I stumbled upon North Captiva Island looking for a trip for my family. We have 2 young kids so the hustle of Sanibel or other busier beach towns would be lost to us because all the kids want to do is play on the beach and swim and then crash after dinner! NCI looked like the perfect quiet retreat for us to unplug and enjoy the sun and each other. Because of our work and school schedule, we needed a midweek rental and Lanikai just so happened to offer very flexible dates. Not only was this our first trip to NCI, but also my first time using VRBO. Marie was amazing at walking me thru the entire process. She’s responsive and sweet and accommodating and full of helpful travel tips. The home was so comfortable for us and had all the amenities we needed and then some. Great water pressure in all 3 showers, glorious and clean heated pool for pre and post beach swims, charcoal grill with charcoal included, tons of towels and floaties and beach toys…
We took the sea kayak out once-that was quite the process. I think next time I’ll just rent one from the Boats store next to Mangos and go by myself rather than drag the Lanikai kayak all the way to and from the beach but still it’s nice to have and was a great workout!
The golf cart was handy tho we did get stuck in the sand about once a day. Once we figured out how to avoid the sand pits, it was better. Maybe bigger tires would help I’m not sure! Either way, not enough of an issue to detract from our stay. It became slightly comical and good way to meet other vacationers as we banded together to push the cart out!
We cooked almost every meal-the kitchen is well equipped and the knives are actually nice and sharp, not your typical rental castaway knife set. Check in was a breeze-Marie allowed us to come in early and check out was easy too. We only were asked to start the laundry and dishwasher. I’m used to being asked to do more with rentals so that was almost too easy!
I would suggest more furniture on the roof deck with an umbrella so we can enjoy it more but with the winds that pick up that may not be a possibility. We looked at stars in the evening and I did sunrise yoga with coffee twice on the roof with a slight sea view.
Overall, I couldn’t ask for more. We’ve already penciled in dates for next year. Thank you Marie for your home and hospitality!