Hotels

Getting to Palm Island Resort was novel. When I’d learned that the only access to the island was by ferry I’d pictured behemoth triple decker ferries that ply the waters around Seattle, or even the smaller ones that connect the Outer Banks of North Carolina with the mainland. So when I drove up to the six-car barge powered by a miniature tug, I was amused. I could have spit across the narrow channel we had to cross. Nevertheless, with no bridge available, the ferry was the only way to get to the resort.

Private residences are rented as vacation accommodations whenever not in use by the owners

From the moment I set foot on the property, I knew this was no typical resort. Accommodations are privately owned condos, villas, and single-family residences that are made available as vacation rentals whenever not in use by the owners. In itself, that was not unusual; vacation rental programs are offered all across the country. But in this instance it was obvious that the developers had taken great pains to build in harmony with the environment and in tune with Florida’s past.

Interior of an Gulf-front unit

The resort was planned with low density and preservation of natural island ecology in mind. Residences were set well back from the water, beaches were preserved in their original state, and natural sea oats and wildlife were protected. Standing on the beach more than 20 years later, I could almost believe that the island was still in its pristine, undeveloped state. Vines laden with magenta blooms crept across creamy white swaths of powder-fine sand. Jeweled seas sparkled aquamarine at the shore line and gradually transitioned to deep indigo at the horizon. Complete, unmarred shells littered the sand. Even the birds seemed unconcerned by my presence. For miles in either direction, I encountered only four people: two kayakers paddled just offshore while another couple lounged under the sun.

Beach at the northern tip of Palm Island

At Palm Island Resort the outdoor recreational choices are endless. Five pools and spas are scattered around the property and a championship tennis program offers 11 courts, lessons and clinics with the resort’s tennis pro. Bicycles, canoes, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment are all available to rent. A favorite with kids is the treasure hunt with the resort’s local pirate. The area also offers world-class boating and fishing and Palm Island Marina offers full service marine facilities.

One of five pools and spas on the property

As I boarded the ferry for my return trip to the mainland, I was glad for the wisdom of the developers, who insisted: “There is no road bridge to the Island and there never will be…In keeping with the harmony of our white sand beaches, sea oats and shell paths, no motorized vehicles operate inside the resort property. Golf carts, bicycles and your own two feet are the primary means of transportation you’ll find on the Resort.”

Mini ferry makes the 100-yard crossing

Palm Island Resort is located on the northern tip of what is actually Knight Island, which along with Don Pedro Island and Little Gasparilla Island, are part of an extensive chain of barrier islands extending along the Gulf Coast of Florida. However, after the resort was built, most people started calling it as Palm Island and the name stuck. Palm Island Resort is located about nine miles south of Englewood, Florida, off the coast of Cape Haze.

Photo credit: Barbara Weibel
Article by Barbara Weibel at Hole in the Donut Travels