1. No Crowds, No High Rises…
I have to admit, my husband and I stumbled upon Palm Island totally as an accident a few years ago. It was a freezing cold January in Missouri. It was the kind of gray, cold winter that brings on the winter blues in the best of us, and we were inspired to begin our search for a vacation property in SW Florida. Lured by the promise of beautiful weather and gentle ocean waves year round, I searched VRBO for a place to stay on the gulf for a long weekend.
Each day of our first stay we rose early to walk the beach with the sunrise, and then spent the days exploring different parts of SW Florida from Venice to Naples. Everywhere else we visited, we were confronted with crowds and high rises. We never started our journey with the expectation that we would buy a cottage on this barrier island. In the end, it’s been three years and there is still no place that we would rather be.
2. A Little History…
Palm Island is actually made up of a group of islands that are interconnected forming one 7 mile long stretch of beach. Knight Island is the northern most island and is home to the Palm Island Resort. Don Pedro Island is adjacent to Knight Island and includes Don Pedro State Park. Little Gasparilla Island is the southern most island which is only accessible by boat.
3. Eating, Island Style…
For my family, having a well-equipped kitchen is key to a great beach vacation. My husband is an awesome cook, and we love the option of rolling in from a long day at the beach, or coming in after a friendly tennis match, to a relaxed lunch or dinner in our cottage. We usually stock up on some groceries at the local Publix grocery store right before we cross the ferry to the resort.
If on the other hand, you’re not really into cooking every night on your vacation…(which would describe me), the resort offers multiple eating options. You can head to Rum Bay for a casual dinner and a coconut cocktail, grab breakfast or lunch at Coconuts Cafe, or take the water taxi to Leverock’s on the mainland for seafood specialties.
4. The Ferry Is Our Friend…
Unique to Palm Island is a ferry that provides the only connection, besides personal watercraft, between the island and the mainland. No bridges…
How could this be a benefit? The ferry not only transports you from the mainland to the island, but it transports you from chaos to calm, from routine to special, from crowds to seclusion…the ferry is our friend because it separates the island from the everyday.
The ferry runs continuously from early morning to very late at night providing a quick connection to paradise. (Guests of the Palm Island Resort receive complimentary ferry passes.)
5. Golf Carts Rule…
That’s right, Palm Island Resort is a golf cart only property.
You have to admit, riding a golf cart around all day is down right fun! Everything from grabbing an ice cream cone, to carrying your cooler and beach chairs to the water, is more fun on a golf cart.
You can rent a golf cart from the resort during your stay, or request a pick up from one of the resort staff.
6. Sunsets Are A Priority…
As the sun slips below the horizon each evening, you can’t help but take pause and toast the island life. It’s a time to reflect on the day, as that special feeling of happiness washes over you.
7. Sunrises Are Meant For Long Beach Walks…
If you ask us, sunrises are meant for long walks along the beach discovering what the tide delivered during the night. We love being surprised by a carpet of sand dollars, a giant intact shell, or a beautiful worn piece of driftwood as the island comes to life. Most days we are entertained as we walk by the local dolphins playing in the morning waters.
Treasure hunters young and old can spend hours hunting for shark teeth at Shark Teeth Point along the northern tip of the island and searching for the perfect shells along the water’s edge.
Visit www.palmisland.com to learn more about Palm Island Resort, and plan your own getaway. Our cottage is Lands End #36.
