×
×
homepage logo
STORE

Island cottages offers appeal for families, couples

By Staff | Jun 28, 2017

A two bedroom, one bath cottage at Jensen’s. PHOTOS PROVIDED

The laid back atmosphere, topped with a homey feel, have attracted couples and families alike to Captiva for many generations when making reservations for their vacations.

A staple on Captiva for 70 years, Jensen’s Twin Palm Cottages & Marina, is now making reservations for third and fourth generation guests who come the same time every year.

“Our biggest comment when people stay here is ‘I remember my grandparents taking me to a place like this when I was little.’ It brings back memories to a lot of people,” Jimmy Jensen, whose family has owned the business for 40 years, said. “The people that come here enjoy the same things we enjoy . . . appreciating the area and the nature. There’s always a good feeling around here.”

The property contains 14 units – five two-bedroom cottages and nine one-bedroom cottages. Out of those nine are four one-bedroom apartments. Each unit has a full kitchen, complete with cooking ware, dishes and linens; bathrooms with showers and nine have screened in porches.

The one-bedroom units have one queen, or one king sized bed, while the two bedroom units consists of one king sized bed and two twin beds.

One of the studio cottages of Jensen’s Twin Palm Cottages & Marina can accommodate up to two guests. PHOTOS PROVIDED

“If someone wants a full-fledge resort, it wouldn’t be the place,” Jensen said. “We get a lot of families and people that like to relax, or kids like fishing off the docks.”

One of the biggest draws is the marina. Those who stay on the property can dock their boat on the premise and purchase their fishing supplies, including bait and tackle, on the property. Individuals can also rent boats from the marina.

A popular attraction of the marina are the manatees that spend their days near the docks. Jensen said during the warmer months they see a manatee every day, mostly at sunrise and towards the end of the day.

“We sometimes get quite a few,” he said.

Another property that offers a quaint atmosphere with many amenities on site, is ‘Tween Waters Inn Island Resort & Spa. There are 19 cottages, all on the national historic register due to them dating back to the 1930s, that all offer a different appeal with decorations and layout.

One of the 19 cottages at ‘Tween Waters Inn Island Resort & Spa. PHOTOS PROVIDED

“They are all decorated a little different,” Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Chief Executive Officer Tony Lapi said about some honing the colors of pastel blue, while others offer hues of brown with leather. “They each have their own character.”

He said the cottages range from studio, one bedroom, two bedroom to three bedroom options. All of the cottages have porches and the two bedroom, or larger units include a full kitchen with a stove, while the smaller cottages have a compact kitchen.

He said the draw is it offers a “little house” appeal, attracting many guests to stay two weeks, or more. One couple stays every year for a month and visits the weekly Farmer’s Market to decorate the porch with potted plants.

Due to many guests staying during the same time frame year after year, Lapi said they reserve the right to book the same unit for the same period of time.

The property offers jet ski rentals, parasailing, pools, a private entry to the beach, a marina and fishing. The Crow’s Nest and the Captiva House, as well as lunch served seven days a week at the pool, are also offered.

The Snook cottage at ‘Tween Waters Inn Island Resort & Spa. PHOTOS PROVIDED

Castaways Beach & Bay Cottages is located at Blind Pass and offers cottages on both the bay, and Gulf side. There are one, two and three bedroom options. Beachview Cottages, located on Sanibel, has studio and one bedroom options.

Both of these properties are owned by Sanibel-Captiva Beach Resorts.

For more information about Jensen’s Twin Palm Cottages & Marina, call (239) 472-5800, or visit www.gocaptiva.com. They are located at 15107 Captiva Drive.

During the winter season, December through April, week long accommodations are offered, while the summer months a minimum of three days is required.

For more information about ‘Tween, call (239) 472-5161, or visit www.tween-waters.com. They are located at 15951 Captiva Drive.

The accommodations inside of the Tarpon cottage. PHOTOS PROVIDED

There is a three night minimum reservation for the cottages.