Staycation
By NATHAN MAYBERG and TIFFANY REPECKI
It’s summer on Fort Myers Beach and the Pink Shell Beach Resort is bopping – and it’s a vacation-where-you-live option that offers both a day-at-the-beach alternative but a little luxury
option.
General Manager Bill Waichulis said one reason for an increase in activity during a time usually quieter than others, is day passes.
“I have 40 people coming today (on day passes),” Waichulis said.
The resort started offering day passes in recent years and they work, both for the accommodations industry and those who want more than just a cooler and blanket on the sand. For those who just want to hit the beach for a day or those on a short staycation at a vacation rental looking to get more of the experience of a resort, day passes offer families more options.
“It’s a good way for somebody local to come use the facility or if they are staying at a hotel that is inland that doesn’t have access to the beach,” Waichulis said.
For $65 during non-holiday times, day passes at the Pink Shell Beach Resort will get you access to one of the two pools and a hot tub at the resort. You get to park your vehicle or boat there and enjoy the beach, gaining access to beach chairs and umbrellas.
Day passes also give access to the facilities at Pink Shell Beach Resort for live entertainment as well as activities such as nature walks, ping pong and arts and crafts.
“It’s access to the whole resort experience,” Waichulis said.
The Pink Shell Beach Resort has restaurants, ice cream and a bar on site, extras guests often also appreciate.
The cost for a day pass at the Pink Shell fluctuates, going up for busier times during the holidays in season – particularly in March and April.
For details on the day passes for other hotels and resorts, check the websites. Some offer parking while others will charge. Resorts offer their own, unique day pass experiences. Some will even offer dining vouchers with guest passes.
At the ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa in Captiva, a day pass includes access to the pool, tennis
courts and pickleball courts. At the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa in Sanibel, a day pass will get you onto tennis and pickleball courts, as well as a dinner voucher.
Margaritaville Beach Resort
251 Crescent St.
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Day pass cost: $65 on weekdays and $ 75 on weekends most days in season, up to $85 during peak days and holidays. As little as $33-38 offseason during the summer. Children ages 2 or younger are free.
Day passes include access to:
• Outdoor Oceanview lagoonstyle
pool
• Beach access
• Pool and beach lounge chairs within Fins! Up Beach Club (first-come, first-served)
• Towel service
• Poolside service with food and drinks available for purchase
• Changing rooms (bathrooms) with outdoor showers
• Daily live music
• Kids and adult recreation activities
• Lockers are available for a fee
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Valet parking for a fee
Fins up! Beach Club restrictions: Cooler, glass, outside food and beverage,
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel
RESORT WILL REOPEN on Aug. 3
Sundial Daycation Pass: Daily from late July through Nov. 1 based upon availability; valid from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for reserved date.
Includes parking at resort and access to pool and pool slide , hot tub, beach and shelling, beach chairs and umbrellas, beach volleyball, corn hole, foosball, ping pong and poolside bingo.
For an additional fee, beach towels and bicycle, paddleboard, kayak and cabana rentals are offered through the Rec Shack, along with tennis and pickleball court time and programming.
Cost is $ 75 for adults and $45 for children ages 3-12. Includes dining voucher to Turtle’s Tiki Bar for food, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. Walk-in passes will be sold for an extra $5 based on
availability. To reserve call 866-565-5093.
Pink Shell Beach Resort
275 Estero Boulevard
Fort Myers Beach, FL33931
888-222-7465
Day pass cost: $65 during most non-holidays
Day pass includes: Access to pools, beach, beach chairs and umbrellas, parking on site, activities including nature walks, arts and crafts.
‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa
15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva
All-Day Access Pass: Available now daily based upon availability.
Includes parking at resort and access to beach, pool and Oasis Pool Bar, tennis courts, three restaurants – The Shipyard, Old Captiva House and Craw’s Nest Steakhouse – and new pickleball courts.
Cost is $100 per vehicle; covers four people, $50 for each additional person.
To reserve, call front desk at 800-223-5865.
Sanibel Island
A perfect day on Sanibel & Captiva
Sanibel
