‘Tween Waters Island Resort and Spa is a beloved, historic resort on Captiva Island for more than 90 years. Formerly known as ‘Tween Waters Inn, some of the island’s earliest famous visitors stayed here.
With breathtaking views, direct beach access, onsite dining, pools and excursions, Tween Waters has a little bit of everything you need from an island resort.
‘Tween Waters Inn: Early Days
‘Tween Waters Inn first opened in 1931. Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and Roosevelt Channel waters, it’s not only picturesque but a popular spot for sport fishing.
Conservationist and Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist J.N. “Ding” Darling was a frequent visitor in the 1930’s. One of the historic cottages even bears his name.
Honoring its history, the resort features the ‘Tween Waters Inn Historic District, where several of the original buildings still stand. This section of the grounds is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Related: Captiva and Sanibel’s Presidential History
‘Tween Waters Island Resort And Spa Today
‘Tween Waters does a great job combining its historic feel with modern vibes. It’s expanded with newer buildings while embracing its past. The resort still features it’s 19 historic beach cottages. Many are lined up along Captiva Drive, greeting island visitors as they drive toward the village.
The resort offers everything from one-bedroom guest rooms to three-bedroom units with kitchens.
When you stay here, you have private beach access a few steps away, across Captiva Drive. If you want to lounge by the beach in style, you can rent spiffy lounge chairs and umbrellas throughout the resort. Don’t miss the colorful Adirondack chairs lined up on the sand for sunset.
If you need a break from all that relaxation (such hard work!) you’ll find tennis, pickleball, paddleboards, kayaks, and fishing at Tween Waters. Looking for some serious adventure? Rent jet skis or parasail over the Gulf of Mexico, directly through the resort.
Manatees love the bayside. A good place to spot them is near Adventure Sea Kayak and SUP rentals on Roosevelt Channel.
Accommodations
If privacy is what you want, they’ve got it. Their historic cottages range in size from one to three bedrooms with bay, beach and garden views.
The Sea Grape, situated along Captiva Drive, offers beach and pool views with its studio and one-bedroom guest rooms.
The Areca building offers pool views with its guest suites and rooms.
The Palmetto (guest suites and studios) Gumbo Limbo (guest suites), Coconut (guest suites) and Mangrove (guest suites) buildings are situated on the bayside of the resort, offering views of Roosevelt Channel, Pine Island Sound and the ‘Tween Waters grounds.
Thinking of staying in a specific unit or building? Check out ‘Tween Waters’ interactive map.
Amenities
If you need to cool off in the pool, you have two options. The Play Pool is ideal for families. The Serenity Pool is a quiet spot to unwind. Check out the heated whirlpools nearby too. Poolside dining is available through Oasis Pool Bar.
Insider Tip: If you want to make your friends back home jealous, order a Lava Flow, Pina Colada or Three-Rum Punch and send them a picture!
Looking for even more relaxation in paradise? The Spa at ‘Tween Waters offers massages, facials, and mani/pedi’s.
Beachside, you’ll find chairs and umbrellas available for rest. This section of the beach offers stunning views, allowing you to see the entirety of Captiva Island, from Blind Pass to Red Fish Pass. Despite being a resort beach, there is plenty of room to relax and enjoy the Gulf Coast scenery.
Activities
‘Tween Waters’ Marina has been an integral part of the resort’s history. Today, the marina is home to the resort’s water-based activities and excursions.
Captiva Watersports offers boat and jet ski rentals, parasailing, jet ski tours and banana boat rides.
Off Shore Sailing School, formerly located at South Seas Island Resort, at found a new home at ‘Tween Waters. Here, you can learn how to sail right in the waters off Captiva Island.
If kayaks and paddleboards are more your style, Adventure Sea Kayak and SUP has you covered.
‘Tween Waters Dining Options
All that swimming making you hungry? The Oasis Pool Bar is open from 10:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. daily. This is your only lunch option at the resort. Feast on Florida grouper and beach burgers and wash them down with a cocktail. Too relaxed to move for lunch? They’ll even serve you in your lounge chair!
Captiva Coffee is open daily near the pool for Starbucks Coffee, smoothies and ice cream.
No one does Captiva-style fine dining better than Old Captiva House. The restaurant offers a modern take on classic cuisine. Think fresh seafood and top-notch drinks in a crisp, bright white setting. Old Captiva House is open daily for dinner service (5-9 p.m.).
Fans of the Old Captiva House’s breakfast will find their favorite breakfast dishes at The Shipyard, the resort’s new breakfast and dinner casual dining spot.
The resort is also home to Crow’s Nest Steakhouse, a second-story dinner spot with stunning sunset views.
‘Tween Waters Island Resort and Spa
If you’ve stayed here, you know why this resort has lasted nearly a century. The courteous staff, onsite amenities, top-notch dining, relaxing views, and comfortable accommodations have made this resort popular for generations of island goers. And Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts is dedicated to making ‘Tween Waters even better, with improved amenities, new dining options, and a recent facelift.
Can’t get a reservation? You can always try to get one of the resort’s day passes.
What: ‘Tween Waters Island Resort and Spa (website)
Where: 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva Island, Fla.
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