.

How long does it take to go through Naples Botanical Gardens?

It takes 1- 2 hours for a leisurely tour of the Botanical Gardens.

What is the schedule of events for Johnsonville Night Lights?

Click HERE to see the Night Lights Schedule of activities and events.

Where can I get more information about the Naples Night Lights in the Garden?

Click HERE for more information about the Naples Botanical Garden Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden.

How big is Naples Botanical Gardens?

Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre, world-class garden paradise that features plants from around the world.

When did Naples Botanical Gardens open?

Naples Botanical Garden was founded in 1993.

Are dogs allowed at Naples Botanical Gardens?

Dogs are allowed during Dog Walk Hours, which are Sundays and Tuesdays 8am – 11am.

Dog are not allowed to the Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden, however, with the exception of service dogs.

Where is Naples Botanical Gardens located?

4820 Bayshore Drive
Naples, FL 34112
239.643.7275

https://www.naplesgarden.org/

In the Heart of Sanibel: The Driftwood Inn

by Paula Ramm | Aug 22, 2024 | Sanibel Island

Relax, unwind, and drift away

Sanibel Island is one of our favorite places on earth and over the past 12 years, we’ve been so fortunate to have been able to make numerous trips to the island.

Every time we go there, we find something new that deepens our affection for this magical island.

During our most recent stay on Sanibel, our newest experience was staying for the first time at The Driftwood Inn.

Our two-bedroom cottage was exactly what we needed for our home base as we set out to explore the Island and see first-hand how recovery and restoration efforts have progressed over the past two years since Hurricane Ian devastated the area.

Our article on what we discovered during our week-long exploration can be found here: Sanibel and Captiva Today: Two Years After Ian

A view from the Mucky Duck of the sunset afterglow

After each day of biking, shelling, shopping, dining, and working, The Driftwood Inn provided us with a most comfortable place to relax, unwind, and drift away.

Clean

Comfortable

Spacious

Cozy

Take a quick peek inside

Close to Everything

The Driftwood Inn’s location is ideal with close proximity to the beach, restaurants, and shopping.

A 5-Minute Walk To the Beach

The Driftwood Inn, located right in the heart of Sanibel on Donax Street, just north of Middle Gulf Road is just a short walk from the beach.

Or, a 2-Minute Bike Ride

Family Owned and Operated

Originally from the great state of Maine, Mark and Lindsay Badger now call Sanibel home.

They had visited Sanibel many times over the years and had fallen in love with the island as, like so many of us, the ride over the causeway transported them into another world full of contentment and happiness.

Then, in 2022, upon selling their family business, they had the freedom to choose where to live and Sanibel just seemed to them like an idyllic place to raise a family.

As Lindsay explained, “It was just such a different way of life than the Northeast and the fast-paced, always-in-a-rush type of environment.

We don’t get into a car when we are on Sanibel. We can bike everywhere or just walk with the stroller.”

And as a mom, Lindsey is also very excited about the opportunities Sanibel will provide for her children starting this fall as her son is enrolled in CECI – Childrens Education Center of the Islands.

As Lindsay says, “Just growing up on an on an island in a place like Sanibel, how could it get any better?”

In May of this year, just a few short months ago, they took ownership of the Driftwood Inn and have big plans in the works to make it better and more beautiful than ever.

Newly Renovated with Amenities to the Max

Mark and Lindsay are not just the owners, they are managing and operating the Driftwood themselves with a focus on unique and personalized service.

The four Driftwood Inn cottages are contained within two separate duplexes.

Each of the four units has two comfortable and well-appointed bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a screened lanai.

Clean, comfortable, and functional, our cottage became our home away from home as we spent the week exploring the recovery progress of the island.

The Driftwood Inn also provides each unit with a beach cart, chairs, umbrella and a variety of beach toys so there is no need to pack anything for your day at the beach.

Each duplex also shares a laundry room with a washer and dryer.

Guests also have a fleet of really nice 3-speed bicycles available to make it a breeze to get around the island.

And for those of you who love a cook-out, there are also two outdoor grills available.

Tiki Huts

Enjoy a leisurely picnic under your very own Tiki Hut

Or relax and sort your beach treasures

Adding to the tropical atmosphere are the exotic tiki huts.

They are perfect for an outdoor picnic, relaxing with a favorite beverage, and especially for sorting all the amazing shells you’ll bring back from the beach!

Stay One Night or Many

If you only have a few days, no problem! The Driftwood can accommodate nightly, weekly, and monthly stays.

Pet Friendly

At the Driftwood pets are welcome.

Personal Touch

Are you celebrating a special occasion?

Is there some way that the Driftwood can assist to make everything easier for you?

Do you have any special needs or requests?

Just ask, and Mark and Lindsay will be happy to help get you everything you need.

Whether it’s a grocery pickup so that you have a stocked fridge upon arrival, or special decorations, just ask, and they will do their very best to make it happen.

While most of the larger resorts on the island are making great progress on the recovery effort, you may find that many are not ready for guests quite yet.

However, there are still some great options right now that have a place for you and will make you feel very welcome.

If you’ve been wanting to get back to Sanibel, definitely take a look at the smaller inns and cottages like The Driftwood.

So fun to find these shells with a personal message near the front door of our cottage upon arrival.

A Great Remote Work Location

Since we were on the Island to work, I can’t help but recommend considering the Driftwood for more than vacations and holidays.

For those fortunate enough to be able to work from anywhere that has internet connectivity, you should definitely think about setting up shop at the Driftwood.

The Driftwood’s reliable wifi access to high-speed internet enabled us to stay connected with our clients and work throughout the week without missing a beat.

Tropical Paradise Retreat

The Driftwood also provides a great setting for anyone considering any type of small group or personal retreat.

Or, perhaps you’re a small business looking for a unique location for a company retreat, brainstorming, or team building event.

The Driftwood makes for a really nice base to operate out of while leveraging everything else the island has to offer to help cultivate a vision of your future.

A view of the dining area before we loaded it up with laptops, cameras, notebooks, and other work essentials

Multi-family Get Togethers

The other thing that I kept thinking about while we were there is how the Driftwood makes for the perfect setting for small family reunions or other multi-family gatherings.

We hope to be back with our children and grandchildren in the near future.

Biking Across Sanibel

During our stay, we took full advantage of Driftwood’s complimentary bikes.

We biked all over the Island.

From The Lighthouse all the way out through Ding Darling and back!

To see what we discovered during our week-long exploration check our article here: Sanibel and Captiva Today: Two Years After Ian

Our trusty companions

From the Driftwood Inn:

It’s a 5-minute walk, or a 2-minute bike ride to the beach
The Sanibel Lighthouse is a 15-minute bike ride
Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant and Tuttle’s Seahorse Shell Shop are just a 12-minute bike ride
The Lighthouse Cafe is just an easy 5-minute bike ride as is Traders Restaurant
Sanibel Island Beach Resort’s restaurant and beach-front pool bar are just a 3-minute walk

Final Thoughts

We were thrilled with our stay at The Driftwood Inn – Sanibel Island.

The cottages are comfortable, spacious, and clean, and they are relatively secluded which provides a degree of privacy.

The location puts it in close proximity to the beach, restaurants, and shopping, and they have all the amenities we could want and more.

It’s not a beach-front property, so if you’re wanting views of the gulf from your room, you won’t get that at the Driftwood. It is not a resort, so if you’re wanting that resort type of experience, you won’t get that either.

What it does provide is a charming “Old Florida” beach cottage feel that will give you memories to treasure for a lifetime!

Don’t wait! Reserve your cottage at The Driftwood Inn today.

This article was sponsored, in part, by The Driftwood Inn.

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