Award-winning venues and activities await in Southwest Florida
Mangrove Forest, Lee County
Imagine 663 miles of white-sugar sand beaches with turquoise waters and balmy Gulf of Mexico breezes, a place to kick off your shoes and relax. In contrast, just a short drive from most Southwest Florida cities are 4,500 sq. mi. of marshy Everglades loaded with wildlife and flora.
Southwest Florida is a place to enjoy seafood fresh from the gulf, some of the world’s best beachcombing and shelling, and upscale shopping and dining all in one place. And oh, don’t forget those spectacular tropical sunsets!
“It is essential for hospitality employees to have effective guest service skills in today’s competitive market,” says Tamara Pigott, executive director for The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. “We are steadily moving forward to our goal of becoming the friendliest destination in the United States.”
There’s something else planners need to know about Southwest Florida: It offers renowned guest services.
The Beaches partner with American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute to offer customer service certifications that are a key part of its multifaceted Guests First Customer Service Training Program.
While Orlando, Miami and Tampa are key event cities in Florida, beach towns such as Fort Myers, Naples and Marco Island stand out as award-winning alternatives. These smaller destinations are well worth your attention.
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Sanibel Island
Lee County
Known for its natural beauty and breathtaking sunsets, Lee County features Fort Myers, and Sanibel and Captiva islands. There’s phenomenal fishing and water sports, an array of eco-attractions and abundant wildlife, including the chance to spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Guests will also enjoy 95 golf courses and more than 25 luxurious resort spas.
In 2014, USA Today Travel named Sanibel the third best beach among top eight Florida Gulf Coast beach destinations.
“We are a place of inspiration, reconnection and relaxation for meetings and events,” says Pamela Johnson, CDME, deputy director for The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. “You may know us as a great leisure destination, but come experience our region for your next meeting or group event.”
Ideal for small to midsize groups, Lee County features more than 256,000 sq. ft. of event space. Getting there is easy thanks to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), which has daily nonstop flights by 12 carriers.
Thomas Edison & Henry Ford Winter Estates
Fort Myers
Snowbirds as well as people of all ages flock to the seashore for a reprieve from the cold season.
The beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel ranked in the Top 10 Most Popular Winter Destinations for 2014–15 by The American Society of Travel Agents. Huffingtonpost.com named Fort Myers Beach (along with Sanibel Island) one of the Five Under-the-Radar Spring Break Getaways for fantastic and family-friendly spring break destinations.
Many area attractions are set among natural splendor, allowing attendees to enjoy a seamless mesh of business and pleasure. A must-see in Fort Myers is Thomas Edison & Henry Ford Winter Estates. These two famed innovators were friends and neighbors. Their adjoining properties on the Caloosahatchee River banks are now museums that can host up to 600, mostly for outdoor events.
Inside an old Atlantic Coastline Railroad depot is The Southwest Florida Museum of History, home to an original fort, an authentic replica of a pioneer cracker house and a 1929 private Pullman rail car. The museum’s education center can accommodate 55 for meetings and events.
An elegant offsite venue option is Burroughs Home & Gardens, a 1901 stunning Georgian Revival mansion that has hosted the Edisons, Fords and Firestones. Live oaks and lush tropical gardens fill the stately property, while a new open-air pavilion along the lazy Caloosahatchee River can seat 300 for meetings or reception.
The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre seats 450 in the main theater. There’s also a 100-seat, black-box theater, dinner seating for 120 at Cafe Cabernet and receptions for 30 at the Art Cafe.
Noteworthy: The Weather Channel ranks Fort Myers among its top winter escapes, along with Key West (Florida), Kahului (Maui), Honolulu and Miami.
The Bubble Room Restaurant
Captiva & Sanibel Islands
Near Fort Myers are two of the state’s most enchanting islands—Captiva and Sanibel.
In 2014, Coastal Living recognized Captiva Island, just north of Sanibel, as runner-up for the Happiest Seaside Town. Dotting the shoreline are grand mansions and quaint cottages painted in soft shades reflecting a gentler era. Just five miles long and one-half mile wide, this barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico features the historic Chapel by the Sea, several eclectic restaurants and shopping options ranging from boutiques to the charming Captiva Village.
Captiva has one main road through the island, more than 250 kinds of seashells and thousands of loggerhead turtles that surface May to October. Like most Southwest Florida islands, it’s a birder’s paradise and a kayaker’s dream.
Captiva also boasts the region’s most famous eatery, The Bubble Room Restaurant, in a multicolored wooden shack covered with old signs and thousands of pop culture and Americana items; it’s a fun place to share a meal or conduct a casual meeting.
It’s only a short ride via water taxi from Captiva to neighboring Sanibel, which has earned praise from USA Today as one of 10 Most Romantic Coastal Destinations and from Outsideonline.com as one of the five best Florida beaches.
Attendees seeking aquatic adventures will appreciate a sunken World War II vessel, the U.S.S. Mohawk, just off the island. Conde Nast Traveler named this one of Florida’s top dive spots.
For a relaxing adventure, take a four-mile scenic drive through the 6,400-acre J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The mangrove forest is filled with wildlife including alligators and 272 species of birds. For a more intimate experience, take a leisurely walk, ride a bike or paddle for up-close encounters, especially at low tide in the mornings and at sunset.
Noteworthy: Sanibel Island was ranked No. 3 by U.S. News & World Report for best family beach vacations, ahead of Hilton Head, Honolulu and U.S. Virgin Islands.
Third Street South – The Plaza, Naples
Collier County
Florida’s Paradise Coast conjures up notions of tropical airstreams floating across white sandy beaches along the 30 miles of coastline. Collier County, which includes Marco Island, Naples and Everglades City, provides a serene setting for attendees to unwind and rejuvenate between sessions.
“Groups love experiencing the beautiful and sophisticated atmosphere of Florida’s Paradise Coast,” says Debi DeBenedetto, tourism sales and marketing manager for Naples, Marco Island and Everglades City Convention and Visitors Bureau. “After meetings, they can soak in the sun on Marco Island’s pristine beaches, take a walk down Naples’ Fifth Avenue South for upscale fashion boutiques, striking art galleries and amazing gourmet restaurants, or explore Everglades National Park. With great year-round weather, top resorts, award-winning beaches and golf, this area is a must for every planner with from 20 to 1,000 attendees.”
Accolades include the area being voted 2014 Golf Destination of the Year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators.
Marco Island
The largest and only urbanized property in Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island presents world-class amenities combined with small-town charm.
Marco Island’s exotic beaches and tranquil waters are enticing, whether on an airboat gliding through the Everglades, fishing and parasailing, or just watching for dolphins and collecting sea shells. The elaborate resorts, antique shops, galleries and premier restaurants are a bonus.
With nature trails and boardwalks, Everglades National Park is waiting to be explored just south of the island. The largest subtropical wilderness in the country with 1.5 million acres of terrain and wildlife is a naturalist’s heaven, with guided tours, cabins and campsites and waterways. USA Today voted Everglades National Park the seventh Best National Park in 2014 in its 10 Best Readers’ Choice category.
The 63,000-acre Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve features an 11-mile scenic drive to a swamp touted as the native orchid capital of the United States. If watching alligators sun along the roadside is appealing, drive the isolated Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve to see dozens. Keep a camera in hand as you traverse these woodlands, capturing photos of turtles, river otters and hundreds of bird species, including bald eagles and wood storks. Walk the 2,000-foot Big Cypress Bend Boardwalks among cypress rooted in freshwater swamps, and an amazing cypress dome.
The 7,271-acre Collier Seminole State Park is another option for nature walks, camping and boating.
Noteworthy: Marco Island was designated as the No. 1 island in the United States and No. 4 island in the world by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice in 2014.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples
Naples
Naples is a culturally rich city celebrated for its high-end downtown shopping with boutiques and shops along Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South. It’s a prime destination for art galleries, restaurants and pubs in Southwest Florida. The area also caters to those just wanting to sink their toes in the sand as they watch the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico.
Naples was named America’s Best All-Around Beach by Travel Channel in 2005 and one of the 20 Best Beaches in America by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine.
Birder’s World has named National Audubon Society’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary one of the country’s top bird watching sites. This 13,000-acre preserve claims the largest stand of virgin bald cypress trees in the world as well as the largest colony of nesting wood storks. Take a leisurely stroll along winding boardwalks to appreciate the significance of this area to the watershed and ecosystem in the Everglades.
Lush tropical foliage is beautifully displayed at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, which also has special animal encounter events for groups. The Naples Botanical Gardens is another offsite relaxing destination for up to 1,000 guests, with inside and outdoor venues.
Home to more than 90 challenging golf courses, Naples is often referred to as “The Golf Capital of the World.” With almost as many spas, Naples mixes a beautiful coastal cocktail of culture, adventure and relaxation.
Ngla Wildlife Preserve, Naples
Up to 1,000 guests will relish being entertained by tribal dancers and exotic animals at Ngala Wildlife Preserve, an exclusive meeting site on 42 acres. Set among waterfalls and stone bridges, the private preserve has three majestic tents boasting crystal chandeliers and over-the-top luxurious amenities.
During a fam trip sponsored by Paradise Coast, meeting planner Susan Henderson said getting to know the area really makes her want to bring groups back to Southwest Florida.
“The dune buggies and walk on the beach were nice add-ons to make sure we had fun and really soak up the destination’s atmosphere,” Henderson says. “The trip to Ngala was very memorable—special kudos for that. The entire trip was great fun and educational. I learned so much about the destination that I’m really looking forward to recommending it to my clients.”
Noteworthy: Naples is listed as the No. 1 Small Art Town in America in the book, The 100 Best Art Towns in America. In 2011, American Style Magazine recognized it as one of the Top 25 Small Cities for Art.
Ten Thousand Islands
Everglades City
The intriguing Everglades ecosystem is a place where adventures flourish. Everglades City serves as the gateway to Ten Thousand Islands and is located right across from the Gulf Coast entrance to Everglades National Park.
Groups will be mesmerized by an outing to a private island for wildlife viewing and birding adventures. Sightseeing boat tours, including airboats, are ideal for this. As you glide along the water with herons, egrets and osprey for company, keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins in the gulf. Take a swamp walk or canoe the mangrove tunnels. And if convenient, catch the Everglades Seafood Festival in February for a taste of the Florida coast.
Overlooking Chokoloskee Bay, Everglades City features colorful old buildings and a native charm. Many local restaurants welcome large groups, including The Oyster House Restaurant, where fresh gulf seafood, frog legs and alligator tail are served.
To learn the history of Everglades City, visit Museum of the Everglades. At one time, this remote frontier was only accessible by boat, but has since become the entrance to one of the most fascinating tourist destinations in the world. The museum exhibits permanent and rotating collections reflecting more than 2,000 years of history. There’s also meeting space available for smaller gatherings.
The perfect place to set up base camp for eco-tours is Port of the Islands Everglades Adventure Resort, which has 42 guest rooms, meeting space for up to 50 and a wilderness concierge.
Noteworthy: Everglades National Park was among the 10 Best National Parks as chosen by readers of USA Today in 2014.
Wrapping Up
Southwest Florida has developed the perfect balance of culture, ecotourism and recreation to satisfy the needs of any conference planner and to attract attendees in record numbers. So grab a hat and sunscreen, and plan to work some playtime into your next meeting. Attendees will go wild.
Mona L. Hayden is an independent writer and award-winning photographer. She publishes Louisiana Road Trips magazine.
Resources
captivaisland.com
paradisecoast.com
sanibelisland.com
–The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
leevcb.com
visitflorida.com
Meeting Spotlight
Who: Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting
What: Training
When: January 2014
Where: Westin Cape Coral at Marina Village, Fort Myers
Quote: “Dealing with the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau was one of the best experiences ever. The professionalism and personal attention of their sales team made my job as a meeting planner much easier. The time they took to understand our organization and make sure we saw the properties and points of interest specifically for our group was impressive. Our program we had in the Fort Myers area was one of our best ever. We hope to return to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel for future events.”
−Barbara Haas, executive administrator and conference coordinator
Shelling Tips
Seashells are the empty protective outer layers of a mollusk, an animal living in the sea. It takes just one year for mollusks to reach maturity. As they wash ashore, the animal has died and decomposed with just the shell remaining. Here are tips to find more shells:
-Rise early, as mollusks collect on the beach by morning.
-The best times to gather shells are during low tide and immediately after storms and cool fronts.
-Ask a ranger or guide to recommend the best shelling spots.
-Look for protruding areas of undeveloped land with seaweed and rocks, as this tends to be a catch basin before shells land on the beach.
-Plan your search for one hour before low tide and one hour after. (Extreme tides that occur during a full moon or new moon are great for shelling!)
-Feel beneath the sand after the tide has gone out.
-Step ankle-deep into the water and feel for shells in the sand.
-Take note of successful shell-seekers on the beach and move closer in. Practice beach side etiquette by keeping a respectful distance.
-Notice wind directions, as shelling after a storm with west winds is ideal.
-Remember that the beach changes daily.
Wildlife of Everglades National Park
Alligators and crocodiles and eagles, oh my. Everglades National Park is an international wildlife destination that is close enough to meeting properties to give attendees an experience that is like no other. Here are a few of the species that can be found:
-Birds: Swans, geese, ducks, swifts, hummingbirds, goatsuckers, shorebirds, gulls, terns, bitterns, herons, ibis, storks, pigeons, doves, kingfishers, cuckoos, anis, birds of prey, gallinaceous birds, loons, cranes, rails, limpkins, passerines, boobies, pelicans, cormorants, anhingas, flamingos, woodpeckers, allies, grebes, shearwaters, petrels, parrots, parakeets, typical owls
-Threatened and endangered species: American alligator, American crocodile, green sea turtles, hawksbill sea turtle, Atlantic Ridley sea turtle, leatherback sea turtle, loggerhead sea turtle, Everglades snail kite, wood stork, Cape Sable seaside sparrow, red-cockaded woodpecker, piping plover, bald eagle, roseate tern, Florida panther (pictured), manatee
Major Meeting Venues
Captiva & Sanibel Islands
Situated on 330-acre nature preserve; 465 guest rooms; 31,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; more than two miles of private beach; four restaurants; sailing regattas and kayaking expeditions.
Recent $6 million upgrade; 150 guest rooms; 12,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; six tennis courts; walking/biking trails.
Captiva landmark since 1931; 137 guest rooms; four meeting rooms for up to 160 guests; two restaurants; Irish Pub.
Fort Myers
Across from post Bell Tower Shops; 225 guest rooms; 10,000 sq. ft. of event space; eight miles from Southwest Florida International Airport; popular dining; outdoor heated pool.
DiamondHead Beach Resort & Spa
Offers 121 suites; two outdoor spas; 8,000 sq. ft. of meeting space with six event rooms; voted by locals as the best resort on Fort Myers Beach for eight consecutive years; 350 feet of shoreline.
More than 41,000 sq. ft. of multipurpose meeting space; spectacular river and park views; grand foyer.
Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport at Town Center
169 guest rooms; 6,800 sq. ft. of meeting space; complimentary pasta stations; free airport shuttle and Wi-Fi.
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa
AAA Four Diamond resort with tropical landscapes; 454 guest rooms; more than 75,000 sq. ft. of conference space; Raymond Floyd golf course; world-class spa; car rental; tour services.
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina
Located on 12 acres between Gulf of Mexico and Matanzas Pass; 213 guest rooms and waterfront suites; impressive spa; poolside restaurant; 46,500 sq. ft. of meeting space.
Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa
AAA Four Diamond resort; 347 guest rooms with private balconies; 45,000 sq. ft. of event space; four pools; spa; hotel overlooks Sanibel and Captiva Island.
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village
AAA Four Diamond property; 263 guest rooms and suites with full kitchens and private screened-in balconies; Gulf of Mexico views; 15,000 sq. ft. of meeting space plus outdoor venues; waterfront dining; marina; water taxi available.
Marco Island
Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa
AAA Four Diamond resort; 298 well-appointed guest rooms; 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 10,000-square-foot spa and salon; dining from gourmet to casual buffet; near Everglades National Park.
Beachfront property; 100 rooms/suites with full kitchens and private balconies; 1,162 sq. ft. of meeting space for 40 attendees.
Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort,
Golf Club & Spa
Luxury resort; 726 guest rooms; 65,000 sq. ft. of meeting space includes outdoor/beachfront venues; recent $275 million renovation (largest in Marriott history); $4 million golf course renovation; $175 million expansion in mid-2015; wildlife viewing features turtles, dolphins and 200 species of birds.
Wyndam Garden Fort Myers Beach
Hotel has 103 rooms/suites with 2,000 sq. ft. of meeting space for up to 100 guests; restaurant and tiki bar.
Naples
Tuscan-inspired decor; AAA Four Diamond rated; 100 studios to three-bedroom suites; 4,000 sq. ft. of intimate meeting space; capacity is 180.
Mediterranean charm; 100 guest rooms and suites; meeting space for 35; daily transportation to Vanderbilt Beach; 24-hour fitness room; 3,600 sq. ft. of indoor space; private beach accommodates 300.
Forbes Four Star rated; on prestigious Fifth Avenue South; $28 million in renovations has expanded meeting space to 9,000 sq. ft.; new three-story building across street with 32 suites; total of 119 guest rooms. q
Recent $1 million upgrade; 189 guest rooms; 11,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space; beach butler service; four lagoon-style swimming pools.
Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club
Landmark property offers 317 guest rooms and suites; underwent $5 million renovation including new ballroom with gulf views; 34,000 sq. ft. of conference space; world-class spa; award-winning tennis center; championship golf course.
Formerly the Waldorf Astoria Naples; completed $18 million makeover in January; 474 guest rooms and suites; more than 83,000 sq. ft. of newly renovated meeting space; dining options focus on local seafood; excellent golf/tennis for tournaments; golf course renovation will be completed in early 2016.
New site boasts 44,000 sq. ft. of function space with advanced technology and a full-service master-grade kitchen; high-tech amenities; adjoins 20 acres of manicured festival lawn and sports field.
A Florida Green Lodging property; 450 revamped guest rooms; 42,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
